Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 116

shall receive the condemnation which came upon the sons of Korah. Behold, we command the Priests not to ordain Deacons, or Readers, or Chanters, or Door-keepers ; but let the Bishops alone ordain, according to the Institution of the Church, who have no revenge, or jealousy, or slandering, or hatred, or malice. Behold, we have before told you, that they who do such things are ahens from the congregation of Christians ; and most especially widows. XV. Of Widows. For Satan searcheth an opportunity to ensnare, as he did, at the beginning, against Cain. For there are who say, We are widows, and do not works fitting for widows; as Cain, who did that which was not right toward his brother. But such have no knowledge ; for it is not by being called widows that they shall inherit the kingdom of heaven, but by patience and good works. And she who taketh the name of a widow, and doeth the works of the devil, is a deceiver, insomuch that she shall receive condemnation from the Lord, even for ever. Behold, we hear that there are among the widows those that are evil, and envious, that cause strife among brethren : these are not of Christ, for they have not kept the word of exhortation. If there be any one of the sisters, 116