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22568 occurrences across the corpus

Ethiopian Orthodox Broader Canon

THE DOCTRINE OF THE DIDASCALIA OF THE FATHERS, THE HOLY AND PURE LIGHTS OF THE WORLD, THE APOSTLES.! IN THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY AND OF HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON JESUS CHRIST, AND OF THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT, We,? the Twelve Apostles, ministers of His only- begotten Son Jesus Christ, being gathered together in one place in Jerusalem, the city of the great King, and with us our good and holy brother Paul, the Apostle of all the Gentiles, and James, the brother of our Lord, who is the bishop of this city? of Jerusalem, have ordained this right doctrine, and have appointed * degrees of offices® for the Church, according to the pattern of that which is in heaven; and we charge each one of you severally, with thanksgiving for that our Lord Jesus * hath called us to His glory. The bishop is in the likeness of the shepherd of the shecp, and the presbyter in the likeness of a teacher, and the deacon as a minister, and the sub-deacon, behold, he is as the same; and the reader also, and the skilful singers’ . . . and the rest of the people as those who hearken to the word of the Gospel, and, moreover, understand the word of admonition. For thus have we ordained * the law for the Church, (even) this book of admonition, which we have written, and have sent with Clement, our ministering brother, into the world, that men may walk according to the commandment of the Churches which are under heaven, and may have perfect understanding, that, when they have heard these commandments which are ® written thercin, they may find life eternal, honour and glory from our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath bestowed on us this mystery which is from Himself. But those who keep not His law shall be cast into the fire which is not quenched, and their abode also shall be in the fire of Gehenna for ever, as it is written. (AC. i.] But apostles and presbyters and all .the people, who have believed '° in the name of *! our Lord Jesus Christ and work righteousness and peace, shall find compassion and mercy from God the Father, the Ruler of the whole world, and His Son Jesus Christ, and shall come to knowledge of Him in the Holy Church of God. And those who serve Him shall be a pure and elect '? vineyard, and shall find life eternal by this faith, and victory by the Holy Spirit; and shall be strong by the power of Jesus Christ and the faith '® of Him who hath redeemed them by the sprinkling of His holy and precious blood, and hath bestowed on them the privilege '* that they should call on the Almighty, that He should be their Father and their God and their Friend, and that they should be fellow-heirs and joint- partakers of His Holy Son. Hearken to the holy admonition, ye who receive at the commandment of our Saviour the words of the Gospel and His glad tidings." which is full of glory. [i., 1.] O ye children of God, keep '* His com- mandments and do!’ His will; but if there be anyone that secketh’® to follow after sin and that docth all things that are not pleasing to God, he shall be numbered with those who trangress His law and His commandment. And now I say unto you, keep far from injustice and oppression, and desire not to take for yourselves the portion which is greater and (to leave) to your neighbour the less. For it is written in the law, saying, “Thou shalt not desire thy neighbour’s wife, nor his field, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything ; none of the possessions of thy brother,” !® nor anything like thereto; it?° is adultery. But if there be anyone who desireth to do thus in the lust of his heart, he shall be far from God, (even)?! our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory with His Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen. For He teacheth us and giveth us understanding and strengtheneth us by the Holy Spirit, that He may fulfil 7? the law, in which it is written, saying, “Thou shalt not commit adultery, but I say unto you, everyone who hath looked upon a woman and lusted after her hath committed adultery with her?® already in his heart.’’?4 And he also who desireth to do thus shall be condemned with the adulterers. And, behold, he that thinketh in his heart, and desireth to take unjustly his (neighbour’s) ox, or his ass, or his field, and continueth so to do,** shall be numbered with the adulterers. For the prophet saith, “Woe unto them that join house with house and unite field with field, and hedge with hedge, that they may take what is not theirs.” 2 And again it is said, “ Know ye who dwell on the earth that this word was heard in the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.”?’ And in another place ?* also it is said, ‘Cursed be everyone?® that stealeth his neighbour’s landmark, and the people shall say, So be it.’"?2° Wherefore Moses saith, ‘‘ Desire not thy neighbour’s landmark and take not away the law which thy fathers ordained.” *' Because of these things come fear, and death, and trouble; and judgment from God shall find those who do thus. But such as hearken to the word of God, and keep His glorious *? law in faith, shall fmd compassion and mercy. For it is said, “What thou hatest for thyself, do not to thy neigh- bour.” *° And as thou dost not desire that any other should look upon thy wife to lead her astray in sin, so likewise do not thou look upon the wife of another with evil thoughts. And as thou dost not desire that another should take thy garment, so likewise do not thou take the garment of another. And as thou dost not desire for thyself cursing, and reproach, and beating, so like- wise do not thou thus unto thy neighbour. [i., 2.] But if there be anyone who hath cursed thee, do thou bless him; for it is written in the Book of Numbers, “ Blessed be those that bless thee, and cursed be those that curse thee.’’*4 And, moreover, it is written in the Gospel, ‘‘ Bless them that curse you, and pray for them that oppress you; and do good to them that hate you, and render not evil to them that oppress you, but bear with them patiently.’""** For the Scripture saith, “Take not vengeance on thine enemy for the evil which he hath done against thee; and for this cause ‘the Lord will help thee, and bring judgment upon thine enemy.” 2 For it is said in the Gospel, “Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you, that _ ye may be the sons of your Father who is in heaven, for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust.” °7 — Beloved, let us understand these commandments, that we may be sons of light. [i., 3-] Bear patiently with one another, O ye*® sons of God. And let the husband also bear patiently with his wife, and not be haughty or false; but let him be merciful and upright, and cherish her alone in love and humility. And let him not take pleasure in, nor desire, another woman, lest she lead him** astray unto evil. But if thou committest adultery, and doest thus, thou shalt surely dic, and the wrath of God shall come upon thee; and thou shalt be condemned with a bitter condemnation. But if thou thinkest evil ‘° in thy heart, and committest not‘! adultery with her, it shall be sin unto thee. And if thou hast prepared and adorned thyself, that the wife of thy neighbour may love thee, thou hast erred and hast become a stumbling- block unto her, and made her to commit adultery. And for this cause condemnation shall come upon thee, for God saith, ‘‘Thou shalt not desire,” and ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery.” ‘4? For‘? thou hast led her astray to love thee by the beauty of thy youth, and by the charm of thy face, and for this cause thou hast become a partaker with her in the work of sin and thy ‘* curse. Wherefore it is meet that thou shouldest pray to the Lord thy God, that all this sin find thee not out. But thou oughtest in purity to please God, that thou mayest find rest and life eternal before God. For it is said,*® Let not the hair of thy head grow long, but cut (it) and purify thyself, that thou mayest serve God and not be separated from Him. But do not thou anoint thyself with perfumed ointment, nor clothe thy- self with gorgeous apparel to Icad women astray, nor vaunt thyself, nor become an occasion of sin, but seek purity and well-doing. And thou, O man of God, let not the hair of thy head grow long; plait (it) not, nor curl (it), for all this is a sign of impurity and adultery. For it is written in Deuteronomy,*® “And thou shalt not put on a garment which is woven with wool and flax: thou shalt make for thyself a twisted fringe for thy garment.” 47. 4®. But we ought not to shave our beards, nor to change the nature of man into another fashion. And if thou doest thus, thou art a trans ress law and far from God, who created tee ta His ee and His likeness. But if thou desirest to please God, do no evil, and put far from thee *® all that thy Goa hateth i., 4.) And be not a drunkard, and walk not in the streets with the adulterers without wisdom and know- Icdge, but labour and live by the work of thy hands; and seek to do all that is pleasing to God ; and remember the word of our Lord Jesus,*® and follow Him at all limes. For the Scripture saith, “And who readeth his law day and night; whether in the way, or in the house or while thou sleepest, love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind and’ with all thy strength,” *! that thou mayest find from Him compas- sion and mercy.

The Ethiopic Didascalia 1:1

The Ethiopic Didascalia 2:1

THAT THE RICH OUGHT TO SEEK TO KNOW ! THE PROFIT OF THE SCRIPTURES AT ALL TIMES IN THE STRENGTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. [i., 5] Bur if thou art rich, and hast no need of the art and labour of thy hand, wherewith to earn thy bread and livelihood, be not slothful, nor sit idle, but go to the faithful, and sit with them, (even) with them that are united with thee in faith; and speak with another of the word of life, and read what is in the Book of Kings ? and the Prophets, and sing a psalm of praise, and hearken to the word of the Gospel, which is the fulfilment of the whole law.* [i., 6.] And keep far from all service of the gods of the Gentiles; and take no heed of any * words of vanity which profit not, and seek no other law, nor false prophets who change and corrupt the faith. What then art thou unable (to find) in the law of God, that thou shouldest seek after the learning of the Gentiles? But if thou desirest to know* the power of the interpre- tation of the Scriptures, seck out the Book of Kings: and if thou wishest to find out the power of the wise and their teaching, thou hast the prophets, Job and Solomon. These are they that are full of wisdom, and thou shalt find knowledge in them. These, more than all teachers, shall make understanding to increase, for their word is the voice of the Lord God, who alone is all-wise. And if thou desirest a song, thou hast the Psalms of David. And if thou desirest to seek® to understand the creation of the world and the generation of the first fathers, thou hast the Law.’ And if thou desirest to know wisdom and doctrine, thou hast the book of the law, which is full of the glory of the Lord God. Keep far, then, from ® works of evil, and from the doctrine of Satan, and the word of vanity, which is not in the law; but read what is in Deuteronomy,?® that thou mayest understand and know the glory of God, who hath saved thee from many snares of Satan. For the Saviour came not to destroy the Law and the prophets, but to fulfil them, and to loose the bonds which are in Deuteronomy, and to bring men to a spiritual teaching. Wherefore He callcth us, saying, ‘‘Come unto me all ye that are troubled and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” !° And thou, when thou hast read the Law and the prophets and (the Books of) the Kings and the Gospel, shalt understand how many were the righteous men who have reigned |! and pleased God in their lives, and for this have found life eternal; and also thou shalt know how many evil kings have transgressed '? through lack of understanding. These have perished and been destroyed by the stroke of the judgment of God,’* and have lost eternal life. And knowing this, thou shalt be strong in the right faith, and shalt find grace and favour with our Lord '* Jesus Christ, for thou art one of His members. Moreover, when thou desirest to bathe, enter not into the bath where the women bathe, lest they see the beauty of thy youth, and the charm of thy flesh, and stumble because of thee, or thou thyself sin and fall by reason of them. {i., 7-] O my children, let us hear and understand the word of the Holy One, which saith, “Keep ye my commandment; say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister, and make knowledge thy friend,*® that she may keep thee fram the strange and evil woman, even if she bring unto thee words of allurement. For from the window of her house she looketh down on the streets, and if she see one of the foolish children, a youth that lacketh knowledge, who walketh in the corners of the ways of her -house, and talketh in the darkness of evening,’® when the quiet and darkness of night come on, then the woman lighteth upon him having the adornments of adultery, which excite '’ the hearts of the youths. She is flighty and wanton, and in her house her feet rest not; and for a short while she wandereth abroad, and for a while in the streets, and in every corner she lieth in wait. And she laid hold on him and kissed him, and with a face without shame said unto him, I have a peace-offering; to-day I pay my vow; therefore I came }® to meet thee; desiring thy counten- ance I have found thee. I have spread my bed with fine linen, carpets from Egypt I have strewn; I have sprinkled my bed with saffron, and my house with cinnamon. Come, let us enjoy ourselves with kisses until the morning, and let us revel in love. For my husband is not in my ’* house; he has gone on a far journey, taking a bag of gold in his hand; after many days would he return to his house. And she led him astray with many words, and drew him on with the ‘© P omits: our Lord. 17 Lit. make to fly. A trans- 18 Lit. townswoman. lation of wolel dlaracbai, snare of her lips, and he followed her in the wicked ?° blindness of his heart.” 2! And furthermore it is said, “Look not on an evil woman, for honey floweth from the lips of an adulterous woman, which for a time is swect to thy throat, and afterwards thou shalt find it more bitter than gall, and sharper by far than a two- edged sword.” 22. And again it is said, ‘Keep thy way from her, and draw not nigh to the door of her house, lest thou give thy life to others, and thy livelihood to them that are without mercy; lest strangers be filled with thy strength, and thy labour pass to the house of another; and thou shalt repent afterwards when thy flesh (and) thy body are ** weakened, and thou shalt say, How have I hated instruction, and mine ears are turned from reproof, and I have not hearkened to the voice of them that gave me commandments,”* who admonished me and taught me, nor caused mine ear to attend: I have been well nigh in all evil.” ?* And now also I say unto you, Choose out ?* all the good things which are written in the Holy Scriptures, that we may not neglect these witnesses,?”? and turn aside unto a multitude of words, but may be strong in a8 faith, and in doing good. And let us keep far from all evil-doing, and be pure from all evil 2® (and) unclean- ness before God, that we may find life eternal.

The Ethiopic Didascalia 2:1

The Ethiopic Didascalia 3:1

THAT WIVES OUGHT TO OBEY THEIR HUSBANDS AND WALK IN TRUE WISDOM. fi., 8.] Ler the wife obey and? be subject to her ‘husband, for ‘the head of a wife is her husband,” and the head of the man that walketh in the way of righteousness is Christ; and “the head of Christ is God” the Father, who is above all, who was und is to come, the Creator of all, with His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be honour, greatness, and majesty and glory.27 Ye women also obey your husbands, and be in subjection with humility and honour and the fear of God; and delight your husbands with good service, that ye may find favour with them, as we said before. For thus saith the wisdom of Solomon, “TE any man have found a brave* woman, she is more prectous than a jewel of great price. She that is such— the heart of her husband trusteth in her; she that is such-—good spoil‘ will not be wanting. She helpeth her husband with good in good, and not with evil in evil (in) her life; who cardeth*® wool and flax, (and) hath wrought with her hands (that which is) good. She is as a ship which tradeth afar; and she gathereth for herself all riches. And she riseth up by night, and giveth food to her household, and their tasks to her handmaidens. She saw a field and bought (it); with the fruit of her hands she planted a® possession. She firmly girded her loins, and put forth her hands to the work. She tasted that labour is good, and her lamp goeth not out all night long. She stretcheth out her hands to what doth profit, and her arm is strong to spin. And she opened’ her hands in mercy * to the needy, and the palm of her hand is stretched out® to the poor. And her husband hath no care about his house, even if he tarrieth long anywhere. All her household are clothed ;'° double cloaks of fine linen and purple she made for her husband, and for herself she made garments. And her husband becometh notable in the gates, when he sitteth in the assembly |! with the elders of the land. Linen parments she made,!? and gave (them) away, and girdles for the Canaanites. And her mouth she opened acording to the law, and set a fence '* for her tongue. With strength and beauty was she clothed, and rejoiced in the latter days. They that enter her house are many: she hath not eaten the bread * of idleness. She openeth her mouth in wisdom, and according to the ordinance of the law; and her almsgiving hath brought up children and_ enriched (them), and her husband hath praised her. Many daughters have obtained riches,'® and many have done mightily, but thou excellest and hast surpassed them all. Flattery '® is deceitful, and beauty is despised, for a wise woman shall be blessed, and she that feareth the Lord shall be extolled. Give her of the fruit of her lips, and let her husband be praised in the gates,” 7” that ye, O women, may know that a woman who loveth her husband: shall find honour and blessing and com- passion with the Lord God. Take heed and understand, O woman, that desirest and '® wishest to be faithful, that thou mayest please the Lord, vaunt not thyself, nor adorn thyself for another man; and clothe not thy- self with gorgeous apparel, nor put sandals on thy feet for show, as the harlots do to lead (men) astray: but keep thyself from all evil-doing and adultery, lest by thee other men offend. Obey thy husband rather, and show kindness '® unto him. But if thou desirest to walk about in the assembly and the streets,?° to ensnare the souls of many, then judgment from God shall come upon thee, and thou shalt be as one that hath no hope, as when a wicked man falleth into great aMiction, and bringeth on himself disgrace, and dishonour,?? and sorrow. In like manner a wicked woman bringeth 7? on herself dishonour: and as,a lion that lieth in wait and rendeth, so she ensnareth fools, even as it is written, saying, “As moths (destroy) a garment, and as decay a tree, So sorrow wasteth the heart of a man.” 7° And furthermore it is said, “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than that thou shouldest dwell ?* with a quarrelsome and talkative and passionate woman.” 7° And now also I say unto you, O Christian people, look not after nor follow adulterous women. But it is right for faithful women to veil themselves in purity, not seeking to enhance the beauty of their faces with dyes and painting and adornment, which have no profit, on the form which God created. Let them not do thus, but when they walk in the way let them incline their heads, being veiled. [i., 10.] And take heed to yourselves, ye faithful women, and speak no (word of) hate to anyone, but above all (not) to your husbands. O ye good and gentle 7" women, worship God with joy and gladness; and ye also, our children and our brethren?’ and kinsmen and beloved, seek after the precious wisdom that adornecth our life,?* and enlighteneth our -hearts, and bringeth us close to God, and winneth for us an entrance into the Kingdom of heaven in life eternal and rest.?°

The Ethiopic Didascalia 3:1

The Ethiopic Didascalia 4:1

OF BISHOPS, PRESBYTERS, AND DEACONS, [ii., 1.] OF bishops we have heard thus from our Lord Jesus Christ, that the shepherd of the sheep who is ordained bishop of ' all the Churches must needs be blameless, pure and good,” who thinketh not on the care of this world, who is full fifty years old, who hath passed the strength of youth, who is not a slanderer,* nor one that speaketh lics amongst the brethren. For the Gospel saith, “lor every word that a man speaketh thoughtlessly, he shall give account in the day of judgment, that it may condemn him.’”* And _ further- more it is said, “l’or by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” * Wherefore it is meet that he abound in all good things. But if he be not learned, let him be prudent and intelligent, of middle age. But if the city be a small one, and there be not found therein one (thus) fitted for the office of bishop? and there be found among the young men one prudent and wise, though his years are (but) few, and if those who know him bear witness that he is worthy to be ordained bishop,* if he have lived from his youth perfect in the works of the holy and humble fathers,’ and walketh in the way of righteousness, tried in every work, and if (men) bear witness to him that he is perfect, let him be ordained in peace. For Solomon also when but twelve *® years old became King over the pcople of Israel; and t Joash ¢ ® too became ruler when he was seven years old and afterwards in the eighth year he reigned in righteousness. For the Lord '® spake by the mouth of Isaiah the prophet, and said, ‘‘To whom shall I look, but to him that is meek and humble and quiet, who trembleth at my word?" and again it is said in the Gospel, “Blessed are the meek,'? for they shall inherit the earth.” '® Let him therefore be merciful, for it is said, ‘Blessed arc the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” '4 Let him therefore be a peacemaker, for it is said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God.” '® Let him be pure of heart, without revenge and evil and unrighteousness, for it is said, “ Blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God.” 76 fii., 2.) Let him, then, be spiritual, and watchful !7 to do good, neither insatiable nor passionate, nor a drunkard, nor vindictive, without hatred and strife, not haughty, nor a lover of money, nor a reviler; neither let him exalt himself, lest he fall into the snare of Satan; for everyone that hath exalted himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be raised to honour. And let such a one be ordained bishop who hath married one elect wife, who is able to order his household aright, a teacher and monitor who hath brought up his children in purity. And let his wife also be faithful, who traineth her children in the true worship and in the fear of the Lord. It is right that the men of his household should obey the bishop in humility and in fear, and let him be ’® master even as it is written. {ii., 3.] And let them try him that he be blameless, not passionate, (for) thus saith wisdom, “Anger destroyeth the wise man.” 1'® And let him be merciful and charitable, for our Lord saith, ‘And by this shall all know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another.” 7° fii., 4.] Let him, then, be a lover of men, who receiveth strangers, who accepteth not persons, a man of understanding, who sheweth favour neither to rich, nor to poor, one who hath a craft,” whose hands are open to give, who receiveth widows, a lover of the poor and the orphans and widows. And moreover let him support those (widows) 7? who have children. But if there be a slothful man, or one who hath spent all his substance in drunkenness and fornication, and desireth to receive alms, let not the bishop show any care for him, nor permit him to enter the church. For 16 3° Jn 13, 35: the Scripture saith unto those who act thus, “ How long wilt thou lic, thou slugpard? and when wilt thou awake from?' sleep? A while thou sleepest, and a while thou sittest; a while thou slumberest, and a while thou foldest thy hand to thy breast; and then as an evil messenger cometh poverty upon thee, and want as a swift) runner.” ?* {ii., 5-] It is not right for the bishop to judge, accepting the person of the rich, and to neglect the poor. lor God said unto Moses, “ Judge not, accepting the person of the rich, nor turn aside the judgment of the poor, for the judgment is the Lord’s.” 7° But he ought to judge uprightly. The food of the bishop ought to be meat seasoned with modera- tion, that he may be able to teach and admonish the people, and that he may turn them to God. And let him keep far from all evil, and read the Scriptures at all times and be a lover of wisdom, that he may be able to interpret the Scriptures in the Holy Spirit, (even) the words of the Gospel, the Law and the prophets. The Lord?’ saith, ‘‘Understand ye the words of the Scriptures, for they bear witness of me.” ?* = It becometh a bishop to search out and expound the Scriptures in order, and to satisfy the people with spiritual 7° teaching, and fill®® them with the light of the law of God with much admonition. God saith, “Make the light of wisdom to shine upon you, for it is time.” 3! {ii., 6.] ‘Thus, then, it is right for the bishop to suffer and toil and wrestle for righteousness’ sake, but above all before the people, that they, when they see his works, may receive his admonition. And, moreover, let him become surety for no man, nor associate with the great, nor be 7? of a double tongue, nor follow after princes, but let him fear God; and let him not hearken to a false accusation against his neighbour. And let him not be slothful in fasting, nor seek occasions for eating, nor say, To-day is a feast, as the Gentiles do, to eat and drink and be wanton: but let him remove from him every idle desire which hath no profit, for all this is despised and hateful before God, and well-pleasing to demons. ,It is meet *? for the bishop to command and admonish the people to remove from them all these works. But let him teach them and turn them, that they may imitate him and follow (him) ** in righteousness. For God said unto the children of Israel, “Observe my law ** and my com- mandment.” °** And Jesus Christ Himself also, our Lord and our God, first did all, and (then) taught us to imitate Him. Wherefore He saith that he who shall teach and do, shall be great in the Kingdom of heaven."7 It is right for you, O bishops, to teach the people and save them from error, even as Christ hath given you grace. For the Lord spake by the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, and said, “Son of man, | have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel, and thou shalt hear the word from my mouth, and admonish them by my word. When I say to the sinner, Thou shalt surely die, and he hath not repented, and thou hast not spoken to him, nor admonished him, that he may repent and turn from his (evil) way and live, that sinner shall die in his sin, and his blood will I require from thee,** saith the Lord.** But if thou hast admonished the sinner, and he hath not turned from his sin, he shall die in his guilt and thou shalt save thy soul.*® And if the righteous man hath turned from his righteousness and committed sin, while I show him punishment before his face, and thou hast not admonished him,‘! he shall surely die in his guilt, and his righteousness which he hath done I will not remember, and his blood will I require from thy hand. And if thou hast admonished the righteous man, so that he sin not, that righteous man shall surely live, and thou also hast saved thy soul.” 4? ‘As when war and strife arise in the midst of a people, and they seek out a watchman to bring them tidings, that they may be on guard, and if he tell them not beforehand, that they may be saved from defeat, ¢ their ¢ *? blood shall be upon his head, for they heard not the sound of the trumpet. But if he see the sword which cometh on the land, and blow with the trumpet ** a signal to the hosts, and (if) one who hearkeneth hear the sound of the trumpet and get him not away, and the sword come and find him, his blood shall return on his own head, for he heard the sound of the trumpet, and gat him not away, and his blood shall be poured out on him; but he who gat him away saved his life.” *> In like manner the bishop, if he teach the word of life, shall find life eternal.4¢ The sword is eternal 47 condemna- tion, and the sound of the trumpet is the Holy Gospel, and the watchman is the bishop *® of the Holy Church. The bishop ought to feed (the flock), and teach, and hold fast the word,’? and make men to fear concerning the judgment. Wherefore let him admonish those that walk without knowledge, and make them to see plainly ; and let him teach those that know not, and confirm those that know; and let him gather those that are lost and speak to them at all times concerning their salvation, that, when they hear these things, they may be admonished and do (that which is) good. For God saith by the prophet, ‘‘Testify against this people, and tell them their sins (to see) if they will turn, and repent, and be saved from their iniquity.” °° And Moses also said unto the people, ‘“‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one.” *' And again, it is said in the Holy Gospel, ‘‘He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” °? And Solomon also saith, ‘ Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father and disregard not the commandment of thy mother.” °° Yet they have not heard unto this day, but have forsaken the Lord the only true God, and He hath called them a generation of transgressors and adulterers, concerning whom we have spoken before. {ii., 7.] And now know, beloved, ye who have been baptized into the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, that it is not meet that they *4 should sin who have received such grace as this. Know, brethren, that such as these °° who, after they have received baptism, turn back to deeds of sin, shall go down to the condemnation of Gehenna. {ii., 8.] And (there are) others also who have not been believers, but (who) afterwards t when t¢ °* they have believed and *’ been baptized become blessed before God, even as our Lord saith in the Holy ** Gospel, ‘Blessed are ye when they revile*® you and mock you, and speak all (manner of) evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice,*° for great is your reward in heaven.” *' And if there be anyone against whom they have spoken,*? blessed is he. For it is written, saying, “Every man who is not tried, is not clect before God.” ** [f there be any man who hath transgressed the law, and men curse him, he hath brought the curse on his own head. In like manner we also, if we hear not the commandments of God and do not His will, shall bring a curse upon ourselves, and moreover shall be far from God. For as for such as do not what they themselves teach, and turn not from their own ways, the bishop ought to admonish them, and put to shame those who do thus. But it 1s right that he teach them in the love of Christ how they cught to serve. : [ii., 9.] It is right for the bishop to seek after righteousness, and not honour transgressors, nor be partial in judgment, nor take a bribe from any man, for a bribe blindeth the cyes of the wise, nor turn aside a right cause. And moreover it is said somewhere, “Put away all evil from you.” ** And Solomon also saith, “‘Come not into the place where they encamp; withdraw from them, and turn away. For they sleep not, unless they do evil. Sleep is taken away from them, and they sleep not who feed on sin.” {ii., 10.) But if the bishop have no understanding, and have walked in subtlety and vileness, even as Saul did concerning Agag, and as Eli the priest, who admonished not his sons, who forsook the command- ment of God—and, behold, how he himself lost his honour, and also the holy tabernacle of kis city—he hath wrought iniquity before God, and is become a stumbling-block and an offence unto ** the new converts who have reccived** baptism, and also to the catechumens, both men and women alike. And if he teach not, nor admonish, nor walk in the ‘right way, but forsake the commandments of God, for this cause he shall receive excommunication, and the wrath of God shall come upon him; for he hath perverted the way of the people, even as the people erred in the days of Jeroboam, and those also who were slain with Korah. But if there be anyone who sinneth against the bishop and against those in authority, while there is no sin in them, and they are guiltless, it is not right that he should enter the Church of God, for he hath been bold, and hath walked in folly and the lust of his soul. Wherefore that shall come upon him which came upon those who mocked at Noah, and as ¢ Achan ¢t *7, who received the curse upon himself, and as Gehazi, who received money from Naaman, the Syrian. Behold, then, it is meet that the shepherd of the sheep should teach and admonish in humility,*® and turn them to repentance, with full knowledge of the life of each one, Cf. 1 Cor 5, 13; Dt 17, 7. Achan is named in connection P adds: unto many and. with Gehazi again in c. 35. and should order their manner of living, as is fitting, in peace; that the people may lead good lives and turn from their sins. This then is well-pleasing in God’s sight, for when a man turneth from his sin and returneth to repentance, others ** seeing him are taught the true service. [ii., 11.] Therefore ought the bishop to be watchful to do good, that the beauty of his life may be known unto all; for he is the guide of the people, and the shepherd of the elders’° and rulers and teachers, and of all who are under him. The bishop ought to sit in the church with the priests, and they ought to judge each man, as is fitting; for to them hath the Lord given authority, and hath commanded them, saying, ““What- soever ye have bound on earth, let it be bound in heaven, and whatsoever ye have loosed on earth, let it be loosed in heaven.” 7? [ii., 12.] It is right for the bishop to turn the people to the knowledge of God, and to receive the repentance of those who have turned 72 to God, (and) to teach them, and console them in meekness and in love and_ in humility, and with joy of heart; ’° for the Lord God is merciful. For He saith by Ezckiel the prophet, “Say unto them,” as I live; saith 7 the Lord God, I desire not that the sinner should die,”* but that he should repent, and forsake his evil way : and why will ye die, © house of Israel? And thou, son of man, say unto the children of thy people, the righteousness of the righteous shall not save him, when he committeth iniquity, and the sin of the sinner shall not afflict him, if?® he repent of his iniquity : the righteous man also shall not be saved, when he hath sinned. When I speak to the righteous, if he trust in his righteousness and commit sin, all his righteousness 7° I will not remember unto him: in his sin which he hath committed, he shall dic. And if T say unto the sinner, Thou shalt surely die, and he repent of his sin and do justice and righteousness, and return the pledye of his debt *° and restore what he hath robbed, and walk in the ordinances of life, and commit not sin, he shall surely live, and shall not die in his sin that he hath sinned, neither will { remember unto him his sin and *! his iniquity; for he hath done justice and righteousness, and by it he shall live.” Wherefore sinners shall hope; when they turn from their sins and repent, they shall find a good hope; and they shall inherit the earth. {ii., 13.] But let them that have not transgressed take heed lest they fall ®? into ** affliction and sorrow and weeping. Know, then, and understand, O man, if thou transgressest and committest sin in this world, and repentest not,** thou hast not life. Repent, then, while thou livest, for after death there is no repent- ance.** Even as David saith, ‘‘For there is none in death who remembereth thee, and in Sheol who will confess to thee?” 8° It is right, then, brethren, that we should be ready to do good, and should walk in the way of righteousness, in which there is no sorrow. Let us hear, then, and understand that which is said, ‘ Direct my way and my going according to thy word.” §&’ And let us not be wanting in any good work, but observe the holy word which the Holy Gospel saith ** concerning the five wise virgins, and not (be) as the five foolish virgins, whose oil of good works failed, and they went forth from the marriage which is in heaven. Wherefore we ought to take heed to ourselves and fashion our- selves, and mark the time of the bridegroom, lest we fall into sin; but he that doeth righteousness let him take heed to do good ®* even unto the end. It is meet, then, that the bishop be of understanding and judge uprightly, for the judgment is the Lord’s. Let him admonish sinners, that they may walk in the right way ; and, when they turn, let him receive their repentance in compassion and in mercy. Remember, then, what our Lord saith, “There is great joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”’ %° (ii., 14.] But if thou receivest not them that repent, but rejectest them, thou hast scattered thy flock, and hast not understood what David saith, “Deliver not unto the wild beasts the soul that confesseth unto thee.” *' For thus saith the Lord, “That which hath fallen, shall it not arise? and that which hath erred, shall it not turn again? Wherefore hath my people *? transgressed with an evil transgression, and held fast to their own counsel, and refused to leave it? Hearken now and hear me. Say they not thus? Is there not a man that repenteth of his evil, and saith, What have I done? Turn again, O my children that are far away, and I will heal your wounds.” ** Receive them that turn to thee and * repent, O bishop, and be not thou of a double heart, nor make proud thy heart as those who have no mercy. For he who doeth thus feareth not God: but let him rather take thought to fulfil the needs of the people, as it is fitting. Let us take heed, then, to ourselves, and have ** no fellowship with sinners and wicked men who do thus. The righteousness of the righteous (shall be) for himself, but he that committeth sin without law, his iniquity shall return on his own head. For it is said by Ezekiel the prophet, “If a land sin against me, and go astray, and transgress, and I lift up my hands ** against it, and break the strength of bread,*? and send famine against it, and destroy from off it man and beast, if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should not save (it) ** by their righteousness, saith the Lord God. And if 1 send evil beasts against and upon that land, and punish it, and destroy it, and there be none left to go about (therein) because of those heasts, even if these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall not save their sons, nor their daughters,*” but they alone shall be saved, and the land shall be destroyed.” !° As it is written, “If ‘there be in this world a righteous man and a sinner, the righteous shall not perish with the sinner.” But He sendeth rain on the good !"' and the evil. And if there be anyone who thinketh and saith, Judgment is cqual against all, it is not so; '"* for in this? warfare there is one that is strong, and again, there is another who is stronger than he: and he that hath conquered shall receive the crown of victory openly. For God con- demneth not the righteous with the sinner. Noah was not swallowed up in the waters of the flood: and Lot was not burnt in the fire: and Rahab the harlot perished not. But if ye desire to know what happened amongst us: Judas Iscariot perished, though he was together with us in one ministry ; and Simon the sorcerer received the seal of the Lord; (yet) because these two were evil, their wickedness was made known openly. Judas hanged himself, and Simon flew up (into the air) and was dashed upon the ground. And while Noah was in the ark with his sons, Ham by his wickedness brought a curse upon his children. ' And by this we understand ' that the fathers are not punished for the sin of their children, nor children for the sin of their fathers. And this thing is quite manifest, that wives are not condemned for their husbands, nor young men for their wives, nor servants for their masters, nor masters for their servants, nor kinsmen for their kinsmen, nor friends for their friends, nor sinners for the righteous, nor the rightcous for sinners, but to each one is rendered according to his deeds. For Noah was not recompensed '°° for the sin of the : eople, ag ea i of Te in the fire of Sadun ene sake of Jericho, nor the children of Isra , el f the sake of the Egyptians. We ought not to follow 107 the steps and the works of the extortioners and the - unjust !°* and murderers, who seek i i men of hatred, who are ready '°* to nen deci a everyone shall be requited according to his works even as David saith, “For thou wilt requite everyone according to his works.” ° Therefore it is right that we should help the afflicted, and visit the sick and convert the sinners, who have been wounded by deeds of sin. Let us teach them and instruct them with the word of admonition, that they may be saved from the death of sin. For it is not the whole who need a physician, but the sick; since our Father who is in heaven desireth not that one of these iittle ones should perish. Now, brethren, let us not hearken to the words of fools and those whose hearts are darkened but let us accomplish the good pleasure of God the Father the Creator of all things ™ by our Lord Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Ethiopic Didascalia 4:1