MANICHAEAN LITERATURE 615
And as a fifth feat, with my power I've chosen
the entire election. I have given my children
my emblems of authority and great springs of wisdom,
so that as the messenger of the church I have
made it mine. I have strengthened the church
and embellished it with all beneficial qualities.
I have planted the good and sown truth
in every far and near land. Messengers and envoys
I have sent to all countries. So messengers before me
have not done what I have in this harsh generation,
except for only Jesus, the son of greatness,
who is the father of all messengers. No envoy
has been like me! Look and see me now.
How great is my power and my actions?
No earlier envoy in the flesh has reached my likeness.
The great doors have been opened by me
to the gods and angels and people,
and all spirits and living souls who are prepared
for life and for eternal rest.After his students heard what Mani proclaimed, they answered him, saying:
All you have uttered to us is great and mighty,
which you accomplished with your powers,
and the power of the one who sent you.
Who could fully thank you for the grace
you have given us, except the one who sent you?
We have but one gift for repaying you.
We will become strong in your faith,
persevere in your commandments, and,
of the word you proclaimed to us, be persuaded.