Testament of Joseph

Chapter 4

  1. 1 Often, therefore, did she flatter me with words as a holy man, and guilefully in her talk praise my
  2. 2 chastity before her husband, while desiring to ensnare me when we were alone. For she lauded me openly as chaste, and in secret she said unto me: Fear not my husband; for he is persuaded concerning
  3. 3 thy chastity: for even should one tell him concerning us, he would not believe. Owing to all these things I lay upon the ground, and besought God that the Lord would deliver me from her
  4. 4 deceit. And when she had prevailed nothing thereby, she came again to me under the plea of
  5. 5 instruction, that she might learn the word of God. And she said unto me: If thou willest that I should leave my idols, lie with me, and I will persuade my husband to depart from his idols, and
  6. 6 we will walk in the law of thy Lord. And I said unto her: The Lord willeth not that those who reverence Him should be in uncleanness, nor doth He take pleasure in them that commit adultery,
  7. 7 but in those that approach Him with a pure heart and undefiled lips. But she held her peace,
  8. 8 longing to accomplish her evil desire. And I gave myself yet more to fasting and prayer, that the Lord might deliver me from her.