1
23:1 The Father whose mercies are over all things, who loveth to do good,
hath bowels of compassion for them that fear him, and with gentleness and
kindness bestoweth his favour upon them that come unto him with a pure mind.
23:2 Wherefore let us not be double-minded, nor let our hearts form vain
imaginations concerning his excellent and glorious gifts.
23:3 Let not that scripture be applicable unto us which saith, Wretched are
the double-minded, even they that doubt in their heart and say, We have heard
these things in the time of our fathers; and lo, we have grown old, and none of
them hath happened unto us.
23:4 O foolish ones! compare yourselves to a tree. Take, for example, the
vine: first it sheddeth its leaves, then cometh the bud, then the leaf, then the
flower, after that the unripe grape, then the ripe grape.
2
See how in a little
time the fruit of the tree attaineth to maturity.
23:5 Of a truth, quickly and suddenly shall his will be fulfilled; the
scripture also bearing witness that he shall come quickly, and shall not tarry;
and the Lord shall come suddenly into his temple, even the holy one, whom ye
expect.