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The Epistles of St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch

Clement of Rome

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The epistles of Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, translated by James A. Kleist.

Author: Clement of Rome

146 chapters
184 PDF pages
70,815 words
≈ 545 min read
English

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Table of Contents

1ing calamities and untoward experiences ° that have befallen
pp. 23–23 · ≈ 2 min 2no way arrogant, practicing obedience rather than demanding
pp. 24–24 · ≈ 2 min 3upon you, and then the Scripture was fulfilled: ** The be-
pp. 25–25 · ≈ 3 min 4days Cain offered to God a sacrifice from the fruits of the
pp. 25–25 · ≈ 3 min 5us come to the athletes nearest to us in time."* Let us take
pp. 26–26 · ≈ 2 min 6monition, but also to serve as a reminder to ourselves; for we
pp. 27–27 · ≈ 3 min 7the Holy Spirit to conversion, 2 and the Master of the uni-
pp. 27–27 · ≈ 3 min 8glorious purpose, and let us crave His mercy and loving-
pp. 28–28 · ≈ 3 min 9being obedient to the words of God. 2 Through obedience
pp. 28–28 · ≈ 3 min 10livery from Sodom, while the whole surrounding country was
pp. 29–29 · ≈ 3 min 11harlot Rahab was saved. 2 For when spies had been sent out
pp. 30–30 · ≈ 3 min 12mind, ridding ourselves of all arrogance and haughtiness and
pp. 30–30 · ≈ 3 min 13should be submissive to God rather than follow those who
pp. 31–31 · ≈ 3 min 14cultivate peace, and not with those whose peaceful intentions
pp. 32–32 · ≈ 3 min 15not to those who exalt themselves above His flock. 2 The
pp. 32–33 · ≈ 6 min 16dered about dressed in sheepskins and goatskins, °° heralding
pp. 34–34 · ≈ 3 min 17merit? It was he of whom God said: * I have found a man
pp. 34–34 · ≈ 3 min 18many and thus well-attested men has by their obedience been
pp. 35–35 · ≈ 3 min 19subject to Him in peace. 2 Day and night complete the
pp. 36–36 · ≈ 2 min 20bility; for He Himself through the Holy Spirit calls us to
pp. 37–37 · ≈ 3 min 21sion on such as fear Him; willingly and with tender regard
pp. 38–38 · ≈ 3 min 22which takes place in the East, that is, in the regions of
pp. 39–39 · ≈ 3 min 23if the Creator of the universe will bring about a resurrection
pp. 39–39 · ≈ 3 min 24to Him who is faithful in His promises * and just in His
pp. 40–40 · ≈ 3 min 25in awe of Him, and abandon accursed hankerings after evil
pp. 40–40 · ≈ 3 min 26raising pure and unsullied hands to Him, loving our forbear-
pp. 41–41 · ≈ 3 min 27but what makes for holiness, shunning slander, foul and
pp. 41–41 · ≈ 3 min 28ways and means of securing this blessing. Let us unroll the
pp. 42–42 · ≈ 3 min 29appreciate the splendor of the gifts conferred by Him. 2 For
pp. 42–42 · ≈ 3 min 30from doing good, and give up love? May the Master never
pp. 42–42 · ≈ 3 min 31of his labor; the slack and slothful cannot look his employer
pp. 43–43 · ≈ 3 min 32of God! 2 Life with immortality; joyousness with observance
pp. 44–44 · ≈ 3 min 33salvation, Jesus Christ, the High Priest*®* who offers our
pp. 45–45 · ≈ 3 min 34earnest under the banner of His glorious commands. 2 Let
pp. 46–46 · ≈ 3 min 35sons mock and sneer at us because they have an overweening
pp. 47–47 · ≈ 3 min 36have explored the depths of the divine knowledge, ** we are
pp. 47–47 · ≈ 3 min 37deavor to please God with a good conscience, reverently
pp. 48–48 · ≈ 2 min 38through Christ with such an office have appointed the above-
pp. 49–49 · ≈ 3 min 39in matters that bear upon salvation. *** 2 You have looked
pp. 50–50 · ≈ 2 min 40such as these. 2 For the Scripture says: "* Follow the saints,
pp. 51–51 · ≈ 3 min 412 What is the most important thing he wrote to you in the
pp. 52–52 · ≈ 3 min 42our knees before the Master, and with tears implore Him to
pp. 53–53 · ≈ 3 min 43mandments of Christ.**° 2 The binding power of the love
pp. 53–53 · ≈ 3 min 44and there is no setting forth its perfection. 2 Who is able to
pp. 54–54 · ≈ 3 min 45for what we have done yielding to any wiles of the adversary;
pp. 54–54 · ≈ 3 min 46the universe; nothing does He ask of anyone, except that con-
pp. 55–55 · ≈ 3 min 47quainted, with the Sacred Scriptures, and have explored the
pp. 55–55 · ≈ 3 min 48sionate, who full of charity? 2 Let him say: "If I am the
pp. 56–56 · ≈ 3 min 49Many kings and rulers have during a time of pestilence
pp. 56–56 · ≈ 3 min 50of some fault, that meekness and humility may be granted
pp. 57–57 · ≈ 3 min 51mit to the presbyters,** and, bending the knees of your
pp. 58–58 · ≈ 3 min 52name, and escape the threats which Wisdom has uttered in
pp. 59–59 · ≈ 3 min 53through us,*** let them understand that they will entangle
pp. 59–59 · ≈ 3 min 54tion of the world through the forces at work in it" Thou,
pp. 60–60 · ≈ 3 min 55indescribable sovereignty hast. given them the power of
pp. 61–61 · ≈ 3 min 56explains what concerns our worship and is most helpful for
pp. 62–62 · ≈ 2 min 57many and such notable examples and bow the neck**? and
pp. 62–62 · ≈ 2 min 58spirits and Lord of all flesh,' who chose the Lord Jesus
pp. 63–63 · ≈ 2 min 59Valerius Bito, accompanied by Fortunatus, send them back
pp. 63–73 · ≈ 17 min 60possesses its dearly beloved name because of a right disposi-
pp. 74–74 · ≈ 2 min 612. As to my fellow servant * Burrus, your deacon by God's
pp. 74–74 · ≈ 2 min 62even though I am in chains for the sake of the Name," I am
pp. 75–75 · ≈ 3 min 63mind of the bishop; and this you do. Certain it is that your
pp. 75–75 · ≈ 3 min 64attached to your bishop—an attachment based not on human
pp. 76–76 · ≈ 3 min 65is discreetly silent, the more he should stand in fear of him."
pp. 76–76 · ≈ 3 min 66guile to go about with the Name on their lips, while they
pp. 77–77 · ≈ 3 min 67being deceived, belonging wholly to God. For as long as no
pp. 77–77 · ≈ 3 min 68through, whose doctrine was bad. These you did not permit
pp. 77–77 · ≈ 3 min 69they offer ground for hoping that they may be converted and
pp. 78–78 · ≈ 2 min 70been condemned, you have been spared; I am in danger, you
pp. 79–79 · ≈ 3 min 71celebrate God's Eucharist and to offer praise.** For, when you
pp. 79–79 · ≈ 3 min 72in your faith in, and your love for, Jesus Christ. Here is the
pp. 79–79 · ≈ 3 min 73talk and be nothing. Teaching is an excellent thing, pro-
pp. 79–79 · ≈ 3 min 74homes will not inherit the kingdom of God.*° 2 Now, if those
pp. 80–80 · ≈ 3 min 75that He might breathe incorruption upon the Church. Do
pp. 80–80 · ≈ 3 min 76which is a stumbling block to the unbelievers,** but to us is
pp. 80–80 · ≈ 3 min 77virginity of Mary and her childbearing and also of the death
pp. 81–81 · ≈ 3 min 78favor and it is His will, I shall, in the subsequent letter which
pp. 81–81 · ≈ 3 min 79whom for the glory of God you sent to Smyrna, where, too,
pp. 82–82 · ≈ 1 min 80love, I was jubilant and decided to have a chat with you in
pp. 83–83 · ≈ 2 min 81of you all in the person of Damas, your bishop® and a man of
pp. 83–83 · ≈ 2 min 823. But for you, too, it is fitting not to take advantage of
pp. 83–83 · ≈ 2 min 83Christians,*" but also to be such—just as there are those who
pp. 84–84 · ≈ 3 min 84death and life, are set before us at one and the same time, so
pp. 84–84 · ≈ 3 min 85with the eyes of the faith looked, upon your whole com-
pp. 84–84 · ≈ 3 min 86did nothing without Him," either by Himself, or through
pp. 85–85 · ≈ 3 min 87and ancient fables which are utterly worthless. Indeed, if at
pp. 85–85 · ≈ 3 min 88practices faced the hope of a new life, and if these no longer
pp. 86–86 · ≈ 3 min 89Certainly, if He were to imitate our way of acting, we should
pp. 86–86 · ≈ 3 min 90I had learned that any of you were men of that description,
pp. 86–86 · ≈ 3 min 91it! For, though I am in chains, compared with one of you
pp. 87–87 · ≈ 2 min 92of the Lord and the Apostles, that in all things whatsoever
pp. 87–87 · ≈ 2 min 93ing you but briefly. Remember me in your prayers that I
pp. 87–87 · ≈ 2 min 94am writing to you—send their greetings. Like yourselves,
pp. 87–88 · ≈ 3 min 95endurance is your disposition—not an acquired habit, but a
pp. 89–89 · ≈ 2 min 96Jesus Christ, it is clear to me that you are not living the life
pp. 89–89 · ≈ 2 min 97Jesus Christ, the bishop as a type** of the Father, and the
pp. 90–90 · ≈ 3 min 98things; ** yet I keep within due bounds, that I may not perish
pp. 90–90 · ≈ 3 min 99I am; but I fear to inflict harm on you who are mere babes."
pp. 90–90 · ≈ 3 min 100Christ: partake of Christian food exclusively; abstain from
pp. 91–91 · ≈ 3 min 101are not puffed up and cling inseparably to God Jesus Christ,
pp. 91–91 · ≈ 3 min 102midst; no, I merely warn you betimes since you are dear to me
pp. 91–91 · ≈ 3 min 103that stands apart from Jesus Christ, from David's scion and
pp. 91–91 · ≈ 3 min 104suffering was but a make-believe—when, in reality, they
pp. 92–92 · ≈ 2 min 105fruit, and when one tastes it, he is outright doomed to die!
pp. 92–92 · ≈ 2 min 106of God present here with me. They comfort me in every way,
pp. 92–92 · ≈ 2 min 107sends you greetings. Remember in your prayers the Church
pp. 93–93 · ≈ 1 min 108your venerable faces;* in fact, I have been pleading for an
pp. 94–94 · ≈ 2 min 109of men,' but to please God, as indeed you do please Him.
pp. 95–95 · ≈ 3 min 110others. All I want is that the lessons you inculcate in initiat-
pp. 95–95 · ≈ 3 min 111beasts, on land and sea, by day and night, chained as I am
pp. 96–96 · ≈ 3 min 112universe or the kingdoms of this world. I would rather die*
pp. 97–97 · ≈ 3 min 113to corrupt my Godward aspirations. Let none of you, there-
pp. 97–97 · ≈ 3 min 114and this is what will happen if you wish it so. Wish it, that
pp. 97–97 · ≈ 3 min 115now has God for her Shepherd in my stead. Jesus Christ
pp. 98–98 · ≈ 3 min 116the kindness of the Ephesians, who deserve so much praise.
pp. 98–98 · ≈ 3 min 117supreme office in the community not by his own efforts,* or
pp. 99–99 · ≈ 2 min 1182. Being born, then, of the light of truth,' shun division
pp. 99–99 · ≈ 2 min 119Christ, because they are not the planting of the Father.'
pp. 100–100 · ≈ 3 min 120and it is my supreme delight to provide you with safeguards,
pp. 100–100 · ≈ 3 min 121him. It is preferable, surely, to listen to a circumcized man
pp. 101–101 · ≈ 3 min 122my human spirit into error, yet the Spirit is not led into error,
pp. 101–101 · ≈ 3 min 123to cherish unity. Where there is division and passion, there
pp. 102–102 · ≈ 3 min 124was entrusted with the Holy of Holies, who alone was en-
pp. 102–102 · ≈ 3 min 125prayer and kindly interest," inspired by Jesus Christ—the
pp. 103–103 · ≈ 2 min 126attested merit, who even now assists me in the ministry of
pp. 103–103 · ≈ 2 min 127wisdom. For I have observed that you are thoroughly trained
pp. 104–104 · ≈ 2 min 128sake, that we might be saved. And He suffered really, as He
pp. 104–104 · ≈ 2 min 129flesh even after the Resurrection. 2 And when He came to
pp. 105–105 · ≈ 3 min 130disowned by Him, being advocates of death rather than the
pp. 105–105 · ≈ 3 min 131and the angels in their splendor and the principalities, both
pp. 106–106 · ≈ 3 min 132they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of our
pp. 106–106 · ≈ 3 min 133Christ followed that of the Father; follow the presbytery as
pp. 107–107 · ≈ 2 min 134come to our senses, while we still have time to change our
pp. 107–107 · ≈ 2 min 135me in the name of God, it was good of you to give them a
pp. 107–107 · ≈ 2 min 136in Syria. Coming from there in chains radiant with divine
pp. 108–108 · ≈ 3 min 137remembered to you. It is from here that I send this letter
pp. 108–108 · ≈ 3 min 138their wives and children, and to the virgins who are enrolled
pp. 109–109 · ≈ 1 min 139firmly built, as it were, upon an immovable rock, that I am
pp. 110–110 · ≈ 2 min 140Rather, reduce to subjection, by gentleness, the more pesti-
pp. 110–110 · ≈ 2 min 141doctrines," must not upset you. Stand firm, like an anvil
pp. 111–111 · ≈ 3 min 142more preaching on this subject. Tell my sisters to love the
pp. 111–111 · ≈ 3 min 143life is a ransom for those who are obedient to the bishop,
pp. 112–112 · ≈ 3 min 144Syria enjoys peace through your prayer, I, too, gather fresh
pp. 112–112 · ≈ 3 min 145from 'Troas for Neapolis—for such is the order of the day **—
pp. 113–153 · ≈ 114 min 146is nowhere proving the doctrines he lays down or arguing in a
pp. 154–184 · ≈ 53 min

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