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MATHAI THE APOSTLE.
275

fulfilled that which was spoken by the prophet, that a Nazarene[1] he should be called.


VI. Feast of the Epiphany.

Now in those days came Juchanon[2] the Baptizer preaching in the desert of Jehud, and saying, "Repent! the kingdom of heaven hath drawn nigh. For this is he of whom it was spoken by Eshaia the prophet: The voice which crieth in the desert, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths plain. But this Juchanon, his clothing was of the hair of camels, with a loins-belt of leather upon his loins; and his food was locusts and wilderness-honey.

Then went forth to him Urishlem,[3] and all Jehud, and the whole country about Jurdan; and were baptized of him in Jurdan, the river, while they were confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharishee and Zodukoyee coming to be baptized, he said to them, Generation of vipers, who hath showed you to escape from the wrath that cometh? Work, therefore, fruits which are suitable to repentance. Neither ruminate and say within yourselves, that Abraham is father to us; for I say to you that Aloha is able from these stones to raise up sons unto Abraham. But, behold, the axe lieth at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, which maketh not good fruit is cut down and falleth into the fire. I, indeed, baptize you with water unto repentance; but He who cometh after me is mightier than I; he, whose sandals I am not worthy to bear,—he baptizeth you with the Spirit of Holiness and with fire. He (it is) whose fan is in his hand, and, purifying his floors, the wheat he gathereth into his garner, but the chaff he burneth with the fire that is not quenched.

  1. Natsroio.
  2. Or, Yuʿhanan.
  3. Pron. Oorishlem.