Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 55

nor boasters, nor acceptors of persons, nor drinkers of much wine or strong drink ; nor dancers ; nor thieves, nor murderers ; nor receivers of bribes ; neither seek glory from strange gods, but keep far from them ; for ye have been called to this work, that ye should serve the Lord. Thus let the life of the Bishop be, let his garments and his food be in moderation and purity, as much as is sufficient for him, that he transgress not after any other law. For he that laboureth is worthy of his meat, even the tithes and first-fruits which they bring into the Church, according to the commandment of the Lord. The Bishop ought to give unto the afflicted, and the poor, and the widows and orphans, and to the needy and strangers who possess nothing, according to their wants. But if the Bishop give them not their due care, the Lord shall require it of him on their behalf; for he has power to appoint for every one, according as it is right. And ye who are ordained in the Church, if ye have need, take out of the store ; but if ye have not poverty, it is not right that ye should take from it. And if ye do thus, ye shall be saved before the Lord. But if the Bishops take for themselves alone, and are insatiable to devour, and lay up for themselves and give not to the poor, for this cause the Lord shall call them to account, and they shall be clothed with reproach and dishonour. And therefore he saith. Ye have drunk 55