The praises of the holy fathers, in particular of Enoch, Noe, Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob.
44:1. Let us now praise men of renown and our fathers in their
generation.
44:2. The Lord hath wrought great glory through his magnificence from
the beginning.
44:3. Such as have borne rule in their dominions, men of great power,
and endued with their wisdom, shewing forth in the prophets the dignity
of prophets,
44:4. And ruling over the present people, and by the strength of wisdom
instructing the people in most holy words.
44:5. Such as by their skill sought out musical tunes, and published
canticles of the scriptures.
44:6. Rich men in virtue, studying beautifulness: living at peace in
their houses.
44:7. All these have gained glory in their generations, and were praised
in their days.
44:8. They that were born of them have left a name behind them, that
their praises might be related:
44:9. And there are some, of whom there is no memorial: who are
perished, as if they had never been: and are become as if they had never
been born, and their children with them.
44:10. But these were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed:
44:11. Good things continue with their seed,
44:12. Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood
in the covenants.
44:13. And their children for their sakes remain for ever: their seed
and their glory shall not be forsaken.
44:14. Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto
generation and generation.
44:15. Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare
their praise.
44:16. Henoch pleased God, and was translated into paradise, that he may
give repentance to the nations.
44:17. Noe was found perfect, just, and in the time of wrath he was made
a reconciliation.
44:18. Therefore was there a remnant left to the earth, when the flood
came.
44:19. The covenants of the world were made with him, that all flesh
should no more be destroyed with the flood.
44:20. Abraham was the great father of a multitude of nations, and there
was not found the like to him in glory, who kept the law of the most
High, and was in covenant with him.
44:21. In his flesh he established the covenant, and in temptation he
was found faithful.
44:22. Therefore by an oath he gave him glory in his posterity, that he
should increase as the dust of the earth,
44:23. And that he would exalt his seed as the stars, and they should
inherit from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.
44:24. And he did in like manner with Isaac for the sake of Abraham his
father.
44:25. The Lord gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed his
covenant upon the head of Jacob.
44:26. He acknowledged him in his blessings, and gave him an
inheritance, and divided him his portion in twelve tribes.
44:27. And he preserved for him men of mercy, that found grace in the
eyes of all flesh.