The Prologue upon Ecclesiasticus

The knowledge of many and great things hath been shewed us by the Law, and the Prophets, and others that followed them: in which we ought:: to praise Israel for doctrine & wisdom:¹ because not only they in speaking must needs be cunning, but strangers also both learning & writing, may become most learned. My grandfather Jesus, after he gave himself more amply to the diligence of reading the Law, and the Prophets, and other Books, that were delivered us from our² fathers: himself also would write some of those things, which pertain to doctrine and wisdom: that such as are desirous to learn, and to be made cunning in the same things, may more and more be attent in mind, and be confirmed to the life that is according to the law. I exhort you therefore to come with benevolence, and to read with attent study, and to pardon us for those things, wherein we seeming to follow the image of wisdom, may fail in the composition of words: for the Hebrew words also:: fail when they shall be translated to an other³ tongue. And not only these, but the Law also itself, and the Prophets, and the rest of other books, have no small difference, when they are spoken within themselves. For in the eight and thirtieth year, in the time of Ptolomee Euergetes the king, after I came into Egypt: and when I had been there much time, I found there books left, of no small nor contemptible doctrine. Therefore myself also thought it good, and necessary to [print: ta] add some diligence and labour to interpret this book: and with much watching I brought forth this doctrine in space of time, that men may learn those things which teach them, that will apply their mind, how they ought to order their manners, them that purpose to lead their life according to the Law of our Lord.