Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 43

ought to know that the Lord is merciful, and desireth not the death of a sinner, but his conversion and returning to repentance. And if a man transgress, under- standing not the commandments that the Lord hath set forth for repentance, but walk in the deceit of his heart, and remember not his sin and his evil that he hath done, understanding not the word of Holy Scripture which proclaimeth mercy to him, that man shall perish and be without hope. But do thou search out the good shepherd, and the humble and patient teacher and reprover, and the merciful, and peace-maker, that goeth round about and feedeth his sheep and seeketh that which is lost, like the Lord our God. For our Father which is in heaven sent his beloved Son, our Saviour, the Good Shepherd, our Teacher, Jesus Christ, who left the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and went to seek the one sheep that was lost : and when he had found it, he laid it upon his shoulder, and brought it into the flock with joy; for He had found that which was lost. Hear this, O Bishop! guide them that have erred, and gather in again them that are scattered, and search out them that are lost ; for thou hast power for the turning of men to bind and to loosen. So the Lord said to the paralytic, I have forgiven thee thy sin ; thy faith hath saved thee ; go in peace. Now the peace which we have received is the Church of Christ, into which thou shouldst bring g2 43