Kebra Nagast

How it is not seemly to revile the King are given unto them, so that they may lay hold upon the sun of righteousness, whilst the Seraphim, who were created out of fire, are only able to lay hold upon the mysteries with tongs. As for the priests He named them " salt," and moreover, He named the priests " " " " lamp and also light of the world," and also the sun that lighteneth the darkness," Christ, the Sun of And a priest, who righteousness, being in their hearts. hath in him understanding, rebuketh the king concerning and that which he hath the work that he hath seen not seen God will enquire into, and there is none who can call Him to account. Moreover, the people must not revile the bishops and the priests, for they are the children of God and the men of His house, for which reason they must rebuke [men] for their sins and errors. And thou, O priest, if thou seest sin in a well-known man, let neither sword nor shalt not hesitate to rebuke him And hear how angry God was exile make thee afraid. with Isaiah because he did not rebuke King 'Ozyan (Uzziah). And hearken also concerning Samuel the 1 Prophet, how he rebuked Saul the king, being in no way afraid of him, and how he rent his kingdom [from and [hearken also] how Elijah him] by his word 2 Do thou then fear not, and rebuke Ahab. [rebuked] and teach him that transgresseth. And Israel from of old reviled their kings and provoked their prophets to wrath, and in later times they cruci; ; ; fied their Saviour. But believing Christian folk dwell in peace, without sickness and suffering, without hatred 3 who loveth God and offence, with our king and who removeth not from his heart the thing of righteousness, and faith in the Churches and in the believers. And his enemies shall be scattered by the . . . might of the Cross of Jesus Christ. 1 * 8 See I Samuel, chap. xv. I Kings, chap. xvii. The name of the reigning king to be added by the copyist.