Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 127

For that which a man obtaineth by his labour for the maintenance of the widow, whether it be much or httle, is acceptable with the Lord, seeing that it is not gotten by iniquity ; for a little with righteousness is better than great riches of the sinner. But if a widow eat that which cometh from the transgressors and be filled, and pray for them, the Lord will not hear her prayer ; for the Lord trieth the doings, and what is in the heart and the reins. For the Lord saith concerning transgressors and unbelievers. Though Moses, Elias, and Samuel stood and prayed for them, I would not hear their prayer, nor pardon their sin. Now he spake not concerning these only, but concerning others also, who have sinned and refuse to turn unto repentance. When they pray, he will not hear their prayer for them that do such things ; but they provoke the Lord, not remember- ing the evil of their doings. Flee then from deeds of this sort ; for all who do such things depart from the law. For Ehas received not the offering of Hazael who reigned over Syria, neither did Ahijah receive the offering of Jeroboam ; and if the Prophets of the Lord received not offerings from unbelievers, in like manner let the Bishops fear to do so. Simon also, the magician, brought to us a gift, even to us Peter and John, purposing to obtain 127