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+The Project Gutenberg EBook Forbidden Gospels and Epistles, by Wake, v5
+#5 in our series by Archbishop Wake
+
+Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
+copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing
+this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook.
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+**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts**
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+**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971**
+
+*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers*****
+
+
+Title: Forbidden Gospels and Epistles, Volume 5, St. Paul
+
+Author: Archbishop Wake
+
+Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6511]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on December 25, 2002]
+[This file was last updated on January 22, 2003
+
+Edition: 11
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+
+
+
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FORBIDDEN GOSPELS, BY WAKE, v5 ***
+
+
+
+This eBook was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
+Additional proofing was done by Curtis A. Weyant
+
+
+
+
+
+ THE
+ SUPPRESSED
+ GOSPELS AND EPISTLES
+ OF THE ORIGINAL
+ NEW TESTAMENT
+ OF
+ JESUS THE CHRIST
+
+ AND OTHER PORTIONS OF THE ANCIENT HOLY SCRIPTURES.
+ NOW EXTANT, ATTRIBUTED TO
+ HIS APOSTLES, AND THEIR DISCIPLES,
+ AND VENERATED BY THE PRIMITIVE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES DURING
+ THE FIRST FOUR CENTURIES,
+ BUT SINCE, AFTER VIOLENT DISPUTATIONS
+ FORBIDDEN BY THE
+ BISHOPS OF THE NICENE COUNCIL,
+ IN THE REIGN OF THE EMPEROR CONSTANTINE
+ AND OMITTED FROM THE CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANT
+ EDITIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, BY ITS COMPILERS
+
+ TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL TONGUES, WITH HISTORICAL
+ REFERENCES TO THEIR AUTHENTICITY,
+
+ BY
+ ARCHBISHOP WAKE
+ AND OTHER
+ LEARNED DIVINES
+
+
+
+
+
+ THE EPISTLES OF
+ JESUS CHRIST & ABGARUS KING OF EDESSA.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ A copy of a letter written by King Abgarus to Jesus;
+ and sent to him by Ananius, his footman, to Jerusalem,
+ 5 inviting him to Edessa.
+
+ABGARUS, king of Edessa, to
+Jesus the good Saviour, who
+appears at Jerusalem, greeting.
+
+2 I have been informed concerning
+you and your cures, which are
+performed without the use of
+medicines and herbs.
+
+3 For it is reported, that you
+cause the blind to see, the lame to
+walk, do both cleanse lepers, and
+cast out unclean spirits and devils,
+and restore them to health who have
+been long diseased; and raiseth up
+the dead;
+
+4 All which when I heard, I was
+pursuaded of one of these two,
+namely, either that you are God
+himself descended from heaven;
+who do these things, or the Son
+of God.
+
+5 On this account therefore I
+have written to you, earnestly to
+desire you would take the trouble
+of a journey hither, and cure a
+disease which I am under.
+
+6 For I hear the Jews ridicule
+you and, intend you mischief.
+
+7 My city is indeed small, but
+neat, and large enough for us
+both.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ The answer of Jesus by Ananias the footman
+ to Abgarus the king,
+ 3 declining to visit Edessa.
+
+ABGARUS, you are happy,
+forasmuch as you have
+believed on me, whom you
+have not seen.
+
+2 For it is written concerning
+me, that those who have seen me
+should not believe on me, that
+they who have not seen might
+believe and live.
+
+3 As to that part of your letter,
+which relates to my giving you a
+visit, I must inform you, that I
+must fulfil all the ends of my
+mission in this country, and after
+that be received up again to him
+who sent me.
+
+4 But after my ascension I will
+send one of my disciples, who will
+cure your disease, and give life to
+you, and all that are with you.
+
+
+
+
+ REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF JESUS CHRIST AND
+ ABGARUS KING OF EDESSA.
+
+[The first writer who makes any mention of the Epistles that passed
+between Jesus Christ and Abgarus, is Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, in
+Palestine, who flourished in the early part of the fourth century. For
+their genuineness, he appeals to the public registers and records of the
+City of Edessa in Mesopotamia, where Abgarus reigned, and where he
+affirms that he found them written in the Syriac language. He published a
+Greek translation of them, in his Ecclesiastical History. The learned
+world has been much divided on this subject; but, notwithstanding the
+erudite Grabe, with Archbishop Cave, Dr, Parker, and other divines, have
+strenuously contended for their admission into the canon of Scripture,
+they are deemed apocryphal. The Rev. Jeremiah Jones observes, that the
+common people in England have this Epistle in their houses in many
+places, fixed in a frame, with the picture of Christ before it; and that
+they generally, with much honesty and devotion, regard it as the word of
+God, and the genuine Epistle of Christ.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ THE EPISTLE OF
+ ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE LAODICEANS.
+
+ 1 He salutes the brethren;
+ 3 exhorts them to persevere in good works,
+ 4 and not to be moved by vain speaking.
+ 6 Rejoices in his bonds,
+ 10 desires them to live in the fear of the Lord.
+
+PAUL an Apostle, not of men,
+neither by man, but by Jesus
+Christ, to the brethren which are
+at Laodicea.
+
+2 Grace be to you, and peace
+from God the Father and our Lord
+Jesus Christ.
+
+3 I thank Christ in every prayer
+of mine, that ye may continue and
+persevere in good works, looking
+for that which is promised in the
+day of judgment.
+
+4 Let not the vain speeches of
+any trouble you, who pervert the
+truth, that they may draw you
+aside from the truth of the Gospel
+which I have preached.
+
+5 And now may God grant, that
+my converts may attain to a
+perfect knowledge of the truth
+of the Gospel, be beneficent,
+and doing good works which
+accompany salvation.
+
+6 And now my bonds, which I
+suffer in Christ, are manifest,
+in which I rejoice and am glad.
+For I know that this shall
+turn to my salvation for ever,
+which shall be through your
+prayer, and the supply of the
+Holy Spirit.
+
+8 Whether I live or die, to live
+shall be a life to Christ, to die
+will be joy.
+
+9 And our Lord will grant us
+his mercy, that ye may have the
+same love, and be like-minded.
+
+10 Wherefore, my beloved, as
+ye have heard of the coming of
+the Lord, so think and act in fear,
+and it shall be to you life eternal;
+
+11 For it is God, who worketh
+in you:
+
+12 And do all things without
+sin.
+
+13 And what is best, my beloved
+rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ
+and avoid all filthy lucre.
+
+14 Let all your requests be made
+known to God, and be steady in
+the doctrine of Christ.
+
+15 And whatsoever things are
+sound and true, and of good reort,
+and chaste, and just, and lovely,
+these things do.
+
+16 Those things which ye have
+heard, and received, think on these
+things, and peace shall be with
+you.
+
+17 All the saints salute you.
+
+18 The grace of our Lord Jesus
+Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
+
+19 Cause this Epistle to be read
+to the Colossians, and the Epistle
+of the Colossians to be read among
+you.
+
+
+
+ REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE
+ TO THE LAODICEANS.
+
+[This Epistle has been highly esteemed by several learned men of the
+church of Rome and others. The Quakers have printed a translation, and
+plead for it, as the reader may see, by consulting Poole's Annotation on
+Col. vi. 16. Sixtus Senensis mentions two MSS., the one in the Sorbonne
+Library at Paris, which is a very ancient copy, and the other in the
+Library of Joannes a Viridario, at Padua, which he transcribed and
+published; and which is the authority for the following translation.
+There is a very old translation of this Epistle in the British Museum,
+among the Harleian MSS., Cod. 1212.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ THE EPISTLES OF
+ ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO SENECA, WITH
+ SENECA' S TO PAUL.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+I SUPPOSE, Paul, you have been
+informed of that conversation,
+which passed yesterday between
+me and my Lucilius, concerning
+hypocrisy and other subjects; for
+there were some of your disciples
+in company with us;
+
+2 For when we were retired into
+the Sallustian gardens, through
+which they were also passing, and
+would have gone another way, by
+our persuasion they joined
+company with us.
+
+3 I desire you to believe, that
+we much wish for your conversation;
+
+4 We were much delighted with
+your book of many Epistles, which
+you have written to some cities
+and chief towns of provinces, and
+contain wonderful instructions for
+moral conduct:
+
+5 Such sentiments, as I suppose
+you were not the author of, but
+only the instrument of conveying,
+though sometimes both the author
+and the instrument,
+
+6 For such is the sublimity of
+those, doctrines, and their grandeur,
+that I suppose the age of a man
+is scarce sufficient to be instructed
+and perfected in the knowledge of
+them. I wish your welfare, my brother.
+Farewell.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
+
+I RECEIVED your letter yesterday
+with pleasure, to which I could
+immediately have written an answer,
+had the young man been at home,
+whom I intended to have sent to you:
+
+2 For you know when, and by whom,
+at what seasons, and to whom I must
+deliver everything which I send.
+
+3 I desire therefore you would
+not charge me with negligence, if
+I wait for a proper person.
+
+4 I reckon myself very happy in
+having the judgment of so valuable
+a person, that you are delighted
+with my Epistles:
+
+5 For you would not be esteemed
+a censor, a philosopher, or be the
+tutor of so great a prince, and a
+master of everything, if you were
+not sincere. I wish you a lasting
+prosperity.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+I HAVE completed some volumes
+and divided them into their
+proper parts.
+
+2 I am determined to read them
+to Caesar, and if any favourable
+opportunity happens, you also
+shall be present, when they are
+read;
+
+3 But if that cannot be, I will
+appoint and give you notice of a
+day, when we will together read
+over the performance.
+
+4 I had determined, if I could
+with safety, first to have your
+opinion of it, before I published
+it to Caesar, that you might be
+convinced of my affection to you.
+Farewell, dearest Paul.
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
+
+AS often as I read your letters,
+I imagine you present with
+me; nor indeed do I think any
+other, than that you are always
+with us.
+
+2 As soon therefore as you begin
+to come, we shall presently see
+each other. I wish you all
+prosperity.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+WE are very much concerned
+at your too long absence
+from us.
+
+2 What is it, or what affairs are
+they, which obstructs your coming?
+
+3 If you fear the anger of
+Caesar because you have abandoned
+your former religion, and made
+proselytes also of others, you
+have this to plead, that your
+acting thus proceeded not from
+inconstancy, but judgment.
+Farewell.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+PAUL to SENECA and LUCILIUS
+Greeting.
+
+CONCERNING those things,
+about which ye wrote to me,
+it is not proper for me to mention
+anything in writing with pen and
+ink: the one of which leaves
+marks, and the other evidently
+declares things.
+
+2 Especially since I know that
+there are near you, as well as me,
+those who will understand my
+meaning.
+
+3 Deference is to be paid to
+all men, and so much the more,
+as they are more likely to take
+occasions of quarrelling.
+
+4 And if we show a submissive
+temper, we shall overcome
+effectually in all points, if so
+be they are, who are capable of
+seeing and acknowledging themselves
+to have been in the wrong. Farewell.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+I PROFESS myself extremely
+pleased with the reading your
+letters to the Galatians,
+Corinthians, and people of Achaia.
+
+2 For the Holy Ghost has in
+them by you delivered those
+sentiments which are very lofty,
+sublime, deserving of all respect,
+and beyond your own invention.
+
+3 I could wish therefore, that
+when you are writing things so
+extraordinary, there might not
+be wanting an elegancy of speech
+agreeable to their majesty.
+
+4 And I must own, my brother,
+that I may not at once dishonestly
+conceal anything from you, and be
+unfaithful to my own conscience,
+that the emperor is extremely
+pleased with the sentiments of
+your Epistles;
+
+5 For when he heard the beginning
+of them read, he declared, that he
+was surprised to find such notions
+in a person, who had not had a
+regular education.
+
+6 To which I replied, That the
+Gods sometimes made use of mean
+(innocent) persons to speak by, and
+gave him an instance of this in a
+mean countryman named Vatienus,
+who, when he was in the country
+of Reate, had two men appeared
+to him, called Castor and Pollux,
+and received a revelation from the
+gods. Farewell.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
+
+ALTHOUGH I know the emperor is
+both an admirer and favourer of
+our religion, yet give me leave
+to advise you against your suffering
+any injury (by showing favour to us).
+
+2 I think indeed you ventured
+upon a very dangerous attempt,
+when you would declare (to the
+emperor) that which is so very
+contrary to his religion, and way
+of worship; seeing he is a
+worshipper of the heathen gods.
+
+3 I know not what you particularly
+had in view, when you told him of
+this; but I suppose you did it out
+of too great respect for me.
+
+4 But I desire that for the future
+you would not do so; for you had
+need be careful, lest by showing
+your affection for me, you should
+offend your master:
+
+5 His anger indeed will do us no
+harm, if he continue a heathen;
+nor will his not being angry be
+of any service to us:
+
+6 And if the empress act worthy
+of her character, she will not be
+angry; but if she act as a woman,
+she will be affronted. Farewell.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ANNEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+KNOW that my letter, wherein
+I acquainted you, that I had
+read to the Emperor your Epistles,
+does not so much affect you as the
+nature of the things (contained
+in them.)
+
+2 Which do so powerfully divert
+men's minds from their former
+manners and practices, that I have
+always been surprised, and have
+been fully convinced of it by many
+arguments heretofore.
+
+3 Let us therefore begin afresh;
+and if any thing heretofore has
+been imprudently acted, do you
+forgive.
+
+4 I have sent you a book decopia
+verborum. Farewell, dearest Paul.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
+
+AS often as I write to you,
+and place my name before yours,
+I do a thing both disagreeable
+to myself, and contrary to our
+religion:
+
+2 For I ought, as I have often
+declared, to become all things to
+all men, and to have that regard
+to your quality, which the Roman
+law has honoured all senators with;
+namely, to put my name last in the
+(inscription of the) Epistle, that
+I may not at length with uneasiness
+and shame be obliged to do that
+which it was always my inclination
+to do. Farewell, most respected
+master. Dated the fifth of the
+calends of July, in the fourth
+Consulship of Nero, and Messala.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+ALL happiness to you,
+my dearest Paul.
+
+2 If a person so great, and
+every way agreeable as you are,
+become not only a common, but
+a most intimate friend to me,
+how happy will be the case of
+Seneca!
+
+3 You therefore, who are so
+eminent, and so far exalted above
+all, even the greatest, do not think
+yourself unfit to be first named in
+the inscription of an Epistle;
+
+4 Lest I should suspect you intend
+not so much to try me, as to banter
+me; for you know yourself to be a
+Roman citizen.
+
+5 And I could wish to be in that
+circumstance or station which you
+are, and that you were in the same
+that I am. Farewell, dearest Paul.
+Dated the tenth of the calends of
+April, in the Consulship of Aprianus
+and Capito.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+ALL happiness to you, my dearest
+Paul. Do you not suppose I am
+extremely concerned and grieved
+that your innocence should bring
+you into sufferings?
+
+2 And that all the people should
+suppose you (Christians) so criminal,
+and imagine all the misfortunes
+that happen to the city, to be
+caused by you?
+
+3 But let us bear the charge
+with a patient temper, appealing
+for our innocence to the court
+above, which is the only one our
+hard fortune will allow us to address
+to, till at length our misfortunes
+shall end in unalterable happiness.
+
+4 Former ages have produced
+(tyrants) Alexander the son of
+Philip, and Dionysius; ours also
+has produced Caius Caesar; whose
+inclinations were their only laws.
+
+5 As to the frequent burnings
+of the city of Rome, the cause is
+manifest; and if a person in my
+mean circumstances might be allowed
+to speak, and one might declare
+these dark things without danger,
+every one should see the whole of
+the matter.
+
+6 The Christians and Jews are
+indeed commonly punished for the
+crime of burning the city; but that
+impious miscreant, who delights
+in murders and butcheries, and
+disguises his villainies with lies,
+is appointed to, or reserved till,
+his proper time.
+
+7 And as the life of every
+excellent person is now sacrificed
+instead of that one person (who is
+the author of the mischief), so this
+one shall be sacrificed for many,
+and be shall be devoted to be burnt
+with fire instead of all.
+
+8 One hundred and thirty-two houses,
+and four whole squares (or islands)
+were burnt down in six days: the
+seventh put an end to the burning.
+I wish you all happiness.
+
+9 Dated the fifth of the calends
+of April, in the Consulship of
+Frigius and Bassus.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
+
+ALL happiness to you, my dearest
+Paul.
+
+2 You have written many volumes in
+an allegorical and mystical style,
+and therefore such mighty matters
+and business being committed to you,
+require not to be set off with any
+rhetorical flourishes of speech,
+but only with some proper elegance.
+
+3 I remember you often said,
+that many by affecting such a style
+do injury to their subjects, and
+lose the force of the matters they
+treat of.
+
+4 But in this I desire you to
+regard me, namely, to have respect
+to true Latin, and to choose just
+words, that so you may the better
+manage the noble trust which is
+reposed in you.
+
+5 Farewell. Dated the fifth of
+the nones of July, Leo and Savinus
+Consuls.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
+
+YOUR serious consideration is
+requited with those discoveries,
+which the Divine Being has
+granted but to few;
+
+2 I am thereby assured that
+I sow the most strong seed in a
+fertile soil, not anything material,
+which is subject to corruption, but
+the durable word of God, which
+shall increase and bring forth fruit
+to eternity.
+
+3 That which by your wisdom you
+have attained to, shall abide
+without decay for ever.
+
+4 Believe that you ought to
+avoid the superstitions of Jews
+and Gentiles.
+
+5 The things which you have in
+some measure arrived to, prudently
+make known to the emperor, his
+family, and to faithful friends;
+
+6 And though your sentiments
+will seem disagreeable, and not
+be comprehended by them, seeing
+most of them will not regard your
+discourses, yet the Word of God
+once infused into them, will at
+length make them become new men,
+aspiring towards God.
+
+7 Farewell Seneca, who art
+most dear to us. Dated on the
+calends of August, in the
+Consulship of Leo and Savinus.
+
+
+
+ REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE
+ TO SENECA, WITH SENECA'S TO PAUL.
+
+[Several very learned writers have entertained a favourable opinion of
+these Epistles. They are undoubtedly of high antiquity. Salmeron cites
+them to prove that Seneca was one of Caesar's household, referred to by
+Paul, Philip iv. 22, as saluting the brethren at Philippi. In Jerome's
+enumeration of illustrious men, he places Seneca, on account of these
+Epistles, amongst the ecclesiastical and holy writers of the Christian
+Church. Sixtus Senensis has published them in his Bibliotheque, p 89, 90;
+and it is from thence that the present translation is made. Baronius,
+Bellarmine, Dr. Cave, Spanheim, and others, contend that they are not
+genuine.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ THE ACTS OF ST. PAUL AND THECLA.
+
+ The martyrdom of the holy and glorious
+ first Martyr and Apostle Thecla.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ 1 Demas and Hermogenes become Paul's companions.
+ 4 Paul visits Onesiphorus.
+ 8 Invited by Demos and Hermogenes.
+ 11 Preaches to the household of Onesiphorus.
+ 12 His sermon.
+
+WHEN Paul went up to Iconium,
+after his flight from Antioch,
+Demas and Hermogenes became
+his companions, who were then
+full of hypocrisy.
+
+2 But Paul looking only at the
+goodness of God, did them no
+harm, but loved them greatly.
+
+3 Accordingly he endeavoured
+to make agreeable to them all the
+oracles and doctrines of Christ,
+and the design of the Gospel of
+God's well-beloved son; instructing
+them in the knowledge of Christ,
+as it was revealed to him.
+
+4 And a certain man named
+Onesiphorus, hearing that Paul
+was come to Iconium, went out
+speedily to meet him, together
+with his wife Lectra, and his sons
+Simmia and Zeno, to invite him to
+their house.
+
+5 For Titus had given them a
+description of Paul's personage,
+they as yet not knowing him in
+person, but only being acquainted
+with his character.
+
+6 They went in the king's highway
+to Lystra, and stood there waiting
+for him, comparing all who passed
+by with that description which
+Titus had given them.
+
+7 At length they saw a man coming
+(namely Paul), of a low stature,
+bald on the head; with crooked thighs,
+handsome legs, hollow-eyes; and a
+crooked nose; full of grace, for
+sometimes he appeared as a man,
+sometimes he had the countenance
+of an angel. And Paul saw Onesiphorus,
+and was glad.
+
+8 And Onesiphorus said:
+Hail, thou servant of the blessed
+God. Paul replied, The grace of
+God be with thee and thy family.
+
+9 But Denies and Hermogenes
+were moved with envy, and, under
+a show of great religion, Demas
+said, And are not we also servants
+of the blessed God? Why didst
+thou not salute us?
+
+10 Onesiphorus replied, Because
+I have not perceived in you the
+fruits of righteousness; nevertheless,
+if ye are of that sort, ye shall be
+welcome to my house also.
+
+11 Then Paul went into the house
+of Onesiphorus, and there was great
+joy among the family on that account:
+and they employed themselves in prayer,
+breaking of bread, and hearing Paul
+preach the word of God concerning
+temperance and the resurrection,
+in the following manner:
+
+12 Blessed are the pure in
+heart; for they shall see God.
+
+13 Blessed are they who keep
+their flesh undefiled (or pure);
+for they shall be the temple of God.
+
+14 Blessed are the temperate
+(or chaste); for God will reveal
+himself to them.
+
+15 Blessed are they who abandon
+their worldly enjoyments; for they
+shall be accepted of God.
+
+16 Blessed are they who have
+wives, as though they had them
+not; for they shall be made angels
+of God.
+
+17 Blessed are they who tremble
+at the word of God; for they
+shall be comforted.
+
+18 Blessed are they who keep
+their baptism pure; for they shall
+find peace with the Father, Son,
+and Holy Ghost.
+
+19 Blessed are they who pursue
+the wisdom or doctrine of Jesus
+Christ; for they shall be called
+the sons of the Most High.
+
+20 Blessed are they who observe
+the instructions of Jesus Christ;
+for they shall dwell in eternal
+light.
+
+21 Blessed are they, who for the
+love of Christ abandon the glories
+of the world, for they shall judge
+angels, and be placed at the right
+hand of Christ, and shall not suffer
+the bitterness of the last judgment.
+
+22 Blessed are the bodies and souls
+of virgins; for they are acceptable
+to God, and shall not lose the reward
+of their virginity; for the word of
+their (heavenly) Father shall prove
+effectual to their salvation in the
+day of his Son, and they shall enjoy
+rest for evermore.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ 1 Thecla listens anxiously to Paul's preaching.
+ 5 Thamyris, her admirer, concerts with Theoclia
+ her mother to dissuade her,
+ 12 in vain.
+ 14 Demas and Hermogenes vilify Paul to Thamyris.
+
+WHILE Paul was preaching
+this sermon in the church
+which was in the house of
+Onesiphorus, a certain virgin
+named Thecla (whose mother's
+name was Theoclia, and who was
+betrothed to a man named Thamyris)
+sat at a certain window in her house.
+
+2 From whence, by the advantage
+of a window in the house where
+Paul was, she both night and day
+heard Paul's sermons concerning
+God, concerning charity, concerning
+faith in Christ, and concerning
+prayer;
+
+3 Nor would she depart from
+the window, till with exceeding
+joy she was subdued to the
+doctrines of faith.
+
+4 At length, when she saw many
+women and virgins going into
+Paul, she earnestly desired that
+she might be thought worthy to
+appear in his presence, and hear
+the word of Christ; for she had
+not yet seen Paul's person, but only
+heard his sermons, and that alone.
+
+5 But when she would not be
+prevailed upon to depart from the
+window, her mother sent to Thamyris,
+who came with the greatest pleasure,
+as hoping now, to marry her.
+Accordingly he said to Theoclia,
+Where is my Thecla?
+
+6 Theoclia replied, Thamyris,
+I have something very strange to
+tell you; for Thecla, for the space
+of three days, will not move from
+the window, not so much as to eat
+or drink, but is so intent in
+hearing the artful and delusive
+discourses of a certain foreigner,
+that I perfectly wonder Thamyris,
+that a young woman of her known
+modesty, will suffer herself to be
+so prevailed upon.
+
+7 For that man has disturbed
+the whole city of Iconium, and
+even your Thecla, among others.
+All the women and young men
+flock to him to receive his
+doctrine; who, besides all the
+rest, tells them that there is
+but one God, who alone is to be
+worshipped, and that we ought
+to live in chastity.
+
+8 Notwithstanding this, my
+daughter Thecla, like a spider's
+web fastened to the window, is
+captivated, by the discourses of
+Paul, and attends' upon them with
+prodigious eagerness, and vast
+delight; and thus, by attending
+on what he says, the young woman
+is seduced. Now then do you go,
+and speak to her, for she is
+betrothed to you.
+
+9 Accordingly Thamyris went,
+and having saluted her, and taking
+care not to surprise her, he said,
+Thecla, my spouse, why sittest
+thou in this melancholy posture?
+What strange impressions are
+made upon thee? Turn to Thamyris,
+and blush.
+
+10 Her mother also spake to her
+after the same manner, and said,
+Child, why dost thou sit so
+melancholy, and, like one
+astonished, makest no reply?
+
+11 Then they wept exceedingly,
+Thamyris, that he had lost his
+spouse; Theoclia, that she had
+lost her daughter; and the maids,
+that they had lost their mistress;
+and there was an universal
+mourning in the family.
+
+12 But all these things made no
+impression upon Thecla, so as to
+incline her so much as to turn to
+them, and take notice of them;
+for she still regarded the
+discourses of Paul.
+
+13 Then Thamyris ran forth into
+the street to observe who they
+were that went in to Paul, and
+came out from him; and he saw
+two men engaged in a very warm
+dispute, and said to them;
+
+14 Sirs, what business have
+you here? and who is that man
+within, belonging to you, who
+deludes the minds of men, both
+young men and virgins, persuading
+them, that they ought not to marry,
+but continue as they are?
+
+15 I promise to give you a
+considerable sum, if ye will give
+me a just account of him; for I am
+the chief person of this city.
+
+16 Demas and Hermogenes replied,
+We cannot so exactly tell who he
+is; but this we know, that he
+deprives young men of their
+(intended) wives, and virgins of
+their (intended) husbands, by
+teaching, There can be no future
+resurrection, unless ye continue
+in chastity, and do not defile your
+flesh.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+1 They betray Paul.
+7 Thamyris arrests him with officers.
+
+THEN said Thamyris, Come along
+with me to my house, and refresh
+yourselves. So they went to a very
+splendid entertainment, where
+there was wine in abundance,
+and very rich provision.
+
+2 They were brought to a table
+richly spread, and made to drink
+plentifully by Thamyris, on account
+of the love he had for Thecla
+and his desire to marry her.
+
+3 Then Thamyris said, I desire
+ye would inform me what the
+doctrines of this Paul are, that
+I may understand them; for I am
+under no small concern about Thecla,
+seeing she so delights in that
+stranger's discourses, that I am in
+danger of losing my intended wife.
+
+4 Then Demas and Hermogenes
+answered both together, and said,
+Let him be brought before the
+governor Castellius, as one who
+endeavours to persuade the people
+into the new religion of the
+Christians, and he, according to
+the order of Caesar, will put him
+to death, by which means you will
+obtain your wife;
+
+5 While we at the same time will
+teach her, that the resurrection
+which he speaks of is already come,
+and consists in our having children;
+and that we then arose again,
+when we came to the knowledge of God.
+
+6 Thamyris having this account
+from them, was filled with hot
+resentment:
+
+7 And rising early in the morning
+he went to the house of Onesiphorus,
+attended by the magistrates, the
+Jailor, and a great multitude of
+people with staves, and said to Paul;
+
+8 Thou hast perverted the city
+of Iconium, and among the rest,
+Thecla, who is betrothed to me,
+so that now she will not marry
+me. Thou shalt therefore go with
+us to the governor Castellius.
+
+9 And all the multitude cried
+out, Away with this imposter, for
+he has perverted the minds of our
+wives, and all the people hearken
+to him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ 1 Paul accused before the governor by Thamyris.
+ 5 Defends himself.
+ 9 Is committed to prison,
+ 10 and visited by Thecla.
+
+THEN Thamyris standing before
+the governor's judgment-seat,
+spake with a loud voice in the
+following manner.
+
+2 O governor, I know not whence
+this man cometh; but he is one
+who teaches that matrimony is
+unlawful. Command him therefore
+to declare before you for what
+reason he publishes such doctrines.
+
+3 While he was saying thus,
+Demas and Hermogenes (whispered to
+Thamyris, and) said; Say that he
+is a Christian, and he will
+presently be put to death.
+
+4 But the governor was more
+deliberate, and calling to Paul,
+he said, Who art thou? What dost
+thou teach? They seem to lay
+gross crimes to thy charge.
+
+5 Paul then spake with a loud
+voice, saying, As I am now called
+to give an account, O governor,
+of my doctrines, I desire your
+audience.
+
+6 That God, who is a God of
+vengeance, and who strands in need
+of nothing but the salvation of his
+creatures, has sent me to reclaim
+them from their wickedness, and
+corruptions; from all (sinful)
+pleasures, and from death; and to
+persuade them to sin no more.
+
+7 On this account, God sent his
+Son Jesus Christ, whom I preach,
+and in whom I instruct men to
+place their hopes, as that person
+who only had such compassion on
+the deluded world, that it might
+not, O governor, be condemned,
+but have faith, the fear of God,
+the knowlege of religion, and the
+love of truth.
+
+8 So that if I only teach those
+things which I have received by
+revelation from God, where is my
+crime?
+
+9 When the governor heard this,
+he ordered Paul to be bound,
+and to be put in prison, till he
+should be more at leisure to hear
+him more fully.
+
+10 But in the night, Thecla
+taking off her ear-rings, gave them
+to the turnkey of the prison, who
+then opened the door to her, and
+let her in;
+
+11 And when she made a present
+of a silver looking-glass to the
+jailor, was allowed to go into the
+room where Paul was; then she set
+down at his feet, and heard from
+him the great things of God.
+
+12 And as she perceived Paul
+not to be afraid of suffering,
+but that by divine assistance
+he behaved himself with courage,
+her faith so far increased that
+she kissed his chains.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+1 Thecla sought and found by her relations.
+4 Brought with Paul before the governor.
+9 Ordered to be burnt, and Paul to be whipt.
+15 Thecla miraculously saved.
+
+AT length Thecla was missed
+and sought for by the family
+and by Thamyris in every street,
+as though she had been lost; till
+one of the porter's fellow-servants
+told them, that she had gone out
+in the night-time.
+
+2 Then they examined the porter,
+and he told them, that she was
+gone to the prison to the strange
+man.
+
+3 They went therefore according
+to his direction, and there found
+her; and when they came out, they
+got a mob together, and went and
+told the governor all that had
+happened.
+
+4 Upon which he ordered Paul
+to be brought before his judgment
+seat.
+
+5 Thecla in the mean time lay
+wallowing on the ground in the
+prison, in that same place where
+Paul had sat to teach her; upon
+which the governor also ordered
+her to be brought before his
+judgment-seat; which summons she
+received with joy, and went.
+
+6 When Paul was brought thither,
+the mob with more vehemence cried
+out, He is a magician, let him die.
+
+7 Nevertheless the governor
+attended with pleasure upon Paul's
+discourses of the holy works of
+Christ; and, after a council called,
+he summoned Thecla, and said to
+her, Why do you not, according
+to the law of the Iconians, marry
+Thamyris?
+
+8 She stood still, with her eyes
+fixed upon Paul; and finding she
+made no reply, Theoclia, her
+mother cried out saying, Let the
+unjust creature be burnt; let her
+be burnt in the midst of the theatre,
+for refusing Thamyris, that all
+women may learn from her to avoid
+such practices.
+
+9 Then the governor was exceedingly
+concerned, and ordered Paul to be
+whipt out of the city, and Thecla
+to be burnt.
+
+10 So the governor arose, and went
+immediately into the theatre; and
+all the people went forth to see
+the dismal sight.
+
+11 But Thecla, just as a lamb in
+the wilderness looks every way to
+see his shepherd, looked around
+for Paul;
+
+12 And as she was looking upon
+the multitude, she saw the Lord
+Jesus in the likeness of Paul, and
+said to herself, Paul is come to see
+me in my distressed circumstances.
+And she fixed her eyes upon him;
+but he instantly ascended up to
+heaven, while she looked on him.
+
+13 Then the young men and women
+brought wood and straw for the
+burning of Thecla; who being brought
+naked to the stake, extorted tears
+from the governor, with surprise
+beholding the greatness of her beauty.
+
+14 And when they had placed
+the wood in order, the people
+commanded her to go upon it; which
+she did, first making the sign of
+the cross.
+
+15 Then the people set fire to
+the pile; though the flame was
+exceeding large, it did not touch
+her; for God took compassion on
+her, and caused a great eruption
+from the earth beneath, and a
+cloud from above to pour down
+great quantities of rain and hail;
+
+16 Insomuch that by the rupture
+of the earth, very many were
+in great danger, and some were
+killed, the fire was extinguished,
+and Thecla preserved.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+1 Paul with Onesiphorus in a cave.
+7 Thecla discovers Paul;
+12 proffers to follow him:
+13 he exhorts her not for fear of fornication.
+
+IN the mean time Paul, together
+with Onesiphorus, his wife and
+children, was keeping a fast in a
+certain cave, which was in the
+road from Iconium to Daphne.
+
+2 And when they had fasted for
+several days, the children said to
+Paul, Father, we are hungry, and
+have not wherewithal to buy bread;
+for Onesiphorus had left all his
+substance to follow Paul with his
+family.
+
+3 Then Paul, taking off his coat,
+said to the boy, Go, child, and buy
+bread, and bring it hither.
+
+4 But while the boy was buying
+the bread, he saw his neighbour
+Thecla, and was surprised, and
+said to her, Thecla, where are you
+going?
+
+5 She replied, I am in pursuit
+of Paul, having been delivered
+from the flames.
+
+6 The boy then said, I will bring
+you to him, for he is under great
+concern on your account, and has
+been in prayer and fasting these
+six days.
+
+7 When Thecla came to the cave,
+she found Paul upon his knees
+praying and saying, O holy Father,
+O Lord Jesus Christ, grant that
+the fire may not touch Thecla;
+but be her helper, for she is
+thy servant.
+
+8 Thecla then standing behind
+him, cried out in the following
+words: O sovereign Lord Creator
+of heaven and earth, the Father of
+thy beloved and holy Son, I praise
+thee that thou hast preserved me
+from the fire, to see Paul again.
+
+9 Paul then arose, and when he
+saw her, said, O God, who searchest
+the heart, Father of my Lord Jesus
+Christ, I praise thee that thou hast
+answered my prayer.
+
+10 And there prevailed among them
+in the cave an entire affection to
+each other; Paul, Onesiphorus,
+and all that were with them being
+filled with joy.
+
+11 They had five loaves, some
+herbs and water, and they solaced
+each other in reflections upon the
+holy works of Christ.
+
+12 Then said Thecla to Paul,
+If you be pleased with it, I will
+follow you whithersoever you go.
+
+13 He replied to her, Persons
+are now much given to fornication,
+and you being handsome, I am
+afraid lest you should meet with
+greater temptation than the former,
+and should Not withstand, but be
+overcome by it.
+
+14 Thecla replied, Grant me
+only the seal of Christ, and no
+temptation shall affect me.
+
+15 Paul answered, Thecla, wait
+with patience, and you shall
+receive the gift of Christ.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ 1 Paul and Thecla go to Antioch.
+ 2 Alexander, a magistrate, falls in love with Thecla:
+ 4 kisses her by force:
+ 5 she resists him:
+ 6 is carried before the governor, and condemned
+ to be thrown to wild beasts.
+
+THEN Paul sent back Onesiphorus
+and his family to their own home,
+and taking Thecla along with him,
+went for Antioch;
+
+2 And as soon as they came in.
+to the city, a certain Syrian,
+named Alexander, a magistrate in
+the city, who had done many
+considerable services for the city
+during his magistracy, saw Thecla,
+and fell in love with her, and
+endeavoured by many rich presents
+to engage Paul in his interest.
+
+3 But Paul told him, I know not
+the woman of whom you speak, nor
+does she belong to me.
+
+4 But he being a person of great
+power in, Antioch, seized her in
+the street and kissed her: which
+Thecla would not bear, but looking
+about for Paul, cried out in a
+distressed loud tone, Force me not,
+who am a stranger; force me not,
+who am a servant of God; I am
+one of the principal persons of
+Iconium, and was obliged to leave
+that city because I would not be
+married to Thamyris.
+
+5 Then she laid hold on Alexander,
+tore his coat, and took his crown
+off his head, and made him appear
+ridiculous before all the people.
+
+6 But Alexander, partly as he
+loved her, and partly being ashamed
+of what had been done, led her to
+the governor, and upon her confession
+of what she had done, he condemned
+her to be thrown among the beasts.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ 2 Thecla entertained by Trifina;
+ 3 brought out to the wild beasts;
+ a she-lion licks her feet.
+ 5 Trifina upon a vision of her deceased
+ daughter, adopts Thecla,
+ 11 who is taken to the amphitheatre again.
+
+WHICH when the people saw, they
+said: The judgments passed in this
+city are unjust. But Thecla desired
+the favour of the governor, that
+her chastity might not be attacked,
+but preserved till she should be
+cast to the beasts.
+
+2 The governor then inquired,
+Who would entertain her; upon
+which a certain very rich widow,
+named Trifina, whose daughter
+was lately dead, desired that she
+might have the keeping of her;
+and she began to treat her in her
+house as her own daughter.
+
+3 At length a day came, when
+the beasts were to be brought forth
+to be seen; and Thecla was brought
+to the amphitheatre, and put into
+a den in which was an exceeding
+fierce she-lion, in the presence of
+a multitude of spectators.
+
+4 Trifina; without any surprise,
+accompanied Thecla, and the she-
+lion licked the feet of Thecla.
+The title written which denoted
+her crime, was Sacrilege. Then
+the women cried out, O God, the
+judgments of this city are
+unrighteous.
+
+5 After the beasts had been
+shown, Trifina took Thecla home
+with her, and they went to bed;
+and behold, the daughter of Trifina,
+who was dead, appeared to her
+mother, and said; Mother, let the
+young woman, Thecla, be reputed
+by you as your daughter in my
+stead; and desire her that she
+should pray for me, that I may be
+translated to a state of happiness.
+
+6 Upon which Trifina, with a
+mournful air, said, My daughter
+Falconilla has appeared to me, and
+ordered me to receive you in her
+room; wherefore I desire, Thecla,
+that you would pray for my daughter,
+that she may be translated into
+a state of happiness, and to life
+eternal.
+
+7 When Thecla heard this, she
+immediately prayed to the Lord,
+and said: O Lord God of heaven and
+earth, Jesus Christ, thou Son of
+the Most High, grant that her
+daughter Falconilla may live forever.
+Trifina hearing this, groaned again,
+and said: O unrighteous judgments!
+O unreasonable wickedness! that
+such a creature should (again)
+be cast to the beasts!
+
+8 On the morrow, at break of day,
+Alexander came to Trifina's house,
+and said: The governor and the
+people are waiting; bring the
+criminal forth.
+
+9 But Trifina ran in so violently
+upon him, that he was affrighted,
+and ran away. Trifina was one of
+the royal family; and she thus
+expressed her sorrow, and said;
+Alas! I have trouble in my house
+on two accounts, and there is no
+one who will relieve me, either
+under the loss of my daughter, or
+my being unable to save Thecla.
+But now, O Lord God, be thou the
+helper of Thecla thy servant.
+
+10 While she was thus engaged.
+the governor sent one of his own
+officers to bring Thecla. Trifina
+took her by the hand, and, going
+with her, said: I went with
+Falconilla to her grave, and now
+must go with Thecla to the beasts.
+
+11 When Thecla heard this, she
+weeping prayed, and said: O Lord
+God, whom I have made my confidence
+and refuge, reward Trifina for her
+compassion to me, and preserving
+my chastity.
+
+12 Upon this there was a great
+noise in the amphitheatre; the
+beasts roared, and the people
+cried out, Bring in the criminal.
+
+13 But the women cried out,
+and said: Let the whole city
+suffer for such crimes; and
+order all of us, O governor,
+to the same punishment. O unjust
+judgment! O cruel sight!
+
+14 Others said, Let the whole
+city be destroyed for this vile
+action. Kill us all, O governor.
+O cruel sight! O unrighteous
+judgment.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ 1 Thecla thrown naked to the wild beasts;
+ 2 but they all refuse to attack her.
+ 8 She baptizes herself in a pit of water.
+ 10 Other wild beasts refuse to injure her.
+ 11 Tied to wild bulls.
+ 13 Miraculously saved.
+ 21. Released.
+ 24 Entertained by Trifina,
+
+THEN Thecla was taken out of
+the hand of Trifina, stripped
+naked, had a girdle put on, and
+thrown into the place appointed
+for fighting with the beasts: and
+the lions and the bears were let
+loose upon her.
+
+2 But a she-lion, which was of
+all the most fierce, ran to Thecla,
+and fell down at her feet. Upon
+which the multitude of women
+shouted aloud.
+
+3 Then a she-bear ran fiercely
+towards her, but the she lion met
+the bear, and tore it in pieces.
+
+4 Again a he-lion, who had been
+wont to devour men, and which
+belonged to Alexander, ran towards
+her; but the she-lion encountered
+the he-lion, and they killed each
+other.
+
+5 Then the women were under
+a greater concern, because the
+she-lion, which had helped Thecla,
+was dead.
+
+6 Afterwards they brought out
+many other wild beasts; but Thecla
+stood with her hands stretched
+towards heaven, and prayed; and
+when she had done praying, she
+turned about, and saw a pit of
+water, and said, Now it is a proper
+time for me to be baptized.
+
+7 Accordingly she threw herself
+into the water, and said, In thy
+name, O my Lord Jesus Christ, I
+am this last day baptized. The
+women and the people seeing this,
+cried out and said, Do not throw
+yourself into the water. And the
+governor himself cried out, to
+think that the fish (sea-calves)
+were like to devour so much
+beauty.
+
+8 Notwithstanding all this,
+Thecla threw herself into the water,
+in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+9 But the fish (sea-calves) when
+they saw the lightning and fire,
+were killed, and swam dead upon
+the surface of the water, and a
+cloud of fire surrounded Thecla;
+so that as the beasts could not
+come near her, so the people could
+not see her nakedness.
+
+10 Yet they turned other wild
+beasts upon her; upon which they
+made a very mournful outcry; and
+some of them scattered spikenard,
+others cassia, others amomus (a
+sort of spikenard, or the herb of
+Jerusalem, or ladies rose), others
+ointment; so that the quantity of
+ointment was large, in proportion
+to the number of people; and upon
+this all the beasts lay as though
+they had been fast asleep, and did
+not touch Thecla.
+
+11 Whereupon Alexander said
+to the governor, I have some very
+terrible bulls; let us bind her to
+them. To which the governor, with
+concern, replied, You may do what
+you think fit.
+
+12 Then they put a cord round
+Thecla's waist, which bound also
+her feet, and with it tied her to
+the bulls, to whose privy-parts they
+applied red-hot irons, that so they
+being the more tormented, might
+more violently drag Thecla about,
+till they had killed her.
+
+13 The bulls accordingly tore
+about, making a most hideous noise;
+but the flame which was about Thecla,
+burnt off the cords which were
+fastened to the members of the
+bulls, and she stood in the middle
+of the stage, as unconcerned as
+if she had not been bound.
+
+14 But in the mean time Trifina,
+who sat upon one of the benches,
+fainted away and died; upon which
+the whole city was under a very
+great concern.
+
+15 And Alexander himself was
+afraid, and desired the governor,
+saying: I entreat you, take
+compassion on me and the city,
+and release this woman, who has
+fought with the beasts; lest both
+you and I, and the whole city,
+be destroyed;
+
+16 For if Caesar should have any
+account of what has passed now,
+he will certainly immediately
+destroy the city, because Trifina,
+a person of royal extract, and a
+relation of his, is dead upon her
+seat.
+
+17 Upon this the governor called
+Thecla from among the beasts to him,
+and said to her, Who art thou? and
+what are thy circumstances, that not
+one of the beasts will touch thee?
+
+18 Thecla replied to him; I am
+a servant of the living God; and
+as to my state, I am a believer on
+Jesus Christ his Son, in whom
+God is well pleased; and for that
+reason none of the beasts could
+touch me.
+
+19 He alone is the way to eternal
+salvation, and the foundation of
+eternal life. He is a refuge to
+those who are in distress; a support
+to the afflicted, hope and defence
+to those who are hopeless; and in
+a word, all those who do not
+believe on him, shall not live,
+but suffer eternal death.
+
+20 When the governor heard these
+things, he ordered her clothes
+to be brought, and said to her,
+Put on your clothes.
+
+21 Thecla replied: May that God
+who clothed me when I was naked
+among the beasts, in the day of
+judgment clothe your soul with
+the robe of salvation. Then she
+took her clothes, and put them
+on; and the governor immediately
+published an order in these words:
+I release to you Thecla the servant
+of God.
+
+22 Upon which the women cried
+out together with a loud voice,
+and with one accord gave praise
+unto God, and said; There is but
+one God, who is the God of Thecla;
+the one God who hath delivered
+Thecla.
+
+23 So loud were their voices,
+that the whole city seemed to be
+shaken; and Trifina herself heard
+the glad tidings, and arose again,
+and ran with the multitude to
+meet Thecla; and embracing her,
+said: Now I believe there shall
+be a resurrection of the dead;
+now I am persuaded that my daughter
+is alive. Come therefore home
+with me, my daughter Thecla, and
+I will make all over that I have
+to you.
+
+24 So Thecla went with Trifina,
+and was entertained there a few
+days, teaching her the word of the
+Lord, whereby many young women
+were converted; and there was
+great joy in the family of Trifina.
+
+25 But Thecla longed to see Paul,
+and inquired and sent every where
+to find him; and when at length
+she was informed that he was at
+Myra, in Lycia, she took with her
+many young men and women; and
+putting on a girdle, and dressing
+herself in the habit of a man,
+she went to him to Myra in Lycia,
+and there found Paul preaching
+the word of God; and she stood
+by him among the throng.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ 1 Thecla visits Paul;
+ 6 visits Onesiphorus;
+ 8 and visits her Mother
+ 9 who repulses her.
+ 14 Is tempted by the devil.
+ 16 Works miracles.
+
+BUT it was no small surprise
+to Paul when he saw her and the
+people with her; for he imagined
+some fresh trial was coming upon them;
+
+2 Which when Thecla perceived,
+she said to him: I have been baptized,
+O Paul; for he who assists you in
+preaching, has assisted me to baptize.
+
+3 Then Paul took her, and led her
+to the house of Hermes; and Thecla
+related to Paul all that had
+befallen her in Antioch, insomuch
+that Paul exceedingly wondered,
+and all who heard were confirmed
+in the faith, and prayed for
+Trifina's happiness.
+
+4 Then Thecla arose, and said
+to Paul, I am going to Iconium.
+Paul replied to her: Go and teach
+the word of the Lord.
+
+5 But Trifina had sent large sums
+of money to Paul, and also clothing
+by the hands of Thecla, for the
+relief of the poor.
+
+6 So Thecla went to Iconium.
+And when she came to the house
+of Onesiphorus, she fell down upon
+the floor where Paul had sat and
+preached, and, mixing tears with
+her prayers, she praised and
+glorified God in the following
+words:
+
+7 O Lord the God of this house,
+in which I was first enlightened by
+thee; O Jesus, son of the living
+God, who wast my helper before
+the governor, my helper in the
+fire, and my helper among the
+beasts; thou alone art God for
+ever and ever, Amen.
+
+8 Thecla now (on her return)
+found Thamyris dead, but her
+mother living. So calling her
+mother, she said to her: Theoclia,
+my mother, is it possible for you
+to be brought to a belief, that
+there is but one Lord God, who
+dwells in the heavens? If you
+desire great riches, God will
+give them to you by me; if you
+want your daughter again, here
+I am.
+
+9 These and many other things
+she represented to her mother,
+(endeavouring) to persuade her
+(to her own opinion). But her
+mother Theoclia gave no credit to
+the things which were said by the
+martyr Thecla.
+
+10 So that Thecla perceiving,
+she discoursed to no purpose,
+signing her whole body with the
+sign (of the cross), left the house
+and went to Daphne; and when
+she came there, she went to the
+cave, where she had found Paul
+with Onesiphorus, and fell down
+upon the ground; and wept before
+God.
+
+11 When she departed thence,
+she went to Seleucia, and
+enlightened many in the knowledge
+of Christ.
+
+12 And a bright cloud conducted
+her in her journey.
+
+13 And after she had arrived at
+Seleucia she went-to a place out
+of the city, about the distance
+of a furlong, being afraid of the
+inhabitants, because they were
+worshippers of idols.
+
+14 And she was lead (by the
+cloud) into a mountain called
+Calamon, or Rodeon. There she
+abode many years, and underwent
+a great many grievous temptations
+of the devil, which she bore in a
+becoming manner, by the assistance
+which she had from Christ.
+
+15 At length certain gentle-women
+hearing of the virgin Thecla, went
+to her, and were instructed by her
+in the oracles of God, and many of
+them abandoned this world, and led
+a monastic life with her.
+
+16 Hereby a good report was
+spread everywhere of Thecla, and
+she wrought several (miraculous)
+cures, so that all the city and
+adjacent countries brought their
+sick to that mountain, and before
+they came as far as the door of
+the cave, they were instantly cured
+of whatso'ever distemper they had.
+
+17 The unclean spirits were cast
+out, making a noise; all received
+their sick made whole, and glorified
+God, who had bestowed such power
+on the virgin Thecla;
+
+18 Insomuch that the physicians
+of Seleucia were now of no more
+account, and lost all the profit
+of their trade, because no one
+regarded them; upon which they
+were filled with envy, and began
+to contrive what methods to take
+with this servant of Christ.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+ 1 Thecla is attempted to be ravished,
+ 12 escapes by a rock opening,
+ 17 and closing miraculously.
+
+THE devil then suggested bad
+advice to their minds; and
+being on a certain day met together
+to consult, they reasoned among
+each other thus: The virgin is a
+priestess of the great goddess
+Diana, and whatsoever she requests
+from her, is granted, because she
+is a virgin, and so is beloved
+by all the gods.
+
+2 Now then let us procure some
+rakish fellows, and after we have
+made them sufficiently drunk, and
+given them a good sum of money,
+let us order them to go and debauch
+this virgin, promising them, if
+they do it, a larger reward.
+
+3 (For they thus concluded among
+themselves, that if they be able
+to debauch her, the gods will no
+more regard her nor Diana cure
+the sick for her).
+
+4 They proceeded according to
+this resolution, and the fellows
+went to the mountain, and as fierce
+as lions to the cave, knocking at
+the door.
+
+5 The holy martyr Thecla relying
+upon the God in whom she believed,
+opened the door, although she was
+before apprised of their design,
+and said to them, Young men,
+what is your business?
+
+6 They replied, Is there any
+one within, whose name is Thecla?
+She answered, What would you
+have with her? They said, We
+have a mind to lie with her.
+
+7 The blessed Thecla answered,
+Though I am a mean old woman,
+I am the servant of my Lord Jesus
+Christ; and though you have a
+vile design against me, ye shall
+not be able to accomplish it. They
+replied, Is it impossible? but we
+must be able to do with you what
+we have a mind,
+
+8 And while they were saying
+this, they laid hold on her by main
+force, and would have ravished her.
+Then she with the (greatest)
+mildness said to them: Young men
+have patience, and see the glory
+of the Lord.
+
+9 And while they held her, she
+looked up to heaven and said: O
+God most reverend, to whom none
+can be likened; who makest thyself
+glorious over thine enemies; who
+didst deliver me from the fire,
+didst not give me up to Thamyris,
+and didst not give me up to
+Alexander: who deliveredst me
+from the wild beasts; who didst
+preserve me in the deep waters;
+who hast everywhere been my
+helper, and hast glorified thy
+name in me;
+
+10 Now also deliver me from
+the hands of these wicked and
+unreasonable men nor suffer them
+to debauch my chastity which I
+have hitherto preserved for thy
+honour; for I love thee, and long
+for thee, and worship thee,
+O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
+for evermore. Amen.
+
+11 Then came a voice from
+heaven, saying, Fear not Thecla,
+my faithful servant, for I am with
+thee. Look and see the place
+which is opened for thee; there thy
+eternal abode shall be; there thou
+shalt receive the (beatific) vision.
+
+12 The blessed Thecla observing,
+saw the rock opened to as large
+a degree as that a man might enter
+in; she did as she was commanded,
+bravely fled from the vile crew,
+and went into the rock, which
+instantly so closed, that there
+was not any crack visible where
+it had opened.
+
+13 The men stood perfectly
+astonished at so prodigious a
+miracle, and had no power to detain
+the servant of God; but only
+catching hold of her veil (or hood),
+they tore off a piece of it;
+
+14 And even that was by the
+permission of God, for the
+confirmation of their faith,
+who should come to see this
+venerable place; and to convey
+blessings to those in succeeding
+ages, who should believe on our
+Lord Jesus Christ from a pure heart.
+
+15 Thus suffered that first
+martyr and apostle of God, and
+virgin, Thecla, who came from
+Iconium at eighteen years of age;
+afterwards, partly in journeys and
+travels, and partly in a monastic
+life in the cave, she lived seventy-
+two years; so that she was ninety
+years old when the Lord translated
+her.
+
+16 Thus ends her life.
+
+17 The day which is kept sacred
+to her memory, is the twenty-fourth
+of September, to the glory of the
+Father, and the Son, and the Holy
+Ghost, now and for evermore. Amen.
+
+
+
+ REFERENCES TO THE ACTS OF ST. PAUL AND THECLA.
+
+[Tertullian says that this piece was forged by a Presbyter of Asia, who
+being convicted, "confessed that he did it out of respect to Paul," and
+Pope Gelasius, in his Decree against apocryphal books, inserted it among
+them. Notwithstanding this, a large part of the history was credited and
+looked upon as genuine among the primitive Christians. Cyprian,
+Eusebius, Epiphanius, Austin, Gregory, Nagianzen. Chrysostom, and Severus
+Sulpitius, who all lived within the fourth century mention Thecla or
+refer to her history. Basil of Seleucia wrote her acts, sufferings and
+victories, in verse; and Euagrius Scholasticus an ecclesiastical
+historian, about 590, relates that "after the Emperor Zeno, had
+abdicated his empire, and Basilik had taken possession of it, he had a
+vision of the holy and excellent martyr Thecla, who promised him the
+restoration of his empire; for which, when it was brought about, he
+erected and dedicated a most noble and sumptuous temple to this famous
+martyr, Thecla, at Seleucia, a city of Isauria, and bestowed upon it very
+noble endowments, which (says the author) are preserved even till this
+day." Hist. Ecel. lib. 3 cap. 8.--Cardinal Barenius, Locrinus, Archbishop
+Wake, and others; and also the learned Grabe, who edited the Septuagint,
+and revived the Acts of Paul and Thecla, consider them as having been
+written in the Apostolic age; as containing nothing superstitious, or
+disagreeing from the opinions and belief of those times; and, in short,
+as a genuine and authentic history. Again, it is said, that this is not
+the original book of the early Christians; but however that may be, it
+is published from the Greek MS. in the Bodlian Library at Oxford, which
+Dr. Mills copied and transmitted to Dr, Grabe.]
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FORBIDDEN GOSPELS, BY WAKE, V5 ***
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