Selections from “The Diatessaron” by Tatian (vegetarian): Sections 1 – 32, Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with selections from Sections 10 – 32 of the book “The Diatessaron” of Tatian, translated and edited by Reverend Samuel Hemphill.

26. LEVI’S FEAST. ON FASTING.

“(The Pharisees and Scribes murmur and say, Ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners. To whom the Lord said, ‘They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick; and I did not come to call the just but sinners.) The companions of the bridegroom cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them.’”

31. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.

“Jesus lifted up His eyes toward them and began to say: ‘Blessed are the poor in their spirit: Blessed are the meek: Blessed is he who hungers and thirsts after righteousness: Blessed are they who are of clean heart, for they shall see God: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God: Blessed are they who suffer persecution on account of righteousness: Rejoice ye and exult, for great is your reward in Heaven. Woe to you that are rich. Ye are the light of the world, and ye are the salt of the Earth. I came not to annul the law or the prophets but to fulfill. It is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass away than that one little horn should perish from the law.

Everyone who shall have broken one of the commandments. . . . Unless your righteousness be found more abundant than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not be able to enter into the Kingdom of the Heavens. Ye have heard this that has been said: Thou shall not kill, for he who kills is liable to the judgment. But I say to you, he who says to his brother, Absurdly - Low fellow - or Fool. If thou are about to offer thy gift on the altar, leave thy gift and go be reconciled.

Ye have heard that it has been said, Thou shall not commit adultery: But I say to you, Whosoever looks and lusts commits adultery. If thy hand or thy foot causes thee to stumble. . . . Ye have heard that it has been said, “Eye for eye.” But I say to you, Do not in any wise resist evil: he who strikes thy cheek, offer to him also the other part. But thou when thou fast wash thy face and anoint thy head, that thou appear not to men fasting.

Thy Father who sees in secret shall reward thee openly. Where your treasures are, there will your hearts be also. If the light which is in thee be darkness. Judge not lest ye be judged; forgive, and it shall be forgiven you. Punish not. […]’”