Chapter 31

1After he is [ordained] let him be constant at the altar, making prayers laboriously without ceasing. But sometimes alone in some house let him take a rest from the things which belong to? the house of the Lord; but not ceasing, or diminishing [one] hour, from prayers. Let him fast three days each [week ?] all the year, [on the] one [hand] that he may be perfected in intelligence ; and moreover [let him fast] according to his strength, not wandering about and going hither and thither with every spirit, but doing everything with energy. If it be revealed to a presbyter or bishop to speak, let him speak; but if not, let him not neglect and despise his work, Tf it be revealed to a presbyter to visit his parishes? and speak the word, let him go; but if not, let him entreat God * with supplication ; and if it be revealed to him to speak to them, let him speak to them, always taking the burden and load of Him who was crucified for him, and praying for all the people. Let not a presbyter or bishop be anxious about food or raiment.® God taketh thought and careth for His own in the [things ®] which He knoweth. But if, when he receiveth from any one food or clothing,’ it be said to him that he should receive also from another, let it suffice him to receive from [the first] alone, and that [only] in so far as is fitting, and as he needeth, and not to excess. In respect of firmness of faith, let a presbyter always be unchangeable; for it is such as these that God desireth ; B. omits: God. 5 Allusion to St. Matt. vi. 25 ff. and let him prove the heart of each one; lest evil) kept and buried within, make him a stranger to the grace of God. Let him not allow tares to grow in the good wheat, but let him take them away from it, and cut off, those who bring [them] into it. Let not darkness cover his light. Let him teach all the faithful at all times that they accomplish their course, as it were, in the day ?; because the children of light walk not in darkness. Let the teaching of the presbyter be fitting, and quiet and moderate, coupled? with fear and trembling ; and that of the bishop also in like manner. And in teaching let them not speak vain things; but let him say such things as the hearers when they hear may keep [in memory]. Let the presbyter be mindful of all the things that he teacheth. For in the day of the Lord the Word, it will be® demanded [of him] that he should testify to the people the things which he spake, so that those who did not hear® may be reproved. For he must’ stand before the glory of God? speaking those things which he hath taught. Thus, then, let him teach, that he perish not. Let him pray for those who hear, that the Lord may give them understanding of the Spirit, of knowledge, of truth; and let him not vainly cast pearls before swine; but let him search out [those] who are worthy, those who have heard and have performed"; lest if the Word have not brought forth fruit in them, but have perished, he himself should prove the cause ™ of its perishing. Let him not give the holy things to dogs. Let him discern the signs of those who hear the word and bring forth good fruits. But in all things let him, without anxiety, keep [the matter] for the bishop. Let him not neglect nor despise those who do good works ¥ 3B. omits: those . . . works. through teaching! But let him watch for signs in them; [and] of those [signs appearing] in them let him judge spiritually 2 by [their] sighs, weeping, earnest conversations, silence, sadness, patience, humble bowing of the head.? But that which best traineth and causeth suffering is weeping and groaning. But the work [these do] is watching, continence, fasting, quietness, unceasing prayer, meditation, faith, meekness, philanthropy, labour, weariness, love, subjection, goodness, gravity, and every [work of] light.® [On the other hand], the signs of those who do not bring forth the fruits of life are [these]:—-sloth, love of pleasure, eyes wandering in all directions, disobedience, complaining, restlessness,® a laziness’ that will not move,’ wandering about. But the work [these do] is gluttony, debauchery, anger, unbelief, idle and unseasonable laughter, confusion, neglect, error, disturbance, wantonness, love of gains, love of money, envy, contention, drunkenness, high-mindedness,? vain talking, love of praise, and every [work of] darkness. Let him recognise products such as these, and let him speak to those who are worthy. But let him not waste time! upon those who do not receive [his teaching]. For those who sow on earth without fruits shall reap miseries. Let * the presbyter, as is right and fitting, go about to the houses of those who are sick with the deacon, and visit them; let him consider and say to them those things that are fitting and proper, especially to the faithful. Let him exhort that the sick who are poor be helped by the Church, so that they also who do [deeds] of kindness may enter into the joy despise.” + pravOpwrla translated. 5 Lit.: all light. the sick, and especially the faithful. of their Lord+ Let? him confirm those who have newly become catechumens* with prophetical and evangelical utterances, with the word of teaching. Let him not neglect his prayers, for he is the figure of the archangels: but let him know that God did not spare the angels who sinned.* Let him fast; and if it is proper, let him receive of the cup. Let wine suffice him, as much as, in his judgment, profiteth and helpeth him, lest that drink which was for [his] healing he receive to [his] loss) In sickness, let him eat herbs and fish,> and also that he may have care for his work. In everything let the priest be an example ® to the faithful of the work of holiness.’ Let the presbyter praise and give thanks in the same way as the bishop.