Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 35

receive again those who have transgressed, into the true religion, that they may be able to return unto repentance. And if Bishops teach not and do not thus, the Lord shall require at their hands the sin of the people ; as the Prophet Isaiah saith : Exhort my people, saith the Lord ; and ye priests, speak unto Jerusalem, unto her heart. It becometh the Bishop to examine into the Ufe of the people ; and if there be any man that hath sinned, let them turn him unto repentance, that they may obtain for themselves a good reward. But if they do not teach, nor turn the people unto godliness, they shall obtain condemnation. And now, then, let us receive with joy and love the repentance of those that turn unto the Lord : and upon those who have sinned let us pass sentence with mercy and compassion, as is meet toward the penitent. And if thou see a man who com- mitteth sin, and is slipping into error, raise him up from his fall ; but if thou make his way pleasant to him, behold, thou hast killed thy brother. But it becometh thee to raise up him that slippeth from his fall, that he perish not, and that others seeing it may be instructed and understand, and receive the word of reproof. The Bishop must not delay with respect to the sin of the people, nor neglect the desire of those who seek for repentance, lest the flock of Christ perish through his slothfiilness. For concerning them hath the Lord spoken, by the mouth of f2 35