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[1] LET us now praise men of renown, and our fathers in their generation.
[2] The Lord hath wrought great glory through his magnificence from the beginning.
[3] Such as have borne rule in their dominions, men of great power, and endued with their wisdom, shewing forth in the prophets the dignity of prophets,
[4] And ruling over the present people, and by the strength of wisdom instructing the people in most holy words.
[5] Such as by their skill sought out musical tunes, and published canticles of the scriptures.
[6] Rich men in virtue, studying beautifulness: living at peace in their houses.
[7] All these have gained glory in their generations, and were praised in their days.
[8] They that were born of them have left a name behind them, that their praises might be related:
[9] And there are some, of whom there is no memorial: who are perished, as if they had never been: and are become as if they had never been born, and their children with them.
[10] But these were men of mercy, whose godly deeds have not failed:
[11] Good things continue with their seed,
[12] Their posterity are a holy inheritance, and their seed hath stood in the covenants.
[13] And their children for their sakes remain for ever: their seed and their glory shall not be forsaken.
[14] Their bodies are buried in peace, and their name liveth unto generation and generation.
[15] Let the people shew forth their wisdom, and the church declare their praise.
[16] Henoch pleased God, and was translated into paradise, that he may give repentance to the nations.
[17] Noe was found perfect, just, and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation.
[18] Therefore was there a remnant left to the earth, when the flood came.
[19] The covenants of the world were made with him, that all flesh should no more be destroyed with the hood.
[20] Abraham was the great father of a multitude of nations, and there was not found the like to him in glory, who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him.
[21] In his flesh he established the covenant, and in temptation he was found faithful.
[22] Therefore by an oath he gave him glory in his posterity, that he should increase as the dust of the earth,
[23] And that he would exalt his seed as the stars, and they should inherit from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.
[24] And he did in like manner with Isaac for the sake of Abraham his father.
[25] The Lord gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed his covenant upon the head of Jacob.
[26] He acknowledged him in his blessings, and gave him an inheritance, and divided him his portion in twelve tribes.
[27] And he preserved for him men of mercy, that found grace in the eyes of all flesh.
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