Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 106

bring reproach and disgrace and a stain upon the Church, and shall be con- demned before the Lord ; because she hath married a second husband, and hath not kept the command of the Scripture. Wherefore it is not right to appoint them hastily, without inquiring into their lives, and examining them, whether they have continence. And if they cannot persevere, it is better not to name them ; for they keep not that which they have promised. But if there be a young widow, who hath had a husband and hath been separated from him for a httle while by death, and then she live alone, and keep the observance of widows, she that doeth thus is blessed : for she is like the widow at Sarepta of Sidon, to whom Elijah the holy Prophet of the Lord- came, and she received him : and like the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser, who lived in the House of the Lord day and night, always ready for prayer and supplication, though her years were so many. At seven years did she enter into the Temple, and she remained fifty-seven years, continuing a virgin ; looking for the coming of Christ, and giving thanks unto the Lord, and proclaiming concerning Him to all that looked for the coming of the salvation of Israel. Now the widow who doeth after this manner, shall find favour and honour and praise in this world, and in that also which is to come, before the Lord, in the Kingdom of Heaven. But let not the younger widows be appointed into the institutions 106