Part 465 (1/2)

48:21. Then their hearts and hands trembled, and they were in pain as women in travail.

48:22. And they called upon the Lord who is merciful, and spreading their hands, they lifted them up to heaven: and the holy Lord G.o.d quickly heard their voice.

48:23. He was not mindful of their sins, neither did he deliver them up to their enemies, but he purified them by the hand of Isaias, the holy prophet.

48:24. He overthrew the army of the a.s.syrians, and the angel of the Lord destroyed them.

48:25. For Ezechias did that which pleased G.o.d, and walked valiantly in the way of David his father, which Isaias, the great prophet, and faithful in the sight of G.o.d, had commanded him.

48:26. In his days the sun wen backward, and he lengthened the king's life.

48:27. With a great spirit he saw the things that are to come to pa.s.s at last, and comforted the mourners in Sion.

48:28. He showed what should come to pa.s.s for ever, and secret things before they came.

Ecclesiasticus Chapter 49

The praise of Josias, of Jeremias, Ezechiel, and the twelve prophets.

Also of Zorobabel, Jesus the son of Josedech, Nehemias, Enoch, Joseph, Seth, Sem, and Adam.

49:1. The memory of Josias is like the composition of a sweet smell made by the art of a perfumer:

49:2. His remembrance shall be sweet as honey in every mouth, and as music at a banquet of wine.

49:3. He was directed by G.o.d unto the repentance of the nation, and he took away the abominations of wickedness.

49:4. And he directed his heart towards the Lord, and in the days of sinners he strengthened G.o.dliness.

49:5. Except David, and Ezechias and Josias, all committed sin.

49:6. For the kings of Juda forsook the law of the most High, and despised the fear of G.o.d.

49:7. So they gave their kingdom to others, and their glory to a strange nation,

49:8. They burnt the chosen city of holiness, and made the streets thereof desolate according to the prediction of Jeremias.

49:9. For they treated him evil, who was consecrated a prophet from his mother's womb, to overthrow, and pluck up, and destroy, and to build again, and renew.

49:10. It was Ezechiel that saw the glorious vision, which was shewn him upon the chariot of cherubims.

49:11. For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of rain, and of doing good to them that shewed right ways.

49:12. And may the bones of the twelve prophets spring up out of their place: for they strengthened Jacob, and redeemed themselves by strong faith.

49:13. How shall we magnify Zorobabel? for he was as a signet on the right hand;

49:14. In like manner Jesus the son of Josedec who in their days built the house, and set up a holy temple to the Lord, prepared for everlasting glory.

49:15. And let Nehemias be a long time remembered, who raised up for us our walls that were cast down, and set up the gates and the bars, who rebuilt our houses.