Section 136
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 105 writes in the following manner : " And all the presbyters of Asia, that had conferred with John the disciple of our Lord, testify that John had delivered it to them ; for he continued with them until the times of Trajan." And in the third hook of the same work, he shows the same thing in the following words : " But the church in Ephesus also, which had been founded by Paul, and where John continued to abide until the times of Trajan, is a faithful witness of the apostolic tradition." Clement also, indicating the time, subjoins a narrative most acceptable to those who delight to hear what is excellent and profitable, in that discourse to which he gave the title, " What Rich Man is saved T' Taking therefore the book, read it where it contains a narrative like the following : " Listen to a story that is no fiction, but a real history, handed down and carefully preserved, respecting the apostle John. For after the tyrant was dead, coming from the isle of Patmos to Ephesus, he went also, when called, to the neighbouring regions of the Gentiles; in some to appoint bishops, in some to insti tute entire new churches, in others to appoint to the ministry some one of those that were pointed out by the Holy Ghost. When he came, therefore, to one of those cities, at no great distance, of which some also give the name, and had in other respects consoled his brethren, he at last turned towards the bishop ordained, (appointed,) and seeing a youth of fine stature, graceful countenance, and ardent mind, he said, * Him I commend to you with all earnestness, in the presence of the church and of Christ.' The bishop having taken him and promised all, he re peated and testified the same thing, and then returned to Ephe sus. The presbyter taking the youth home that was committed to him, educated, restrained, and cherished him, and at length baptized him. After this, he relaxed exercising his former care and vigilance, as if he had now committed him to a perfect safe guard in the seal of the Lord. But certain idle, dissolute fellows, familiar with every kind of wickedness, unhappily attach them selves to him, thus prematurely freed from restraint. At first they lead him on ty expensive entertainments. Then going out at night to plunder, they take him with them. Next, they encourage him to something greater, and gradually becoming accustomed to their O