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TheTestamentofAbraham
Version1
1.Abrahamlivedthemeasureofhislife,ninehundredandninetyfiveyears,andhavinglivedalltheyearsof
hislifeinquietness,gentleness,andrighteousness,therighteousonewasexceedinghospitablefor,pitchinghis
tentinthecrosswaysattheoakofMamre,hereceivedeveryone,bothrichandpoor,kingsandrulers,the
maimedandthehelpless,friendsandstrangers,neighborsandtravelers,allalikedidthedevout,allholy,
righteous,andhospitableAbrahamentertain.Evenuponhim,however,therecamethecommon,inexorable,
bitterlotofdeath,andtheuncertainendoflife.ThereforetheLordGod,summoninghisarchangelMichael,said
tohim:Godown,chiefcaptainMichael,toAbrahamandspeaktohimconcerninghisdeath,thathemaysethis
affairsinorder,forIhaveblessedhimasthestarsofheaven,andasthesandbytheseashore,andheisin
abundanceoflonglifeandmanypossessions,andisbecomingexceedingrich.Beyondallmen,moreover,heis
righteousineverygoodness,hospitableandlovingtotheendofhislifebutgo,archangelMichael,toAbraham,
mybelovedfriend,andannouncetohimhisdeathandassurehimthus:Youshallatthistimedepartfromthis
vainworld,andshallquitthebody,andgotoyourownLordamongthegood.
2.AndthechiefcaptaindepartedfrombeforethefaceofGod,andwentdowntoAbrahamtotheoakofMamre,
andfoundtherighteousAbrahaminthefieldcloseby,sittingbesideyokesofoxenforploughing,togetherwith
thesonsofMasekandotherservants,tothenumberoftwelve.Andbeholdthechiefcaptaincametohim,and
Abraham,seeingthechiefcaptainMichaelcomingfromafar,liketoaverycomelywarrior,aroseandmethim
aswashiscustom,meetingandentertainingallstrangers.Andthechiefcaptainsalutedhimandsaid:Hail,most
honoredfather,righteoussoulchosenofGod,truesonoftheheavenlyone.Abrahamsaidtothechiefcaptain:
Hail,mosthonoredwarrior,brightasthesunandmostbeautifulaboveallthesonsofmenyouarewelcome
thereforeIbeseechyourpresence,tellmewhencetheyouthofyouragehascometeachme,yoursuppliant,
whenceandfromwhatarmyandfromwhatjourneyyourbeautyhascomehither.Thechiefcaptainsaid:I,O
righteousAbraham,comefromthegreatcity.Ihavebeensentbythegreatkingtotaketheplaceofagood
friendofhis,forthekinghassummonedhim.AndAbrahamsaid,Come,myLord,gowithmeasfarasmy
field.Thechiefcaptainsaid:Icomeandgoingintothefieldoftheploughing,theysatdownbesidethe
company.AndAbrahamsaidtohisservants,thesonsofMasek:Gototheherdofhorses,andbringtwohorses,
quiet,andgentleandtame,sothatIandthisstrangermaysitthereon.Butthechiefcaptainsaid,Nay,myLord,
Abraham,letthemnotbringhorses,forIabstainfromeversittinguponanyfourfootedbeast.Isnotmyking
richinmuchmerchandise,havingpowerbothovermenandallkindsofcattle?ButIabstainfromeversitting
uponanyfourfootedbeast.Letusgo,then,Orighteoussoul,walkinglightlyuntilwereachyourhouse.And
Abrahamsaid,Amen,beitso.
3.Andastheywentonfromthefieldtowardhishouse,besidethatwaytherestoodacypresstree,andbythe
commandoftheLordthetreecriedoutwithahumanvoice,saying,Holy,holy,holyistheLordGodthatcalls
himselftothosethatlovehimbutAbrahamhidthemystery,thinkingthatthechiefcaptainhadnotheardthe
voiceofthetree.Andcomingneartothehousetheysatdowninthecourt,andIsaacseeingthefaceoftheangel
saidtoSarahhismother,Myladymother,behold,themansittingwithmyfatherAbrahamisnotasonofthe
raceofthosethatdwellontheearth.AndIsaacran,andsalutedhim,andfellatthefeetoftheIncorporeal,and
theIncorporealblessedhimandsaid,TheLordGodwillgrantyouhispromisethathemadetoyourfather
Abrahamandtohisseed,andwillalsograntyouthepreciousprayerofyourfatherandyourmother.Abraham
saidtoIsaachisson,MysonIsaac,drawwaterfromthewell,andbringitmeinthevessel,thatwemaywash
thefeetofthisstranger,forheistired,havingcometousfromoffalongjourney.AndIsaacrantothewelland
drewwaterinthevesselandbroughtittothem,andAbrahamwentupandwashedthefeetofthechiefcaptain
Michael,andtheheartofAbrahamwasmoved,andheweptoverthestranger.AndIsaac,seeinghisfather
weeping,weptalso,andthechiefcaptain,seeingthemweeping,alsoweptwiththem,andthetearsofthechief
captainfelluponthevesselintothewaterofthebasinandbecamepreciousstones.AndAbrahamseeingthe
marvel,andbeingastonished,tookthestonessecretly,andhidthemystery,keepingitbyhimselfinhisheart.
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4.AndAbrahamsaidtoIsaachisson:Go,mybelovedson,intotheinnerchamberofthehouseandbeautifyit.
Spreadforustheretwocouches,oneformeandoneforthismanthatisguestwithusthisday.Prepareforus
thereaseatandacandlestickandatablewithabundanceofeverygoodthing.Beautifythechamber,myson,
andspreadunderuslinenandpurpleandfinelinen.Burnthereeverypreciousandexcellentincense,andbring
sweetsmellingplantsfromthegardenandfillourhousewiththem.Kindlesevenlampsfullofoil,sothatwe
mayrejoice,forthismanthatisourguestthisdayismoregloriousthankingsorrulers,andhisappearance
surpassesallthesonsofmen.AndIsaacpreparedallthingswell,andAbrahamtakingthearchangelMichael
wentintothechamber,andtheybothsatdownuponthecouches,andbetweenthemheplacedatablewith
abundanceofeverygoodthing.Thenthechiefcaptainaroseandwentout,asifbyconstraintofhisbellyto
makeissueofwater,andascendedtoheaveninthetwinklingofaneye,andstoodbeforetheLord,andsaidto
him:LordandMaster,letyourpowerknowthatIamunabletoremindthatrighteousmanofhisdeath,forI
havenotseenupontheearthamanlikehim,pitiful,hospitable,righteous,truthful,devout,refrainingfrom
everyevildeed.Andnowknow,Lord,thatIcannotremindhimofhisdeath.AndtheLordsaid:Godown,
chiefcaptainMichael,tomyfriendAbraham,anddowhateverhesaystoyou,andeatwithhimwhateverhe
eats.AndIwillsendmyHolySpirituponhissonIsaac,andwillputtheremembranceofhisdeathintotheheart
ofIsaac,sothatevenheinadreammayseethedeathofhisfather,andIsaacwillrelatethedream,andyoushall
interpretit,andhehimselfwillknowhisend.Andthechiefcaptainsaid,Lord,alltheheavenlyspiritsare
incorporeal,andneithereatnordrink,andthismanhassetbeforemeatablewithabundanceofallgoodthings
earthlyandcorruptible.Now,Lord,whatshallIdo?HowshallIescapehim,sittingatonetablewithhim?The
Lordsaid:Godowntohim,andtakenothoughtforthis,forwhenyousitdownwithhim,Iwillsenduponyoua
devouringspirit,anditwillconsumeoutofyourhandsandthroughyourmouthallthatisonthetable.Rejoice
togetherwithhimineverything,onlyyoushallinterpretwellthethingsofthevision,thatAbrahammayknow
thesickleofdeathandtheuncertainendoflife,andmaymakedisposalofallhispossessions,forIhaveblessed
himabovethesandoftheseaandasthestarsofheaven.
5.ThenthechiefcaptainwentdowntothehouseofAbraham,andsatdownwithhimatthetable,andIsaac
servedthem.Andwhenthesupperwasended,Abrahamprayedafterhiscustom,andthechiefcaptainprayed
togetherwithhim,andeachlaydowntosleepuponhiscouch.AndIsaacsaidtohisfather,Father,Itoowould
fainsleepwithyouinthischamber,thatIalsomayhearyourdiscourse,forIlovetoheartheexcellenceofthe
conversationofthisvirtuousman.Abrahamsaid,Nay,myson,butgotoyourownchamberandsleeponyour
owncouch,lestwebetroublesometothisman.ThenIsaac,havingreceivedtheprayerfromthem,andhaving
blessedthem,wenttohisownchamberandlaydownuponhiscouch.ButtheLordcastthethoughtofdeathinto
theheartofIsaacasinadream,andaboutthethirdhourofthenightIsaacawokeandroseupfromhiscouch,
andcamerunningtothechamberwherehisfatherwassleepingtogetherwiththearchangel.Isaac,therefore,on
reachingthedoorcriedout,saying,MyfatherAbraham,ariseandopentomequickly,thatImayenterandhang
uponyourneck,andembraceyoubeforetheytakeyouawayfromme.Abrahamthereforearoseandopenedto
him,andIsaacenteredandhunguponhisneck,andbegantoweepwithaloudvoice.Abrahamthereforebeing
movedatheart,alsoweptwithaloudvoice,andthechiefcaptain,seeingthemweeping,weptalso.Sarahbeing
inherroom,heardtheirweeping,andcamerunningtothem,andfoundthemembracingandweeping.And
Sarahsaidwithweeping,MyLordAbraham,whatisthisthatyouweep?Tellme,myLord,hasthisbrotherthat
hasbeenentertainedbyusthisdaybroughtyoutidingsofLot,yourbrother'sson,thatheisdead?Isitforthis
thatyougrievethus?Thechiefcaptainansweredandsaidtoher,Nay,mysisterSarah,itisnotasyousay,but
yoursonIsaac,methinks,beheldadream,andcametousweeping,andweseeinghimweremovedinourhearts
andwept.
6.ThenSarah,hearingtheexcellenceoftheconversationofthechiefcaptain,straightwayknewthatitwasan
angeloftheLordthatspoke.SarahthereforesignifiedtoAbrahamtocomeouttowardsthedoor,andsaidto
him,MyLordAbraham,doyouknowwhothismanis?Abrahamsaid,Iknownot.Sarahsaid,Youknow,my
Lord,thethreemenfromheaventhatwereentertainedbyusinourtentbesidetheoakofMamre,whenyou
killedthekidwithoutblemish,andsetatablebeforethem.Afterthefleshhadbeeneaten,thekidroseagain,
andsuckeditsmotherwithgreatjoy.Doyounotknow,myLordAbraham,thatbypromisetheygavetous
Isaacasthefruitofthewomb?Ofthesethreeholymenthisisone.Abrahamsaid,OSarah,inthisyouspeakthe
truth.GloryandpraisefromourGodandtheFather.ForlateintheeveningwhenIwashedhisfeetinthebasinI
saidinmyheart,ThesearethefeetofoneofthethreementhatIwashedthenandhistearsthatfellintothe
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basinthenbecamepreciousstones.AndshakingthemoutfromhislaphegavethemtoSarah,saying,Ifyou
believemenot,looknowatthese.AndSarahreceivingthemboweddownandsalutedandsaid,GlorybetoGod
thatshowsuswonderfulthings.Andnowknow,myLordAbraham,thatthereisamongustherevelationof
something,whetheritbeevilorgood!
7.AndAbrahamleftSarah,andwentintothechamber,andsaidtoIsaac,Comehither,mybelovedson,tellme
thetruth,whatitwasyousawandwhatbefellyouthatyoucamesohastilytous.AndIsaacansweringbeganto
say,Isaw,myLord,inthisnightthesunandthemoonabovemyhead,surroundingmewithitsraysandgiving
melight.AsIgazedatthisandrejoiced,Isawtheheavenopened,andamanbearinglightdescendfromit,
shiningmorethansevensuns.Andthismanlikethesuncameandtookawaythesunfrommyhead,andwent
upintotheheavensfromwhencehecame,butIwasgreatlygrievedthathetookawaythesunfromme.Aftera
little,asIwasstillsorrowingandsoretroubled,Isawthismancomeforthfromheavenasecondtime,andhe
tookawayfrommethemoonalsofromoffmyhead,andIweptgreatlyandcalleduponthatmanoflight,and
said,Donot,myLord,takeawaymygloryfrommepitymeandhearme,andifyoutakeawaythesunfrom
me,thenleavethemoontome.Hesaid,Sufferthemtobetakenuptothekingabove,forhewishesthemthere.
Andhetookthemawayfromme,buthelefttheraysuponme.Thechiefcaptainsaid,Hear,Orighteous
Abrahamthesunwhichyoursonsawisyouhisfather,andthemoonlikewiseisSarahhismother.Theman
bearinglightwhodescendedfromheaven,thisistheonesentfromGodwhoistotakeyourrighteoussoulfrom
you.Andnowknow,OmosthonoredAbraham,thatatthistimeyoushallleavethisworldlylife,andremoveto
God.AbrahamsaidtothechiefcaptainOstrangestofmarvels!Andnowareyouhethatshalltakemysoulfrom
me?Thechiefcaptainsaidtohim,IamthechiefcaptainMichael,thatstandsbeforetheLord,andIwassentto
youtoremindyouofyourdeath,andthenIshalldeparttohimasIwascommanded.Abrahamsaid,NowI
knowthatyouareanangeloftheLord,andwastsenttotakemysoul,butIwillnotgowithyoubutdo
whateveryouarecommanded.
8.Thechiefcaptainhearingthesewordsimmediatelyvanished,andascendingintoheavenstoodbeforeGod,
andtoldallthathehadseeninthehouseofAbrahamandthechiefcaptainsaidthisalsotohisLord,Thussays
yourfriendAbraham,Iwillnotgowithyou,butdowhateveryouarecommandedandnow,OLordAlmighty,
doesyourgloryandimmortalkingdomorderanything?GodsaidtothechiefcaptainMichael,Gotomyfriend
Abrahamyetonceagain,andspeaktohimthus,ThussaystheLordyourGod,hethatbroughtyouintotheland
ofpromise,thatblessedyouabovethesandoftheseaandabovethestarsofheaven,thatopenedthewombof
barrennessofSarah,andgrantedyouIsaacasthefruitofthewombinoldage,VerilyIsayuntoyouthat
blessingIwillblessyou,andmultiplyingIwillmultiplyyourseed,andIwillgiveyouallthatyoushallask
fromme,forIamtheLordyourGod,andbesidesmethereisnoother.Tellmewhyyouhaverebelledagainst
me,andwhythereisgriefinyou,andwhyyourebelledagainstmyarchangelMichael?Doyounotknowthat
allwhohavecomefromAdamandEvehavedied,andthatnoneoftheprophetshasescapeddeath?Noneof
thosethatruleaskingsisimmortalnoneofyourforefathershasescapedthemysteryofdeath.Theyhaveall
died,theyhavealldepartedintoHades,theyareallgatheredbythesickleofdeath.ButuponyouIhavenotsent
death,Ihavenotsufferedanydeadlydiseasetocomeuponyou,Ihavenotpermittedthesickleofdeathtomeet
you,IhavenotallowedthenetsofHadestoenfoldyou,Ihaveneverwishedyoutomeetwithanyevil.Butfor
goodcomfortIhavesentmychiefcaptainMichaeltoyou,thatyoumayknowyourdeparturefromtheworld,
andsetyourhouseinorder,andallthatbelongstoyou,andblessIsaacyourbelovedson.AndnowknowthatI
havedonethisnotwishingtogrieveyou.Whereforethenhaveyousaidtomychiefcaptain,Iwillnotgowith
you?Whereforehaveyouspokenthus?DoyounotknowthatifIgiveleavetodeathandhecomesuponyou,
thenIshouldseewhetheryouwouldcomeornot?
9.AndthechiefcaptainreceivingtheexhortationsoftheLordwentdowntoAbraham,andseeinghimthe
righteousonefelluponhisfacetothegroundasonedead,andthechiefcaptaintoldhimallthathehadheard
fromtheMostHigh.ThentheholyandjustAbrahamrisingwithmanytearsfellatthefeetoftheIncorporeal,
andbesoughthim,saying,Ibeseechyou,chiefcaptainofthehostsabove,sinceyouhavewhollydeignedto
comeyourselftomeasinnerandinallthingsyourunworthyservant,Ibeseechyouevennow,Ochiefcaptain,
tocarrymywordyetagaintotheMostHigh,andyoushallsaytohim,ThussaysAbrahamyourservant,Lord,
Lord,ineveryworkandwordwhichIhaveaskedofyouyouhaveheardme,andhastfulfilledallmycounsel.
Now,Lord,Iresistnotyourpower,forItooknowthatIamnotimmortalbutmortal.Sincethereforetoyour
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commandallthingsyield,andfearandtrembleatthefaceofyourpower,Ialsofear,butIaskonerequestof
you,andnow,LordandMaster,hearmyprayer,forwhilestillinthisbodyIdesiretoseealltheinhabitedearth,
andallthecreationswhichyouestablishedbyoneword,andwhenIseethese,thenifIshalldepartfromlifeI
shallbewithoutsorrow.Sothechiefcaptainwentbackagain,andstoodbeforeGod,andtoldhimall,saying,
ThussaysyourfriendAbraham,IdesiredtobeholdalltheearthinmylifetimebeforeIdied.AndtheMostHigh
hearingthis,againcommandedthechiefcaptainMichael,andsaidtohim,Takeacloudoflight,andtheangels
thathavepoweroverthechariots,andgodown,taketherighteousAbrahamuponachariotofthecherubim,and
exalthimintotheairofheaventhathemaybeholdalltheearth.
10.AndthearchangelMichaelwentdownandtookAbrahamuponachariotofthecherubim,andexaltedhim
intotheairofheaven,andledhimuponthecloudtogetherwithsixtyangels,andAbrahamascendeduponthe
chariotoveralltheearth.AndAbrahamsawtheworldasitwasinthatday,someploughing,othersdriving
wains,inoneplacemenherdingflocks,andinanotherwatchingthembynight,anddancingandplayingand
harping,inanotherplacemenstrivingandcontendingatlaw,elsewheremenweepingandhavingthedeadin
remembrance.Hesawalsothenewlyweddedreceivedwithhonor,andinawordhesawallthingsthataredone
intheworld,bothgoodandbad.Abrahamthereforepassingoverthemsawmenbearingswords,wieldingin
theirhandssharpenedswords,andAbrahamaskedthechiefcaptain,Whoarethese?Thechiefcaptainsaid,
Thesearethieves,whointendtocommitmurder,andtostealandburnanddestroy.Abrahamsaid,Lord,Lord,
hearmyvoice,andcommandthatwildbeastsmaycomeoutofthewoodanddevourthem.Andevenashe
spoketherecamewildbeastsoutofthewoodanddevouredthem.Andhesawinanotherplaceamanwitha
womancommittingfornicationwitheachother,andsaid,Lord,Lord,commandthattheearthmayopenand
swallowthem,andstraightwaytheearthwascleftandswallowedthem.Andhesawinanotherplacemen
diggingthroughahouse,andcarryingawayothermen'spossessions,andhesaid,Lord,Lord,commandthatfire
maycomedownfromheavenandconsumethem.Andevenashespoke,firecamedownfromheavenand
consumedthem.Andstraightwaytherecameavoicefromheaventothechiefcaptain,sayingthus,Ochief
captainMichael,commandthechariottostop,andturnAbrahamawaythathemaynotseealltheearth,forifhe
beholdallthatliveinwickedness,hewilldestroyallcreation.Forbehold,Abrahamhasnotsinned,andhasno
pityonsinners,butIhavemadetheworld,anddesirenottodestroyanyoneofthem,butwaitforthedeathof
thesinner,tillhebeconvertedandlive.ButtakeAbrahamuptothefirstgateofheaven,thathemayseethere
thejudgmentsandrecompenses,andrepentofthesoulsofthesinnersthathehasdestroyed.
11.SoMichaelturnedthechariotandbroughtAbrahamtotheeast,tothefirstgateofheavenandAbrahamsaw
twoways,theonenarrowandcontracted,theotherbroadandspacious,andtherehesawtwogates,theone
broadonthebroadway,andtheothernarrowonthenarrowway.Andoutsidethetwogatestherehesawaman
sittinguponagildedthrone,andtheappearanceofthatmanwasterrible,asoftheLord.Andtheysawmany
soulsdrivenbyangelsandledinthroughthebroadgate,andothersouls,fewinnumber,thatweretakenbythe
angelsthroughthenarrowgate.Andwhenthewonderfulonewhosatuponthegoldenthronesawfewentering
throughthenarrowgate,andmanyenteringthroughthebroadone,straightwaythatwonderfulonetorethehairs
ofhisheadandthesidesofhisbeard,andthrewhimselfonthegroundfromhisthrone,weepingandlamenting.
Butwhenhesawmanysoulsenteringthroughthenarrowgate,thenhearosefromthegroundandsatuponhis
throneingreatjoy,rejoicingandexulting.AndAbrahamaskedthechiefcaptain,MyLordchiefcaptain,whois
thismostmarvelousman,adornedwithsuchglory,andsometimesheweepsandlaments,andsometimeshe
rejoicesandexults?Theincorporealonesaid:ThisisthefirstcreatedAdamwhoisinsuchglory,andhelooks
upontheworldbecauseallarebornfromhim,andwhenheseesmanysoulsgoingthroughthenarrowgate,then
hearisesandsitsuponhisthronerejoicingandexultinginjoy,becausethisnarrowgateisthatofthejust,that
leadstolife,andtheythatenterthroughitgointoParadise.Forthis,then,thefirstcreatedAdamrejoices,
becauseheseesthesoulsbeingsaved.Butwhenheseesmanysoulsenteringthroughthebroadgate,thenhe
pullsoutthehairsofhishead,andcastshimselfonthegroundweepingandlamentingbitterly,forthebroad
gateisthatofsinners,whichleadstodestructionandeternalpunishment.AndforthisthefirstformedAdam
fallsfromhisthroneweepingandlamentingforthedestructionofsinners,fortheyaremanythatarelost,and
theyarefewthataresaved,forinseventhousandthereisscarcelyfoundonesoulsaved,beingrighteousand
undefiled.
12.Whilehewasyetsayingthesethingstome,beholdtwoangels,fieryinaspect,andpitilessinmind,and
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severeinlook,andtheydroveonthousandsofsouls,pitilesslylashingthemwithfierythongs.Theangellaid
holdofonesoul,andtheydroveallthesoulsinatthebroadgatetodestruction.Sowealsowentalongwiththe
angels,andcamewithinthatbroadgate,andbetweenthetwogatesstoodathroneterribleofaspect,ofterrible
crystal,gleamingasfire,anduponitsatawondrousmanbrightasthesun,liketotheSonofGod.Beforehim
stoodatablelikecrystal,allofgoldandfinelinen,anduponthetabletherewaslyingabook,thethicknessofit
sixcubits,andthebreadthofittencubits,andontherightandleftofitstoodtwoangelsholdingpaperandink
andpen.Beforethetablesatanangeloflight,holdinginhishandabalance,andonhisleftsatanangelallfiery,
pitiless,andsevere,holdinginhishandatrumpet,havingwithinitallconsumingfirewithwhichtotrythe
sinners.Thewondrousmanwhosatuponthethronehimselfjudgedandsentencedthesouls,andthetwoangels
ontherightandontheleftwrotedown,theoneontherighttherighteousnessandtheoneontheleftthe
wickedness.Theonebeforethetable,whoheldthebalance,weighedthesouls,andthefieryangel,whoheldthe
fire,triedthesouls.AndAbrahamaskedthechiefcaptainMichael,Whatisthisthatwebehold?Andthechief
captainsaid,Thesethingsthatyousee,holyAbraham,arethejudgmentandrecompense.Andbeholdtheangel
holdingthesoulinhishand,andhebroughtitbeforethejudge,andthejudgesaidtooneoftheangelsthat
servedhim,Openmethisbook,andfindmethesinsofthissoul.Andopeningthebookhefounditssinsandits
righteousnessequallybalanced,andheneithergaveittothetormentors,nortothosethatweresaved,butsetit
inthemidst.
13.AndAbrahamsaid,MyLordchiefcaptain,whoisthismostwondrousjudge?Andwhoaretheangelsthat
writedown?Andwhoistheangellikethesun,holdingthebalance?Andwhoisthefieryangelholdingthefire?
Thechiefcaptainsaid,"Doyousee,mostholyAbraham,theterriblemansittinguponthethrone?Thisisthe
sonofthefirstcreatedAdam,whoiscalledAbel,whomthewickedCainkilled,andhesitsthustojudgeall
creation,andexaminesrighteousmenandsinners.ForGodhassaid,Ishallnotjudgeyou,buteverymanborn
ofmanshallbejudged.Thereforehehasgiventohimjudgment,tojudgetheworlduntilhisgreatandglorious
coming,andthen,OrighteousAbraham,istheperfectjudgmentandrecompense,eternalandunchangeable,
whichnoonecanalter.Foreverymanhascomefromthefirstcreated,andthereforetheyarefirstjudgedhere
byhisson,andatthesecondcomingtheyshallbejudgedbythetwelvetribesofIsrael,everybreathandevery
creature.ButthethirdtimetheyshallbejudgedbytheLordGodofall,andthen,indeed,theendofthat
judgmentisnear,andthesentenceterrible,andthereisnonetodeliver.Andnowbythreetribunalsthejudgment
oftheworldandtherecompenseismade,andforthisreasonamatterisnotfinallyconfirmedbyoneortwo
witnesses,butbythreewitnessesshalleverythingbeestablished.Thetwoangelsontherighthandandonthe
left,thesearetheythatwritedownthesinsandtherighteousness,theoneontherighthandwritesdownthe
righteousness,andtheoneontheleftthesins.Theangellikethesun,holdingthebalanceinhishand,isthe
archangel,Dokielthejustweigher,andheweighstherighteousnessesandsinswiththerighteousnessofGod.
Thefieryandpitilessangel,holdingthefireinhishand,isthearchangelPuruel,whohaspoweroverfire,and
triestheworksofmenthroughfire,andifthefireconsumetheworkofanyman,theangelofjudgment
immediatelyseizeshim,andcarrieshimawaytotheplaceofsinners,amostbitterplaceofpunishment.Butif
thefireapprovestheworkofanyone,anddoesnotseizeuponit,thatmanisjustified,andtheangelof
righteousnesstakeshimandcarrieshimuptobesavedinthelotofthejust.Andthus,mostrighteousAbraham,
allthingsinallmenaretriedbyfireandthebalance."
14.AndAbrahamsaidtothechiefcaptain,MyLordthechiefcaptain,thesoulwhichtheangelheldinhishand,
whywasitadjudgedtobesetinthemidst?Thechiefcaptainsaid,Listen,righteousAbraham.Becausethe
judgefounditssins.anditsrighteousnessesequal,heneithercommittedittojudgmentnortobesaved,untilthe
judgeofallshallcome.Abrahamsaidtothechiefcaptain,Andwhatyetiswantingforthesoultobesaved?
Thechiefcaptainsaid,Ifitobtainsonerighteousnessaboveitssins,itentersintosalvation.Abrahamsaidtothe
chiefcaptain,Comehither,chiefcaptainMichael,letusmakeprayerforthissoul,andseewhetherGodwill
hearus.Thechiefcaptainsaid,Amen,beitsoandtheymadeprayerandentreatyforthesoul,andGodheard
them,andwhentheyroseupfromtheirprayertheydidnotseethesoulstandingthere.AndAbrahamsaidtothe
angel,Whereisthesoulthatyouheldinthemidst?Andtheangelanswered,Ithasbeensavedbyyourrighteous
prayer,andbeholdanangeloflighthastakenitandcarrieditupintoParadise.Abrahamsaid,Iglorifythename
ofGod,theMostHigh,andhisimmeasurablemercy.AndAbrahamsaidtothechiefcaptain,Ibeseechyou,
archangel,hearkentomyprayer,andletusyetcallupontheLord,andsupplicatehiscompassion,andentreat
hismercyforthesoulsofthesinnerswhomIformerly,inmyanger,cursedanddestroyed,whomtheearth
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devoured,andthewildbeaststoreinpieces,andthefireconsumedthroughmywords.NowIknowthatIhave
sinnedbeforetheLordourGod.Comethen,OMichael,chiefcaptainofthehostsabove,come,letuscallupon
Godwithtearsthathemayforgivememysin,andgrantthemtome.Andthechiefcaptainheardhim,andthey
madeentreatybeforetheLord,andwhentheyhadcalleduponhimforalongspace,therecameavoicefrom
heavensaying,Abraham,Abraham,Ihavehearkenedtoyourvoiceandyourprayer,andforgiveyouyoursin,
andthosewhomyouthinkthatIdestroyedIhavecalledupandbroughtthemintolifebymyexceeding
kindness,becauseforaseasonIhaverequitedtheminjudgment,andthosewhomIdestroylivinguponearth,I
willnotrequiteindeath.
15.AndthevoiceoftheLordsaidalsotothechiefcaptainMichael,Michael,myservant,turnbackAbrahamto
hishouse,forbeholdhisendhascomenear,andthemeasureofhislifeisfulfilled,thathemaysetallthingsin
order,andthentakehimandbringhimtome.Sothechiefcaptain,turningthechariotandthecloud,brought
Abrahamtohishouse,andgoingintohischamberhesatuponhiscouch.AndSarahhiswifecameand
embracedthefeetoftheIncorporeal,andspokehumbly,saying,Igiveyouthanks,myLord,thatyouhave
broughtmyLordAbraham,forbeholdwethoughthehadbeentakenupfromus.AndhissonIsaacalsocame
andfelluponhisneck,andinthesamewayallhismenslavesandwomenslavessurroundedAbrahamand
embracedhim,glorifyingGod.AndtheIncorporealonesaidtothem,Hearken,righteousAbraham.Beholdyour
wifeSarah,beholdalsoyourbelovedsonIsaac,beholdalsoallyourmenservantsandmaidservantsround
aboutyou.Makedispositionofallthatyouhave,forthedayhascomenearinwhichyoushalldepartfromthe
bodyandgototheLordonceforall.Abrahamsaid,HastheLordsaidit,ordoyousaythisofyourself?The
chiefcaptainanswered,Hearken,righteousAbraham.TheLordhascommanded,andItellityou.Abraham
said,Iwillnotgowithyou.Thechiefcaptain,hearingthesewords,straightwaywentforthfromthepresenceof
Abraham,andwentupintotheheavens,andstoodbeforeGodtheMostHigh,andsaid,LordAlmighty,beholdI
havehearkenedtoYourfriendAbrahaminallhehassaidtoYou,andhavefulfilledhisrequests.Ihaveshown
tohimYourpower,andalltheearthandseathatisunderheaven.Ihaveshowntohimjudgmentand
recompensebymeansofcloudandchariots,andagainhesays,Iwillnotgowithyou.AndtheMostHighsaid
totheangel,DoesmyfriendAbrahamsaythusagain,Iwillnotgowithyou?Thearchangelsaid,Lord
Almighty,hesaysthus,andIrefrainfromlayinghandsonhim,becausefromthebeginningheisYourfriend,
andhasdoneallthingspleasinginYoursight.Thereisnomanlikehimonearth,notevenJobthewondrous
man,andthereforeIrefrainfromlayinghandsonhim.Command,therefore,ImmortalKing,whatshallbedone.
16.ThentheMostHighsaid,CallmehitherDeaththatiscalledtheshamelesscountenanceandthepitilesslook.
AndMichaeltheIncorporealwentandsaidtoDeath,ComehithertheLordofcreation,theimmortalking,calls
you.AndDeath,hearingthis,shiveredandtrembled,beingpossessedwithgreatterror,andcomingwithgreat
fearitstoodbeforetheinvisiblefather,shivering,groaningandtrembling,awaitingthecommandoftheLord.
ThereforetheinvisibleGodsaidtoDeath,Comehither,youbitterandfiercenameoftheworld,hideyour
fierceness,coveryourcorruption,andcastawayyourbitternessfromyou,andputonyourbeautyandallyour
glory,andgodowntoAbrahammyfriend,andtakehimandbringhimtome.ButnowalsoItellyounotto
terrifyhim,butbringhimwithfairspeech,forheismyownfriend.Havingheardthis,Deathwentoutfromthe
presenceoftheMostHigh,andputonarobeofgreatbrightness,andmadehisappearancelikethesun,and
becamefairandbeautifulabovethesonsofmen,assumingtheformofanarchangel,havinghischeeksflaming
withfire,andhedepartedtoAbraham.NowtherighteousAbrahamwentoutofhischamber,andsatunderthe
treesofMamre,holdinghischininhishand,andawaitingthecomingofthearchangelMichael.Andbehold,a
smellofsweetodorcametohim,andaflashingoflight,andAbrahamturnedandsawDeathcomingtowards
himingreatgloryandbeauty.AndAbrahamaroseandwenttomeethim,thinkingthatitwasthechiefcaptain
ofGod,andDeathbeholdinghimsalutedhim,saying,Rejoice,preciousAbraham,righteoussoul,truefriendof
theMostHighGod,andcompanionoftheholyangels.AbrahamsaidtoDeath,Hailyouofappearanceand
formlikethesun,mostglorioushelper,bringeroflight,wondrousman,fromwhencedoesyourglorycometo
us,andwhoareyou,andwhencedoyoucome?ThenDeathsaid,MostrighteousAbraham,beholdItellyouthe
truth.Iamthebitterlotofdeath.Abrahamsaidtohim,Nay,butyouarethecomelinessoftheworld,youarethe
gloryandbeautyofangelsandmen,youarefairerinformthaneveryother,anddoyousay,Iamthebitterlotof
death,andnotrather,Iamfairerthaneverygoodthing.Deathsaid,Itellyouthetruth.WhattheLordhas
namedme,thatalsoItellyou.Abrahamsaid,Forwhatareyoucomehither?Deathsaid,ForyourholysoulamI
come.ThenAbrahamsaid,Iknowwhatyoumean,butIwillnotgowithyouandDeathwassilentand
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answeredhimnotaword.
17.ThenAbrahamarose,andwentintohishouse,andDeathalsoaccompaniedhimthere.AndAbrahamwent
upintohischamber,andDeathwentupwithhim.AndAbrahamlaydownuponhiscouch,andDeathcameand
satbyhisfeet.ThenAbrahamsaid,Depart,departfromme,forIdesiretorestuponmycouch.Deathsaid,I
willnotdepartuntilItakeyourspiritfromyou.Abrahamsaidtohim,BytheimmortalGodIchargeyoutotell
methetruth.Areyoudeath?Deathsaidtohim,IamDeath.Iamthedestroyeroftheworld.Abrahamsaid,I
beseechyou,sinceyouareDeath,tellmeifyoucomethustoallinsuchfairnessandgloryandbeauty?Death
said,Nay,myLordAbraham,foryourrighteousnesses,andtheboundlessseaofyourhospitality,andthe
greatnessofyourlovetowardsGodhasbecomeacrownuponmyhead,andinbeautyandgreatpeaceand
gentlenessIapproachtherighteous,buttosinnersIcomeingreatcorruptionandfiercenessandthegreatest
bitternessandwithfierceandpitilesslook.Abrahamsaid,Ibeseechyou,hearkentome,andshowmeyour
fiercenessandallyourcorruptionandbitterness.AndDeathsaid,Youcannotbeholdmyfierceness,most
righteousAbraham.Abrahamsaid,Yes,Ishallbeabletobeholdallyourfiercenessbymeansofthenameofthe
livingGod,forthemightofmyGodthatisinheaveniswithme.ThenDeathputoffallhiscomelinessand
beauty,andallhisgloryandtheformlikethesunwithwhichhewasclothed,andputuponhimselfatyrant's
robe,andmadehisappearancegloomyandfiercerthanallkindofwildbeasts,andmoreuncleanthanall
uncleanness.AndheshowedtoAbrahamsevenfieryheadsofserpentsandfourteenfaces,(one)offlamingfire
andofgreatfierceness,andafaceofdarkness,andamostgloomyfaceofaviper,andafaceofamostterrible
precipice,andafacefiercerthananasp,andafaceofaterriblelion,andafaceofacerastesandbasilisk.He
showedhimalsoafaceofafieryscimitar,andaswordbearingface,andafaceoflightning,lighteningterribly,
andanoiseofdreadfulthunder.Heshowedhimalsoanotherfaceofafiercestormysea,andafiercerushing
river,andaterriblethreeheadedserpent,andacupmingledwithpoisons,andinshortheshowedtohimgreat
fiercenessandunendurablebitterness,andeverymortaldiseaseasoftheodorofDeath.Andfromthegreat
bitternessandfiercenesstherediedservantsandmaidservantsinnumberaboutseventhousand,andthe
righteousAbrahamcameintoindifferenceofdeathsothathisspiritfailedhim.
18.AndtheallholyAbraham,seeingthesethingsthus,saidtoDeath,Ibeseechyou,alldestroyingDeath,hide
yourfierceness,andputonyourbeautyandtheshapewhichyouhadbefore.AndstraightwayDeathhidhis
fierceness,andputonhisbeautywhichhehadbefore.AndAbrahamsaidtoDeath,Whyhaveyoudonethis,
thatyouhaveslainallmyservantsandmaidservants?HasGodsentyouhitherforthisendthisday?Deathsaid,
Nay,myLordAbraham,itisnotasyousay,butonyouraccountwasIsenthither.AbrahamsaidtoDeath,How
thenhavethesedied?HastheLordnotspokenit?Deathsaid,Believe,mostrighteousAbraham,thatthisalsois
wonderful,thatyoualsowerenottakenawaywiththem.NeverthelessItellyouthetruth,foriftherighthandof
Godhadnotbeenwithyouatthattime,youalsowouldhavehadtodepartfromthislife.Therighteous
Abrahamsaid,NowIknowthatIhavecomeintoindifferenceofdeath,sothatmyspiritfails,butIbeseechyou,
alldestroyingDeath,sincemyservantshavediedbeforetheirtime,comeletuspraytotheLordourGodthathe
mayhearusandraiseupthosewhodiedbyyourfiercenessbeforetheirtime.AndDeathsaid,Amen,beitso.
ThereforeAbrahamaroseandfelluponthefaceofthegroundinprayer,andDeathtogetherwithhim,andthe
Lordsentaspiritoflifeuponthosethatweredeadandtheyweremadealiveagain.ThentherighteousAbraham
gaveglorytoGod.
19.Andgoingupintohischamberhelaydown,andDeathcameandstoodbeforehim.AndAbrahamsaidto
him,Departfromme,forIdesiretorest,becausemyspiritisinindifference.Deathsaid,Iwillnotdepartfrom
youuntilItakeyoursoul.AndAbrahamwithanausterecountenanceandangrylooksaidtoDeath,Whohas
orderedyoutosaythis?Yousaythesewordsofyourselfboastfully,andIwillnotgowithyouuntilthechief
captainMichaelcometome,andIshallgowithhim.ButthisalsoItellyou,ifyoudesirethatIshall
accompanyyou,explaintomeallyourchanges,thesevenfieryheadsofserpentsandwhatthefaceofthe
precipiceis,andwhatthesharpsword,andwhattheloudroaringriver,andwhatthetempestuousseathatrages
sofiercely.Teachmealsotheunendurablethunder,andtheterriblelightning,andtheevilsmellingcupmingled
withpoisons.Teachmeconcerningallthese.AndDeathanswered,Listen,righteousAbraham.ForsevenagesI
destroytheworldandleadalldowntoHades,kingsandrulers,richandpoor,slavesandfreemen,Iconvoyto
thebottomofHades,andforthisIshowedyouthesevenheadsofserpents.ThefaceoffireIshowedyou
becausemanydieconsumedbyfire,andbeholddeaththroughafaceoffire.ThefaceoftheprecipiceIshowed
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you,becausemanymendiedescendingfromthetopsoftreesorterribleprecipicesandlosingtheirlife,andsee
deathintheshapeofaterribleprecipice.ThefaceoftheswordIshowedyoubecausemanyareslaininwarsby
thesword,andseedeathasasword.ThefaceofthegreatrushingriverIshowedyoubecausemanyaredrowned
andperishsnatchedawaybythecrossingofmanywatersandcarriedoffbygreatrivers,andseedeathbefore
theirtime.ThefaceoftheangryragingseaIshowedyoubecausemanyintheseafallingintogreatsurgesand
becomingshipwreckedareswallowedupandbeholddeathasthesea.Theunendurablethunderandtheterrible
lightningIshowedyoubecausemanymeninthemomentofangermeetwithunendurablethunderandterrible
lightningcomingtoseizeuponmen,andseedeaththus.Ishowedyoualsothepoisonouswildbeasts,aspsand
basilisks,leopardsandlionsandlions'cubs,bearsandvipers,andinshortthefaceofeverywildbeastIshowed
you,mostrighteousone,becausemanymenaredestroyedbywildbeasts,andothersbypoisonoussnakes,
serpentsandaspsandcerastesandbasilisksandvipers,breatheouttheirlifeanddie.Ishowedyoualsothe
destroyingcupsmingledwithpoison,becausemanymenbeinggivenpoisontodrinkbyothermenstraightway
departunexpectedly.
20.Abrahamsaid,Ibeseechyou,istherealsoanunexpecteddeath?Tellme.Deathsaid,Verily,verily,Itellyou
inthetruthofGodthatthereareseventytwodeaths.Oneisthejustdeath,buyingitsfixedtime,andmanymen
inonehourenterintodeathbeinggivenovertothegrave.Behold,Ihavetoldyouallthatyouhaveasked,nowI
tellyou,mostrighteousAbraham,todismissallcounsel,andceasefromaskinganythingonceforall,andcome,
gowithme,astheGodandjudgeofallhascommandedme.AbrahamsaidtoDeath,Departfrommeyetalittle,
thatImayrestonmycouch,forIamveryfaintatheart,forsinceIhaveseenyouwithmyeyesmystrengthhas
failedme,allthelimbsofmyfleshseemtomeaweightasoflead,andmyspiritisdistressedexceedingly.
DepartforalittleforIhavesaidIcannotbeartoseeyourshape.ThenIsaachissoncameandfelluponhis
breastweeping,andhiswifeSarahcameandembracedhisfeet,lamentingbitterly.Therecamealsohismen
slavesandwomenslavesandsurroundedhiscouch,lamentinggreatly.AndAbrahamcameintoindifferenceof
death,andDeathsaidtoAbraham,Come,takemyrighthand,andmaycheerfulnessandlifeandstrengthcome
toyou.ForDeathdeceivedAbraham,andhetookhisrighthand,andstraightwayhissouladheredtothehandof
Death.AndimmediatelythearchangelMichaelcamewithamultitudeofangelsandtookuphisprecioussoulin
hishandsinadivinelywovenlinencloth,andtheytendedthebodyofthejustAbrahamwithdivineointments
andperfumesuntilthethirddayafterhisdeath,andburiedhiminthelandofpromise,theoakofMamre,butthe
angelsreceivedhisprecioussoul,andascendedintoheaven,singingthehymnof"thriceholy"totheLordthe
Godofall,andtheysetittheretoworshiptheGodandFather.Andaftergreatpraiseandgloryhadbeengiven
totheLord,andAbrahamboweddowntoworship,therecametheundefiledvoiceoftheGodandFathersaying
thus,TakethereforemyfriendAbrahamintoParadise,wherearethetabernaclesofmyrighteousones,andthe
abodesofmysaintsIsaacandJacobinhisbosom,wherethereisnotrouble,norgrief,norsighing,butpeace
andrejoicingandlifeunending.(Andletus,too,mybelovedbrethren,imitatethehospitalityofthepatriarch
Abraham,andattaintohisvirtuouswayoflife,thatwemaybethoughtworthyofthelifeeternal,glorifyingthe
Father,SonandHolyGhosttowhombegloryandpowerforever.Amen.).

Version2
1.Itcametopass,whenthedaysofthedeathofAbrahamdrewnear,thattheLordsaidtoMichael:Ariseandgo
toAbraham,myservant,andsaytohim,Youshalldepartfromlife,forlo!Thedaysofyourtemporallifeare
fulfilled:sothathemaysethishouseinorderbeforehedie.
2.AndMichaelwentandcametoAbraham,andfoundhimsittingbeforehisoxenforploughing,andhewas
exceedingoldinappearance,andhadhissoninhisarms.Abraham,therefore,seeingthearchangelMichael,
rosefromthegroundandsalutedhim,notknowingwhohewas,andsaidtohim:TheLordpreserveyou.May
yourjourneybeprosperouswithyou.AndMichaelansweredhim:Youarekind,goodfather.Abraham
answeredandsaidtohim:Come,drawneartome,brother,andsitdownalittlewhile,thatImayorderabeast
tobebroughtthatwemaygotomyhouse,andyoumayrestwithme,foritistowardevening,andinthe
morningariseandgowhereveryouwill,lestsomeevilbeastmeetyouanddoyouhurt.AndMichaelenquired
ofAbraham,saying:Tellmeyourname,beforeIenteryourhouse,lestIbeburdensometoyou.Abraham
answeredandsaid,MyparentscalledmeAbram,andtheLordnamedmeAbraham,saying:Ariseanddepart
fromyourhouse,andfromyourkindred,andgointothelandwhichIshallshowuntoyou.AndwhenIwent
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awayintothelandwhichtheLordshowedme,hesaidtome:YournameshallnomorebecalledAbram,but
yournameshallbeAbraham.Michaelansweredandsaidtohim:Pardonme,myfather,experiencedmanof
God,forIamastranger,andIhaveheardofyouthatyouwentfortyfurlongsandbroughtagoatandslewit,
entertainingangelsinyourhouse,thattheymightrestthere.Thusspeakingtogether,theyaroseandwent
towardsthehouse.AndAbrahamcalledoneofhisservants,andsaidtohim:Go,bringmeabeastthatthe
strangermaysituponit,forheisweariedwithhisjourney.AndMichaelsaid:Troublenottheyouth,butletus
golightlyuntilwereachthehouse,forIloveyourcompany.
3.Andarisingtheywenton,andastheydrewneartothecity,aboutthreefurlongsfromit,theyfoundagreat
treehavingthreehundredbranches,liketoatamarisktree.Andtheyheardavoicefromitsbranchessinging,
"Holyareyou,becauseyouhavekeptthepurposeforwhichyouweresent."AndAbrahamheardthevoice,and
hidthemysteryinhisheart,sayingwithinhimself,WhatisthemysterythatIhaveheard?Ashecameintothe
house,Abrahamsaidtohisservants,Arise,goouttotheflocks,andbringthreesheep,andslaythemquickly,
andmakethemreadythatwemayeatanddrink,forthisdayisafeastforus.Andtheservantsbroughtthe
sheep,andAbrahamcalledhissonIsaac,andsaidtohim,MysonIsaac,ariseandputwaterinthevesselthatwe
maywashthefeetofthisstranger.Andhebroughtitashewascommanded,andAbrahamsaid,Iperceive,and
soitshallbe,thatinthisbasinIshallneveragainwashthefeetofanymancomingtousasaguest.AndIsaac
hearinghisfathersaythiswept,andsaidtohim,Myfatherwhatisthisthatyousay?Thisismylasttimeto
washthefeetofastranger?AndAbrahamseeinghissonweeping,alsoweptexceedingly,andMichaelseeing
themweeping,weptalso,andthetearsofMichaelfelluponthevesselandbecameapreciousstone.
4.WhenSarah,beinginsideinherhouse,heardtheirweeping,shecameoutandsaidtoAbraham,Lord,whyis
itthatyouthusweep?Abrahamanswered,andsaidtoher,Itisnoevil.Gointoyourhouse,anddoyourown
work,lestwebetroublesometotheman.AndSarahwentaway,beingabouttopreparethesupper.Andthesun
cameneartosetting,andMichaelwentoutofthehouse,andwastakenupintotheheavenstoworshipbefore
God,foratsunsetalltheangelsworshipGodandMichaelhimselfisthefirstoftheangels.Andtheyall
worshippedhim,andwenteachtohisownplace,butMichaelspokebeforetheLordandsaid,Lord,command
metobequestionedbeforeyourholyglory!AndtheLordsaidtoMichael,Announcewhatsoeveryouwill!And
theArchangelansweredandsaid,Lord,yousentmetoAbrahamtosaytohim,Departfromyourbody,and
leavethisworldtheLordcallsyouandIdarenot,Lord,revealmyselftohim,forheisyourfriend,anda
righteousman,andonethatreceivesstrangers.ButIbeseechyou,Lord,commandtheremembranceofthedeath
ofAbrahamtoenterintohisownheart,andbidnotmetellithim,foritisgreatabruptnesstosay,Leavethe
world,andespeciallytoleaveone'sownbody,foryoucreatedhimfromthebeginningtohavepityonthesouls
ofallmen.ThentheLordsaidtoMichael,AriseandgotoAbraham,andlodgewithhim,andwhateveryousee
himeat,eatalso,andwhereverheshallsleep,sleeptherealso.ForIwillcastthethoughtofthedeathof
AbrahamintotheheartofIsaachissoninadream.
5.ThenMichaelwentintothehouseofAbrahamonthatevening,andfoundthempreparingthesupper,and
theyateanddrankandweremerry.AndAbrahamsaidtohissonIsaac,Arise,myson,andspreadtheman's
couchthathemaysleep,andsetthelampuponthestand.AndIsaacdidashisfathercommandedhim,andIsaac
saidtohisfather,Itooamcomingtosleepbesideyou.Abrahamansweredhim,Nay,myson,lestwebe
troublesometothisman,butgotoyourownchamberandsleep.AndIsaacnotwishingtodisobeyhisfather's
command,wentawayandsleptinhisownchamber.
6.AndithappenedabouttheseventhhourofthenightIsaacawoke,andcametothedoorofhisfather's
chamber,cryingoutandsaying,Open,father,thatImaytouchyoubeforetheytakeyouawayfromme.
Abrahamaroseandopenedtohim,andIsaacenteredandhunguponhisfather'sneckweeping,andkissedhim
withlamentations.AndAbrahamwepttogetherwithhisson,andMichaelsawthemweepingandweptlikewise.
AndSarahhearingthemweepingcalledfromherbedchamber,saying,MyLordAbraham,whyisthis
weeping?Hasthestrangertoldyouofyourbrother'ssonLotthatheisdead?Orhasanythingelsebefallenus?
MichaelansweredandsaidtoSarah,Nay,Sarah,IhavebroughtnotidingsofLot,butIknewofallyour
kindnessofheart,thatthereinyouexcelallmenuponearth,andtheLordhasrememberedyou.ThenSarahsaid
toAbraham,HowdareyouweepwhenthemanofGodhascomeintoyou,andwhyhaveyoureyesshedtears
fortodaythereisgreatrejoicing?Abrahamsaidtoher,HowdoyouknowthatthisisamanofGod?Sarah
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answeredandsaid,BecauseIsayanddeclarethatthisisoneofthethreemenwhowereentertainedbyusatthe
oakofMamre,whenoneoftheservantswentandbroughtakidandyoukilledit,andsaidtome,Arise,make
readythatwemayeatwiththesemeninourhouse.Abrahamansweredandsaid,Youhaveperceivedwell,O
woman,forItoo,whenIwashedhisfeetknewinmyheartthatthesewerethefeetwhichIhadwashedatthe
oakofMamre,andwhenIbegantoenquireconcerninghisjourney,hesaidtome,IgotopreserveLotyour
brotherfromthemenofSodom,andthenIknewthemystery.
7.AndAbrahamsaidtoMichael,Tellme,manofGod,andshowtomewhyyouhavecomehither.And
Michaelsaid,YoursonIsaacwillshowyou.AndAbrahamsaidtohisson,Mybelovedson,tellmewhatyou
haveseeninyourdreamtoday,andwastfrightened.Relateittome.Isaacansweredhisfather,Isawinmy
dreamthesunandthemoon,andtherewasacrownuponmyhead,andtherecamefromheavenamanofgreat
size,andshiningasthelightthatiscalledthefatheroflight.Hetookthesunfrommyhead,andyetlefttherays
behindwithme.AndIweptandsaid,Ibeseechyou,myLord,takenotawaythegloryofmyhead,andthelight
ofmyhouse,andallmyglory.Andthesunandthemoonandthestarslamented,saying,Takenotawaythe
gloryofourpower.Andthatshiningmanansweredandsaidtome,WeepnotthatItakethelightofyourhouse,
foritistakenupfromtroublesintorest,fromalowestatetoahighonetheylifthimupfromanarrowtoawide
placetheyraisehimfromdarknesstolight.AndIsaidtohim,Ibeseechyou,Lord,takealsotherayswithit.
Hesaidtome,Therearetwelvehoursoftheday,andthenIshalltakealltherays.Astheshiningmansaidthis,
Isawthesunofmyhouseascendingintoheaven,butthatcrownIsawnomore,andthatsunwaslikeyoumy
father.AndMichaelsaidtoAbraham,YoursonIsaachasspokentruth,foryoushallgo,andbetakenupintothe
heavens,butyourbodyshallremainonearth,untilseventhousandagesarefulfilled,forthenallfleshshall
arise.Nowtherefore,Abraham,setyourhouseinorder,andyourchildren,foryouhaveheardfullywhatis
decreedconcerningyou.AbrahamansweredandsaidtoMichael,Ibeseechyou,Lord,ifIshalldepartfrommy
body,IhavedesiredtobetakenupinmybodythatImayseethecreaturesthattheLordmyGodhascreatedin
heavenandonearth.Michaelansweredandsaid,Thisisnotformetodo,butIshallgoandtelltheLordofthis,
andifIamcommandedIshallshowyouallthesethings.
8.AndMichaelwentupintoheaven,andspokebeforetheLordconcerningAbraham,andtheLordanswered
Michael,GoandtakeupAbrahaminthebody,andshowhimallthings,andwhatsoeverheshallsaytoyoudo
tohimastomyfriend.SoMichaelwentforthandtookupAbrahaminthebodyonacloud,andbroughthimto
theriverofOcean.
12.AndafterAbrahamhadseentheplaceofjudgment,thecloudtookhimdownuponthefirmamentbelow,and
Abraham,lookingdownupontheearth,sawamancommittingadulterywithaweddedwoman.AndAbraham
turningsaidtoMichael,Doyouseethiswickedness?But,Lord,sendfirefromheaventoconsumethem.And
straightwaytherecamedownfireandconsumedthem,fortheLordhadsaidtoMichael,dowhateverAbraham
shallaskyoutodoforhim.Abrahamlookedagain,andsawothermenrailingattheircompanions,andsaid,Let
theearthopenandswallowthem,andashespoketheearthswallowedthemalive.Againthecloudledhimto
anotherplace,andAbrahamsawsomegoingintoadesertplacetocommitmurder,andhesaidtoMichael,Do
youseethiswickedness?Butletwildbeastscomeoutofthedesert,andteartheminpieces,andthatsamehour
wildbeastscameoutofthedesert,anddevouredthem.ThentheLordGodspoketoMichaelsaying,Turnaway
Abrahamtohisownhouse,andlethimnotgoroundallthecreationthatIhavemade,becausehehasno
compassiononsinners,butIhavecompassiononsinnersthattheymayturnandlive,andrepentoftheirsins
andbesaved.
8.AndAbrahamlookedandsawtwogates,theonesmallandtheotherlarge,andbetweenthetwogatessata
manuponathroneofgreatglory,andamultitudeofangelsroundabouthim,andhewasweeping,andagain
laughing,buthisweepingexceededhislaughtersevenfold.AndAbrahamsaidtoMichael,Whoisthisthatsits
betweenthetwogatesingreatglorysometimeshelaughs,andsometimesheweeps,andhisweepingexceeds
hislaughtersevenfold?AndMichaelsaidtoAbraham,Doyounotknowwhoitis?Andhesaid,No,Lord.And
MichaelsaidtoAbraham,Doyouseethesetwogates,thesmallandthegreat?Thesearetheywhichleadtolife
andtodestruction.ThismanthatsitsbetweenthemisAdam,thefirstmanwhomtheLordcreated,andsethim
inthisplacetoseeeverysoulthatdepartsfromthebody,seeingthatallarefromhim.When,therefore,yousee
himweeping,knowthathehasseenmanysoulsbeingledtodestruction,butwhenyouseehimlaughing,hehas
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seenmanysoulsbeingledintolife.Doyouseehowhisweepingexceedshislaughter?Sinceheseesthegreater
partoftheworldbeingledawaythroughthebroadgatetodestruction,thereforehisweepingexceedshis
laughtersevenfold.
9.AndAbrahamsaid,Andhethatcannotenterthroughthenarrowgate,canhenotenterintolife?Then
Abrahamwept,saying,Woeisme,whatshallIdo?ForIamamanbroadofbody,andhowshallIbeableto
enterbythenarrowgate,bywhichaboyoffifteenyearscannotenter?MichaelansweredandsaidtoAbraham,
Fearnot,father,norgrieve,foryoushallenterbyitunhindered,andallthosewhoarelikeyou.AndasAbraham
stoodandmarveled,beholdanangeloftheLorddrivingsixtythousandsoulsofsinnerstodestruction.And
AbrahamsaidtoMichael,Doallthesegointodestruction?AndMichaelsaidtohim,Yea,butletusgoand
searchamongthesesouls,ifthereisamongthemevenonerighteous.Andwhentheywent,theyfoundanangel
holdinginhishandonesoulofawomanfromamongthesesixtythousand,becausehehadfoundhersins
weighingequallywithallherworks,andtheywereneitherinmotionnoratrest,butinastatebetweenbutthe
othersoulsheledawaytodestruction.AbrahamsaidtoMichael,Lord,isthistheangelthatremovesthesouls
fromthebodyornot?Michaelansweredandsaid,Thisisdeath,andheleadsthemintotheplaceofjudgment,
thatthejudgemaytrythem.
10.AndAbrahamsaid,MyLord,IbeseechyoutoleadmetotheplaceofjudgmentsothatItoomayseehow
theyarejudged.ThenMichaeltookAbrahamuponacloud,andledhimintoParadise,andwhenhecametothe
placewherethejudgewas,theangelcameandgavethatsoultothejudge.Andthesoulsaid,Lordhavemercy
onme.Andthejudgesaid,HowshallIhavemercyuponyou,whenyouhadnomercyuponyourdaughter
whichyouhad,thefruitofyourwomb?Whereforedidyouslayher?Itanswered,Nay,Lord,slaughterhasnot
beendonebyme,butmydaughterhaslieduponme.Butthejudgecommandedhimtocomethatwrotedown
therecords,andbeholdcherubimcarryingtwobooks.Andtherewaswiththemamanofexceedinggreat
stature,havingonhisheadthreecrowns,andtheonecrownwashigherthantheothertwo.Thesearecalledthe
crownsofwitness.Andthemanhadinhishandagoldenpen,andthejudgesaidtohim,Exhibitthesinofthis
soul.Andthatman,openingoneofthebooksofthecherubim,soughtoutthesinofthewoman'ssoulandfound
it.Andthejudgesaid,Owretchedsoul,whydoyousaythatyouhavenotdonemurder?Didyounot,afterthe
deathofyourhusband,goandcommitadulterywithyourdaughter'shusband,andkillher?Andheconvicted
heralsoofherothersins,whatsoevershehaddonefromheryouth.Hearingthesethingsthewomancriedout,
saying,Woeisme,allthesinsthatIdidintheworldIforgot,butheretheywerenotforgotten.Thentheytook
herawayalsoandgaveherovertothetormentors.
11.AndAbrahamsaidtoMichael,Lord,whoisthisjudge,andwhoistheother,whoconvictsthesins?And
MichaelsaidtoAbraham,Doyouseethejudge?ThisisAbel,whofirsttestified,andGodbroughthimhitherto
judge,andhethatbearswitnesshereistheteacherofheavenandearth,andthescribeofrighteousness,Enoch,
fortheLordsentthemhithertowritedownthesinsandrighteousnessesofeachone.Abrahamsaid,Andhow
canEnochbeartheweightofthesouls,nothavingseendeath?Orhowcanhegivesentencetoallthesouls?
Michaelsaid,Ifhegivessentenceconcerningthesouls,itisnotpermittedbutEnochhimselfdoesnotgive
sentence,butitistheLordwhodoesso,andhehasnomoretodothanonlytowrite.ForEnochprayedtothe
Lordsaying,Idesirenot,Lord,togivesentenceonthesouls,lestIbegrievoustoanyoneandtheLordsaidto
Enoch,Ishallcommandyoutowritedownthesinsofthesoulthatmakesatonementanditshallenterintolife,
andifthesoulmakenotatonementandrepent,youshallfinditssinswrittendownanditshallbecastinto
punishment.AndabouttheninthhourMichaelbroughtAbrahambacktohishouse.ButSarahhiswife,not
seeingwhathadbecomeofAbraham,wasconsumedwithgrief,andgaveuptheghost,andafterthereturnof
Abrahamhefoundherdead,andburiedher.
13.ButwhenthedayofthedeathofAbrahamdrewnear,theLordGodsaidtoMichael,Deathwillnotdareto
goneartotakeawaythesoulofmyservant,becauseheismyfriend,butgoandadornDeathwithgreatbeauty,
andsendhimthustoAbraham,thathemayseehimwithhiseyes.AndMichaelstraightway,ashewas
commanded,adornedDeathwithgreatbeauty,andsenthimthustoAbrahamthathemightseehim.Andhesat
downneartoAbraham,andAbrahamseeingDeathsittingneartohimwasafraidwithagreatfear.AndDeath
saidtoAbraham,Hail,holysoul!Hail,friendoftheLordGod!Hail,consolationandentertainmentoftravelers!
AndAbrahamsaid,Youarewelcome,servantoftheMostHigh.God.Ibeseechyou,tellmewhoyouareand
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CHURCHFATHERS:TheTestamentofAbraham

enteringintomyhousepartakeoffoodanddrink,anddepartfromme,forsinceIhaveseenyousittingnearto
memysoulhasbeentroubled.ForIamnotatallworthytocomenearyou,foryouareanexaltedspiritandIam
fleshandblood,andthereforeIcannotbearyourglory,forIseethatyourbeautyisnotofthisworld.AndDeath
saidtoAbraham,Itellyou,inallthecreationthatGodhasmade,therehasnotbeenfoundonelikeyou,for
eventheLordhimselfbysearchinghasnotfoundsuchanoneuponthewholeearth.AndAbrahamsaidto
Death,Howdareyoulie?ForIseethatyourbeautyisnotofthisworld.AndDeathsaidtoAbraham,Thinknot,
Abraham,thatthisbeautyismine,orthatIcomethustoeveryman.Nay,butifanyoneisrighteouslikeyou,I
thustakecrownsandcometohim,butifitisasinnerIcomeingreatcorruption,andoutoftheirsinImakea
crownformyhead,andIshakethemwithgreatfear,sothattheyaredismayed.Abrahamthereforesaidtohim,
Andwhencecomesyourbeauty?AndDeathsaid,ThereisnoneothermorefullofcorruptionthanIam.
Abrahamsaidtohim,AndareyouindeedhethatiscalledDeath?Heansweredhimandsaid,Iamthebitter
name.Iamweeping....
14.AndAbrahamsaidtoDeath,Showusyourcorruption.AndDeathmademanifesthiscorruptionandhehad
twoheads,theonehadthefaceofaserpentandbyitsomedieatoncebyasps,andtheotherheadwaslikea
swordbyitsomediebytheswordasbybows.InthatdaytheservantsofAbrahamdiedthroughfearofDeath,
andAbrahamseeingthemprayedtotheLord,andheraisedthemup.ButGodreturnedandremovedthesoulof
Abrahamasinadream,andthearchangelMichaeltookitupintotheheavens.AndIsaacburiedhisfather
besidehismotherSarah,glorifyingandpraisingGod,fortohimisdueglory,honorandworship,oftheFather,
SonandHolyGhost,nowandalwaysandtoalleternity.Amen.

Aboutthispage
Source.TranslatedbyW.A.Craigie.FromAnteNiceneFathers,Vol.9.EditedbyAllanMenzies.(Buffalo,NY:
ChristianLiteraturePublishingCo.,1896.)RevisedandeditedforNewAdventbyKevinKnight.
<http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1007.htm>.
Contactinformation.TheeditorofNewAdventisKevinKnight.Myemailaddressisfeedback732at
newadvent.org.(Tohelpfightspam,thisaddressmightchangeoccasionally.)Regrettably,Ican'treplytoevery
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