Chapter 21

1THe bishop ought to show understanding and? make a difference about receiving offerings in cases when it befitteth not.° Beware, then,‘ of the seller of strong drink, for far removed is his salvation from sin. Wherefore it is said, “ \Voe unto them that mingle water with wine.””> Let us ® keep far from drunkenness and fornication, for the Lord God saith, “ Bring ye not an offering of the reward of fornication.” 7 Beware of the extortioners® and of them that lend their money on interest, and of the defiled in spirit. Those ing a esene UIees a oP a puss (joining with > P offerings from those that the preceding words). are worthy; and let him not re- that make sacrifice thus are not well pleasing unto God. The bishop must needs keep far from those that oppress widows and orphans, and from those that fill the prison with the innocent who have done no wrong, and from those® that lay a grievous burden of service on their servants, and torment them with hunger and thirst. The sacrifice of such men is unclean 3, Teceive it not from them, for everyone that doeth evil and speaketh iniquity is rejected of God. Let us keep far from robbers and publicans, and from them that make idols, and seducers, and such as use false balances, and from wicked soldiers who plunder the houses of the poor and needy, and seize their goods unjustly. Beware, then of murderers and liers in wait by the way, and of the ungodly,'® and of those that pervert good works, and of unclean persons," and of drunkards,’2_ and of blasphemy, and above all of those that exact interest, for such are the enemies of God.'8 For it is written, saying, “Better is a little with righteousness than the great riches of sinners.” And again it is written, saying, “Thou hast hated, O Lord, all workers of iniquity, and thou shalt destroy all them that speak lies.” ** But he that vexeth'® him that feedeth the widow and the orphan shall be condemned before God. For that which Adonias did is written in the book of Kings, how he transgressed against God, and ate bread and drank water in the place wherein the Lord commanded him that he should not eat, because of the transgression of Jeroboam the son of Nebat; and for this cause was he slain. For that which (a man) obtaineth by his toil for the sustenance of the widow, be it much or little, is acceptable before God, because it was not (gotten) by iniquity. For it is written, saying,’’ “Better is a little with righteousness than the “Ps 36, 16. A per homo- saying. great riches of sinners.” '* But if a widow eat and be filled at the hands of the ungodly, and pray for them, God shall not hear her prayer, for God trieth the heart and reins.'® For God saith concerning the ungodly and unbelievers, “Though Moses 7° and Samuel stand and pray before me,’' I will not hear their prayer, nor pardon their sin.” 22, And (He spake) not concerning these alone, but of others also that have sinned, and refused to turn unto repentance. And when they pray He will not hear their prayer 2° for them that do such things; but they provoke God to anger, and remember not the evil of their doings. Keep far, then, from all such deeds, for all they that do thus are transgressors of the Jaw. For Elisha #4 did not receive the offering of Hazael who reigned over Syria, and Ahijah did not receive the offering of Jeroboam. But if the prophets of God did not receive offerings from the ungodly, in like manner it is right that bishops should 7° fear to do so. And Simon the Sorcerer also brought presents to us, even to us, Peter and John, and planned to receive the honour which is above every honour. But we received not the presents from him, but bound him with eternal bonds. But he desired to snatch an honour that was not given unto him by God. Keep far, then, from the polluted offerings which they bring into the house of God. And again it is said, ‘Depart from iniquity in fear and trembling.” 7* . ; But if ye say, If we receive not offerings from the ungodly, what shall we give to the widows and orphans, and to the destitute who have no sustenance ?—if ye do thus it shall become sin unto you. For God?’ hath appointed for you, as of old for the sion on them, and will hear 3" P adds: hath done and. Levites, that they should receive offerings of the people. But if all this which ?* hath been appointed for the Church is not sufficient for you,?* ye ought to endure patiently, and remain *° in hunger and in thirst, rather than receive offerings from the enemies of God, and become a laughing-stock and a mockery. And concerning these the prophet saith, ‘But let not my head be anointed with the oil of sinners.”*! Take heed to receive offerings from such as do good; but from the ungodly receive them not. But if thou be destitute, tell the faithful brethren that love God, that they may give (thee) what thou needest. And from that which thou receivest from them, give unto the widows and orphans in righteousness. Solomon *? said to the people, “Give to the Lord of thy labour in righteousness, that he may ‘fill thy barns with wheat and that thy wine-press “may gush forth.” ** And from the toil of the faithful clothe the naked, and entertain them from the offerings which (men) bring unto you, and do service unto them according to the ordinance of the saints, and redeem the captives, and visit the prisoners, and deliver those that oe appointed) unto death,** that ye may find life before 10d. fiv., 10.1 Behold, then, we command you that ye follow not the way of the ungodly and unbelievers, nor accept their offerings, nor take their money,** for they are prepared as fuel for fire, and that ye be not partakers with them, for the offering of sinners is unclean in the sight of God. This have we spoken to you, brethren, for the profit of your souls. 7° P omits: which. *? P Even as Solomon. 2° P omits: is not sufficient ** Prov 3, 9f. for vou, ** A reads: deliver the slain.