Testament of Joseph

Chapter 4

Premium narration

How often has she fawned upon me with words as a holy man, with guile in her talk, praising my chastity before her husband, while desiring to destroy me when we were alone.

She lauded me openly as chaste, and in secret she said unto me, Fear not my husband; for he is persuaded concerning thy chastity, so that even should one tell him concerning us he would in no wise believe.

For all these things I lay upon the ground in sackcloth, and I besought God that the Lord would deliver me from the Egyptian.

And when she prevailed nothing, she came again to me under the plea of instruction, that she might know the word of the Lord.

And she said unto me, If thou willest that I should leave my idols, be persuaded by me, and I will persuade my husband to depart from his idols, and 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.

And she held her peace, longing to accomplish her evil desire.

And I gave myself yet more to fasting and prayer, that the Lord should deliver me from her.