Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs 12
1
The copy of the words of Benjamin, which he commanded his sons to observe, after he had lived a hundred and twenty-five years.
2
And he kissed them and said: As Isaac was born to Abraham in his old age, so also was I to Jacob. And since Rachel my mother died in giving me birth, I had no milk; therefore I was suckled by Bilhah her handmaid.
3
For Rachel remained barren for twelve years after she had borne Joseph; and she prayed the Lord with fasting twelve days, and she conceived and bare me.
4
For my father loved Rachel dearly and prayed that he might see two sons born from her. Therefore was I called Benjamin, that is, a son of days.
5
And now, my children, love the Lord God of heaven and keep His commandments, following the example of the good and holy man Joseph.
6
And let your mind be unto good, even as ye know me. He that hath his mind right, seeth all things rightly. Fear ye the Lord, and love your neighbour.
7
And even though the spirits of Beliar claim you to afflict you with every evil, yet shall they not have dominion over you, even as they had not over Joseph my brother.
8
How many men wished to slay him, and God shielded him! For he that feareth God and loveth his neighbour cannot be smitten by the spirit of Beliar, being shielded by the fear of God.
9
Nor can he be ruled over by the device of men or beasts, for he is helped by the Lord through the love which he hath towards his neighbour.
10
The good man hath not a dark eye; for he showeth mercy to all men, even though they be sinners. And though they devise with evil intent concerning him, by doing good he overcometh evil, being shielded by God.
11
And he loveth the righteous as his own soul. If any man is glorified, he envieth him not; if any man is enriched, he is not jealous.
12
If any man is valiant, he praiseth him; the virtuous man he laudeth; on the poor man he hath mercy; the weak he comforteth; and unto God he singeth praises.
13
And him who hath the grace of a good spirit he loveth as his own soul. If therefore ye also, my children, have a good mind, then will both wicked men be at peace with you, and the profligate will reverence you and turn unto good.
14
And the covetous will not only cease from their inordinate desire, but even give the objects of their covetousness to them that are afflicted.
15
And thus, my children, love the Lord with all your heart and walk in His commandments. For the Lord loveth truth and the pure mind. Set your hearts on the good, and your peace shall endure. This is the testament of Benjamin.
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