The Lost Books of the Bible

CHAP. I.

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

CHAP. I.

Preface to the Epistle.

ALL happiness to you my sons and daughters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us, in peace.

2 Having perceived abundance of knowledge of the great and[544] excellent[545] laws of God to be in you, I exceedingly rejoice in your blessed and admirable[546] souls, because ye have so worthily received the grace which was[547] grafted in you.

3 For which cause I am full of joy, hoping the rather to be[548] saved; inasmuch as I truly see a spirit infused into you, from the[549] pure fountain of God:

4 Having this persuasion, and being fully convinced thereof, because that since I have begun to speak unto you, I have had a more than ordinary good success in the way of[550] the law of the Lord which is in Christ.

5 For which cause[551] brethren, I also think verily that I love you above my own soul: because that therein dwelleth the greatness of faith and charity, as also the hope of that life which is to come.

6. Wherefore considering this, that if I shall take care to communicate to you a part of what I have received, it shall turn to my reward,[552] that I have served such good souls; I gave diligence to write in a few words unto you; that together with your faith,[553] knowledge also may be perfect.

7 There are therefore three[554] things ordained by the Lord; the hope of life;[555] the beginning and the completion of it.

8 For the Lord hath both declared unto us, by the prophets those things that[556] are past; and[557] opened to us the beginnings of those that are to come.

9 Wherefore, it will behoove us,[558] as he has spoken, to come[559] more holily, and nearer to his altar.

10 I therefore, not as a teacher, but as one[560] of you, will endeavour to lay before you a few things by which you may, on[561] many accounts, become the more joyful.