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TOPIC: Post-Nicene Fathers Vol 13 (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: 33.03.10 Hymn for Epiphany Part II
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1. God in His mercy stooped and came down,-to mingle His compassion with the water,-and to blend the nature of His majesty-with the wretched bodies of men.-He made occasion by the water-to come down and to dwell in us:-like to the occasion of mercy-when He came down and dwelt in the womb:-O the mercies of God-Who seeks for Himself all occasions to dwell in us!
2. To the cave in Horeb He stooped and came down,-and on Moses He caused His majesty to dwell ;-He imparted His glorious splendour to mortals.-There was therein a figure of Baptism:-He Who came down and dwelt in it,-tempers within the water-the might of His majesty,-that He may dwell in the feeble.-On Moses dwelt the Breath,-and on you the Perfecting of Christ.
3. That might then none could endure;-not Moses chief of deliverers,-nor Elijah chief of zealots;-and the Seraphin too vail their faces,-for it is the might that subdues all.-His mercy mingled gentleness-in the water and by the oil;-that mankind in its weakness-might be able to stand before Him-when covered by the water and the oil.
4. The captive priests again in the well-hid and concealed the fire of the sanctuary,hyperlink -a mystery of that glorified fire-which the Highpriest mingles in Baptism.-The priests took up of the mire,-and on the altar they sprinkled it;-for its fire, the fire of that well,-with the mire had been mingled;-a mystery of our bodies which in the water-with the fire of the Holy Spirit have been mingled.
5. The famous Three in Babylon-in the furnace of fire were baptized, and came forth;-they went in and bathed in the flood of flame, they were buffeted by the blazing billows.-There was sprinkled on them there-the dew that fell from heaven;-it loosed from off them there-the bonds of the earthly king.-Lo! the famous Three went in and found a fourth in the furnace.
6. That visible fire that triumphed outwardly,-pointed to the fire of the Holy Ghost,-which is mingled, lo! and hidden in the water.-In the flame Baptism is figured,-in that blaze of the furnace.-Come, enter, be baptized, my brethren,-for lo! it looses the bonds;-for in it there dwells and is hidden-the Daysman of God,-Who in the furnace was the fourth.
7. Two words again our Lord spake-which in one voice agree in unison:-He said, "I am come to send fire,"-and again, "I have a baptism to be baptized with."-By the fire of Baptism is quenched the fire,-that which the Evil One had kindled:-and the water of Baptism has overcome-those waters of contention-by which he had made trial-of Joseph who conquered and was crowned.
8. Lo! the pure fire of our Redeemer-which he kindled in mankind of His mercy!-Through His fire He quenched that fire-which had been kindled in the defiled and sinful.-This is the fire wherein the thorns-are burnt up and the tares.-But happy are your bodies-that have been baptized in the fire-which has consumed your thickets,-and by it your seeds have sprung up to heaven!
9. Jeremiah in the womb He sanctified and taught.-But if the lowly bosom of wedlock-was sanctified in conceiving and bringing him forth,-how much more shall Baptism sanctify-its conception and its bringing forth-of them that are pure and spiritual!-For there, within the womb-is the conception of all men;-but here, out of the water,-is the birth whereof the spiritual are worthy.
10. For Jeremiah though sanctified in the womb,-they took up nails and cast him into the pit.-Holy was the prophet in his befoulment,-for clean was his heart though he was in the mire.-Be ye afraid, my brethren-for lo! to-day is washed away-your secret befoulment,-and the abomination of your sins.-Turn not again to uncleanness,-for there is but one cleansing of your bodies!
11. The presumptuous who is baptized and again sins,-is as the serpent that casts its slough and again puts it on, that is renewed and made young, and turns again--putting on anew its skin of old;-for the serpent does not-cast off its nature.-Cast ye off the tempter-the corrupter of souls,-even the old man;-let it not make old-the newness ye have put on!
12. Elisha cast the wood into the water, and made the heavy float and the light sink:-their natures were exchanged in the water.-There a new thing came to pass not according to nature.-How much easier then, O Lord,-is this for Thy grace; that in the water should sink-transgression which is heavy,-but that the soul which is light-should be drawn forth and raised up on high!
13. Joshua, son of Nun, on Jericho-laid a curse on its walls and a doom on its fountains.-They whom Joshua cursed to their destruction,-again in the mystery of Jesus have been blessed.-There was cast into them salt,-and they were healed and sweetened:-a mystery of this salt,-the sweet salt that came from Mary,-that was mingled in the water,-whereby was healed the noisomeness of our plagues.
14. Lo! quiet waters are before you,-holy and tranquil and pleasant;-for they are not the waters of contention-that cast Joseph into the dungeon;-nor yet are they the waters,-those waters of strife,-beside which the people strove,-and gainsaid in the wilderness.-There are waters whereby-there is reconciliation made with Heaven.
15. Hagar saw the spring of water,-and from it she gave drink to her forward son, him who became as a wild ass in the wilderness.-Instead of that fountain of water is Baptism.-In it are baptized the sons of Hagar,-and are become gentle and peaceful. Who has seen ramshyperlink like these,-that are yoked, lo! and labour-along with tame bullocks,-and the seed of their tillage is reaped an hundredfold!
16. In the beginning the Spirit that brooded-moved on the waters; they conceived and gave birth-to serpents and fishes and birds.-The Holy Spirit has brooded in Baptism,-and in mystery has given birth to eagles,-Virgins and Prelates;-and in mystery has given birth to fishes,-celibates and intercessors; and in mystery of serpents,-lo! the subtle have become simple as doves!
17. Lo! the sword of our Lord in the waters!-that which divides sons and fathers:-for it is the living sword that makes-division, lo! of the living from the dying.-Lo! they are baptized and they become-Virgins and saints,-who have gone down, been baptized, and put on-the One Only begotten.-Lo! many have come boldly to Him!
18. For whoso have been baptized and put on Him-the Only begotten the Lord of the many,-has filled thereby the place of many,-for to him Christ has become a great treasure:-for He became in the wilderness-a table of good meats,-and He became at the marriage feast-a fountain of choice wines.-He has become such to all in all things,-by helps and healings and promises.
19. Elisha was the equal of the Watchers-in his doings, glorious and holy.-The camp of the Watchers was round about him;-thus let Baptism be unto you,-a camp of guardians,-for by means of it there dwells in the heart-the hope of them that are below-and the Lord of them that are above.-Sanctify for Him your bodies,-for where He abides, corruption comes not near.
20. They are no more, the waters of that sea-which by its billows preserved the People,-and by its billows laid low the peoples.-Of contrary effect are the waters in Baptism.-In them, lo! the people have life;-in them, lo! the People perishes:-for all that are not baptized,-in the waters that give life to all,-they are dead invisibly.
21. They are no more, the waters of that sea-which were tempestuous, and boiled against Jonah,-and plunged into the depths the Son of Amittai.-Though he fled he was bound in the prison-house;-God cast him in and bound him-in dungeon within dungeon;-for he bound him in the sea.-and He bound him in the fish.-For him Grace stood surety,-and she opened the prison and brought forth the preacher.
22. The Prophets have called the Most High a fire,-" a devouring fire," and "who can dwell with it?" -The People were not able to dwell in it;-its might crushed the peoples and they were confounded.-In it, with the unction ye have been anointed;-ye have put Him on in the water;-in the bread ye have eaten Him;-in the wine ye have drunk Him;-in the voice ye have heard Him;-and in the eye of the mind ye have seen Him!
1. O John, who sawest the Spirit,-that abode on the head of the Son,-to show how the Head of the Highest-went down and was baptized-and came up to be Head on earth!-Children of the Spirit ye have thus become,-and Christ has become for you the Head:-ye also have become His members.
2. Consider and see how exalted ye are;-how instead of the river Jordan-ye have glorious Baptism, wherein is peace;-spreading her wings to shade your bodies.-In the wilderness John baptized:-in Her pure flood of Baptism,-purely are ye baptized therein.3. Infants think when they see its glory,-that by its pomp its might is enhanced.-But it is the same, and within itself-is not divided.-But the might which neverwaxes less or greater-in us is little or again great;-and he in whom is great under-standing,-great in him is Baptism.4. A man's knowledge, if it be exalted,-exalted also is his degree above his brethren;-and he whose faith is great,-so also is his promise;-and as is his wisdom, so also his crowning.-As is the light, which though it be all goodly-and equal all of it with itself,-yet goodlier is one eye than another.5. Jesus mingled His might in the water:-put ye Him on my brethren as discerning men!-For there are that in the water merely-perceive that they are washed. With our body be our soul washed!-The manifest water let the body perceive,-and the soul the secret might;-that both to the manifest and to the secret ye may be made like!6. How beautiful is Baptism-in the eye of the heart; come, let us gaze on it!-Like as by a seal ye have been moulded;-receive ye its image,-that nought may be lacking to us of our image!-For the sheep that are white of heart-gaze on the glory that is in the water:-in your souls reflect ye it!7. Water is by nature as a mirror,-for one who in it examines himself.-Stir up thy soul, thou that discernest,-and be like unto it!-For it in its midst reflects thy image;-from it, on it, find an example;-gaze in it on Baptism,-and put on the beauty that is hidden therein!8. What profits it him that hears-a voice and knows not its significance?-Whoso hears a voice and is devoid-of the understanding thereof,-his ear is filled but his soul is empty.-Lo! since the gift is abundant,-with discernment receive ye it.9. Baptism that is with understanding-is the conjunction of two lights,-and rich are the fountains of its rays.- ......-And the darkness that is on the mind departs,-and the soul beholds Him in beauty,-the hidden Christ of glory,-and grieves when the glory fails.
10. Baptism without understanding-is a treasure full yet empty;-since he that receives it is poor in it,-for he understands not-how great are its riches into which he enters and dwells.-For great is the gift within it,-though the mean man perceives not-that he is exalted even as it.
11. Open wide your minds and see, my brethren,-the secret column in the air, whose base is fixed from the midst of the water-unto the door of the Highest Place, like the ladder that Jacob saw.-Lo! by it came down the light unto Baptism,-and by it the soul goes up to Heaven,-that in one love we may be mingled.
12. Our Lord when he was baptized by John-sent forth twelve fountains;-and they issued forth and cleansed by their streams-the defilement of the peoples.-His worshippers are made white like His garments,-the garments in Tabor and the body in the water.-Instead of the garments the peoples are made white,-and have become for Him a clothing of glory.
13. From your garments learn, my brethren,-how your members should be kept.-For if the garment, which ever so many times-may be made clean,-is duly kept for the sake of its comeliness,-the body which has but one baptism-manifold more exceeding is the care of its keeping,-for manifold are its dangers.
14. Again the sun in a house that is strait,-is straitened therein though he be great: -but in a house that is goodly and large,-when he rises thereon-far and wide in it he spreads his rays;-and though the sun is one and the same in his nature,-in divers houses he undergoes changes:-Even so our Lord in divers men.
2. This cause summoned Him that is pure,-that He should come and be baptized, even He with the defiled,-Heaven for His glory was rent asunder.-That the purifier of all might be baptized with all,-He came down and sanctified the water for our baptism.
3. For that cause for which He entered into the womb,-for the same cause He went down into the river.-For that cause for which He entered into the grave,-for the same cause He makes us enter into His chamber.-He perfected mankind for every cause.
4. His Conception is the store of our blessings;-His Birth is the treasury of our joys;-His Baptism is the cause of our pardon;-His Death is the cause of our life.-Death He alone has overcome in His Resurrection.
5. At His Birth a star of light shone in the air;-when He was baptized light flashed from the water;-at His Death the sun was darkened in the firmament;-at His Passion the luminaries set along with Him;-at His Epiphany the luminaries arose with Him.
6. Revealed was His Glory because of His Majesty;-revealed was His Passion because of His Manhood;-revealed was His Love because of His Graciousness;-revealed was His Judgment because of His Justice.-He has poured forth His attributes, on them that were His.
7. That whoso has looked on His Glory and despised Him,-may look again on His Glory and worship Him;-and whoso has scorned to taste of His Graciousness,-may fear lest he be made to feel His justice;-He has poured forth His helps on His worshippers.
8. Lo! the East in the morning was made light!-lo! the South at noonday was made dark!-The West again in turn at eventide was made light.-The three quarters represent the one Birth;-His Death and His Life they declare.
9. His Birth flowed on and was joined to His Baptism;-and His Baptism again flowed on even to His Death;-His Death led and reached to His Resurrection,-a fourfold bridge unto His Kingdom; and lo! His sheep pass over in His footsteps.
10. And like as, save by the door of birth,-none can enter into creation;-so, save by the door of resurrection,-none can enter into the Kingdom,-and whoso has cut off his bridge, has brought to nought his hope.
I. He put on His armour and conquered and was crowned;-He left His armour on earth and ascended,-that if any man desires the crown,-he may resort to the armour and win by it-the crown of victory which he yearns after.
12. He fulfilled righteousness on earth, and ascended.-But if He, the All-cleanser, was baptized,-What man is there that shall not be baptized?-for grace has come to baptism-to wash away the foulness of our wound.
13. The compulsion of God is an all-prevailing force;-[but that is not pleasing to Him which is of compulsion,]hyperlink -as that which is of discerning will.-Therefore in our fruits He calls us-who live not as under compulsion, by persuasion.
14. Good is He, for lo! He labours in these two things;-He wills not to constrain our freedom-nor again does He suffer us to abuse it.-For had he constrained it, He had taken away its power;-and had He let it go, He had deprived it of help.
15. He knows that if He constrains He deprives us;-He knows that if He casts off He destroys us;-He knows that if He teaches He wins us.-He has not constrained and He has not cast off, as the Evil One does:-He has taught, chastened, and won us, as being the good God.
16. He knows that His treasuries abound:-the keys of His treasuries He has put into our hands.-He has made the Cross our treasurer-to open for us the gates of Paradise,-as Adam opened the gate of Gehenna.
1. Give thanks, O daughter, that thy crownings have been doubled;-for lo! thy temples and thy sons rejoice.-The dedication of thy temples is in the ministration;-The dedication of thy sons is in the anointing.-Blessed art thou that at once ......-...... the tabernacle for them that dwell in thee,-and the Spirit has abode upon thy sons!
2. Our Lord opened up Baptism-in the midst of Jordan the blessed river.-The height and the depth rejoiced in Him;-He brings forth the first fruits of His peace from the water,-for they are first fruits, the fruits of Baptism.-The good God in His compassion will bring to pass-that His peace shall be first fruits on earth.
3. Moses stretched out the temporal Tabernacle;-the priests bathed themselves in water,-and went in and ministered; and were stricken and punished,-because their heart within was not cleansed.-Blessed art thou that in the Passover of the great Passion,-the priests by the savour of their oblations,-lo! are cleansing souls in thee!
4. Great was the mystery that the Prophet saw,-the torrent that was mighty.-Into its depths he gazed and beheld-thy beauty instead of himself; thee it was he saw, for thy faith passes not away,-thou whose flood unseen shall overwhelm-the subtle-ties of idolatry.
5. Though John was great among them that are born of women,-yet he that is little is greater than he,-in this that his baptized were again baptized,-in the baptism that was of the Apostles.-Blessed art thou that thy priest is greater than he-in this alone that forever-abides his baptism.
6. The baptism that was of Siloam-did not bring mercy to the man that was laid there-who for thirty and eight years awaited it,-for he was a respecter of the persons of the Levites.-Blessed art thou that thy healing is in thee for all men,-and thy priests are devoted and ready-for all that are in need of thy help.
7. The Prophet healed the waters that were unwholesome,-and cured the disease of the land that was barren,-so that its death was done away and its region resounded, for its offspring increased and its bosom was filled.-Greater is Thy grace, Lord, than Elisha's!-Multiply my lambs and my flocks-at the great stream of my fountain!hyperlink
8. Great is the marvel that is within thy abode;-the flocks together with the Shepherds,-those at the stream of the waters,-two unseen with one manifest who baptizes.-Blessed is he who is baptized in their fountains!-for three arms have upheld him,-and three Names have preserved him!
1. In Baptism Adam found again-that glory that was among the trees of Eden.-He went down, and received it out of the water;-he put it on, and went up and was adorned therein.-Blessed be He that has mercy on all!
2. Man fell in the midst of Paradise,-and in baptism compassion restored him:-he lost his comeliness through Satan's envy,-and found it again by God's grace.-Blessed be He that has mercy on all!
3. The wedded pair were adorned in Eden;-but the serpent stole their crowns:-yet mercy crushed down the accursed one,-and made the wedded pair goodly in their raiment.-Blessed be He that has mercy on all!
4. They clothed themselves with leaves of necessity;-but the Merciful had pity on their beauty,-and instead of leaves of trees,-He clothed them with glory in the water.-Blessed be He that has mercy on all!
5. Baptism is the well-spring of life,-which the Son of God opened by His Life;-and from His Side it has brought forth streams.-Come, all that thirst, come, rejoice!-Blessed be He that has mercy on all!
6. The Father has sealed Baptism, to exalt it;-and the Son has espoused it to glorify it;-and the Spirit with threefold seal-has stamped it, and it has shone in holiness.-Blessed be He that has mercy on all!
7. The Trinity that is unsearchable-has laid up treasures in baptism.-Descend, ye poor, to its fountain!-and be enriched from it, ye needy!-Blessed be He that has mercy on all!
(Resp.-Brethren, sing praises, to the Son of the Lord of all; Who has bound for you crowns, such as king's long for!)
1. Your garments glisten, my brethren, as snow;-and fair is your shining in the likeness of Angels!
2. In the likeness of Angels, ye have come up, beloved,-from Jordan's river, in the armour of the Holy Ghost.
3. The bridal chamber that fails not, my brethren, ye have received:-and the glory of Adam's house to-day ye have put on.
4. The judgment that came of the fruit, was Adam's condemnation:-but for you victory, has arisen this day.
5. Your vesture is shining, and goodly your crowns:-which the Firstborn has bound for you, by the priest's hand this day.6. Woe in Paradise, did Adam receive:-but you have received, glory this day.
7. The armour of victory, ye put on, my beloved:-in the hour when the priest, invoked the Holy Ghost.
8. The Angels rejoice, men here below exult:-in your feast, my brethren, wherein is no foulness.
9. The good things of Heaven, my brethren, ye have received:-beware of the Evil One, lest he despoil you.
10. The day when He dawned, the Heavenly King:-opens for you His door, and bids you enter Eden.
11. Crowns that fade not away, are set on your heads:-hymns of praise hourly, let your mouths sing.
12. Adam by means of the fruit, God cast forth in sorrow:-but you He makes glad, in the bride-chamber of joy.
13. Who would not rejoice, in your bridechamber, my brethren?-for the Father with His Son, and the Spirit rejoice in you.
14. Unto you shall the Father, be a wall of strength:-and the Son a Redeemer, and the Spirit a guard.
15. Martyrs by their blood, glorify their crowns:-but you our Redeemer, by His Blood glorifies.
16. Watchers and Angels, joy over the repentant:-they shall joy over you my brethren, that unto them ye are made like.
17. The fruit which Adam, tasted not in Paradise:-this day in your mouths, has been placed with joy.
18. Our Redeemer figured, His Body by the tree:-whereof Adam tasted not, because he had sinned.
19. The Evil One made war, and subdued Adam's house:-through your baptism, my brethren, lo! he is subdued this day.
20. Great is the victory, but to-day you have won:-if so be ye neglect not, you shall not perish, my brethren.
21. Glory to them that are robed, glory to Adam's house!-in the birth that is from the water, let them rejoice and be blessed!
22. Praise to Him Who has robed, His Churches in glory!-glory to Him Who has magnified, the race of Adam's house.
(Resp.-Glory to Thee, my Lord, for Thee-with joy Heaven and earth worship!)
1. My thought bore me to Jordan,-and I saw a marvel when there was revealed-the glorious Bridegroom who to the Bride-shall bring freedom and holiness.
2. I saw John filled with wonder,-and the multitudes standing about him,-and the glorious Bridegroom bowed down-to the Son of the barren that he might baptize Him.
3. At the Word and the Voice my thought marvelled:-for lo! John was the Voice; -our Lord was manifested as the Word, that what was hidden should become revealed.
4. The Bride was espoused but knew not-who was the Bridegroom on whom she gazed:-the guests were assembled, the desert was filled,-and our Lord was hidden among them.
5. Then the Bridegroom revealed Himself;-and to John at the voice He drew near:-and the Forerunner was moved and said of Him-"This is the Bridegroom Whom I proclaimed."
6. He came to baptism Who baptizes all,-and He showed Himself at Jordan.-John saw Him and drew back,-deprecating, and thus he spake:-
7. "How, my Lord, willest Thou to be baptized,-Thou Who in Thy baptism atonest all?-Baptism looks unto Thee;-shed Thou on it holiness and perfection?"
8. Our Lord said "I will it so;-draw near, baptize Me that My Will may be done.-Resist My Will thou canst not:-I shall be baptized of thee, for thus I will it."
9. "I entreat, my Lord, that I be not compelled,-for this is hard that Thou hast said to me,-'I have need that thou shouldst baptize Me;'-for it is Thou that with Thy hyssop purifiest all."
10. "I have asked it, and it pleases Me that thus it should be;-and thou, John, why gainsayest thou?-Suffer righteousness to be fulfilled,-and come, baptize Me; why standest Thou?"
11. "How can one openly grasp-in his hands the fire that burns?-O Thou that art fire have mercy on me,-and bid me not come near Thee, for it is hard for me!"
12. "I have revealed to Thee My Will; what questionest thou?-Draw near, baptize Me, and thou shalt not be burned.-The bridechamber is ready; keep Me not back-from the wedding-feast that has been made ready."
13. "The Watchers fear and dare not-gaze on Thee lest they be blinded;-and I, how, O my Lord, shall I baptize Thee?-I am too weak to draw near; blame me not!"
14. "Thou fearest; therefore gainsay not-against My Will in what I desire:-and Baptism has respect unto Me.-Accomplish the work to which thou hast been called!"
15. "Lo! I proclaimed Thee at Jordan-in the ears of the people that believed not and if they shall see Thee baptized of me,-they will doubt that Thou art the Lord."
16. "Lo! I am to be baptized in their sight,-and the Father Who sent Me bears witness of Me-that I am His Son and in Me He is well pleased,-to reconcile Adam who was under His wrath."
17. "It becomes, me. O my Lord, to know my nature-that I am moulded out of the ground,-and Thou the moulder Who formest all things:-I, then, why should I baptize Thee in water?"
18. "It becomes thee to know wherefore I am come,-and for what cause I have desired that thou shouldst baptize Me.-It is the middle of the way wherein I have walked;-withhold thou not Baptism."
19. "Small is the river whereto Thou art come,-that Thou shouldst lodge therein and it should cleanse Thee.-The heavens suffice not for Thy mightiness;-how much less shall Baptism contain Thee!"
20. "The womb is smaller than Jordan;-yet was I willing to lodge in the Virgin:-and as I was born from woman,-so too am I to be baptized in Jordan."
21. "Lo! the hosts are standing!-the ranks of Watchers, lo! they worship And if I draw near, my Lord, to baptize Thee,-I tremble for myself with quaking."
22. "The hosts and multitudes call thee happy,-all of them, for that thou baptizest Me.-For this I have chosen thee from the womb:-fear thou not, for I have willed it
23. "I have prepared the way as I was sent:-I have betrothed the Bride as I was commanded.-May Thy Epiphany be spread over the world-now that Thou art come, and let me not baptize Thee!"
24. "This is My preparation, for so have I willed;-I will go down and be baptized in Jordan,-and make bright the armour for them that are baptized,-that they may be white in Me and I not be conquered."
25. "Son of the Father, why should I baptize Thee?-for lo! Thou art in Thy Father and Thy Father in Thee.-Holiness unto the priests Thou givest;-water that is common wherefore askest Thou?"
26. "The children of Adam look unto Me,-that I should work for them the new birth.-A way in the waters I will search out for them,-and if I be not baptized this cannot be."
27. "Pontiffs of Thee are consecrated,-priests by Thy hyssop are purified;-the anointed and the kings Thou makest.-Baptism, how shall it profit Thee?"
28. "The Bride thou betrothedst to Me awaits Me,-that I should go down, be baptized, and sanctify her.-Friend of the Bridegroom withhold Me not-from the washing that awaits Me."
29. "I am not able, for I am weak,-Thy blaze in my hands to grasp.-Lo! Thy legions are as flame;-bid one of the Watchers baptize Thee!"
30. "Not from the Watchers was My Body assumed,-that I should summon a Watcher to baptize Me.-The body of Adam, lo! I have put on,-and thou, son of Adam, art to baptize Me."
31. "The waters saw Thee, and greatly feared ;-the waters saw Thee, and lo! they tremble!-The river foams in its terror;-and I that am weak, how shall I baptize Thee?"
32. "The waters in My Baptism are sanctified,-and fire and the Spirit from Me shall they receive;-and if I be not baptized they are not made perfect-to be fruitful of children that shall not die."
33. "Fire, if to Thy fire it draw near,-shall be burnt up of it as stubble.-The mountains of Sinai endured Thee not,-and I that am weak, wherein shall I baptize Thee?"
34. "I am the flaming fire;-yet for man's sake I became a babe-in the virgin womb of the maiden.-And now I am to be baptized in Jordan."
35. "It is very meet that Thou shouldst baptize me,-for Thou hast holiness to purify all.-In Thee it is that the defiled are made holy; but Thou that art holy, why art Thou to be baptized?"
36. "It is very right that thou shouldst baptize Me,-as I bid, and shouldst not gainsay.-Lo! I baptized thee within the womb;-baptize thou me in Jordan!"
37. "I am a bondman and I am weak.-Thou that freest all have mercy on me! Thy latchets to unloose I am not able;-Thy exalted head who will make me worthy to touch?"
38. "Bondmen in My Baptism are set free;-handwritings in My washing are blotted out ;-manumissions in the water are sealed ;-and if I be not baptized all these come to nought."
39. "A mantle of fire the air wears,-and waits for Thee, above Jordan;-and if Thou consentest to it and willest to be baptized,-Thou shall baptize Thyself and fulfil all."
40. "This is meet, that thou shouldst baptize Me,-that none may err and say concerning Me,-'Had He not been alien from the Father's house,-why feared the Levite to baptize Him?' "
41. "The prayer, then, when Thou art baptized,-how shall I complete over Jordan?-When the Father and the Spirit are seen over Thee,-Whom shall I call on, as priest?"
42. "The prayer in silence is to be completed:-come, thy hand alone lay thou on Me.-and the Father shall utter in the priest's stead-that which is meet concerning His Son."
43. "They that are bidden, lo! all of them stand;-the Bridegroom's guests, lo! they bear witness-that day by day I said among them,-'I am the Voice and not the Word.' "
44. "Voice of him that cries in the wilderness,-fulfil thou the work for which thou camest,-that the desert whereunto thou wentest out may resound-with the mighty peace thou preachedst therein."
45. "The shout of the Watchers has come to my ears;-lo! I hear from the Father's house-the hosts that sound forth the cry,-'In Thy Epiphany, O Bridegroom, the worlds have life.' "
46. "The time hastes on, and the marriage guests-look to Me to see what is doing.-Come, baptize Me, that they may give praise-to the Voice of the Father when it is heard!"
47. "I hearken, my Lord, according to Thy Word:-come to Baptism as Thy love constrains Thee!-The dust worships that whereunto he has attained,-that on Him Who fashioned him he should lay his hand."
48. The heavenly ranks were silent as they stood,-and the Bridegroom went down into Jordan;-the Holy One was baptized and straightway went up,-and His Light shone forth on the world.
49. The doors of the highest were opened above,-and the voice of the Father was heard,-" This is my Beloved in Whom I am well pleased."-All ye peoples, come and worship Him.
50. They that saw were amazed as they stood, at the Spirit Who came down and bare witness to Him.-Praise to Thy Epiphany that gladdens all,-Thou in Whose revelation the worlds are lightened!
2. He dawned from the womb of the Virgin,-and the shadows passed away when He was seen,-and the darkness of error was strangled by Him,-and the ends of the earth were enlightened that they should give glory.
3. Among the peoples there was great tumult,-and in the darkness the light dawned,-and the nations rejoiced to give glory-to Him in Whose Birth they all were enlightened.
4. His light shone out over the east;-Persia was enlightened by the star:-His Epiphany gave good tidings to her and invited her,-" He is come for the sacrifice that brings joy to all."
5. The star of light hasted and came and dawned-through the darkness, and summoned them-that the peoples should come and exult-in the great Light that has come down to earth.
6. One envoy from among the stars-the firmament sent to proclaim to them,-to the sons of Persia, that they might make ready-to meet the King and to worship Him.
7. Great Assyria when she perceived it-called to the Magi and said to them,-"Take gifts and go, honour Him-the great King Who in Judea has dawned."
8. The princes of Persia, exulting,-carried gifts from their region;-and they brought to the Son of the Virgin-gold and myrrh and frankincense.
9. They entered and found Him as a child-as He dwelt in the house of the lowly woman;-and they drew near and worshipped with gladness,-and brought near before Him their treasures.
10. Mary said, "For whom are these?-and for what purpose? and what is the cause-that has called you to come from your country-to the Child with your treasures?"
11. They said, "Thy Son is a King,-and He binds crowns and is King of all;-and great is His power over the world,-and to His Kingdom shall all be obedient."
12. "At what time did this come to pass,-that a lowly woman should bring forth a King? I who am in need and in want,-how then could a king come forth from me?"
13. "In thee alone has this come to pass-that a mighty King from thee should appear;-thee in whom poverty shall be magnified,-and to thy Son shall crowns be made subject."
14. "Treasures of Kings I have not;-riches have never fallen to my lot.-My house is lowly and my dwelling needy;-why then proclaim ye that my Son is King?"
15. "Great treasure is in thy Son,-and wealth that suffices to make all rich;-for the treasures of kings are impoverished,-but He fails not nor can be measured."
16. "Whether haply some other be for your-the King that is born, enquire ye concerning Him.-This is the son of a lowly woman,-of one who is not meet to look on a King."
17. "Can it be that light should ever miss-the way whereon it has been sent? It was not darkness that summoned and led us;-in light we walked, and thy Son is King."
18. "Lo! ye see a babe without speech,-and the house of His mother empty and needy,-and of that which pertains to a king nought is in it:-how then in it is a king to be seen?"
19. "Lo! we see that without speech and at rest-is the King, and lowly as thou hast said:-but again we see that the stars-in the highest He bids haste to proclaim Him."
20. "It were meet, O men, that ye should enquire-who is the King, and then adore him;-lest haply your way has been mistaken,-and another is the King that is born."
21. "It were meet, O maiden, that thou shouldst receive it,-that we have learned that thy Son is King,-from the star of light that errs not,-and plain is the way, and he has led us."
22 "The Child is a little one, and lo! he has not-the diadem of a king and of a throne;-and what have ye seen that ye should pay honour to Him,-as to a king, with your treasures?"
23. "A little one, because He willed it for quietness' sake,-and meek now until He be revealed.-A time shall be for Him when all diadems-shall bow down and worship Him."
24. "Armies he has none;-nor has my Son legions and troops:-in the poverty of His mother He dwells;-why then King is He called by you?"
25. "The armies of thy Son are above;-they ride on high, and they flame,-and one of them it was that came and summoned us,-and all our country was dismayed."
26. "The Child is a babe, and how is it possible-He should be King, unknown to the world?-And they that are mighty and of renown,-how can a babe be their ruler?"
27. "Thy babe is aged, O Virgin,-and Ancient of Days and exalted above all and Adam beside Him is very babe,-and in Him all created things are made new."
28. "It is very seemly that ye should expound-all the mystery and explain it;- who it is that reveals to you the mystery of my Son,-that He is a King in your region."
29. "It is likewise seemly for thee to accept this,-that unless the truth had led us we had not wandered hither from the ends of the earth,-nor come for the sake of thy Son."
30. "All the mystery as it was wrought-among you there in your country,-reveal ye to me now as friends.-Who was He that called you to come to me?"
31. "A mighty Star appeared to us-that was glorious exceedingly above the stars,-and our land by its fire was kindled;-that this King had appeared it bore tidings to us."
32. "Do not, I beseech you, speak of--these things in our land lest they rage,-and the kings of the earth join together-against the Child in their envy."
33. "Be not thou dismayed, O Virgin!-Thy Son shall bring to nought all diadems, and set them underneath his heel;-and they shall not subdue Him Whom they envy."
34. "Because of Herod I am afraid,-that unclean wolf, lest he assail me,-and draw his sword and with it cut off-the sweet cluster before it be ripe."
35. "Because of Herod fear thou not;-for in the hands of thy Son is his throne placed:-and as soon as He shall reign it shall be laid low,-and his diadem shall fall on the earth beneath."
36. "A torrent of blood is Jerusalem,-wherein the excellent ones are slain;-and if she perceives Him she will assail Him.-In mystery speak ye, and noise it not abroad."
37. "All torrents, and likewise swords,-by the hands of thy Son shall be appeased;-and the sword of Jerusalem shall be blunted,-and shall not desire at all to kill."
38. "The scribes of the priests of Jerusalem-pour forth blood and heed not.- They will arouse murderous strife-against me and against the Child; O Magi, be silent!"
39. "The scribes and the priests will be unable-to hurt thy son in their envy;-for by Him their priesthood shall be dissolved,-and their festivals brought to nought."
40. "A Watcher revealed to me, when I received-conception of the Babe, that my Son is a King;-that His diadem is from on high and is not dissolved,-he declared to me even as ye do."
41. "The Watcher, therefore, of whom thou hast spoken-is he who came as a star,-and was shown to us and brought us good tidings-that He is great and glorious above the stars."
42. "That Angel declared to me-in his good tidings, when he appeared to me,-that to His Kingdom no end shall be-and the mystery is kept and shall not be revealed."
43. "The Star also declared again to us-that thy Son is He that shall keep the diadem.-His aspect was something changed,-and he was the Angel and made it not known to us."
44. "Before me when the Watcher showed himself,-he called Him his Lord before He was conceived;-and as the Son of the Highest announced Him to me:-but where His Father is he made not known to me."
45. "Before us he proclaimed in the form of a star-that the Lord of the Highest is He Who is born;-and over the stars of light thy Son is ruler,-and unless He commands they rise not."
46. "In your presence, lo! there are revealed-other mysteries, that ye may learn the truth;-how in virginity I bare my Son,-and He is Son of God; go ye, proclaim Him!"
47. "In our presence the Star taught us-that His Birth is exalted above the world and above all beings is thy Son,-and is Son of God according to thy saying."
48. "The world on high and the world below bear witness to Him,-all the Watchers and the stars,-that He is Son of God and Lord.-Bear ye His fame to your lands!"
49. "All the world on high, in one star,-has stirred up Persia and she has learnt the truth,-that thy Son is Son of God,-and to Him shall all peoples be subject."
50. "Peace bear ye to your lands:-peace be multiplied in your borders apostles of truth may ye be believed-in all the way that ye shall pass through."
51. "The peace of thy Son, it shall bear us-in tranquillity to our land, as it has led us hither;-and when His power shall have grasped the worlds,-may He visit our land and bless it!
52. "May Persia rejoice in your glad tidings!-may Assyria exult in your coming-And when my Son's Kingdom shall arise,-may He plant His standard in your country!"
53. Let the Church sing with rejoicing,-" Glory in the Birth of the Highest,-by Whom the world above and the world below are illumined!"-Blessed be He in Whose Birth all are made glad!
Footnotes
5 1 Maccab. I. 19.
6 'Arbo=ram; 'Arboyo=Arab.
7 The rendering of this line is very conjectural.
8 Ezek. xlvii. 1, sq.