Chapter 20

1Ler us exhort widows and unmarried women? to receive that which God hath bestowed on them with thanksgiving in fear and_ trembling, and to give thanks to God who giveth food to the hungry. Which of you is there that eateth and drinketh in moderation? Is it not God who giveth unto him? He who stretcheth® out His hand and multiplieth good things according to His will; who giveth corn‘ to the young men, wine to the maidens, and the oil of rejoicing to the living; * abundance to the cattle, and liberty to servants, and flesh to the beasts, and fruits to the birds, and food © In his translation Pl omits: corresponding chapter in Arabic but accepteth persons. has: widows and orphans. Cf, Job 20, 18; Jer 17, IT. 2 P unmarried women and When contrasted the difference to all, as it befitteth. Wherefore our Lord saith, “ Be ye like unto the birds of heaven * which sow not, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and your heavenly Father feedeth them: ye are far better than many birds. Think not, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Whcrewithal shall we be clothed? For your Father who is in heaven knoweth that ye seek all these things.””’ But if ye desire to receive His good things, and to inherit His kingdom, offer unto Him praise and thanksgiving and blessing. And to those that reccive the widow and the orphan God the Father shall give gladness in the Kingdom of heaven, through ° His* Son our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.