d even took the form
of a servant. Likewise also for this reason we salute the pictures of
his undefiled Mother, and of all the Saints. In the same spirit also
faithfully worship and salute the emblem of the life-giving and
venerable Cross, for the sake of him that hung thereon in the flesh,
for the salvation of our race, Christ the God and Saviour of the world,
who gave it to us as the sign of victory over the devil; for the devil
trembleth and quaketh at the virtue thereof, and endureth not to behold
it. In such doctrines and in such faith shalt thou be baptized,
keeping thy faith unwavering and pure of all heresy until thy latest
breath. But all teaching and every speech of doctrine contrary to this
blameless faith abhor, and consider it an alienation from God. For, as
saith the Apostle, 'Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any
other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let
him be accursed.' For there is none other Gospel or none other Faith
than that which hath been preached by the Apostles, and established by
the inspired Fathers at divers Councils, and delivered to the Catholick
Church."

When Barlaam had thus spoken, and taught the king's son the Creed which
was set forth at the Council of Nicaea, he baptized him in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, in the pool of water
which was in his garden. And there came upon him the grace of the Holy
Spirit. Then did Barlaam come back to his chamber, and offer the holy
Mysteries of the unbloody Sacrifice, and communicate him with the
undefiled Mysteries of Christ: and Ioasaph rejoiced in spirit, giving
thanks to Christ his God.

Then said Barlaam unto him, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten thee
again unto a lively hope, to an inheritance incorruptible and
undefiled, that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven in Christ Jesus our
Lord by the Holy Ghost; for to-day thou hast been made free from sin,
and hast become the servant of God, and hast received the earnest of
everlasting life: thou hast left darkness and put on light, being
enrolled in the glorious liberty of the children of God. For he saith,
'As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name.' Wherefore thou art no
more a servant, but a son and an heir of God through Jesus Christ in
the Holy Ghost. Wherefore, belove