Ethiopic Didascalia

Ethiopic Didascalia — Platt English translation page 97

redeemed by thy blood, by oiir Lord Jesus Christ, who hath called her to be an assembly of Kings and Priests, a pure generation, a holy people ! And after that the Priests have taken into their hands the Mysteries, let them take heed that none enter who are not believers. And then let the people stand up, and let the women also, by themselves, veil their heads, and let them stretch out their hands, and pray for pardon, and receive His flesh and precious blood. And if any brother or sister come from a distant place, let the Deacon inquire into their lives, and understand their faith. And if they have the true tokens of faith, let him receive them to enter into the church. But if they be unsound in the faith, let him not receive them to enter in. And if a Priest come from a place afar off, let the Priests receive him, and in like manner let it be done with the Dea- cons. And if a Bishop come, a stranger, let the Bishop, who is in the same station, receive him, and let him sit with him, and let him give him honour. And then let them request him to teach, and reprove, and exhort, and comfort them ; for He saith, A Prophet is without honour in his own country. Entreat him there- fore that he offer up the sacrifice. And if, through fear, he will not offer up the sacrifice, let them entreat him the more earnestly to give at least a blessing to the people. And if any man come unto thee, whether a stranger or one of the o • 97