The Ethiopic Didascalia

Section 10

IX. That Christians ought to forgive the trespasses of their neighbours, and not let revenge dwell in their hearts, nor think evil. If ye vrill be Christians in truth, walk in the way of the Lord, and loose every bond of sin; for the Saviour hath commanded you to forgive the trespasses of your neighbours, even unto seventy times seven. And if ye will not forgive them, hear what Jeremiah the Prophet saith. Moreover, if thou hast thought evil in thine heart, and hast kept hatred, and judged in anger, thy prayer cannot ascend unto the Lord; for thou hast not done the commandments of the Lord, inasmuch as thou hast not forgiven the trespasses of thy brother four hundred and ninety times. Be therefore slow to anger and of much compassion, that thou mayest save thyself. And if thou do thus, thou shalt be the child of thy Father which is in heaven; and when thou entreatest him, he shall hear thy prayer, as a faithful friend. Wherefore, O Bishops, when ye are gathered together for prayer and praise and worship, and hearing the reading of the word of exhortation from the Holy Scriptures, let the Deacon stand in the midst of you, crying out with a loud voice, and saying. If there be in the heart of any man revenge or envy or deceit, or any malice, let him speedily be reconciled: and then the Lord shall receive their prayer. And when ye enter into an house, say thus. The peace of the Lord be in this house! and if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it. As it is written. He is peace to them that are afar off, and salvation to them that are nigh; even to the people that believe in Christ. It behoveth all that enter into the Church of the Lord to ask of him to send His mercy and peace upon the people.