shall

It is the duty of the metropolitan bishop to know the bishops of the whole province, and it is their duty to know who is the first among them, and they shall call him the metropolitan. And not shall they undertake an important work without the consent of the leader. And each one shall do his work which is his duty according to his office and according to the people who are in his diocese. But not even he who has been ordained as metropolitan over them shall undertake anything at all, except with the consent of all the bishops, and thus they all shall be one association and shall praise the Lord through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And not shall a bishop dare to ordain any one outside of his diocese in localities that do not belong to him. And if he is found as having done this without the consent of the head of this place and these villages and cities, let him be deposed together with those whom he ordained.

It is the duty of the metropolitan bishop to know the bishops of the whole province, and it is their duty to know who is the first among them, and they shall call him the metropolitan. And not shall they undertake an important work without the consent of the leader. And each one shall do his work which is his duty according to his office and according to the people who are in his diocese. But not even he who has been ordained as metropolitan over them shall undertake anything at all, except with the consent of all the bishops, and thus they all shall be one association and shall praise the Lord through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And not shall a bishop dare to ordain any one outside of his diocese in localities that do not belong to him. And if he is found as having done this without the consent of the head of this place and these villages and cities, let him be deposed together with those whom he ordained.

It is the duty of the metropolitan bishop to know the bishops of the whole province, and it is their duty to know who is the first among them, and they shall call him the metropolitan. And not shall they undertake an important work without the consent of the leader. And each one shall do his work which is his duty according to his office and according to the people who are in his diocese. But not even he who has been ordained as metropolitan over them shall undertake anything at all, except with the consent of all the bishops, and thus they all shall be one association and shall praise the Lord through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And not shall a bishop dare to ordain any one outside of his diocese in localities that do not belong to him. And if he is found as having done this without the consent of the head of this place and these villages and cities, let him be deposed together with those whom he ordained.

It is the duty of the metropolitan bishop to know the bishops of the whole province, and it is their duty to know who is the first among them, and they shall call him the metropolitan. And not shall they undertake an important work without the consent of the leader. And each one shall do his work which is his duty according to his office and according to the people who are in his diocese. But not even he who has been ordained as metropolitan over them shall undertake anything at all, except with the consent of all the bishops, and thus they all shall be one association and shall praise the Lord through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And not shall a bishop dare to ordain any one outside of his diocese in localities that do not belong to him. And if he is found as having done this without the consent of the head of this place and these villages and cities, let him be deposed together with those whom he ordained.

It is the duty of the metropolitan bishop to know the bishops of the whole province, and it is their duty to know who is the first among them, and they shall call him the metropolitan. And not shall they undertake an important work without the consent of the leader. And each one shall do his work which is his duty according to his office and according to the people who are in his diocese. But not even he who has been ordained as metropolitan over them shall undertake anything at all, except with the consent of all the bishops, and thus they all shall be one association and shall praise the Lord through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And not shall a bishop dare to ordain any one outside of his diocese in localities that do not belong to him. And if he is found as having done this without the consent of the head of this place and these villages and cities, let him be deposed together with those whom he ordained.

And if one has been ordained as bishop and does not instruct nor think concerning the people who have been given to him, let him be removed until he learn to instruct. And the same in reference to an elder and a deacon. But if he has advanced in his instruction, and the people do not receive him, and this not on his account, but on account of the people, let him remain bishop, but the clergy of this city shall be removed, because they have not admonished the people.

Let there be a meeting of the bishops twice each year, and let them examine concerning the ordinance of the divine office and let them explain concerning the heresies and the offences which are in the Christian church. And the first meeting shall be in the middle of Pentecost and the second meeting on the eighteenth of Tekemt [October].

Let the bishop take thought for the property of the church and let him manage this as one upon whom the Lord is looking. And not shall it be his privilege to take anything thereof for himself alone as profit ; and not shall he give any property of the Lord to the children of his relationship, even if they are poor. And not shall it be his privilege to sell the property of the Lord on these pretexts.

Let the bishop take thought for the property of the church and let him manage this as one upon whom the Lord is looking. And not shall it be his privilege to take anything thereof for himself alone as profit ; and not shall he give any property of the Lord to the children of his relationship, even if they are poor. And not shall it be his privilege to sell the property of the Lord on these pretexts.

Let the bishop take thought for the property of the church and let him manage this as one upon whom the Lord is looking. And not shall it be his privilege to take anything thereof for himself alone as profit ; and not shall he give any property of the Lord to the children of his relationship, even if they are poor. And not shall it be his privilege to sell the property of the Lord on these pretexts.

Concerning the consultation of the bishop. No elder or deacon shall do anything whatever without the advice of the bishop ; for he is the one to whom the people of the Lord have been entrusted, and he again it is who will answer for their souls.

Concerning the setting of the bishop over the property of the church. We command therefore that the bishop be the one who shall have control of the property of the church. For he is the one to whom are entrusted the precious souls of men ; what, therefore, is all the property that is given to him, that he should have command over it by his will and should feed the poor with it through the elders and the deacons in the fear of the Lord and in trembling? And he himself shall take for himself of it according to his desire, if he is poor in regard to those things which the brethern from afar ask of him who visit him, so that he may not lack those things which they ask of him. For it is a law of God that those who serve at the altar shall also be sustained from the altar ; for the soldiers of a king will not fight against his enemies while supporting themselves.

Concerning the setting of the bishop over the property of the church. We command therefore that the bishop be the one who shall have control of the property of the church. For he is the one to whom are entrusted the precious souls of men ; what, therefore, is all the property that is given to him, that he should have command over it by his will and should feed the poor with it through the elders and the deacons in the fear of the Lord and in trembling? And he himself shall take for himself of it according to his desire, if he is poor in regard to those things which the brethern from afar ask of him who visit him, so that he may not lack those things which they ask of him. For it is a law of God that those who serve at the altar shall also be sustained from the altar ; for the soldiers of a king will not fight against his enemies while supporting themselves.

Concerning the setting of the bishop over the property of the church. We command therefore that the bishop be the one who shall have control of the property of the church. For he is the one to whom are entrusted the precious souls of men ; what, therefore, is all the property that is given to him, that he should have command over it by his will and should feed the poor with it through the elders and the deacons in the fear of the Lord and in trembling? And he himself shall take for himself of it according to his desire, if he is poor in regard to those things which the brethern from afar ask of him who visit him, so that he may not lack those things which they ask of him. For it is a law of God that those who serve at the altar shall also be sustained from the altar ; for the soldiers of a king will not fight against his enemies while supporting themselves.

Concerning those who frequent theatrical plays. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who frequents the theatre or wanders around or becomes intoxicated, shall cease doing so; but if not, he shall be expelled. Sub-deacons and readers and psalm-singers, if they do this deed, shall cease ; but if not, they shall be expelled ; and thus also the laymen. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who knows of one that frequents and does not cease, is in duty bound to prevent him ; but if not, he shall be deposed.

Concerning those who frequent theatrical plays. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who frequents the theatre or wanders around or becomes intoxicated, shall cease doing so; but if not, he shall be expelled. Sub-deacons and readers and psalm-singers, if they do this deed, shall cease ; but if not, they shall be expelled ; and thus also the laymen. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who knows of one that frequents and does not cease, is in duty bound to prevent him ; but if not, he shall be deposed.

Concerning those who frequent theatrical plays. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who frequents the theatre or wanders around or becomes intoxicated, shall cease doing so; but if not, he shall be expelled. Sub-deacons and readers and psalm-singers, if they do this deed, shall cease ; but if not, they shall be expelled ; and thus also the laymen. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who knows of one that frequents and does not cease, is in duty bound to prevent him ; but if not, he shall be deposed.

Concerning those who frequent theatrical plays. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who frequents the theatre or wanders around or becomes intoxicated, shall cease doing so; but if not, he shall be expelled. Sub-deacons and readers and psalm-singers, if they do this deed, shall cease ; but if not, they shall be expelled ; and thus also the laymen. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who knows of one that frequents and does not cease, is in duty bound to prevent him ; but if not, he shall be deposed.

Concerning those who frequent theatrical plays. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who frequents the theatre or wanders around or becomes intoxicated, shall cease doing so; but if not, he shall be expelled. Sub-deacons and readers and psalm-singers, if they do this deed, shall cease ; but if not, they shall be expelled ; and thus also the laymen. A bishop or an elder or a deacon who knows of one that frequents and does not cease, is in duty bound to prevent him ; but if not, he shall be deposed.

A bishop or an elder or a deacon who attends the baptism of the heretics or their celebration of the Eucharist, we command that he shall be deposed. For what communion has Christ with Satan ; or what part have believers with those who do not believe?

Concerning the priest whom the people convict of fornication or something else. If there is a dispute among the believers with regard to the fornication or luxurious life or other fault [of a priest], and if they convict him, he shall no longer be among the clergy.

Concerning the denial of Christ and the denial of the dignity of the priesthood. If any of the clergy denies on account of the fear of man, either of the Jews or of the gentiles or of the heretics, and if it is the name of Christ which he has denied, let him be removed. And if it is the name of the priesthood, let him be deposed. And if he repents, they shall receive him, and he shall enter as a layman.

Concerning the denial of Christ and the denial of the dignity of the priesthood. If any of the clergy denies on account of the fear of man, either of the Jews or of the gentiles or of the heretics, and if it is the name of Christ which he has denied, let him be removed. And if it is the name of the priesthood, let him be deposed. And if he repents, they shall receive him, and he shall enter as a layman.

Concerning him who strikes a man until he dies and him who overpowers a virgin. If a priest has a quarrel with another and strikes him, and he dies, let him be deposed on account of the hardness of his heart ; and in the case of a layman, let him be expelled. And if a layman has destroyed a virgin before she has been promised, and has cohabited with her, let him be expelled. And he shall not marry another, but he shall abide with her whom he has forced, even if she is poor and deformed.

Concerning him who strikes a man until he dies and him who overpowers a virgin. If a priest has a quarrel with another and strikes him, and he dies, let him be deposed on account of the hardness of his heart ; and in the case of a layman, let him be expelled. And if a layman has destroyed a virgin before she has been promised, and has cohabited with her, let him be expelled. And he shall not marry another, but he shall abide with her whom he has forced, even if she is poor and deformed.

Concerning him who steals the oil or the wax or anything that is the property of the church. If any of the clergy steals the wax belonging to the church, or the oil, let him be deposed, and what he has stolen he shall refund fivefold. Silver vessels and clothes, if they have been seen a few days, no man shall take from them for himself alone anything ; for this action is a sin. And he who does this shall be expelled, and they shall punish him.

Concerning him who steals the oil or the wax or anything that is the property of the church. If any of the clergy steals the wax belonging to the church, or the oil, let him be deposed, and what he has stolen he shall refund fivefold. Silver vessels and clothes, if they have been seen a few days, no man shall take from them for himself alone anything ; for this action is a sin. And he who does this shall be expelled, and they shall punish him.

Concerning him who steals the oil or the wax or anything that is the property of the church. If any of the clergy steals the wax belonging to the church, or the oil, let him be deposed, and what he has stolen he shall refund fivefold. Silver vessels and clothes, if they have been seen a few days, no man shall take from them for himself alone anything ; for this action is a sin. And he who does this shall be expelled, and they shall punish him.

Concerning him who steals the oil or the wax or anything that is the property of the church. If any of the clergy steals the wax belonging to the church, or the oil, let him be deposed, and what he has stolen he shall refund fivefold. Silver vessels and clothes, if they have been seen a few days, no man shall take from them for himself alone anything ; for this action is a sin. And he who does this shall be expelled, and they shall punish him.

Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him ; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him ; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him ; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him ; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him ; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him ; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

Concerning the bishop whom they have accused [of a crime]. When believing, truthful and good men have accused a bishop, it is necessary that he be called before the bishops. And if he comes and confesses his sins, they shall again take him and pass over him a judgment which is just. And if they call him and he does not come, they shall call him a second time, and two bishops shall go as messengers to him ; and if he again does not obey, they shall call him a third time and shall again send two bishops to him as messengers. And if he does not obey, and is rebellious and does not come, those shall pass judgment over him who have been assembled according to what is right, that he shall be as one whom they have convicted, because he has fled from judgment.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

That they shall not listen to the testimony of a heretic against a bishop, and shall not listen to a single person. The testimony of a heretic shall not be received against a bishop, and the testimony of a single person shall not be received ; for " everything shall stand by the mouth of two and three." Nor shall it be lawful for a bishop to bestow the office of bishop upon his brother or his son or his kindred, nor shall he ordain whomsoever he pleases ; for it is not right that the episcopal dignity shall be inherited : nor shall he give away the property of the Lord for the sake of the will of men, for it is not allowed to make the church of Christ an inheritance. For if they do thus, and thus take to themselves of the office, they will be as though they were naught ; and [the guilty one] himself shall be condemned by a punishment. He who is one-eyed or lame in his foot and is worthy of the episcopal honor, shall be ordained. For a defect of the body does not corrupt him, but a defect of the soul [does]. A deaf and a blind man, however, shall not be ordained as a bishop, not as being unclean, but less the property of the church be scattered. He who is possessed of a devil shall not be ordained, and he shall not pray with the believers. And if he is purified, they shall admit him ; and if he be worthy, he may be ordained as one of the clergy.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

He who has lately been baptized shall not be ordained as a bishop. He who has come from among the gentiles, or has been living in sins and has been baptized, shall not be ordained as bishop at once ; nor is it allowed that he who has not been tried, shall become the teacher of other men, but he shall become this by the grace of God. Nor shall it be allowed the bishop that he shall gather and accumulate wealth, but he shall be found to be a servant of the church ; but if not, he shall not perform episcopal functions. "There is no one who can serve two masters," according to the command of our Lord. And we command that no servant shall be ordained but with the consent of his master, lest his master be offended, for in this way the families are diminished. If ever there is found a servant in his time who is worthy of the station of ordination, as there has appeared to us Onesimus, and his master sets him free and lets him go forth from his family, let him be ordained.

A bishop or an elder or a deacon who connects himself with the army, and desires to perform these two offices, that he should follow a human calling and the priestly calling, let him be expelled. For it is said : Give unto the Lord that which is the Lord's, and unto the king that which is the king's. He who despises the king or the magistrate, except with justice, him they shall punish ; if it be one of the clergy, he shall be deposed, and if a layman, he shall be expelled.

A bishop or an elder or a deacon who connects himself with the army, and desires to perform these two offices, that he should follow a human calling and the priestly calling, let him be expelled. For it is said : Give unto the Lord that which is the Lord's, and unto the king that which is the king's. He who despises the king or the magistrate, except with justice, him they shall punish ; if it be one of the clergy, he shall be deposed, and if a layman, he shall be expelled.

A bishop or an elder or a deacon who connects himself with the army, and desires to perform these two offices, that he should follow a human calling and the priestly calling, let him be expelled. For it is said : Give unto the Lord that which is the Lord's, and unto the king that which is the king's. He who despises the king or the magistrate, except with justice, him they shall punish ; if it be one of the clergy, he shall be deposed, and if a layman, he shall be expelled.

Concerning which books of the Old and of the New [Testaments] are to be received in the Christian church. And these books shall all be sacred and honored to the clergy and laity. And these indeed are of the Old Testament :

Concerning the Canons of the Apostles. This we command you, O bishops, in reference to the Synodus : for if ye listen to it, ye shall be saved and delivered, and there shall be peace unto you forever. But if ye do not obey this and do not receive what is in this, [the Lord] will scorn you, and there shall be sadness in your midst forever, and afterwards ye shall meet with the judgment which ye deserve on account of your transgression. And may God, the only one, and his only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Maker of all Creation, give unto each one of you peace, and may he help you with all good things, and may ye not faint, but be ye without stain, having no sin. And may he make you worthy of a place in eternal life, through his Son whom he loves, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Living one, the Savior, to whom is glory with the Father and with the Holy Spirit to all eternity, Amen. This is the Synodus of the Apostles, which we have sent with Clemens, and glory [be] to God to all eternity, Amen.

Concerning the Canons of the Apostles. This we command you, O bishops, in reference to the Synodus : for if ye listen to it, ye shall be saved and delivered, and there shall be peace unto you forever. But if ye do not obey this and do not receive what is in this, [the Lord] will scorn you, and there shall be sadness in your midst forever, and afterwards ye shall meet with the judgment which ye deserve on account of your transgression. And may God, the only one, and his only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Maker of all Creation, give unto each one of you peace, and may he help you with all good things, and may ye not faint, but be ye without stain, having no sin. And may he make you worthy of a place in eternal life, through his Son whom he loves, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Living one, the Savior, to whom is glory with the Father and with the Holy Spirit to all eternity, Amen. This is the Synodus of the Apostles, which we have sent with Clemens, and glory [be] to God to all eternity, Amen.

Concerning the Canons of the Apostles. This we command you, O bishops, in reference to the Synodus : for if ye listen to it, ye shall be saved and delivered, and there shall be peace unto you forever. But if ye do not obey this and do not receive what is in this, [the Lord] will scorn you, and there shall be sadness in your midst forever, and afterwards ye shall meet with the judgment which ye deserve on account of your transgression. And may God, the only one, and his only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Maker of all Creation, give unto each one of you peace, and may he help you with all good things, and may ye not faint, but be ye without stain, having no sin. And may he make you worthy of a place in eternal life, through his Son whom he loves, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Living one, the Savior, to whom is glory with the Father and with the Holy Spirit to all eternity, Amen. This is the Synodus of the Apostles, which we have sent with Clemens, and glory [be] to God to all eternity, Amen.

Concerning the Canons of the Apostles. This we command you, O bishops, in reference to the Synodus : for if ye listen to it, ye shall be saved and delivered, and there shall be peace unto you forever. But if ye do not obey this and do not receive what is in this, [the Lord] will scorn you, and there shall be sadness in your midst forever, and afterwards ye shall meet with the judgment which ye deserve on account of your transgression. And may God, the only one, and his only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Maker of all Creation, give unto each one of you peace, and may he help you with all good things, and may ye not faint, but be ye without stain, having no sin. And may he make you worthy of a place in eternal life, through his Son whom he loves, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Living one, the Savior, to whom is glory with the Father and with the Holy Spirit to all eternity, Amen. This is the Synodus of the Apostles, which we have sent with Clemens, and glory [be] to God to all eternity, Amen.

And we returned answer, saying, Lord, what is the Holy Ghost, and what is His power, whom Thou badest us to ask for? And our Lord said unto us, Verily I say unto you that ye shall not be the children of the light except by the Holy Ghost. And we returned answer to Him, and said, O our Lord, give us this [Spirit]. And immediately Jesus breathed on us. And after we had received the Holy Ghost, He said unto us, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have been made disciples unto the kingdom of heaven, and who have believed in Me with undoubting heart, and have cleaved unto Me, shall be with Me; and all those who through you know and do the will of My Father, who keep My words and know My sufferings, shall be made holy, and shall dwell in the habitations of My Father, and shall be delivered from the evil days that are about to come; and I will be with them, shewing them My ways in which they shall live.

And we returned answer, saying, Lord, what is the Holy Ghost, and what is His power, whom Thou badest us to ask for? And our Lord said unto us, Verily I say unto you that ye shall not be the children of the light except by the Holy Ghost. And we returned answer to Him, and said, O our Lord, give us this [Spirit]. And immediately Jesus breathed on us. And after we had received the Holy Ghost, He said unto us, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have been made disciples unto the kingdom of heaven, and who have believed in Me with undoubting heart, and have cleaved unto Me, shall be with Me; and all those who through you know and do the will of My Father, who keep My words and know My sufferings, shall be made holy, and shall dwell in the habitations of My Father, and shall be delivered from the evil days that are about to come; and I will be with them, shewing them My ways in which they shall live.

And we returned answer, saying, Lord, what is the Holy Ghost, and what is His power, whom Thou badest us to ask for? And our Lord said unto us, Verily I say unto you that ye shall not be the children of the light except by the Holy Ghost. And we returned answer to Him, and said, O our Lord, give us this [Spirit]. And immediately Jesus breathed on us. And after we had received the Holy Ghost, He said unto us, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have been made disciples unto the kingdom of heaven, and who have believed in Me with undoubting heart, and have cleaved unto Me, shall be with Me; and all those who through you know and do the will of My Father, who keep My words and know My sufferings, shall be made holy, and shall dwell in the habitations of My Father, and shall be delivered from the evil days that are about to come; and I will be with them, shewing them My ways in which they shall live.

And we returned answer, saying, Lord, what is the Holy Ghost, and what is His power, whom Thou badest us to ask for? And our Lord said unto us, Verily I say unto you that ye shall not be the children of the light except by the Holy Ghost. And we returned answer to Him, and said, O our Lord, give us this [Spirit]. And immediately Jesus breathed on us. And after we had received the Holy Ghost, He said unto us, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have been made disciples unto the kingdom of heaven, and who have believed in Me with undoubting heart, and have cleaved unto Me, shall be with Me; and all those who through you know and do the will of My Father, who keep My words and know My sufferings, shall be made holy, and shall dwell in the habitations of My Father, and shall be delivered from the evil days that are about to come; and I will be with them, shewing them My ways in which they shall live.

And we returned answer, saying, Lord, what is the Holy Ghost, and what is His power, whom Thou badest us to ask for? And our Lord said unto us, Verily I say unto you that ye shall not be the children of the light except by the Holy Ghost. And we returned answer to Him, and said, O our Lord, give us this [Spirit]. And immediately Jesus breathed on us. And after we had received the Holy Ghost, He said unto us, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have been made disciples unto the kingdom of heaven, and who have believed in Me with undoubting heart, and have cleaved unto Me, shall be with Me; and all those who through you know and do the will of My Father, who keep My words and know My sufferings, shall be made holy, and shall dwell in the habitations of My Father, and shall be delivered from the evil days that are about to come; and I will be with them, shewing them My ways in which they shall live.

And we returned answer, saying, Lord, what is the Holy Ghost, and what is His power, whom Thou badest us to ask for? And our Lord said unto us, Verily I say unto you that ye shall not be the children of the light except by the Holy Ghost. And we returned answer to Him, and said, O our Lord, give us this [Spirit]. And immediately Jesus breathed on us. And after we had received the Holy Ghost, He said unto us, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have been made disciples unto the kingdom of heaven, and who have believed in Me with undoubting heart, and have cleaved unto Me, shall be with Me; and all those who through you know and do the will of My Father, who keep My words and know My sufferings, shall be made holy, and shall dwell in the habitations of My Father, and shall be delivered from the evil days that are about to come; and I will be with them, shewing them My ways in which they shall live.

And Peter and John answered and said unto Him:—Tell us, O our Lord, the signs of the end, and all the deeds which shall then be [done] by them who live in this world, so that we also may make [them] known to them who believe in Thy Name in all the nations, that those generations may observe [them] and live. But Jesus answered and said:— Did I not, before I suffered for those that dwell on the earth, tell you some things about the end? We answered and said, [Yea,] O our Lord; but now we desire to know the deeds which [are] the signs of the end of this world, if our Lord hath judged that this is fitting for us to know —for us, and for those who [shall] hear.

And Peter and John answered and said unto Him:—Tell us, O our Lord, the signs of the end, and all the deeds which shall then be [done] by them who live in this world, so that we also may make [them] known to them who believe in Thy Name in all the nations, that those generations may observe [them] and live. But Jesus answered and said:— Did I not, before I suffered for those that dwell on the earth, tell you some things about the end? We answered and said, [Yea,] O our Lord; but now we desire to know the deeds which [are] the signs of the end of this world, if our Lord hath judged that this is fitting for us to know —for us, and for those who [shall] hear.

And Jesus answered and said:—In the time when I was in the world, I spoke unto you before I should be glorified, of signs that the end is near, thus:—that there shall be on earth famines and pestilences, tumults, and commotions, risings of nations against nations, and those other things whereof I have told you But I commanded you to watch and pray. And now hear, ye children of the light; for My Father who hath sent Me to His inheritance hath predetermined in His foreknowledge, that in the last days, out of the latest generation, there should be vessels [of grace] holy, and honoured, and elect. Wherefore I make known unto you exactly [what are] the things which are about to be, and when he shall arise, that Son of Perdition, the Enemy, the Adversary, and what he is like.

And Jesus answered and said:—In the time when I was in the world, I spoke unto you before I should be glorified, of signs that the end is near, thus:—that there shall be on earth famines and pestilences, tumults, and commotions, risings of nations against nations, and those other things whereof I have told you But I commanded you to watch and pray. And now hear, ye children of the light; for My Father who hath sent Me to His inheritance hath predetermined in His foreknowledge, that in the last days, out of the latest generation, there should be vessels [of grace] holy, and honoured, and elect. Wherefore I make known unto you exactly [what are] the things which are about to be, and when he shall arise, that Son of Perdition, the Enemy, the Adversary, and what he is like.

There shall, then, be signs when the kingdom is approaching such as these. After the famines and pestilences and tumults among the nations, then there shall rule, and rise to power, princes who love money, who hate the truth, who kill their brethren, liars, haters of the faithful, proud, lovers of gold, allied by relationship but not allied in counsel, for they wish each to destroy the life of his fellow. But there shall be in their hosts great affliction, and flight, and bloodshed.

There shall, then, be signs when the kingdom is approaching such as these. After the famines and pestilences and tumults among the nations, then there shall rule, and rise to power, princes who love money, who hate the truth, who kill their brethren, liars, haters of the faithful, proud, lovers of gold, allied by relationship but not allied in counsel, for they wish each to destroy the life of his fellow. But there shall be in their hosts great affliction, and flight, and bloodshed.

There shall, then, be signs when the kingdom is approaching such as these. After the famines and pestilences and tumults among the nations, then there shall rule, and rise to power, princes who love money, who hate the truth, who kill their brethren, liars, haters of the faithful, proud, lovers of gold, allied by relationship but not allied in counsel, for they wish each to destroy the life of his fellow. But there shall be in their hosts great affliction, and flight, and bloodshed.

But there shall arise also in the West a king of foreign race, a prince of great craft, godless, a homicide, a deceiver, a lover of gold, great at devices, a hater of the faithful, a persecutor; and he shall bear rule also over barbarous nations, and shall shed much blood. At that time silver shall be despised and gold be honoured; and in every city and every country there shall be spoiling and robbery, and there shall be spilling of blood.

But there shall arise also in the West a king of foreign race, a prince of great craft, godless, a homicide, a deceiver, a lover of gold, great at devices, a hater of the faithful, a persecutor; and he shall bear rule also over barbarous nations, and shall shed much blood. At that time silver shall be despised and gold be honoured; and in every city and every country there shall be spoiling and robbery, and there shall be spilling of blood.

But there shall arise also in the West a king of foreign race, a prince of great craft, godless, a homicide, a deceiver, a lover of gold, great at devices, a hater of the faithful, a persecutor; and he shall bear rule also over barbarous nations, and shall shed much blood. At that time silver shall be despised and gold be honoured; and in every city and every country there shall be spoiling and robbery, and there shall be spilling of blood.

But there shall arise also in the West a king of foreign race, a prince of great craft, godless, a homicide, a deceiver, a lover of gold, great at devices, a hater of the faithful, a persecutor; and he shall bear rule also over barbarous nations, and shall shed much blood. At that time silver shall be despised and gold be honoured; and in every city and every country there shall be spoiling and robbery, and there shall be spilling of blood.

But there shall arise also in the West a king of foreign race, a prince of great craft, godless, a homicide, a deceiver, a lover of gold, great at devices, a hater of the faithful, a persecutor; and he shall bear rule also over barbarous nations, and shall shed much blood. At that time silver shall be despised and gold be honoured; and in every city and every country there shall be spoiling and robbery, and there shall be spilling of blood.

But there shall arise also in the West a king of foreign race, a prince of great craft, godless, a homicide, a deceiver, a lover of gold, great at devices, a hater of the faithful, a persecutor; and he shall bear rule also over barbarous nations, and shall shed much blood. At that time silver shall be despised and gold be honoured; and in every city and every country there shall be spoiling and robbery, and there shall be spilling of blood.

Then there shall be signs in heaven. A bow shall be seen, and a horn, and lights; and noises out of season, and sounds and ragings of the sea and a roaring of the earth.

Then there shall be signs in heaven. A bow shall be seen, and a horn, and lights; and noises out of season, and sounds and ragings of the sea and a roaring of the earth.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But on the earth shall be signs; the birth of dragons from mankind, and likewise also of wild beasts; and young women newly wedded shall bring forth babes who speak perfectly and announce the last times, and pray to be put to death. And their looks shall be the looks of [men] far advanced in years; they shall be grey-headed when they are born. Also women shall bear babes with four feet: some shall bear spirits only, and some shall bear their progeny with unclean spirits. Others [there] shall [be who] practise divination in the womb, and shall speak with familiar spirits; and there shall be many other horrible signs. z.

But in the assemblies, and nations, and churches, there shall be many tumults, for there shall arise evil shepherds unjust slothful avaricious, lovers of pleasures, lovers of gains lovers of money, talkative, boastful, haughty, gluttonous, perverse, rash, given to delights, vainglorious opposing the ways of the Gospel and fleeing from the strait gate removing from themselves every humiliation and not sorrowing for My humiliation, rejecting all the words of truth, and despising all the ways of piety, and not mourning for their sins. Therefore there shall be shed abroad among the nations unbelief, hatred of the brotherhood, wickedness, bitterness, slothfulness, envy, hatred, strife, theft, oppression, drunkenness, debauchery, lasciviousness, licentiousness, fornication, and all such works as are contrary to the commandments of life. For from many mourning and gentleness shall flee away, and peace and meekness, and poverty and piety, and tears, because the shepherds heard these things, and did not do them, and moreover did not shew! My commandments, seeing that they [themselves] are examples of wickedness in the nation. But the time shall come when some of them will deny Me, and will stir up confusions in the earth, and put their trust in a corruptible king. But they who in My Name endure unto the end shall be saved. Then they shall ordain commandments for men, [commandments] unlike the book of commandments in which the Father is well pleased; and My elect and My holy ones shall be rejected by them, and called among them, as it were, the polluted. Yet these are the upright ones, pure, sad, merciful, quiet, kind, always knowing Him who is among them at all times, and they shall be called mad for My sake, who have saved them. It shall come to pass also in those days that My Father shall gather together out of that generation the pure ones, even the pure and faithful souls, those to whom I will appear, and with whom I will make My habitation, and I will send to them the understanding of knowledge and of truth, and the understanding of holiness, and they shall not cease praising and giving thanks to their God,! My Father who sent Me; and they shall speak the truth at all times, and they shall teach [others] whose spirit they have tried [and have found] that they are upright and worthy, as for the kingdom, and shall instruct them in knowledge and strength and prudence. And those who suffer persecution because they live in piety shall receive the reward of their praise. And it shall be in those times that all the kingdoms shall be disturbed, and all the world also [shall see] affliction and want; and all this world shall be reputed as nothing; and all its possessions shall be destroyed by many [destroyers], and there shall be great scarcity of crops, and the winter shall be very severe; and the princes shall be few in number and small, who have rule over gold and over silver, and are rich in all those things which are in this world; and the children of this world shall hold their storerooms and barns, and shall have rule over the markets of buying and selling. Many shall be afflicted, and on that account shall call upon their God that they may be delivered. Blessed are they who are not [alive] at that time; and [blessed] they [also] who shall be [alive indeed], but [shall] endure. For when these things shall come to pass, then soon she that travaileth is near to bring forth, for the time is fulfilled.