Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 67

wherefore it is not right that he should do any thing without the counsel of the Bishop. And if he give secretly to the needy without the knowledge of the Bishop, he causes him to be reproached, and occasions a charge against him of despising and neglecting the poor and needy and destitute and afflicted. But he who utters reproachful words, or doeth any thing evil against the Bishop, hath transgressed against the Lord; not understanding that which He hath said. Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy People. For this law was not ordained with respect unto stocks and stones which the Gentiles worship, but for the sake of the Priests, the Teachers, and Wise Men. For unto them he said. Ye are Gods, and all of you are the children of the Most High. Understand then, O Deacon, if thou see a poor man, and he be ashamed to ask, tell the Bishop secretly concerning him ; and reveal not nor tell to others his poverty, lest he be ashamed and murmur. But if thou reveal his secrets, thou bringest sorrow upon thy brother ; and for his sake the Lord shall be angry with thee. And the Lord said unto them. Wherefore have ye not been ashamed to speak evil against my servant Moses ? and the judgment of the wrath of the Lord came upon them. And Moses said unto them who murmured against him. And we, what are we ? in this your murnmring, it is not against me that ye murmur, but against your k2 67