Be Humble, and Believe that Christ Will Come Again.

Chapter XXIII.—Be Humble, and Believe that Christ Will Come Again.

The all-merciful and beneficent Father has bowels [of compassion] towards those that fear Him, and kindly and lovingly bestows His favours upon those who come to Him with a simple mind.  Wherefore let us not be double-minded; neither let our soul be lifted⁴¹⁰⁹ up on account of His exceedingly great and glorious gifts.  Far from us be that which is written, “Wretched are they who are of a double mind, and of a doubting heart; who say, These things we have heard even in the times of our fathers; but, behold, we have grown old, and none of them has happened unto us;”⁴¹¹⁰ Ye foolish ones! compare yourselves to a tree; take [for instance] the vine.  First of all, it sheds its leaves,⁴¹¹¹ then it buds, next it puts forth leaves, and then it flowers; after that comes the sour grape, and then follows the ripened fruit.  Ye perceive how in a little time the fruit of a tree comes to maturity.  Of a truth, soon and suddenly shall His will be accomplished, as the Scripture also bears witness, saying, “Speedily will He come, and will not tarry;”⁴¹¹² and, “The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Holy One, for whom ye look.”⁴¹¹³