"After forty days he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the
right hand of the Father. And he shall come again to judge the
quick and the dead, and to reward every man according to his
works. After his glorious Ascension into heaven he sent forth
upon his disciples the Holy Ghost in likeness of fire, and they
began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them
utterance. From thence by his grace they were scattered abroad
among all nations, and preached the true Catholic Faith,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all the commandments
of the Saviour. So they gave light to the people that wandered
in darkness, and abolished the superstitious error of idolatry.
Though the enemy chafeth under his defeat, and even now stirreth
up war against us, the faithful, persuading the fools and unwise
to cling to the worship of idols, yet is his power grown feeble,
and his swords have at last failed him by the power of Christ.
Lo, in few words I have made known unto thee my Master, my God,
and my Saviour; but thou shalt know him more perfectly, if thou
wilt receive his grace into thy soul, and gain the blessing to
become his servant."


VIII.

When the king's son had heard these words, there flashed a light
upon his soul. Rising from his seat in the fulness of his joy,
he embraced Barlaam, saying: "Most honoured sir, methinks this
might be that priceless stone which thou dost rightly keep
secret, not displaying it to all that would see it, but only to