Didascalia Apostolorum

Historical source scan page 51

DIDASCALIA. CHAPTER IV. Teaches what sort of man it is right to be chosen for 'the Bishopric, and what like his works should be. About Bishops hear thus. Of the Pastor who is appointed as a Bishop Ap. con. and chief in the Eldership of the Church in all the assemblies, it is required f \\^ that he be without reproof, irreprehensible, that he be far from all evil things, a man who is not less than fifty years (of age) and therefore far from the vehement manners of youth, from the desires of the Enemy, and from calumny, and from the blasphemy of false brethren which they bring against many, because they do not understand the word which is spoken in the Gospel, that "every one who speaks an idle word shall give account of 36a ' it to the Lord in the day of judgment, for by thy words thou shalt be 37 justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." If it be possible let him be a teacher, and if he be illiterate, let him be persuasive and wise of speech: let him be advanced in years. If the assembly be small and there be not found a man advanced in years, [one] about whom there be witnesses that he is wise and suitable to be appointed Bishop; one being found who is a youth, whose companions testify about him, and those who are with him, that he is worthy to be appointed to the Bishopric ; he though yet a youth shewing the works of age in humility and meekness, if all men testify about him, being proved by all the people ; thus let him sit in peace, because that even King Solomon when twelve years of age, reigned over Israel, and Josiah reigned in righteousness when eight years of age ; again also Joash, when seven years of age, reigned over Israel ; therefore, this man even if he be a youth, yet let him be meek and reverent and gentle ; because the Lord God said by Isaiah, " To whom will I look and is. ixvi. 2 with [whom] will I rest, but with the gentle and meek who trembleth at My words "...Also in the Gospel He saith thus, "Blessed are the Matt. v. c meek, for they shall inherit the earth " ; and let him be merciful, for He saith in the Gospel, "Blessed are the merciful, for on them shall be mercy"; 7 and again, let him be a peacemaker, for it is said, "Blessed are the peace- 9 f. 153 makers, for they shall be called the children of God." Let him be pure from all evil things, and injustice and iniquity, for it is said, " Blessed are Matt. v. 8 the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Let him be watchful, and chaste, Ap. con. and stable, and well-regulated, and let him not be turbulent, nor trespass