It will be found that by far the greater number of coincidences occur in the first chapter, a fact which suggests the conjecture that St. James had been reading Ecclesiasticus shortly before he began to write. In the middle of the Epistle there is very little that strongly recalls the son of Sirach. In the last chapter there are one or two striking parallels; but by far the larger proportion is in the first chapter. ECCLESIASTICUS. ST. JAMES. 1. A patient man will bear for a Count it all joy, my brethren, time, and afterward joy shall when ye fall into manifold spring up unto him (i. 23). temptations (πειρασμοῖς), knowing that the proof (τὸ δοκίμιον) My son, if thou come to serve the of your faith worketh patience. Lord, prepare thy soul for And let patience have her perfect temptation (πειρασμόν). Set thy work, that ye may be perfect heart aright, and constantly and entire, lacking in nothing endure.... Whatsoever is brought (i. 2-4). upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a Blessed is the man that endureth low estate. For gold is tried temptation (πειρασμόν); (δοκιμάζεται) in the fire, and for when he hath been approved acceptable men in the furnace of (δόκιμος γενόμενος), he shall adversity (ii. 1-5). receive the crown of life (i. 12). 2. If thou desire wisdom But if any of you lacketh (σοφίαν), keep the commandments, wisdom (σοφίαν), let him ask and the Lord shall give her unto of God, who giveth to all men thee (i. 26). liberally, and upbraideth not (μὴ ὀνειδίζοντος); and it shall I desired wisdom (σοφίαν) openly be given him (i. 5). in my prayer.... The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward (li. 13, 22). Thy desire for wisdom (σοφίας) shall be given thee (vi. 37. Comp. xliii. 33). [A fool] will give little, and will upbraid (ὀνειδίσει) much (xx. 15). After thou hast given, upbraid (ὀνείδιζε) not (xli. 22. Comp. xviii. 18). 3. Distrust not the fear of the But let him ask in faith, Lord; and come not unto Him with a nothing doubting: for he that double heart (i. 28). doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint tossed. For let not that man hands, and the sinner that goeth think that he shall receive two ways (ii. 12). anything of the Lord; a double-minded man, unstable in all Be not faint-hearted when thou his ways (i. 6-8. Comp. iv. 8). makest thy prayer (vii. 10. Comp. xxxiii. 2; xxxv. 16, 17).