iving.
Temperance and righteousness he had already attained; he wore on his
brow the crown of temperance, and wrapped about him the purple of
righteousness. He called to mind the uncertainty of earthly riches,
how they resemble the running of river waters. Therefore made he haste
to lay up his treasure where neither 'moth nor rust doth corrupt and
where thieves do not break through nor steal.' So he began to
distribute all his money to the poor, sparing naught thereof. He knew
that the possessor of great authority is bound to imitate the giver of
that authority, according to his ability; and herein he shall best
imitate God, if he hold nothing in higher honour than mercy. Before
all gold and precious stone he stored up for himself the treasure of
almsgiving; treasure, which here gladdeneth the heart by the hope of
enjoyment to come, and there delighteth it with the taste of the
hoped-for bliss. After this he searched the prisons, and sought out
the captives in mines, or debtors in the grip of their creditors; and
by generous largesses to all he proved a father to all, orphans, and
widows, and beggars, a loving and good father, for he deemed that by
bestowing blessings on these he won a blessing for himself. Being
endowed with spiritual riches, and, in sooth, a perfect king, he gave
liberally to all that were in need, for he hoped to receive infinitely
more, when the time should come for the recompense of his works.

Now, in little while, the fame of Ioasaph was blazoned abroad; and led,
as it were by the scent of sweet ointment, all men flocked to him
daily, casting off their poverty of soul and body: and his name was on
every man's lips. It was not fear and oppression that drew the people
to him, but desire and heart-felt love, which by God's blessing and the
king's fair life had been planted in their hearts.

Then, too, did his father's subjects begin to come to him, and, laying
aside all error, received the Gospel of truth. And the house of
Ioasaph grew and waxed strong, but the house of Abenner waned and grew
weak, even as the Book of the Kings declareth concerning David and Saul.

XXXIV.

When king Abenner saw this, though late and loth, he came to his
senses, and renounced his false gods with all their impotence and vain
deceit. Again he called an assembly of his chief counsellors, and
brought to light the thoughts of his heart. As they confirmed his
words (for the day-spring from on high had vis