By Water & Blood

Asphalt, incense, and the true teaching

But such people will not prevail against the ark. For holy Noah is permitted, according to the Lord’s word, to secure it, as God says to him, “You shall coat it with asphalt within and without,” so as to show the form of God’s holy church, which has the power of the asphalt that drives away the dread and destructive serpent-like teachings. For where asphalt is burned as incense, a snake cannot stand.

So then the holy incense of storax stupified them, and they refuse its fragrance; and the power of southernwood, or of frankincense-plant, rising against the serpent itself and sprouting above its den, has done the same.

For where Ebion and Cerinthus and those around them proclaimed Christ, by mere rubbing-together of notions, as a bare man—I mean in Asia—there the Holy Spirit caused to spring up for the world this holy herb, or rather shrub, which drove the serpent away and dissolved the tyranny of the devil.

For there holy John, at an advanced age, is permitted by the Holy Spirit to preach and to turn back those who had wandered from the way—not by compulsion, but by free choice for those who are persuaded—revealing God’s light that is in God’s holy teaching.

But how long should I prolong the discourse? For in truth, where southernwood grows, a snake no longer remains or nests; and where God’s true teaching is, the dwelling of serpent-like teaching will not prevail, but will be destroyed.