The Lost Books of the Bible

CHAP. IV.

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

CHAP. IV.

1 He exhorts them to live by the rules, and repent of their divisions, and they shall be forgiven.

THESE things, beloved, we [199]write unto you, not only [200]for your instruction, but also for our own remembrance.

2 For we are all in the same [201]lists, and the same combat is [202]prepared for us all.

3 Wherefore let us lay aside all vain and empty cares; and let us come up to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling.

4[203] Let us consider what is good, and acceptable and well-pleasing in the sight of him that made us.

5 Let us look steadfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious his blood is in the sight of God: which being shed for our salvation,[204]has obtained the grace of repentance for all the world.

6 Let us [205]search into all the ages that have gone before us; and let us learn that our Lord has [206]in every one of them still given place for repentance to all such as would [207] turn to him.

7[208] Noah preached repentance; and as many as hearkened to him were saved. [209]Jonah denounced destruction against the Ninevites:

8 Howbeit they repenting of their sins, appeased God by their prayers: and [210]were saved, though they were strangers to the covenant of God.

9 Hence we find how all the ministers of the grace of God have spoken by the Holy Spirit of repentance. And even the Lord of all has himself [211]declared with an oath concerning it;

10[212] As I live, saith the Lord, I desire not the death of a sinner, [213]but that he should repent. Adding farther this good sentence, saying:[214] Turn from your iniquity, O house of Israel.

11[215] Say unto the children of my people, Though your sins should reach from earth to heaven; and though they shall be redder than scarlet, and blacker than sackcloth; yet if ye shall turn to me with all your heart, and shall call me father, I will hearken to you, as to a holy people.

12 And in another place he saith on this wise:[216] Wash ye, make you clean; put away[217] the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

13 Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they he red as crimson,[218] they shall be as wool.

14 If ye he willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

15 These things has God established by his Almighty will, desiring that all his beloved should come to repentance.