The Gospel of Barnabas · Chapter 121
Measured Speech and the Recording Angels
'When the governor hath arrested a prisoner whom he examineth while the notary writeth down [the case], tell me, how doth such a man talk?'
The disciples answered: 'He talketh with fear and to the point, so as not to give suspicion of himself, and he is careful not to say anything that may displease the governor, but seeketh to speak somewhat whereby he may be set free.'
Then answered Jesus: 'This ought the penitent to do, then, in order not to lose his soul. For that God hath given two angels to every man for notaries, the one writing the good, the other the evil that the man doth. If then a man would receive mercy let him measure his talking more than gold is measured.'
'When the governor has arrested a prisoner whom he examines while the court recorder writes down the proceedings, tell me, how does such a man talk?'
The disciples answered: 'He speaks cautiously and keeps to the point so as not to arouse suspicion. He takes care not to say anything that may displease the governor, but tries to say something that may secure his release.'
Then Jesus answered: 'This, then, is what the penitent must do in order not to lose his soul. God has given every person two recording angels, one to write down the good he does and the other the evil. Therefore, if a person wishes to receive mercy, let him weigh his words more carefully than gold is weighed.'
'When the governor hath arrested a prisoner whom he examineth while the notary writeth down [the case], tell me, how doth such a man talk?'
The disciples answered: 'He talketh with fear and to the point, so as not to give suspicion of himself, and he is careful not to say anything that may displease the governor, but seeketh to speak somewhat whereby he may be set free.'
Then answered Jesus: 'This ought the penitent to do, then, in order not to lose his soul. For that God hath given two angels to every man for notaries, the one writing the good, the other the evil that the man doth. If then a man would receive mercy let him measure his talking more than gold is measured.'