Chapter 19

1Ye bishops, provide for the sustenance of the destitute and supply their needs, and give to the orphans' as an inheritance the substance of their fathers; and to the widows also the substance of their husbands; and for the youths and virgins provide marriages, as is fitting; and to them that do service give their reward; and provide shelter for the poor,? and satisfy the hungry; and give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked, and visit the sick, and help the prisoners. Think on this, and do thus for the orphans and widows by day and night. For he that can do thus, blessed is he. Behold then he hath saved himself, for he hath received the widow, and the orphan, and the stranger. Wherefore our Lord saith, “It is better to give than to receive.” > But those that oppress the poor shall be condemned for what they have done, in the presence of God at the last day. But he that bestoweth of the alms which he hath received, and giveth to the orphan ar to the aged‘ or to the sick, or the poor man that hath children—him that doeth thus, blame not, but commend, for he is an altar of God. It is right also that he pray at all times without slothfulness § for those that have given him alms. But he that receiveth alms while he hath (sufficient}—with him God will reckon, for he hath snatched away the bread of the poor, and hath* not done good to himself nor to others. And he also that hath wealth, and giveth not to the destitute, is like unto the rich man who gathered together, and filled his barns in vain, and he shall be destroyed from before God, for his wealth shall not profit him in the fire’ of the anger of God. But he that doeth thus, believeth not in God,*® but worshippeth ® his wealth and trusteth therein, and desireth not truth, but accepteth persons,’° and hath no mercy, and setteth not the fear of God before his eyes: love is not in him; (he is) his own enemy, and hath no friend. And as for him that doeth thus, his wealth shall perish, and a foreign enemy shall devour it, either while he liveth, or after he is dead. For it is said, ‘‘He that gathereth his riches by evil-doing, his riches shall be taken from him.” ™