ETHIOPIC MS. BY THE LATE RICHARD LAURENCE, BISHOP OF CASHEL.
CHAP 31
1. After these things, surveying the entrances of the north, above the
mountains, I perceived seven mountains, replete with pure nard,
odoriferous trees, cinnamon and papyrus.
2. From thence I passed on above the summits of those mountains to some
distance eastwards, and went over the ERYTHRAEAN sea. And when I was
advanced far beyond it, I passed along above the angel ZATEEL, and
arrived at the garden of righteousness. In this garden I beheld, among
other trees,, some which were numerous and large, and which flourished
there.
3. Their fragrance was agreeable and powerful , and their appearance
both varied and elegant.The tree of knowledge also was there, of which
if any one eats, he becomes endowed with great wisdom.
4. It was like a species of the tamarind tree, bearing fruit which
resembled grapes extremely fine; and its fragrance extended to a
considerable distance. I exclaimed, How beautiful is this tree, and
how delightful is its appearance!
5. Then holy RAPHAEL, an angel who was with me, answered and said,
this is the tree of knowledge, of which thy ancient father and they
aged mother ate, who were before thee; and who, obtaining knowledge,
their eyes being opened, and knowing themselves to be naked, were
expelled from the garden.
CHAP 32
1. From thence I went on towards the extremities of the earth; where
I saw large beasts different from each other, and birds various in
their countenances and forms, as well as with notes of different sounds.
2. To the east of these beasts I perceived the extremities of the earth,
where heaven ceased. The gates of heaven stood open, and I beheld the
celestial stars come forth. I numbered them as they proceeded out of
the gate, and wrote them all down, as they came out one by one
according to their number. I wrote down their names altogether,
their times and their seasons, as the angel URIEL, who was with me,
pointed them out to me.
3. He showed them all to me, and wrote down an account of them.
4. He also wrote down for me their names, their regulations, and
their operations.
CHAP 33
1. From thence I advanced on towards the north, to the extremeties of
the earth.
2. And there I saw a great and glorious wonder at the extremities of
the whole earth.
3. I saw there heavenly gates opening into heaven; three of them
distinctly separated. The northern winds proceeded from them, blowing
cold, hail, frost, snow, dew and rain.
4. From one of the gates they blew mildly; but when they blew from
the two other gates, it was with violence and force. They blew over
the earth strongly.
CHAP 34
1. From thence I went to the extremities of the world westwards;
2. Where I perceived three gates open, as I had seen in the north;
the gates and passages through them being of equal magnitude
CHAP 35
1. Then I proceeded to the extrmities of the earth southwards; where
I saw three gates open to the south, from which issued dew, rain,
and wind.
2. From thence I went to the extremities of heaven eastwards; where
I saw three heavenly gates open to the east, which had smaller gates
within them. Through each of these small gates the stars of heaven
passed on, and proceeded towards the west by a path which was seen
by them, and that at ever period of their appearance.
3. When I beheld them, I blessed; every time in which they appeared,
I blessed the Lord of glory, who had made these great and splendid
signs, that they might display the magnificence of his works to angels
and to the souls of men; and that these might glorify all his works
and operations; might see the effect of his power; might glorify the
great labour of his hands; and bless him for ever.
