Part 628 (2/2)

3:15. And the priests prostrated themselves before the altar in their priests' vestments, and called upon him from heaven, who made the law concerning things given to be kept, that he would preserve them safe, for them that had deposited them.

3:16. Now whosoever saw the countenance of the high priest, was wounded in heart: for his face, and the changing of his colour, declared the inward sorrow of his mind.

3:17. For the man was so compa.s.sed with sadness and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that beheld him, what sorrow he had in his heart.

3:18. Others also came flocking together out of their houses, praying and making public supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.

3:19. And the women, girded with haircloth about their b.r.e.a.s.t.s, came together in the streets. And the virgins also that were shut up, came forth, some to Onias, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.

3:20. And all holding up their hands towards heaven made supplication.

3:21. For the expectation of the mixed mult.i.tude, and of the high priest, who was in an agony, would have moved any one to pity.

3:22. And these indeed called upon almighty G.o.d, to preserve the things that had been committed to them safe and sure for those that had committed them.

3:23. But Heliodorus executed that which he had resolved on, himself being present in the same place with his guard about the treasury.

3:24. But the spirit of the Almighty G.o.d gave a great evidence of his presence, so that all that had presumed to obey him, falling down by the power of G.o.d, were struck with fainting and dread.

3:25. For there appeared to them a horse, with a terrible rider upon him, adorned with a very rich covering: and he ran fiercely and struck Heliodorus with his fore feet, and he that sat upon him seemed to have armour of gold.

3:26. Moreover there appeared two other young men, beautiful and strong, bright and glorious, and in comely apparel: who stood by him, on either side, and scourged him without ceasing with many stripes.

3:27. And Heliodorus suddenly fell to the ground, and they took him up, covered with great darkness, and having put him into a litter, they carried him out.

3:28. So he that came with many servants, and all his guard, into the aforesaid treasury, was carried out, no one being able to help him, the manifest power of G.o.d being known.

3:29. And he indeed, by the power of G.o.d, lay speechless, and without all hope of recovery.

3:30. But they praised the Lord, because he had glorified his place: and the temple, that a little before was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.

3:31. Then some of the friends of Heliodorus forthwith begged of Onias, that he would call upon the Most High to grant him his life, who was ready to give up the ghost.

3:32. So the high priest, considering that the king might perhaps suspect that some mischief had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice of health for the recovery of the man.

3:33. And when the high priest was praying, the same young men in the same clothing stood by Heliodorus, and said to him: Give thanks to Onias the priest: because for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life.

3:34. And thou having been scourged by G.o.d, declare unto all men the great works and the power of G.o.d. And having spoken thus, they appeared no more.

3:35. So Heliodorus, after he had offered a sacrifice to G.o.d, and made great vows to him, that had granted him life, and given thanks to Onias, taking his troops with him, returned to the king.

3:36. And he testified to all men the works of the great G.o.d, which he had seen with his own eyes.

3:37. And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once more to Jerusalem, he said:

3:38. If thou hast any enemy, or traitor to thy king dom, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him again scourged, if so be he escape: for there is undoubtedly in that place a certain power of G.o.d.

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