Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 119

into the pit that he hath made ; and his labour shall return upon his own head, and his wickedness shall come down upon his own pate. For he that diggeth a pit for his neighbour shall fall into it himself. What he hateth for himself, let him not do against his neighbour. And for this cause, do thou also, O Bishop, teach and exhort them that despise the widows ; and be patient with the angry, and visit the sick, and rejoice over the chosen ones, who bless and curse not ; and command them not that which is evil, but that they do good, and make peace. And whether it be a Bishop, or Priest, or Deacon, or whosoever it be of them that are ordained, let there not come forth from the mouth of such an one cursing instead of blessing. It is fit that the Bishop should teach and reprove and command the people, and that there go not out of his mouth the voice of cursing, but that he be careful for them, both over the Priests, and the Deacons who minister, and the virgins and widows, and the people. And for this cause, O Bishop, try and examine the Deacons, who minister with thee ; and help them in doing good, that they may be prepared to minister unto the people. And let a chosen and pure woman also, without spot, be appointed a Deaconess, to minister unto the women. For it is not lawful for a Deacon to minister to the women, lest there arise a reproach among them that believe not. Where- fore let there be a Deaconess to minister unto the women ; and let her 119