1 [2 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Mav, 



dispaired of my capability and understanding. But I prayed without 

 ceasing, and by the mercy of God, and the auspiciousness (iqbdl) 

 of your Majesty's reign, I have overcome my difficulties, and am 

 now at last satisfied with my work. I therefore make bold to lay 

 the book at the foot of your throne. May Christ bless your Ma- 

 jesty, and all that listen to its contents ! I am perhaps not wrong in 

 thinking that of all works which, during the reign of your Majesty, 

 have been translated into Persian, this work will recommend itself 

 most to your Majesty's attention ; for no book of this nature ap- 

 pears to have been composed in former times, because either 

 Persian scholars were not acquainted with Latin, or Latin scholars 

 did not understand Persian, or because there never was a king 

 who, like your Majesty, loves wisdom for its own sake, and searches 

 for it with an equal amount of zeal. 



I therefore hope that your Majesty will be pleased to accept 

 this work, less for the labour and devotion which enabled your 

 servant to complete it, but because it shews who Jesus was, and 

 what he did and taught. 



Let it be known that this book is divided into four chapters. 

 The first chapter treats of the birth of the Messiah and of his life 

 prior to the commencement of his teaching. The second chapter 

 gives an account of his miracles and his doctrine. The third 

 chapter describes the circumstances of his death, and what, in his 

 love, he suffered for the salvation {salamati) of men. The fourth 

 chapter gives a sketch of his resurrection and ascension. 



I have not' written down all I could have written. However, 

 the work as it is, will, I trust, sufficiently shew your Majesty, 

 what Christ was. 



As the footprint shews the size of the elephant, and the mark 

 of the paw the strength of the lion, so will, I hope, this work shew 

 your Majesty my zeal to serve you. I intreat your Majesty to 

 order this book to be read in your august assembly ; for its doctrine 

 is the source of all virtue, and peace of mind, and balm for the 

 soul. People may say that all books are balm for the soul ; but 

 this book above all others will give peace to your Majesty's heart, 

 as Christ has said — ' My word is balm for the sold, and eternal 

 life.' 



