16
Chapter XL.—Let us preserve in the Church the order appointed by God.
These things therefore being manifest to us, and since we look into the depths of the
divine knowledge, it behoves us to do all things in [their proper] order, which the Lord has
commanded us to perform at stated times.174 He has enjoined offerings [to be presented]
and service to be performed [to Him], and that not thoughtlessly or irregularly, but at the
appointed times and hours. Where and by whom He desires these things to be done, He
Himself has fixed by His own supreme will, in order that all things being piously done ac-
cording to His good pleasure, may be acceptable unto Him.175 Those, therefore, who present
their offerings at the appointed times, are accepted and blessed; for inasmuch as they follow
the laws of the Lord, they sin not. For his own peculiar services are assigned to the high
priest, and their own proper place is prescribed to the priests, and their own special minis-
trations devolve on the Levites. The layman is bound by the laws that pertain to laymen.
174 Some join κατά καιροὺς τεταγμένους, “at stated times.” to the next sentence. [1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2.]
175 Literally, “to His will.” [Comp. Rom. xv. 15, 16, Greek.]
Chapter XL.—Let us preserve in the Church the order appointed by God.
51
Chapter XL.—Let us preserve in the Church the order appointed by God.