Ecclesiasticus — Book front (modern spelling)

The Argument of the Book of Ecclesiasticus

IN what sense this Book is sometimes called Salomon's, we have shewed in the argument before the Book of Wisdom. As likewise that it is Canonical Scripture. Whereto we might add more testimonies of ancient¹ Fathers: as S. Clement of Alexandria, li. 1. c. 8. Pedagogi, Origen. ho. 8. in Numer. & ho. 1. in Ezech. S. Cyprian de opere & eleemos. S. Athanasius in Synopsi, & li. de virginitate. S. Basil in regul. disput. resp. 104. S. Gregory Nazianzen. Orat. 2. advers. Julian. S. Epiphanius. hær. 76. & in Ancorato. S. Hilarie, in Psal. 144. S. Ambrose de bono mortis. c. 8. & Ser. 22. in Psal. 118. S. Chrysostom ho. 33. ad populum Antioch. S. Augustin, li. 2. c. 8. Doct. Christ. & li. 17. c. 20. de Civit. S. Gregory the great in Psal. 50. and many others expressly cite this book as holy Scripture. But chiefly we rely upon the authority of the Church defining that it is Canonical. It was written by Jesus the son of Sirach in Hebrew², about the time of Simon Justus, otherwise called Priscus: and translated into Greek by the author's Nephew, as the same Translator testifieth in his Prologue, but expresseth not his own name. It is called Ecclesiasticus, which signifieth a Collector or Gatherer, as a common title of every ordinary preacher, instructing and exhorting the multitude gathered to a sermon: with difference from Ecclesiastes:³ Which signifieth The Preacher, as a greater title of the chief or principal Preacher of any Church, City, or Province, and agreeth most eminently to Christ our Saviour: Who preached, and sendeth preachers to the whole world. And for the excellent contents, it may also rightly be called Panaretos,⁴ that is, a Receptacle, or storehouse of all virtues, for the instruction of all in general, to cooperate with God's grace in this life, and so inherit eternal glory. In forty and three whole chapters,⁵ are mixtly the commendations, and precepts of all sorts of virtues; sometimes in particular, but more often under the general names of wisdom and Justice. In the other eight chapters, are recited many excellent examples of most renowned holy men: with praises and thanks to God.

The Prologue

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: 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 our 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 another 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 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.