no way arrogant, practicing obedience rather than demanding
CLEMENT OF ROME
self-restraint and sedateness. "The wives you enjoined to discharge all their duties with a conscience pure and undefiled, and to cherish a dutiful affection for their husbands; you taught them also to stay within the established norm of obedience in managing the household with decency and consummate prudence."
2. Moreover, you were all in a humble frame of mind, in no way arrogant, practicing obedience rather than demanding it, happier in giving than in receiving.*° Being content with, and intent upon, the provisions * which Christ allowed you for your earthly pilgrimage, it was His words that you carefully locked up in your hearts, and His sufferings were ever before your eyes.
2 Thus all were blessed with a profound and radiant peace of soul, and there was an insatiable longing to do good, as well as a rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the whole community."
3 Filled, moreover, with a desire for holiness, you stretched out your hands, with ready goodwill and devout confidence, to Almighty God, imploring
Him to show mercy in case you had inadvertently failed in any way. 4 Day and night you vied with one another in behalf of the entire brotherhood," to further the salvation of the full number of His elect by your compassion and conscientiousness.
5 Guileless and sincere you were, and bore one another no malice. 6 The very thought of insubordination and schism was an abomination to you. Over the failings of your neighbors you mourned; their shortcomings you judged to be your own. 7 You had no regrets when you had been charitable, being ready for any good deed.* 8 Decked with the jewel of a virtuous life that commanded veneration, you fulfilled all your duties in the fear of the Lord, whose precepts and ordinances were engraved upon the tablets of your heart.**