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  "chapter": {
    "num": 360,
    "slug": "leo-magnus--homily-on-habib-the-martyr",
    "title": "Homily on Habib the Martyr — St. Leo the Great",
    "of": 425,
    "words": 5234,
    "text": "## Homily on Habib the Martyr\n\n*St. Leo the Great · Saint · Doctor of the Church*\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶1)]** Homily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶2)]** Habib the martyr, clad in flame, has called to me out of the fire,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶3)]** That for him likewise I should fashion an image of beauty among the glorious.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶4)]** Comrade of conquerors, lo! He beckons to me out of the burning,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶5)]** That, as for the glory of his Lord, I should sing concerning him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶6)]** In the midst of live coals stands the heroic man, and lo! He calls to me,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶7)]** That I should fashion his image: but the blazing fire permits me not.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶8)]** His love is fervid, glowing is his faith;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶9)]** His fire also burns, and who is adequate to recount his love?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶10)]** Nay, by reason of that love which led the martyr into the fire,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶11)]** No man is able to recount his beauties divine.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶12)]** For who shall dare enter and see in the blazing fire\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶13)]** To whom he is like, and after what pattern he is to be fashioned among the glorious?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶14)]** Shall I fashion his image by the side of the youths, the children of the furnace?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶15)]** With Hananiah shall I reckon Habib? I know not.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶16)]** Lo! These were not burned there: how, then, is he like?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶17)]** He, I say, like them, when he was burned and the youths not?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶18)]** Which, I ask, the more beautiful— Habib the martyr, or Azariah?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶19)]** Difficult for me is the image: how I am to look upon it, I know not.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶20)]** Lo! Michael was not burned by the flame;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶21)]** But Habib was burned: which, then, the more beautiful to him that looks upon him?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶22)]** Who shall dare say that this is repulsive, or that;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶23)]** Or not so comely this as that, to him that beholds him?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶24)]** Three there are in the fire, and the flame comes not near them;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶25)]** But one was burned: and how shall I suffice to tell\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶26)]** That the Fourth form is that of Him who went down into the midst of the furnace,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶27)]** That He might fashion an image for Habib there along with those of the three?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶28)]** He gives a place in the fire to him who was burned,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶29)]** That he may be, instead of Him the Fourth, by the side of the conquerors.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶30)]** And, if of the three the beauties be glorious, though they were not burned,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶31)]** How shall not this one, who was burned, be mingled with the glorious?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶32)]** If a man have the power either to be burned or not to be burned,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶33)]** Of this man, who was burned, more exalted was the beauty than that of the three.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶34)]** But, inasmuch as the Lord is the control of all things,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶35)]** He is to be praised, both where He rescues and where He delivers up.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶36)]** Moreover, too, the will of the three who were not burned,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶37)]** And of him who was burned, is one and the same, in this case and in that;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶38)]** And, had its Lord commanded the fire to burn them,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶39)]** Even those three on their part, burned they would have been;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶40)]** And, if He had signified to it that it should not burn that one man also,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶41)]** He would not have been burned; nor had it been of himself that he was rescued.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶42)]** To go into the fire was of their own will, when they went in;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶43)]** But that they were not burned— because the Lord of the fire willed and commanded it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶44)]** Therefore one equal beauty is that of him who was burned,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶45)]** And that of him who was not burned, because the will also was equal.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶46)]** Beloved martyr! exalted is your beauty; exalted is your rank:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶47)]** Graceful too your crown, and mingled your story with that of the glorious.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶48)]** Choice gold are you, and the fire has tried you, and resplendent is your beauty.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶49)]** And lo! Into the King's crown are you wrought, along with the victorious.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶50)]** Good workman! Who, in the doctrine of the Son of God,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶51)]** Pursues his course like a valiant man, because of the beauty of his faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶52)]** Habib the martyr was a teacher of that which is true;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶53)]** A preacher also, whose mouth was full of faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶54)]** Watchful was he, and prompt for service; and he encouraged with his teaching\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶55)]** The household of the house of God, through his faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶56)]** Of light was he full, and he wrestled with the darkness\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶57)]** Which overspread the country from the paganism which had darkened it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶58)]** With the Gospel of the Son was his mouth filled in the congregations;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶59)]** And as it were a leader of the way did he become to the villages when he arrived in them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶60)]** Zealous he was, because he was concerned for the doctrine\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶61)]** Divine, that he might establish the adherents of the faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶62)]** At the time when the winds of the pagans blew, a lamp was he,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶63)]** And flamed forth while they blew upon him, and went not out.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶64)]** All on fire was he, and filled with the love of his Lord, and was concerned\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶65)]** For this— that he might speak of Him without hindrance.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶66)]** The thorns of errour sprang up in the land from paganism;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶67)]** And, as much as in him lay, he rooted them out by his diligence.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶68)]** He taught, admonished, and confirmed in the faith,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶69)]** The friends of Christ, who were harassed by persecutors.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶70)]** Against sword and against fire did he wrestle,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶71)]** With love hot as the flame, and was not afraid.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶72)]** Like a two-edged brand, keen was\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶73)]** His faith, and against error did he contend.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶74)]** Leaven did he prove to be in this land which had become exhausted\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶75)]** Through fondness for the idols of vanity which error had brought in.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶76)]** He was like salt by reason of his savoury doctrine\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶77)]** To this region, which had become insipid through unbelief.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶78)]** A deacon was he, and filled the place of a high-priest\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶79)]** By the preaching and teaching of that which is true.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶80)]** He was to the flock a good shepherd while he was its overseer;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶81)]** And his life laid he down for the flock while he tended it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶82)]** He chased away the wolf, and drove off from it the beast of prey.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶83)]** And he repaired the breaches, and gathered the lambs into their folds.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶84)]** He went out secretly and encouraged the congregations:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶85)]** He strengthened them, and exhorted them, and held them up.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶86)]** And he forged armour of faith, and put it on them,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶87)]** That they might not be ignominiously overthrown by the paganism which abounded.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶88)]** The flocks of the fold of the Son of God were being laid waste\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶89)]** By persecutors: and he encouraged the lambs and the ewes.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶90)]** And he was an advocate to the household of faith;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶91)]** And he taught them not to be daunted by persecutors.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶92)]** He taught them to run to meet death,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶93)]** Without being afraid either of sword or of fire.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶94)]** In the teaching of the Son of God he prospered,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶95)]** So that his faith pursued its course without dread.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶96)]** Then errour grew envious, became furious, and was maddened, because of him;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶97)]** And she pursued after him, that she might shed upon the earth innocent blood.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶98)]** The Defamer, who hates the race of men,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶99)]** Laid snares for him, that he might rid the place of his presence.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶100)]** He who hates the truth pursued after him to put him to death,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶101)]** That he might make his voice to cease from the teaching of the house of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶102)]** And errour raised an outcry demanding that Habib should die, because she hated him;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶103)]** Vexation goaded her on, and she sought to take away his life.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶104)]** His story was talked about before the pagan judge of the country,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶105)]** And the dear fame of him reached the king: who in great rage,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶106)]** And because the diadem was interwoven with paganism, decreed death\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶107)]** Against Habib, because he was full of faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶108)]** And, when the command reached the judge, he armed himself\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶109)]** With rage and fury; and, with a mind thirsting for blood,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶110)]** And like hunters who lay nets for the young stag,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶111)]** After Habib did they go out to catch him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶112)]** But this man was a preacher of the faith,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶113)]** Who in the highway of the crucifixion was prospering;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶114)]** And, that he might benefit by his teaching the children of his people,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶115)]** His work embraced the countries round about him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶116)]** So, when error went out after him, she found him not:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶117)]** Not that he was fled, but that he had gone out to preach the Gospel.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶118)]** Then, because of the fury of the pagans, which was great beyond all that was meet,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶119)]** His kindred and his mother did they seize for his sake.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶120)]** Blessed are you, O woman! Mother since you are of the martyr.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶121)]** For wherefore was it that they seized you and bound you, iniquitously?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶122)]** What do they require of you, O you full of beauty? What, I ask, have they required of you?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶123)]** Lo! They require of you that you bring the martyr, that he may be a sacrifice.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶124)]** Bring, oh bring your sweet fruit to the place of the oblation—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶125)]** The fruit whose smell is fragrant, that it may be incense to the Godhead.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶126)]** Fair shoot, your cluster bring from where it is,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶127)]** That its wine may be for a libation whose taste is sweet.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶128)]** The lamb heard that they were seeking him, that he might be a sacrifice;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶129)]** And he set out and came to the sacrificers rejoicing.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶130)]** He heard that others also were being afflicted for his sake,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶131)]** And he came that he might bear the suffering which was his, in the stead of many.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶132)]** The lot fell on him, to be himself alone a sacrifice;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶133)]** And the fire that was to offer him up was looking out for him until he came.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶134)]** Of the many who were bound for his sake\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶135)]** Not one single person was seized to die, but only he.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶136)]** He it was that was worthy, and for him was martyrdom reserved;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶137)]** And to snatch the martyr's place no man was able.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶138)]** And therefore of his own will did he present himself\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶139)]** To the judge, that he might be seized, and die for Jesus' sake.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶140)]** He heard that they sought him, and he came that he might be seized, even as they sought him:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶141)]** And he went in of himself before the judge, and dauntless was his look.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶142)]** He hid not himself, nor did he wish to flee from the judge:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶143)]** For with light was he imbued, and from the darkness he would not flee.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶144)]** No robber was he, no murderer, no thief,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶145)]** No child of night: but all his course was run in open day.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶146)]** Wherefore from his flock should the good shepherd flee,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶147)]** And leave his fold to be devoured by robbers?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶148)]** Wherefore should the physician flee, who goes forth to heal diseases,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶149)]** And to cure souls by the blood of the Son of God?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶150)]** A fearless countenance did the brave man carry with him, and a great heart;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶151)]** And to meet death he ran, rejoicing, for Jesus' sake.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶152)]** He went in, he stood before the judge, saying to him:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶153)]** I am Habib, whom you sought: lo! here I stand.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶154)]** And the pagan trembled, and amazement seized him, and he marvelled at him—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶155)]** At the man who was not afraid, either of sword or of fire.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶156)]** While he thought that he was fleeing apace, he entered in and mocked him;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶157)]** And the judge shook, for he saw him courageous in the very face of death.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶158)]** A disciple he of that Son of God who said:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶159)]** Rise, come, let us go: for he that betrays me lo! Is here.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶160)]** And to the crucifiers, again, He said: Whom do you seek?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶161)]** They say: Jesus. And He said to them: I am He.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶162)]** The Son of God of His own will came to the cross;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶163)]** And on Him the martyr looked, and presented himself uncompelled before the judge.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶164)]** And the pagan beheld him, and was smitten with fear, and was exasperated against him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶165)]** His rage was excited, and he began in his fury to put to him questions.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶166)]** And, as if he had been one who had shed on the ground the blood of the slain,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶167)]** He proceeded to question the saintly man, but he was not ashamed:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶168)]** Menacing him, and trying to terrify him, and to frighten him,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶169)]** And recounting the sufferings which were being prepared by him on his account.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶170)]** But Habib, when questioned, was not afraid,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶171)]** Was not ashamed, and was not frightened by the menaces he heard.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶172)]** Lifting up his voice, he confessed Jesus, the Son of God—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶173)]** That he was His servant, and was His priest, and His minister.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶174)]** At the fury of the pagans, roaring at him like lions,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶175)]** He trembled not, nor ceased from the confession of the Son of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶176)]** He was scourged, and the scourgings were very dear to him,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶177)]** Seeing that he bore a little of the stripes of the Son of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶178)]** He was put into bonds, and he looked on his Lord, whom also they had bound;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶179)]** And his heart rejoiced that in the path of His sufferings he had begun to walk.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶180)]** He ascended the block, and they tore him with combs, but his soul was radiant with light,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶181)]** Because he was deemed worthy that on him should come the agony of the sufferings of crucifixion.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶182)]** In the pathway of death had he set his face to walk,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶183)]** And what could he desire to find in it but sufferings?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶184)]** The fire of sacrifice was betrothed to him, and for her did he look;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶185)]** And she on her part sent him combs, and stripes, and pains, to taste.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶186)]** All the while that she was coming, she sent him sufferings, that by means of them\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶187)]** He might be prepared, so that when she met him she might not dismay him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶188)]** Sufferings purged him, so that, when the blazing fire should put him to the proof,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶189)]** There might not be any dross found in his choice gold.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶190)]** And he endured the whole of the pains that came upon him,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶191)]** That he might have experience of suffering, and in the burning stand like a brave man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶192)]** And he accepted rejoicing the sufferings which he had to bear:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶193)]** For he knew that at their termination he should find death.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶194)]** And he was not afraid, either of death or of sufferings:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶195)]** For with that wine of the crucifixion his heart was drunk.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶196)]** He despised his body, while it was being dragged along by the persecutors;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶197)]** And his limbs, while they were being torn asunder in bitter agony.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶198)]** Scourges on his back, combs on his sides, stocks on his feet,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶199)]** And fire in front of him: still was he brave and full of faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶200)]** They taunted him: Lo! You worship a man;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶201)]** But he said: A man I worship not,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶202)]** But God, who took a body and became man:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶203)]** Him do I worship, because He is God with Him that begot Him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶204)]** The faith of Habib, the martyr, was full of light\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶205)]** And by it was enlightened Edessa, the faithful city.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶206)]** The daughter of Abgar, whom Addæus betrothed to the crucifixion—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶207)]** Through it is her light, through it her truth and her faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶208)]** Her king is from it, her martyrs from it, her truth from it;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶209)]** The teachers also of her faith are from it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶210)]** Abgar believed that You are God, the Son of God;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶211)]** And he received a blessing because of the beauty of his faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶212)]** Sharbil the martyr, son of the Edessæans, more-ever said:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶213)]** My heart is led captive by God, who became man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶214)]** And Habib the martyr, who also was crowned at Edessa,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶215)]** Confessed these things: that He took a body and became man;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶216)]** That He is the Son of God, and also is God, and became man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶217)]** Edessa learned from teachers the things that are true:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶218)]** Her king taught her, her martyrs taught her, the faith;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶219)]** But to others, who were fraudulent teachers, she would not hearken.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶220)]** Habib the martyr, in the ear of Edessa, thus cried aloud\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶221)]** Out of the midst of the fire: A man I worship not,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶222)]** But God, who took a body and became man\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶223)]** Him do I worship. Thus confessed the martyr with uplifted voice.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶224)]** From confessors torn with combs, burnt, raised up on the block, slain\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶225)]** And from a righteous king, did Edessa learn the faith,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶226)]** And she knows our Lord— that He is even God, the Son of God;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶227)]** She also learned and firmly believed that He took a body and became man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶228)]** Not from common scribes did she learn the faith:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶229)]** Her king taught her, her martyrs taught her; and she firmly believed them:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶230)]** And, if she be calumniated as having ever worshipped a man,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶231)]** She points to her martyrs, who died for Him as being God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶232)]** A man I worship not, said Habib,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶233)]** Because it is written: Cursed is he that puts his trust in a man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶234)]** Forasmuch as He is God, I worship Him, yea submit to be burned\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶235)]** For His sake, nor will I renounce His faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶236)]** This truth has Edessa held fast from her youth,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶237)]** And in her old age she will not barter it away as a daughter of the poor.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶238)]** Her righteous king became to her a scribe, and from him she learned\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶239)]** Concerning our Lord— that He is the Son of God, yea God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶240)]** Addæus, who brought the bridegroom's ring and put it on her hand,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶241)]** Betrothed her thus to the Son of God, who is the Only- begotten.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶242)]** Sharbil the priest, who made trial and proof of all gods,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶243)]** Died, even as he said, for God who became man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶244)]** Shamuna and Guria, for the sake of the Only- begotten,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶245)]** Stretched out their necks to receive the stroke, and for Him died, forasmuch as He is God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶246)]** And Habib the martyr, who was teacher of congregations,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶247)]** Preached of Him, that He took a body and became man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶248)]** For a man the martyr would not have submitted to be burned in the fire;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶249)]** But he was burned for the sake of God who became man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶250)]** And Edessa is witness that thus he confessed while he was being burned:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶251)]** And from the confession of a martyr that has been burned who is he that can escape?\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶252)]** All minds does faith reduce to silence and despise—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶253)]** She that is full of light and stoops not to shadows.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶254)]** She despises him that maligns the Son by denying that He is God;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶255)]** Him too that says He took not a body and became man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶256)]** In faith which was full of truth he stood upon the fire;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶257)]** And he became incense, and propitiated with his fragrance the Son of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶258)]** In all his afflictions, and in all his tortures, and in all his sufferings,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶259)]** Thus did he confess, and thus did he teach the blessed city.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶260)]** And this truth did Edessa hold fast touching our Lord—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶261)]** Even that He is God, and of Mary became a man.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶262)]** And the bride hates him that denies His God-head,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶263)]** And despises and contemns him that maligns His corporeal nature.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶264)]** And she recognises Him as One in Godhead and in manhood—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶265)]** The Only- begotten, whose body is inseparable from Him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶266)]** And thus did the daughter of the Parthians learn to believe,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶267)]** And thus did she firmly hold, and thus does she teach him that listens to her.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶268)]** The judge, therefore, full of zeal for paganism, commanded\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶269)]** That the martyr should be led forth and burned in the fire which was reserved for him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶270)]** And immediately a strap was thrust into his mouth, as though he had been a murderer,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶271)]** His confession being kept within his heart towards God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶272)]** And they hurried him away, and he went out from the judgment-hall, rejoicing\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶273)]** That the hour had come when the crown should be given to his faith.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶274)]** And there went out with him crowds of people, that they might bear him company,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶275)]** Looking upon him, not as a dead man accompanied to his burial,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶276)]** But as a man who was going away that by means of fire he might become a bridegroom,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶277)]** And that there might be bestowed the crown which was by righteousness reserved for him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶278)]** They looked upon him as upon a man entering into battle,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶279)]** And around him were spears, and lances, and swords, but he vanquished them.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶280)]** They beheld him going up like a champion from the contest,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶281)]** And in his triumph chaplets were brought to him by those who beheld.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶282)]** They looked upon him as he vanquished principalities and powers,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶283)]** Which all made war with him, and he put them to shame.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶284)]** The whole congregation of the followers of Christ exulted over him,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶285)]** Because he raised up the friends of the faith by the sufferings which he bore.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶286)]** There went forth with him the Church, a bride full of light;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶287)]** And her face was beaming on the beloved martyr who was united to her.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶288)]** Then did his mother, because it was the marriage-feast for her son,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶289)]** Deck herself in garments nobler than her wont.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶290)]** Since sordid raiment suited not the banquet-hall,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶291)]** In magnificent attire all white she clad herself right tastefully.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶292)]** Hither to the battle came down love to fight\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶293)]** In the mother's soul— the love of nature, and the love of God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶294)]** She looked upon her son as he went forth to be put into the flame;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶295)]** And, forasmuch as there was in her the love of the Lord, she suffered not.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶296)]** The yearnings of her mother's womb cried out on behalf of its fruit;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶297)]** But faith silenced them, so that their tumult ceased.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶298)]** Nature shrieked over the limb which was severed from her;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶299)]** But the love of the Lord intoxicated the soul, that she should not perceive it.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶300)]** Nature loved, but the love of the Lord did conquer in the strife\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶301)]** Within the soul of the mother, that she should not grieve for her beloved.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶302)]** And instead of suffering, her heart was filled with all emotions of joy;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶303)]** And, instead of mourning, she went forth in splendid apparel.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶304)]** And she accompanied him as he went out to be burned, and was elate,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶305)]** Because the love of the Lord vanquished that of nature.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶306)]** And clad in white, as for a bridegroom, she made a marriage-feast—\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶307)]** She the mother of the martyr, and was blithe because of him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶308)]** Shamuna the Second may we call this blessed one:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶309)]** Since, had seven been burned instead of one, she had been well content.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶310)]** One she had, and she gave him to be food for the fire;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶311)]** And, even as that one, if she had had seven, she had given them all.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶312)]** He was cast into the fire, and the blaze kindled around him;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶313)]** And his mother looked on, and grieved not at his burning.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶314)]** Another eye, which gazes upon the things unseen,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶315)]** Was in her soul, and by reason of this she exulted when he was being burned.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶316)]** On the gems of light which are in martyrs' crowns she looked,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶317)]** And on the glory which is laid up for them after their sufferings;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶318)]** And on the promised blessings which they inherit yonder through their afflictions,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶319)]** And on the Son of God who clothes their limbs with light;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶320)]** And on the manifold beauties of that kingdom which shall not be dissolved,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶321)]** And on the ample door which is opened for them to enter in to God.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶322)]** On these did the martyr's mother look when he was being burned,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶323)]** And she rejoiced, she exalted, and in white did she go forth with him.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶324)]** She looked upon him while the fire consumed his frame,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶325)]** And, forasmuch as his crown was very noble, she grieved not.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶326)]** The sweet root was thrown into the fire, upon the coals;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶327)]** And it turned to incense, and cleansed the air from pollution.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶328)]** With the fumes of sacrifice had the air been polluted,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶329)]** And by the burning of this martyr was it cleansed.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶330)]** The firmament was fetid with the exhalations from the altars;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶331)]** And there rose up the sweet perfume of the martyr, and it grew sweet thereby.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶332)]** And the sacrifices ceased, and there was peace in the assemblies;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶333)]** And the sword was blunted, that it should no more lay waste the friends of Christ.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶334)]** With Sharbil it began, with Habib it ended, in our land;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶335)]** And from that time even until now not one has it slain, since he was burned.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶336)]** Constantine, chief of conquerors, took the empire,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶337)]** And the cross has trampled on the diadem of the emperor, and is set upon his head.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶338)]** Broken is the lofty horn of idolatry,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶339)]** And from the burning of the martyr even until now not one has it pierced.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶340)]** His smoke arose, and it became incense to the Godhead;\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶341)]** And by it was the air purged which was tainted by paganism,\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶342)]** And by his burning was the whole land cleansed:\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶343)]** Blessed be he that gave him a crown, and glory, and a good name!\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶344)]** Here ends the Homily on Habib the martyr, composed by Mar Jacob.\n\n**[Chapter 1 (¶345)]** Source. Translated by B.P. Pratten. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 8. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0860.htm>.",
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}