Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 30

the sin of their fathers. And this thing is manifest, that women are not condemned for their husbands, nor young men for their wives ; nor servants for their masters, nor masters for their servants ; nor relations for their relations, nor friends for their friends ; nor the just for sinners, but every one shall be recompensed according to his doings. For Noah also perished not in the sin of the people, nor was Lot burnt in the fire of Sodom, nor did Rahab perish in the sin of Jericho, nor the Children of Israel on account of the Egyptians. We must not, therefore, follow the way and the works of the violent and unjust and deceitful, and adulterers and murderers, who make pretexts for evil, men full of hatred, who are ready for violence and death ; for every man shall be recompensed according to his deeds ; as David saith. For thou wilt recompense to every man according to his works. And therefore it is right that we should help the afflicted, and visit the sick, and convert sinners, who have been wounded by their sinful deeds. Let us teach them, and instruct them with the voice of reproof, that they may be saved from the death of sin. For the whole need not a physician, but they that are sick : for our Father who is in heaven willeth not that one of these little ones should perish. O Brethren ! let us not hear the voice of the foolish, and of them whose hearts are 30