1Section XI. That it is not lawful for Christians to enter into the assemblies of the Heathen, nor to see the playing, nor to hear the singing.
2Take heed therefore, and keep yourselves from deeds like these, neither associate with the assemblies of the Gentiles; but keep far from the devices of Satan; for the devil hath no fellowship with the Lord; and he who joineth himself with the singer, to do the pleasure of the enemy, shall be numbered with the devil, and shall inherit a curse. Keep far, therefore, from evil doings, in which there is no profit, such as plays, the worshipping of idols, and resorting to soothsayers, and magicians, and enchanters, and diviners by birds, and necromancers. As it is written. Let there not be evil upon Jacob, nor reproach upon Israel. Depart, therefore, from such customs as these, which the idolaters follow, to lead men astray, which are the works of the devil. It behoveth the faithful to separate themselves from the assemblies of the wicked, and not to unite to keep a feast with them. And let us then likewise keep far from them, and not enter into their houses, nor eat nor drink with them; for these things are done amidst deeds of Satan. Let us separate ourselves from the worship of idols, and from error; from their social meetings, and vows to their gods.
3Ye also, O young men! discharge all duties that are fitting towards the Holy Church, without idleness; and live by the fruit of your labour, in purity, that ye may not be in want of any thing, nor be a burden to the Church of Christ; that we may be without care, except for the preaching of the Holy Gospel; and that we may not be negligent to work with the labour of our hands, nor be idle. For there are some among us, fishermen, and some tent-makers, and some cultivators of the earth. Solomon saith. Turn to the ant, thou sluggard, and, seeing her ways, imitate her, and become wiser than she. For she, having no field, and none that compelleth her, having no master, prepareth her meat in the summer; in the time of harvest she laboureth much. Or go to the bee, and learn how she laboureth, and how good is her work; whose labour kings and people alike take, for health: she is desirable and honourable with all, yet in strength is she weak; by honouring wisdom, she is become honourable. How long, O sluggard! wilt thou sleep? and when wilt thou awake up from thy sleep? A little while thou sleepest, a little while thou sittest; and a little thou wilt dose, and a little thou wilt fold thy hands upon thy breast: and then poverty shall come upon thee as an evil messenger, and want as a swift runner. But if thou be not slothful, thy harvest shall come as a spring of water; and poverty, like an evil runagate, shall depart far from thee. A foolish and violent man walketh in ways that are not good. And again he saith. He that tilleth the land shall be filled with bread. And yet again he saith. The slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and it troubleth him to lift it to his mouth. The wise man provideth for himself. The foolish sluggard foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh; for the doings of the sluggard are without remedy. If any man will not work, neither let him eat; and let not the idle man sit with you. Fear the slothful therefore, at all times, and depart far from them; for the Lord God hateth all the slothful. Let not the slothful man sit with those that are obedient unto God the Father; unto whom be praise and glory for ever. Amen.