Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 44

back those that have repented of then* sins, who have repented and done that which is right and good, and have found the hope of hfe. The Bishop ought to heal the afflicted, who are sick through the deeds of sin ; to visit them, and com- fort them, and heal their wounds. For the whole need not a physician, but they that are sick ; for the Son of Man came to seek and to succour that which was lost. Inasmuch as thou art a physician in the Church of the Lord, give to every one healing according as it is fit, and feed them with spiritual food, that they may stand fast in the Holy Church. Feed the flock of Christ with humi- lity and love, and reproof, without anger; not puffed up with the power of thy office, for thou art the shepherd of the sheep of the flock of Christ. And gather thou the lambs into thy bosom; and be good and merciful and just, without deceit, or revenge, or jealousy, or accusings, or calumny, or hatred, or partiality, or blasphemy, or pride, or vain-glory. Despise not the people that are under thee, and hide not from them the commandments of the Lord ; neither turn thyself away from their repentance, nor bring pretexts against them, to drive them out from the church of the Lord. Be of good understanding, therefore, in judgment; and receive not the witness of one against any man, but only the witness of three men, good and true, 44