stated

These things therefore being manifest to us, and since we look into the depths of the divine knowledge, it behoves us to do all things in [their proper] order, which the Lord has commanded us to perform at stated times. He has enjoined offerings [to be presented] and service to be performed [to Him], and that not thoughtlessly or irregularly, but at the appointed times and hours. Where and by whom He desires these things to be done, He Himself has fixed by His own supreme will, in order that all things being piously done according to His good pleasure, may be acceptable unto Him. Those, therefore, who present their offerings at the appointed times, are accepted and blessed; for inasmuch as they follow the laws of the Lord, they sin not. For his own peculiar services are assigned to the high priest, and their own proper place is prescribed to the priests, and their own special ministrations devolve on the Levites. The layman is bound by the laws that pertain to laymen.

On stated months it changes _its_ settings; and on stated months it makes its progress _through_ each _gate_. In two _gates_ the moon sets with the sun, _viz._ in those two gates which are in the midst, in the third and fourth gate. _From the third gate_ it goes forth for seven days, and makes its circuit.

On stated months it changes _its_ settings; and on stated months it makes its progress _through_ each _gate_. In two _gates_ the moon sets with the sun, _viz._ in those two gates which are in the midst, in the third and fourth gate. _From the third gate_ it goes forth for seven days, and makes its circuit.

From these proceed heat over the earth, when they are opened in their stated seasons. They are for the winds, and the spirit of the dew, when in their seasons they are opened; opened in heaven at _its_ extremities.

On stated months the moon has twenty-nine days.

Truly has been stated, and accurately has been computed that which is marked down; for the luminaries, the months, the fixed periods, the years, and the days, Uriel has explained to me, and communicated to me; whom the Lord of all creation, on my account, commanded (according to the might of heaven, and the power which it possesses both by night and by day) to explain _the laws of_ light to man, of the sun, moon, and stars, and of all the powers of heaven, which are turned with their respective orbs.

Having, as has already been stated, obtained an opportunity for securing their emancipation, I addressed the king with the following arguments. 'Let us not be so unreasonable as to allow our deeds to give the lie to our words.