Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 60

VI. Concerning the duty of the people to bring offerings to the Church, according to their ability. Hear now also, ye people of the elect Church of God ; for of old time the He- brews were called the People of the Lord, a holy people : and now ye are a chosen generation, your names are written in heaven for a kingdom and a priesthood ; ye are a holy people, a bride adorned for the Lord God, a glorious and faithful Church. Hear how it was ordered at the beginning what should be given to those who are ordained over the Church of Christ, even vows and first-fruits and tithes, for the salvation of men's souls. The beginning of the name of Jesus is Iota, according to the number of the testimony of the Holy Church, the congregation of people which is founded upon Iota, which hath knowledge of the Law, and hath kept the faith, and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and hath guided men unto the knowledge of the word of Iota, and hath stood fast in the perfection of his glory. In old time they brought offerings, and sacrifices, and thank-offerings, and tithes and first-fruits, which was their oblation in those days. And now also let the Bishops and Priests offer up sacrifices and oblations to the Lord our God, the Lord Jesus 60 .