The all-merciful and beneficent Father has bowels [of compassion] towards those that fear Him, and kindly and lovingly bestows His fa- vours upon those who come to Him with a simple mind. Wherefore let us not be double- minded ; neither let our soul be lifted ^ 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." '° Ye foolish ones ! compare yourselves to a tree : take [for instance] the vine. First of all, it sheds its leaves, 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 sud- denly shall His will be accomplished, as the Scripture also bears witness, saying, " Speedily will He come, and will not tarry ; " " and, " The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Holy One, for whom ye look." '^