[Illustration: A SHEKEL. SIMON MACCABEUS, 141-135 B. C. E.] CHAPTER V. THE APOCRYPHA. In addition to the Book of Daniel there are other writings that throw light on these times; notably the collection known as "The Apocrypha." This is a Greek word meaning hidden or obscure. This title as applied to their _use_ was to indicate that the books were used for private circulation, rather than for reading at public worship. This title as applied to their _origin_ was to indicate that their authority as sacred scripture was not as certain as that of the Bible books--to be included in the Canon of Scripture. This last application has given a rather sinister meaning to the word "apocryphal." But the collection is full of lofty religious sentiment well worthy to be included in our most sacred treasures. Like the Bible, this collection was not written all at one time, nor in one land. It spreads over the period between 200 B.C.E. and 150 A.C.E., written therefore under Persian, Greek and Roman rule; some in Judea, others in the Diaspora, lands of Jewish dispersion. While the term covers some writings of non-Jewish scribes, the Apocrypha proper includes the Jewish writings only, and only such will be considered here. These consist of fourteen books grouped in the following order: I Esdras, II Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Additions to the Book of Esther, Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, Baruch (with epistle of Jeremiah), Song of the Three Holy Children, History of Susanna, History of Bel and the Dragon, Prayer of Manasses, King of Judah, I Maccabees, II Maccabees. Some are narratives, some books of homilies and maxims, here and there an apocalypse, i.e., prophetic vision. While the narratives are not all histories, they are invaluable as revealing the inner life of the people, their brave struggles, their deep convictions, and their yearnings for better things. One idea seems common to all. Each story is presented as an illustration of the temporal trials of good men and women, like Tobit and Susanna, and the ultimate reward of their fidelity; the edifying purpose throughout tending to foster the faith and courage of the people in time of tribulation. In this respect the apocryphal books resemble the book of Daniel, which might be appropriately included in the collection.