Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 76

Lord, lest they rebel against the faith. Thus we command you : Them that return unto the Lord bring into the Church, that they may hear the voice of the Scriptures, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance ; that they despise not instruction. But stand ye not together with them in prayer ; but let them put them forth, after the reading of the Scriptures of the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel. And then let them stand at all times prepared to worship in the Church, that others seeing them may fear, and receive instruction and learn godliness. O Bishop, help the sinners, and strengthen them by the word of the Lord ; and despise them not, neither refuse to eat with sinners and publicans. For when the Pharisees said to His disciples. Wherefore doth your master eat with sinners and publicans ? he answered and said unto them. The sick need the phy- sician, and not they that are whole : I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And for this cause it is right that thou shouldst visit them and comfort them, and eat with them in love ; and shouldst be careful for their sal- vation, and help them, and say unto them. Be strong, and clap your hands, and dance with your feet. It behoveth you, therefore, to comfort them that are sorrowful in heart, and bear patiently with them that are angry, that they turn 76