Page:The Nestorians and their rituals, volume 2.djvu/148

120 truth, and to worship Thee, and that they may know that Thou only art the true and righteous, who desirest that all should be saved, and come to a knowledge of the truth; and that they may also know that Thou art the from everlasting to everlasting, a Divine and uncreated Essence, the Creator of all things, the , and ; and that for us men and for our salvation, the  of ,  the Word, our , became very Man, who was perfected and justified by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that He is the Mediator between  and man, and the giver of everlasting life to all those who through Him come unto  the , to Whom be praises and blessings for ever and ever. Amen." From the Liturgy of Theodorus.

The following prayers for vengeance upon unbelievers clearly teach, that according to the Nestorian doctrine none such can be saved.

§ 5. "Wherefore, O, dost Thou forget us, and not listen to the voice of Thy servants who call upon Thy name? Behold the rebellious Gentiles despise us, as is their wont, believing as they do that Thou wilt not judge them. Let Thy fire descend, and whet Thy sword, and take vengeance upon them, that we may cry out unto Thee as Jeremiah did when we behold the recompense of our enemies. O Thou Righteous One, whose vengeance is heavy, and whose judgment is severe and fearful; command that they be punished in this world, until the day of Thy appearance shall come, and Thou shalt order them to go into everlasting fire." From the Collects at the end of the Khudhra.

§ 6. "Rise up, O, Thou mighty and everlasting One, save us and put to confusion those who hate us, and who have not known Thee; that the inhabitants of the world may know that Thou art powerful and to be feared, and that Thou doest wonders. Lift up Thy right hand and cast down the rebellious, raise up the humble, and bring low the proud, and give Thy help to those who worship Thee." From the Khudhra ut supra.

The above prayers, (and there are several others written in the same spirit,) are still used by the Chaldeans. The denunciations and prayers for vengeance found in the Psalms, and in other parts of Holy Scripture are their authority for thus praying against the enemies of the Church.