Page:The Nestorians and their rituals, volume 2.djvu/135

Rh § 3. "Not that He did not know them when He said unto them, 'I know you not;' but He meant that they could not be acknowledged as those who should enjoy His kingdom. By this parable He terrifies those who trust in their virginity, and shows how that they cannot enter into the kingdom unless they have mercy," [i. e., have done works of mercy.] From the Warda, "on the Ten Virgins."

§ 4. "I will confide in this first, second and third thing, and in nothing more, although those who have speech were to cry aloud, and the very dumb should speak and declare it,—I confide in the mouth which spake and said: 'He that eateth My body, and drinketh My blood, and believeth on Me, shall never die.' On these three things, I take my stand; I stand although I am fallen. For though I am fallen I believe, and yet believe, that I shall rise again, I shall rise and shall not fall again, for I know in whom I have believed, and I have hope that I shall not be confounded." From the Warda, "on Repentance."

§ 5. "Blessed is the mouth which confesseth Him, for though it be dead it shall live through Him. Blessed is the heart which believeth on Him, for though it be sinful, it shall be justified through Him." From a poem in the Warda, "adapted to the fourth Sunday in Lent."

§ 6. Apostrophizing his soul the author writes: "Love righteousness, and abhor all sin and anger, ornament thyself with virtue, and lay fast hold of faith," [or, lean on faith.] From the Khâmees, "on Repentance."

§ 7. "Go forth, O Church, and take with thee thy sous and daughters, to do Him honour, and cry aloud with all thy heart: 'Hosanna to the .' Let faith and love be to thee instead of branches, and cry out with the voice of thanksgiving, Hosanna." From the Warda, "for Palm Sunday."

§ 8. "O my unrighteous soul, who shall weep bitterly for thee, and who shall plead for thee with the righteous Judge? The angels of heaven are struck with awe, and tremble at the severe condemnation which shall be passed upon those of earth, especially upon those who have not exercised mercy. The wise virgins do not give oil to the foolish ones, because they do not take with them pure lamps trimmed with mercy. Whither, then, wilt thou go to buy oil to light thy lamp, O thou unright-