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Pahlavi Texts, Part IV (SBE37), E.W. West, tr. [1892], at sacred-texts.com
Bakŏ Nask.
1. The seventeenth fargard, Yêzî 3, is that whoever maintains the benedictions of the religion 4, and shall uphold its commands, has thereby made even others learn it; even for this reason, because through this it is much more possible for him to attract others to the religion; and, as to the origin and means of attraction, the attraction is this, that he himself maintains the benedictions of the religion, and the means of attraction are this, that he is an upholder of the commands of the religion.
2. This, too, that by him who shall perform the ritual of an ordeal which is accomplished, the Kinvad
passage 1 is made known; even for this reason, because those even who have accomplished what is a work of the spirit become witnesses, one about the other, as to the facts. 3. This, too, that by him who shall perform that thing whereby a change occurs from evil to good 2, even that change which is the renovation of the universe is made known, by means even of the evidence of a partial change as regards a perpetual change.
4. This, too, that by him who shall produce generosity for the tillers 3 of the world it is then developed; even for this reason, because they become more diligent in tilling the world. 5. This, too, that by him who shall produce benefit for the poor, a development 4 of the world is produced for them; even for this reason, because through that reason they increase more.
6. This, too, that the creature-forming (dâmîh) of Aûharmazd 5 is occasioned by him whose rule 6 is for Aûharmazd; even for this reason, because he becomes a holder and attendant of good works. 7. This, too, that the devastation by Vohûman 7 is taught by him whose rule is for Aûharmazd; even for this reason, because he smites sinners and destroys among villains.
8. This, too, that virtuous people are increased in a province 8 by him who appoints a virtuous governor of the province. 9. This, too, that virtuous instruction is provided and explained by him who loves Vohûman 9. 10. And this, too, that virtuous
deeds 1 are set going by him who teaches learned sayings and virtuous deeds to him who is good; even for this reason, because the reception of the progressive supply of virtue by the learned becomes more complete.
11. Perfect is the excellence of righteousness.
371:3 See Chap. XVIII, 1 n.
371:4 See Pahl. Yas. XLVII, 1 d.
372:1 See Pahl. Yas. XLVII, 2 b.
372:2 Ibid. 4 a.
372:3 Ibid. 5 d.
372:4 Ibid. 6 c.
372:5 Ibid. 7 d.
372:6 Ibid. 8 a.
372:7 Ibid. 9 c.
372:8 Ibid. 12 a, and compare Chap. LXI, 4.
372:9 Ibid. 12 b.
373:1 See Pahl. Yas. XLVII, 12 c.