Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 38

others be offended, seeing these evil doings. For the wicked seek occasion to destroy others, and to scatter the flock. And a httle leaven leaveneth much meal. Thus sin foUoweth after those who commit it, and goeth on to destroy many more. As when a thief is found in the treasure-house, and bringeth an evil name upon his whole family through his evil deeds ; and as when the stinking flesh of the dead is put into ointment, its whole savour is corrupted ; and as when a king is violent and cruel without justice, so are also his rulers. And as when a scabbed sheep feedeth in the midst of the sheep, they all become scabbed if it be not separated from them ; and as a mad dog that biteth every one that he findeth, if they kill him not, those whom he biteth become mad together with him; so if there be a scorner, and mocker, and contentious man, and transgressor of the commandments of the law, let them put him forth from the Church, lest he cor- rupt the House of the Lord, and make it a den of thieves. We must not be silent concerning sinners and wicked men ; but must reprove them, that they may leave their evil doings, and put away from themselves corrupt practices. But let us exhort them to fast and pray and give alms, that they may be taught to fear the Lord. For the Lord said unto the Children of Israel, Fear ye me, and 38