Didascalia Apostolorum

Historical source scan page 82

54 DIDASCALIA. CHAPTER X. Admonition about false brethren, and investigation about those that are accusers, or witnesses against any one, and the decree of punishment against those ^vho are convicted of sin ; and tlie consolation and reception into tlie Church, if they shew repentance ; and injunction to the Bishops that they give the hand and bind up those who have sinned if they repent ; that they shotdd not judge with partiality, and be convicted before God ; and that they should convict him who accuses falsely, in punishing as was fit him who was accused. If then there be false brethren, [who] on account of envy or the jealousy of enemies1, and of Satan, who works by them, bring a false accusation against one of the brethren, or even a true one, those shall know that every one who investigates about these things, in order f. 37 b to accuse or blaspheme about any one, he is the son of anger, and where anger is, God is not ; for anger is of Satan, who by means of these false brethren never allows peace to be in the Church. Therefore when ye know them, those that are so far wanting in sense, first of all believe them not, and secondly, Bishops and Deacons, beware of them, how ye say ought of the things that ye- have heard from them to any of the brethren. Consider about him against whom they bring an ac- cusation, investigate wisely, compare his actions, and if he be found to merit reproof, according to the doctrine of our Lord which He hath spoken Matt. in the Gospel, reprove him between thee and him ; if he repent, and 16 be converted, save him. And if he will not be convinced, reprove him before two or three, and fulfil that which was said, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established ; for therefore, brethren, it is required for witness, that it stand upon the mouth of two or three witnesses, because the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost testify about the works of men ; for where there is admonition of doctrine, there is also discipline and conversion of those who have wandered. Therefore at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be Ap. Con. established. And if he obey not, reprove him before all the Church ; if he n. xxxviii. CJQ not jlear even tne Church, let him be counted unto thee as a heathen IH.CU/T/. Xvlii- 17 and as a publican. Because the Lord hath said unto you, O Bishops, that henceforth ye receive not that man into the Church 3as Christians2 and be not partakers with him ; for not even the heathen or the wicked 1 S. the Enemy. 2 S. as a Christian