Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 7, 1896.djvu/141

Rh with jewels and pearls, and to be filled with foul refuse; but the other to be encrusted with bitumen, and filled with gold and pearls and jewels of value. And he had brought into the presence of his mighty ones the two vessels, and said: 'Put ye a price on these.' And they looked and set a price on the gold-bound vessel, even many pieces of money, its worth as it appeared to their eyes. But when they opened it, there issued from it so strong a stench that all fled therefrom. But when they opened the pitch-encrusted vessel there poured forth pearls and jewels of great price. Then spake the king to his princes and said: 'It is not right to be guided by what appears to the eyes of men.' But do thou too, my son, model thyself on this wise king. For thou hast not walked in the way of these vanities; but hast become participator in the hidden blessings."

Jovasaph said: "All this hast thou spoken truly and well. But I am fain to know of thy king, concerning whom thou hast told in the parable of the sowing.

Then Baralam began to tell him all things, from the beginning of the world until Christ. But Jovasaph rose and threw himself from his throne and embraced the feet of Baralam, and said: "O, my father, then this was the precious pearl of great price which thou didst not wish to reveal. For when I heard thy speech, the light of God's grace instantly dawned in my heart. And if thou knowest anything further of these matters, I pray thee delay not, but tell me all."

Baralam said: "Truly said my lord and king, the pearl of great price is the hidden mystery of God, that those who believe therein may also be baptised."

Jovasaph said: "All that has been said by thee is true ; and with upright heart I believe, and I acknowledge Jesus Christ whom thou preachest to be God, and make avowal of him; but I would fain know what is baptism?"

Baralam answered: "Baptism is the root and foundation of a holy and flawless faith in Christ. Baptism sanctifies us from our sins, and is a purification of the soul from all sufferings. Baptism is a new birth for him that is born again, by fire and spirit, as the Saviour said. For those who are baptised are instantly made worthy of the primal honour which man had in the garden. And if they keep their baptism in truth, they regain their pristine glory. For he that is baptised in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, straightway there cometh down upon him the grace of the Holy Spirit, unto his illumination, for a renewal of him in all ways, and unto his becoming a seer of God; just as before man sinned he was the image and likeness of God. For by baptism man becomes the adopted son of his Heavenly Father and a brother of Christ."

Jovasaph said: "Thou hast acquainted me well and truly with all. Tell me, therefore, what I must do in order that we may be saved from eternal torments, and may be made worthy of the joy which men now receive from God."

Baralam said: "Do thou take the seal of Christ, holy baptism; and take up his cross in repentance; and follow after the crucified Christ who calls thee