the testaments of the twelve patriarchs
The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of Vice and Virtue
Asher's farewell on the two faces of the soul, and the single-mindedness that God asks.
The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind
Benjamin's farewell, praising the good man whose clear mind sees rightly and loves freely.
The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying
Dan's farewell on anger and falsehood, and on the peace that guards the heart from both.
The Testament of Gad Concerning Hatred
Gad's farewell on the corrosion of hatred, and on love as the only cure for it.
The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity
Issachar's farewell in praise of a simple, honest life lived close to the ground.
The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety
Joseph's farewell, recalling his trials in Egypt and the patience that carried him through them.
The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money, and Fornication
Judah's farewell on courage, and on the two appetites that most easily undo a strong man.
The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance
Levi's farewell on the priesthood entrusted to him, with a vision of the heavens opened.
The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness
Naphtali's farewell on the order God set in nature, and on living according to it.
The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts
Reuben's farewell on the thoughts that shape a life, and on guarding them early.
The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy
Simeon's farewell on envy toward a brother, and on the freedom of laying it down.
The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy
Zebulun's farewell on compassion, and on the mercy that returns to those who show it.