IX. That a Bishop Ought Not to Receive Bribes.

For the bishop must not only himself give no offence, but must be no respecter of persons; in meekness instructing those that offend. But if he himself has not a good conscience, and is a respecter of persons for the sake of filthy lucre, and receiving of bribes, and spares the open offender, and permits him to continue in the Church, he disregards the voice of God and of our Lord, which says, "Thou shalt exactly execute right judgment."¹ "Thou shalt not accept persons in judgment: thou shalt not justify the ungodly."² "Thou shalt not receive gifts against any one's life; for gifts do blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous."³ And elsewhere He says: "Take away from among yourselves that wicked person."⁴ And Solomon says in his Proverbs: "Cast out a pestilent fellow from the congregation, and strife will go out along with him."⁵