The Ethiopic Didascalia

Section 14

XIV. That it is not lawful for the Layman to do any work belonging to the We command then that no Layman do any work belonging to the Priesthood, neither offer up incense, nor baptize, nor lay on hands, nor give the bread of blessing. For no man receiveth this grace, unless it be given to him of the Lord. But it behoveth them to receive the grace and honour at the hands of the Bishop. And he to whom the ordination of the Priesthood hath not been given, if he transgress, shall find condemnation, even as King Ozias. Moreover, we do not command all that are ordained in the Church to baptize, neither the Reader, nor the Chanters, nor the Door-keepers, but only the Bishops and Priests, and the Deacons who minister with them. And they who transgress and do any such thing shall receive the condemnation which came upon the sons of Korah. Behold, we command the Priests not to ordain Deacons, or Readers, or Chanters, or Door-keepers; but let the Bishops alone ordain, according to the Institution of the Church, who have no revenge, or jealousy, or slandering, or hatred, or malice. Behold, we have before told you, that they who do such things are ahens from the congregation of Christians; and most especially widows. For Satan searcheth an opportunity to ensnare, as he did, at the beginning, against Cain. For there are who say, We are widows, and do not works fitting for widows; as Cain, who did that which was not right toward his brother. But such have no knowledge; for it is not by being called widows that they shall inherit the kingdom of heaven, but by patience and good works. And she who taketh the name of a widow, and doeth the works of the devil, is a deceiver, insomuch that she shall receive condemnation from the Lord, even for ever. Behold, we hear that there are among the widows those that are evil, and envious, that cause strife among brethren: these are not of Christ, for they have not kept the word of exhortation. If there be any one of the sisters, and others of them see men give her alms, whether gold, or garments, whatever they be, or meat and drink, and then she rejoice and find rest, it is fitting that they should say thus: Blessed be the Lord God, who hath given joy to the widow, our beloved sister! O Lord, bless him who hath given to this widow, and multiply his substance, in righteousness and purity; and remember him for good in thy compassion and mercy! And give thou double honour unto the Bishop, who hath taught and exhorted them that have given to us; give unto him a crown of glory, when he shall depart from this life. And in like manner let the widow herself also pray, and make supplication together with them, for those that have had mercy upon her. And let her also give to the poor of what she hath received; so shall her deeds be acceptable with the Lord. As it is written. Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, and let thine alms be in secret. Thus shall the widow pray for them that have given her alms, for she is as the sanctuary of the Lord; and thy Father, who seeth thee in secret, shall reward thee openly. But widows who walk not in the commandments of the Lord, are jealous against him who hath given alms to the widow their sister, and ask and say. Who hath shown mercy unto this woman? And then, when they understand and know, they go to him who hath given alms to their sister, to trouble him, and say to him. How is it that thou hast first given to her, when we are much more in need than she is? They are foolish who say thus, thinking it is a gift from man; whereas the gift of favour cometh from the Lord. Certainly she was in want. It is not lawful that they should, go and trouble him who hath shown mercy; but rather let them remain in their houses, and fall down upon their faces, and repent, and pray unto the Lord. For the Lord showeth mercy to them that proclaim his goodness; for our Lord saith. When ye enter into an house, say. Peace be unto this house! And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it; and if not, your peace shall return to you again. Now if Peace find not any place prepared for her where she may rest, she remaineth not there, but returneth to him that sent her; and so the unjust curse shall not come upon him that hath not sinned, but shall return back upon him that hath cursed. For he that curseth another without cause, hath cursed himself, as