Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 63

usurpeth the Priest's office, and doeth not the commandments of the Lord, he shall not escape condemnation ; for he hath taken an honour which hath not been given unto him, and hath insulted the priesthood ; neither hath he been like unto Christ, who glorified not himself to be made a great High Priest, but endured patiently ; for he heard the voice of the Father, saying. The Lord sware, and repented not. Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec. But if Christ glorified not himself, but his Father, who was equal with him, how then can he who is only a man take the honour of the priesthood to himself, if he who has authority over him have not given it to him ? For the sons of Korah were of the tribe of Levi ; yet when they rose up against Moses and Aaron, the fire devoured them, inasmuch as they sought to take what belonged not to them ; and Dathan, and Abiram, and Korah, went down alive into the pit. The rod that budded destroyed the counsel of many foolish men, and he shewed by its means the great High Priest who was ordained before the Lord. It is fit then, Brethren, that ye should bring your offerings and incense to the Bishop, for he is the High Priest : your first-fruits and tithes, and all your vows, bring ye unto him, that he may give to every one their due care, even to the needy who have nothing. Let him set them in order as it is fitting, that no one take advantage of his neigh- bour in the receiving of alms. It behoveth the Bishop to take care of all the 63