The Wisdom of the East Series EDITED BY L. CRANMER-BYNG Dr. S. A. KAPADIA THE WISDOM OF THE APOCRYPHA EDITORIAL NOTE The object of the Editors of this series is a very definite one. They desire above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be the ambassadors of good-will and understanding between East and West--the old world of Thought and the new of Action. In this endeavour, and in their own sphere, they are but followers of the highest example in the land. They are confident that a deeper knowledge of the great ideals and lofty philosophy of Oriental thought may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which neither despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour. Finally, in thanking press and public for the very cordial reception given to the “Wisdom of the East” Series, they wish to state that no pains have been spared to secure the best specialists for the treatment of the various subjects at hand. L. CRANMER-BYNG. S. A. KAPADIA. NORTHBROOK SOCIETY, 185 PICCADILLY, W. WISDOM OF THE EAST THE WISDOM OF THE APOCRYPHA WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY C. E. LAWRENCE AUTHOR OF “PILGRIMAGE,” ETC. [Illustration] LONDON JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W. 1910 To A. W. E. & L. C. B. CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 7 THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON 19 ECCLESIASTICUS 38 NOTE The Revised Version of the Apocrypha has been used in this volume by the kind permission of the Delegates and Syndics of the University Presses of Oxford and Cambridge. Owing to rigid limitations of space, some deletions have been necessary. These are, principally, the last nine chapters of _The Wisdom of Solomon_, consisting of historical illustrations, and therefore quite well spared; and in _Ecclesiasticus_ chapters xxxv., xxxvi., and from xliv. 16 to 1. 21. The design on the cover is the work of Mr. Edward Frampton, whom I am glad to thank. C. E. L. THE WISDOM OF THE APOCRYPHA INTRODUCTION