Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 100

away to their gods, that save not, nor profit, and worship them, and lay before them in prayer all their cares ; and on the days of their feasts they gather them- selves together, small and great; and not they alone, but others also, come from places far off, to worship and serve them. And in like manner the foolish Jews, apostates and unbelievers as they are, yet work six days, and rest on the seventh day. And then they assemble together in their synagogues, and keep a feast to idols, and magnify and honour them, even them that have no life nor spirit, who profit not any thing ; yet they boast themselves, and say. We are Jews. But if these men, who do thus, yet continually assemble themselves together, while they are serving in their folly those in whom is no profit, how then is it that ye, who have received grace from the Lord God, are idle and negligent in the service of the Church ? For, indeed, if ye forsake the Church, ye lose your hope, and give up your salvation, and become apostates. Depart not from that which is good, neither do evil. Behold, the Lord saith, by the mouth of the Prophet Jeremiah, My people have deserted my law which I set before their face, neither have they heard my voice : but they are gone, and have followed the way of their own hearts ; and have followed idols, as their fathers have taught them. And moreover he saith. Rebellious Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah. 100