PREFACE.

p. 156, a true masterpiece, the most beautiful treatise we have encountered in Syriac on the profound mysteries of the Most Holy Trinity and the Incarnation. It is precisely for this treatise that Sahdona was deposed and excommunicated by the Nestorians (see Liber sup. p. 66); 2) his clear doctrine on the particular judgment and on the present happiness of the saints who enjoy the intuitive vision while awaiting the resurrection of the bodies. Such a clear declaration is not found in almost any of the other Syriac writers, p. 202–204; 3) the distinction he establishes between mortal sin and venial sin, p. 277; 4) his exposition of the Holy sacrifice of the Mass, etc., p. 283, 286; 5) his doctrine on the authority of St. Peter, p. 364, 468, 557; 6) on marriage contracted after religious profession, which he declares formally null and void, p. 523–524, 525, 526, 531, 534, 535; 7) on religious profession producing, according to him, the same effect as baptism. In general, the doctrine of our author is very beautiful and very solid, and his writings lead to piety and the practice of all the virtues he explains so well.

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The five epistles: The first is addressed to a religious named Gabriel who wanted to change convents. The advice the author gives him to encourage him to remain where he is is perfectly chosen. The two following are addressed to another religious called Bar-Shaba son of the Sabbath who wanted to come and join him, and among other things, he exhorts him in a particular way to avoid the company of the rich. The fourth, the longest (p. 507–584) and the most important, is addressed to a religious who had renounced his vows to return to the world. It is an admirable treatise that shows the sublime beauty