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Ecclesiasticus
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THE PROLOGUE
The knowledge of many and great things hath been shewn
us by the law, and the prophets, and others that have
followed them: for which things Israel is to be commended
for doctrine and wisdom, because not only they that
speak must needs be skilful, but strangers also, both
speaking and writing, may by their means become most
learned.
My grandfather Jesus, after he had much given himself
to a diligent reading of the law, and the prophets,
and other books, that were delivered to us from our
fathers, had a mind also to write something himself,
pertaining to doctrine and wisdom: that such as are
desirous to learn, and are made knowing in these things,
may be more and more attentive in mind, and be strengthened
to live according to the law.
I entreat you therefore to come with benevolence, and
to read with attention, and to pardon us for those things
wherein we may seem, while we follow the image of wisdom,
to come short in the composition of words; for the Hebrew
words have not the same force in them when translated
into another tongue. And not only these, but the law
also itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books,
have no small difference, when they are spoken in their
own language.
For in the eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt,
when Ptolemy Evergetes was king, and continuing there
a long time, I found there books left, of no small nor
contemptible learning.
Therefore I thought it good, and necessary for me to
bestow some diligence and labour to interpret this book;
and with much watching and study in some space of time,
I brought the book to an end, and set it forth for the
service of them that are willing to apply their mind,
and to learn how they ought to conduct themselves, who
purpose to lead their life according to the law of the
Lord. |
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