CHAPTER 33

33:1 What, then, shall we do, brethren? Shall we cease from well-doing, and abandon charity? May the Master never allow that this should happen to us! but let us rather with diligence and zeal hasten to fulfil every good work.

33:2 For the Maker and Lord of all things rejoiceth in his works.

33:3 By his supreme power he founded the heavens, and by his incomprehensible understanding he ordered them. The earth he separated from the water that surrounded it, and fixed it on the firm foundation of his own will. The animals which inhabit therein he commanded to be by his ordinance. Having made beforehand the sea and the animals that are therein, he shut them in by his own power.

33:4 Man, the most excellent of all animals, infinite in faculty, he moulded with his holy and faultless hands, in the impress of his likeness.

33:5 For thus saith God: Let us make man in our own image, and after our own likeness. And God made man. Male and female made he them.

33:6 When, therefore, he had finished all things, he praised and blessed them, and said, Be fruitful, and multiply.

33:7 Let us see, therefore, how all the just have been adorned with good works. Yea, the Lord himself rejoiced when he had adorned himself with his works.

33:8 Having, therefore, this example, let us come in without shrinking to his will; let us work with all our strength the work of righteousness.