Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 73

of the people. For the Lord saith. Judge in righteousness and justice ; be of understanding, and give judgment unto every man with discernment. But ye, O people, it is not permitted unto you to judge any man. For he saith to them who have not the ordination of the priesthood. Judge not, for your judgment shall not be accepted. But let the Bishop judge in righteousness ; as it is vmtten^ saying. Judge the poor and the fatherless, and do right to him that is wronged, and to the poor ; and save the desolate and needy. And moreover he saith. Why do ye not judge between yourselves in justice and righteousness ? VIII. That it is the duty of the Bishop to try and inquire into every matter ifi Justice and uprightness. Be ye therefore pure, as the Fathers of old, good and wise and faithful ; and put away from you the evil law and the corrupt custom. But choose for your- selves the way of life. It is the duty of the Bishop to walk in this right way, and to depart from every evil work, and to do good ; and to heal also the poor who have need of repentance, and to cast out them that refuse to turn. For there are that make pretences, and use lying devices, and bring accusations through L 73