Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 9

Most Wise. And if thou desirest a song, thou hast the Psalms of David. If again thou desirest to understand the creation of the world, and the genera- tion of the ancient Fathers, thou hast the Books of Moses. And if thou desirest to know wisdom and doctrine, thou hast the Book of the Law, which is full of the glory of the Lord God. Keep far, then, from every evil work and doctrine of Satan, and every vain word which is not in the Law. But read what is in the Law of Ceremonies, that thou mayest understand and know cer- tainly the glory of the Lord, who hath saved thee from the many snares of Satan. For the Saviour came not to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil them, and to loose the bonds which are in the Law of Ceremonies and bring men into a spiritual doctrine. And for this cause he invites us, saying, " Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy-laden! and I will give you rest." And thou, when thou hast read the Law, and the Prophets, and the Kings, and the Gospel, shalt understand how many have been the good men who have reigned in righteousness and pleased the Lord in their lives, and for this cause have ob- tained life everlasting. And moreover thou shalt know the number of evil kings who have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, in their want of under- standing. But these have perished, and come to an end by the stroke of the Lord's judgment, and have lost eternal life. Being then acquainted with these c 9