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Barlaam and Ioasaph by Saint John of Damascus
page 44 of 266 (16%)
these whose spiritual sense is strong. For lo, as these words
dropped upon mine ear, sweetest light entered into my heart, and
the heavy veil of sorrow, that hath now this long time enveloped
my heart, was in an instant removed. Tell me if my guess be
true: or if thou knowest aught better than that which thou hast
spoken, delay not to declare it to me."

Again, therefore, Barlaam answered, "Yea, my lord and prince,
this is the mighty mystery which hath been hid from ages and
generations, but in these last days hath been made known unto
mankind; the manifestation whereof, by the grace of the Holy
Ghost, was foretold by many prophets and righteous men,
instructed at sundry times and in divers manners. In trumpet
tones they proclaimed it, and all looked forward to the salvation
that should be: this they desired to see, but saw it not. But
this latest generation was counted worthy to receive salvation.
Wherefore he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but
he that believeth not shall be damned."

Said Ioasaph, "All that thou hast told me I believe without
question, and him whom thou declarest I glorify as God. Only
make all plain to me, and teach me clearly what I must do. But
especially go on to tell me what is that Baptism which thou
sayest that the Faithful receive."

The other answered him thus, "The root mid sure foundation of
this holy and perfect Christian Faith is the grace of heavenly
Baptism, fraught with the cleansing from all original sins, and
complete purification of all defilements of evil that come after.
For thus the Saviour commanded a man to be born again of water
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