It was written by Jesus the son of Sirach in Hebrew, about the time of Simon Justus, otherwise called Priscus: and translated into Greek by the Author's Nephew, as the same Translator testifieth in his Prologue, but expresseth not his own name. It is called Ecclesiasticus, which signifieth a Collector or Gatherer, as a common title of every ordinary Preacher, instructing and exhorting the multitude gathered to a sermon: with difference from Ecclesiastes, which signifieth The Preacher, as a greater title of the chief or principal Preacher of any Church, City, or Province, and agreeth most eminently to Christ our Saviour: who preached, and sendeth Preachers to the whole world. And for the excellent contents it may also rightly be called Panaretos, that is, a Receptacle or store-house of all virtues, for the instruction of all in general, to cooperate with God's grace in this life, and so inherit eternal glory. In forty and three whole chapters, are mixedly the commendations and precepts of all sorts of virtues; sometimes in particular, but more often under the general names of Wisdom and Justice. In the other eight chapters are recited many excellent examples of most renowned holy men: with praises and thanks to God.