The Lost Books of the Bible

CHAP. VI.

1926 anthology with historical English translations and Crane introduction William Wake and Frank Crane

CHAP. VI.

1 And particularly such as have been eminent for their kindness and charity to their neighbours.

BY[235] hospitality and godliness was Lot saved out of Sodom, when all the country round about was [236]destroyed by fire and brimstone:

2 The Lord thereby making it manifest, that he will not forsake those that trust in him; but[237] will bring the disobedient to punishment and correction.

3 For his wife who went out with him, being of a different mind,[238] and not continuing in the same obedience, was for that reason[239] set forth for an example, being turned into a pillar of salt unto this day.

4 That so all men may know, that those who are double minded, and distrustful of the power of God, are[240] prepared for condemnation, and to be a sign to all succeeding ages.

5[241] By faith and hospitality was Rahab the harlot saved. For when the spies were sent by Joshua the son of Nun, to search out Jericho and the king of Jericho knew that they were come to spy out his country;[242] he sent men to take them, so that they might be put to death.

6[243] Rahab therefore being hospitable, received them, and hid them under the stalks of flax, on the top of her house.

7 And when the[244] messengers that were sent by the king came unto her, and asked her, saying, [245]There came men unto thee to spy out the land, bring them forth, for so hath the king commanded: She answered, [246]The two men whom ye seek came unto me, but presently they departed, and are gone:[247] Not discovering them unto them.

8 Then she said to the[248] spies,[249] I know that the Lord your God[250] has given this city into your hands; for the fear of you is fallen upon all that dwell therein. When, therefore, ye shall have taken it[251] ye shall save me and my father's house.

9 And they answered her, saying, It shall be as thou hast spoken to us.[252] Therefore, when thou shalt know that we are near thou shalt gather all thy family together upon the housetop, and they shall be saved: but all that shall be found without thy house, shall be destroyed.

10[253] And they gave her moreover a sign: that she should hang out of her house a scarlet rope;[254] sheaving thereby, that by the blood of our Lord, there should be redemption to all that believe and hope in God. Ye see, beloved, how there was not only faith, but prophecy too in this woman.