touch them. Having been a little chastised they shall be
greatly rewarded. Better to have no children and to have virtue; for
children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses against their parents.
Honourable age is not measured by number of years. He, being made
perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time. For his soul pleased the
Lord: Therefore, hasted he to take him away from among the wicked. This
the people saw and understood it not, neither laid they up this in their
minds. That his grace and mercy are with his saints, and that he hath
respect unto his chosen. The wicked wonder at the godly, and say: What
hath pride profited us? And what good hath riches, with our vaunting,
brought us? All those things are passed away like a shadow. The hope of
the ungodly is like dust that is blown away: but the righteous live for
evermore: their reward is a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand. Wisdom
is easily found of such as seek her, therefore princes must desire her;
for a wise prince is the stay of his people. He that hath Wisdom hath
every good thing. Moreover, by her means man shall obtain immortality,
and leave behind him an everlasting memorial.

THE WISDOM OF JESUS THE SON OF SIRACH; OR ECCLESIASTICUS.

There are two prologues to this book. The first is by an
uncertain author, stating that the book is the compilation of
three hands and is in imitation of the Book of Solomon. The
second prologue is by Jesus, the son of Sirach and grandchild
to Jesus of the same name, who had read the law and the
prophets and other books of the fathers, and had been drawn
himself to write something pertaining to wisdom and learning.
Coming into Egypt when Euergetes was king, Jesus, son of
Sirach, found a book of no small learning and bestowed
diligence and travail to interpret it, and to bring it to an
end. The following are among the precepts given:

All wisdom cometh from the Lord: she is with all flesh according to his
gift. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and driveth away
sins. My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for
temptation. Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure. Woe be to
fearful hearts; but they that fear the Lord shall be filled with the
law. Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins. He
that honoureth his mother layeth up treasure. Seek not out the things
that are too hard for thee: profess not the