7 John loved the wilderness; he loved his master and his simple fare. Their food was fruits, and nuts, wild honey and the carob bread.
8 Matheno was an Israelite, and he attended all the Jewish feasts.
9 When John was nine years old Matheno took him to a great feast in Jerusalem.
10 The wicked Archelaus had been deposed and exiled to a distant land because of selfishness and cruelty, and John was not afraid.
11 John was delighted with his visit to Jerusalem. Matheno told him all about the service of the Jews; the meaning of their sacrifices and their rites.
12 John could not understand how sin could be forgiven by killing animals and birds and burning them before the Lord.
13 Matheno said, The God of heaven and earth does not require sacrifice. This custom with its cruel rites was borrowed from the idol worshippers of other lands.
14 No sin was ever blotted out by sacrifice of animal, of bird, or man.
15 Sin is the rushing forth of man into the fens of wickedness. If one would get away from sin he must retrace his steps, and find his way out of the fens of wickedness.
16 Return and purify your hearts by love and righteousness and you shall be forgiven.