Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 27

sin, and hast not repented, thou shalt sm"ely die, and hast not Ufe. Repent, therefore, while thou art alive ; for David saith. There is none that remembereth thee in death; and in the grave who trusteth in thee? For after men are dead, there is no repentance. It is right therefore, brethren, that we should stand ready in doing good, and should walk in the right way, in which there is no sorrow. Let us hear, then, and understand that which he saith. Direct my way and my goings, according to Thy word: and let us not fall behind in any good work, but observe the holy word that is written in the Gospel concerning the five wise virgins, neither let us be as the five foolish virgins, with whom the oil of good works was spent, and they were cast out firom the heavenly mar- riage. Therefore ought we to keep ourselves, and be diligently watchful over ourselves, and observe the time of the bridegroom, that we fall not into sin ; but he that doeth righteousness, let him take heed to do it unto the end. It behoveth the Bishop, therefore, to understand, and to judge with righte- ousness ; for judgment is the Lord's. Let him rebuke sinners that they walk in the right way ; and when they turn, let him receive their repentance with compassion and mercy. Remember what our Lord saith. There is great joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. But if thou receivest not them that repent, but rejectest them, thou hast dispersed thy flock, and hast not e2 27