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 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 and of the spirit, and be restored to
his first dignity, to wit, by supplication and by calling on the Saving
Name, the Holy Spirit brooding on the water. We are baptized, then,
according to the word of the Lord, in the Name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost