Page:Legends of Old Testament Characters.djvu/93

X.] God sent Enoch to his brethren to turn them from their false worship, they would not believe him.

Idolatry began in the times of Jared, son of Mahalaleel, and it spread to such an extent that, when Noah was born, there were not eighty persons who worshipped the true, and living, and only God. Jared fought Satan, the prince of demons, and captured him, and led him about in chains wherever he went.

Enoch knew how to sew, and was an accomplished tailor. He was the first to put pen to paper; he wrote many books. He had in his possession the books of Adam, and for ten years, instead of sleeping, he spent the night in reading them.

He instructed men in the art of making garments; Enoch showed them how to cut out the skins to the proper shape, and to sew them together; and how to make shoes to protect their feet. And then, when the people had derived this great blessing from him, they were ready to listen to his books; and he read to them the books of Adam, and endeavoured thereby to bring them back to the knowledge of the true God. When he had spent many years in prayer, the Angel of Death desired to make a compact of friendship with him. He took on him a human form and approached him, saying, "I am the Angel of Death, and I desire thy friendship. On account of thy great piety, thou mayest make me a request which I shall accomplish." Enoch answered, "I desire that thou shouldst take my soul." The angel replied, "I have not come to thee for this purpose; thy time is not yet arrived at its appointed close."

Then Enoch said, "It is well; but take my soul away for a little space, and then return it to my body, if God so wills."

The angel said, "I cannot do this without God's consent." But he presented the supplications of Enoch before Allah, and God, knowing what was the design of Enoch, granted the prayer. Then Azrael bore away the soul of Enoch, and at the same instant the Eternal One restored it to him. After this, Enoch continued to praise and pray to God; and the Angel of Death became his friend, and often came to visit him. Years passed, and Enoch said one day to the angel, "Oh, my friend! I have yet a request to make."

Azrael answered, "If I can grant it, I will do so readily."