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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Barlaam and Ioasaph by St. John of Damascus: dread ruler of this world. And now behold by the power of God,
as far as in me lay, I have accomplished my ministry, announcing
to thee the knowledge of him, and making known unto thee the
preaching of the Prophets and Apostles, and teaching thee
unerringly and soothly the vanity of the present life, and the
evils with which this world teems, which cruelly deceiveth them
that trust therein, and taketh them in many a gin. Now must I
return thither whence I came, and thereupon doff this robe
belonging to another, and don mine own again."
Ioasaph therefore begged the elder to shew himself in his wonted
apparel. Then did Barlaam strip off the mantle that he wore, and
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