Chapter 16

1We command you,! then, that no layman execute the office of the priesthood, . (that he) neither offer incense, nor baptize, nor lay on hands, nor bless,® nor give the bread of the blessing. For there is none that can receive this grace, unless it be given him of God. But they must needs receive this grace and honour from the bishop. And he to whom the dignity of the priesthood hath not been given shall find condemnation, if he transgress, like Uzziah the King. Moreover we do not command that all that are in the Church should baptize—(that is) neither the readers, nor the singers, nor the doorkeepers but only the bishops and the presbyters, and let. the deacons $ minister together with them. And they who transgress and do thus shall find the condemnation which befell the sons of Korah. Behold we command that presbyters ordain not deacons, nor deaconesses, nor readers, nor singers, nor doorkeepers; but let bishops only ordain according to the order of the Church—and such in whom is no revenge, nor envy, nor slander, nor hatred, nor malice. Behold we have told you before that they that do thus are aliens 5 from the society ® of Christians : and above all widows.