CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT FROM
Alfred C. Barnes
The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029308503
THE
FOURTH BOOK
OF MACCABEES:
CONTAINING
REFLECTIONS ON RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLE: LIKEWISE, AN ACCOUNT OF HELIODORUS’ ATTEMPT TO PLUNDER THE TEMPLE: AND THE HISTORY OF ELEAZAR AND THE SEVEN BRETHREN PERSECUTED EVEN TO DEATH FOR THEIR ADHERENCE TO RELIGION.
CHAPTER XIV
B.C. 167
Reflections on the noble conduct of the youths, and on their mother’s sufferings.
And more than this, they were even encouraging them on to the cruel treatment: so that they not only disregarded those pains but likewise overcame the affections of brotherly love. O principles, kinglier than a king! More liberal than the liberal minded a! O sacred and harmonious agreement of the seven brethren in religion! Not one of the seven youths shewed cowardice, nor
shrank back from death. But all, as if they were running the road to immortality, hastened to the death by torture. For, as the hands and feet move in accordance with the directions of these holy youths, being moved by religion b, as by one immortal soul, joined in undergoing death for its sake.
O most holy sevenfold band c of accordant brothers! For, as the seven days of creation revolving formed the circle of the week: so, these youths formed a circling band of piety, overcoming the fear of the tyrants’ torments. Now we, even at hearing the affliction of those young men, are struck with horror; but they, not only seeing, and not only hearing the threatening words on the spot, but also suffering the effect of those threats, endured it; and this, through the pains of fire. Then which, what can be more pain full? For the power of fire, being sharp and rapid, quickly consumes the bodies. And think it not marvellous, that the principle of those men prevailed amidst their torments; when even a woman’s mind despised pains still more varied. For the mother d of those seven
young men endured equal racking’s over every one of her children. And consider now, how extensive and variously entwined e is the ardour of parental affection, drawing every creature to a sympathy with its own offspring. Since even irrational animals entertain towards their young the same sympathy and affection as human beings. For instance, among birds, those which are domesticated and wander about our houses, defend their young. And those which make nests and hatch young on the tops of mountains, and in the crags of valleys, and the hollows and tops of trees, hinder any one from approaching them. And even if they are unable to prevent this ; —flying around f them, in agony of affection, calling out in their peculiar note, they succour their offspring in whatever manner they are able. And why need we shew by example of irrational animals the sympathy which exists towards our children? When even bees, at the season of making honey, drive away those who approach them; and pierce with their sting, as with a sword, those who go near to their hive, and defend themselves even unto death.
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