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TWO EPISTLES CONCERNING VIRGINITY

Attributed to Clement of Rome

[Translated by the Rev. B. P. Pratten.]

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED CLEMENT, THE DISCIPLE OF PETER THE
APOSTLE.

CHAP. I.--THE SALUTATION.

   To all those who love and cherish their life which is in Christ through
God the Father, and obey the truth of God in hope of eternal life; to those
who bear affection towards their brethren and towards their neighbours in
the love of God; to the blessed brother virgins,(1) who devote themselves
to preserve virginity "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven;"(2) and to
the holy sister virgins: the peace which is in God.(3)

CHAP. II.--FOR TRUE VIRGINITY PERFECT VIRTUE IS NECESSARY.

   Of all virgins of either sex who have truly resolved to preserve
virginity for the sake of the kingdom of heaven--of each and every one of
them it is required that he be worthy of the kingdom of heaven in every
thing. For not by eloquence(4) or renown,(5) by station(6) and descent, or
by beauty or strength, or by length of life,(7) is the kingdom of heaven
obtained; but it is obtained by the power of faith, when a man exhibits the
works of faith. For whosoever is truly righteous, his works testify
concerning his faith, that he is truly a believer, with a faith which is
great, a faith which is perfect, a faith which is in God, a faith which
shines in good works, that the Father of all may be glorified through
Christ. Now, those who are truly virgins for the sake of God give heed to
Him who hath said, "Let not righteousness and faith fail thee; bind them on
thy neck, and thou shall find favour for thyself; and devise thou good
things before God and before men."(8) "The paths," therefore, "of the
righteous shine as the light, and the light of them advances until the day
is perfect."(9) For the beams of their light illumine i the whole creation
even now by good works, as those who are truly "the light of the
world,"(10) giving light to "those who sit in darkness,"(11) that they may
arise and go forth from the darkness by the light of the good works of the
fear of God, "that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who
is in heaven."(12) For it is required of the man of God, that in all his
words and works he be perfect, and that in his life he be adorned with all
exemplary and well-ordered behaviour,(13) and do all his deeds in
righteousness, as a man of God.

CHAP. III.--TRUE VIRGINS PROVE THEMSELVES SUCH BY SELF-DENIAL, AS DOES THE
TRUE BELIEVER BY GOOD WORKS.

   For virgins are a beautiful pattern to believers, and to those who
shall believe. The name alone, indeed, without works, does not introduce
into the kingdom of heaven; but, if a man be truly a believer, such an one
can be saved. For, if a person be only called a believer in name, whilst he
is not such in works, he cannot possibly be a believer. "Let no one,"
therefore, "lead you astray with the empty words of error."(14) For, merely
because a person is called a virgin, if he be destitute of works excellent
and comely, and suitable to virginity, he cannot possibly be saved. For our
Lord called such virginity as that "foolish," as He said in the Gospel;(15)
and because it had neither oil nor light, it was left outside of the
kingdom of heaven, and was shut out from the joy of the bridegroom, and was
reckoned with His enemies. For such persons as these "have the appearance
only of the fear of God, but the power of it they deny."(16) For they
"think with themselves that they are something, whilst they are nothing,
and are deceived. But let every one constantly try(17) his works,"(18) and
know himself; for empty worship does he offer, whosoever he be that makes
profession of virginity and sanctity, "and denies its power." For virginity
of such a kind is impure, and disowned by all good works. For "every tree
whatsoever is known from its fruits."(1) "See that thou understand(2) what
I say: God will give thee understanding."(3) For whosoever engages before
God to preserve sanctity must be girded with all the holy power of God.
And, if with true fear(4) he crucify his body, he for the sake of the fear
of God excuses himself from that word in which the Scripture(5) has said:
"Be fruitful, and multiply,"(6) and shuns all the display, and care, and
sensuality,(7) and fascination of this world, and its revelries and its
drunkenness, and all its luxury and ease, and withdraws from the entire
life of(8) this world, and from its snares, and nets, and hindrances; and,
whilst thou walkest(9) upon the earth, be zealous that thy work and thy
business be in heaven.

CHAP. IV.--CONTINUATION OF THE REMARKS ON SELF-DENIAL; OBJECT AND REWARD OF
TRUE VIRGINS.

   For he who covets for himself these things so great and excellent,
withdraws and severs himself on this account from all the world, that he
may go and live a life divine and heavenly, like the holy angels, in work
pure and holy, and "in the holiness(10) of the Spirit of God,"(11) and that
he may serve God Almighty through Jesus Christ for the sake of the kingdom
of heaven. On this account he severs himself from all the appetites of the
body. And not only does he excuse himself from this command, "Be fruitful,
and multiply," but he longs for the "hope promised" and prepared "and laid
up in heaven"(12) by God, who has declared with His mouth, and He does not
lie, that it is "better thou sons and daughters,"(13) and that He will give
to virgins a notable place in the house of God, which is something "better
than sons and daughters," and better than the place of those who have
passed a wedded life in sanctity, and whose "bed has not been defiled."(14)
For God will give to virgins the kingdom of heaven, as to the holy angels,
by reason of this great and noble profession.

CHAP. V.--THE IRKSOMENESS AND THE ENEMIES OF VIRGINITY.

   Thou desirest, then, to be a virgin? Knowest thou what hardship and
irksomeness there is in true virginity--that which stands constantly at all
seasons before God, and does not withdraw from His service, and "is anxious
how it may please its Lord with a holy body, and with its spirit?"(15)
Knowest thou what great glory pertains to virginity, and is it for this
that thou dost set thyself to practise it? Dost thou really know and
understand what it is thou art eager to do? Art thou acquainted with the
noble task of holy virginity? Dost thou know how, like a man, to enter
"lawfully" upon(16) this contest and "strive,"(17) that, in the might of
the Holy Spirit,(18) thou choosest this for thyself, that thou mayest be
crowned with a crown of light, and that they may lead thee about in triumph
through "the Jerusalem above"?(19) If so be, then, that thou longest for
all these things, conquer the body; conquer the appetites of the flesh;
conquer the world in the Spirit of God; conquer these vain things of time,
which pass away and grow old, and decay, and come to an end; conquer the
dragon;(20) conquer the lion;(21) conquer the serpent;(22) conquer Satan;--
through Jesus Christ, who doth strengthen thee by the hearing of His words
and the divine Eucharist.(23) "Take up thy cross and follow"(24) Him who
makes thee clean, Jesus Christ thy Lord. Strive to run straight forward and
boldly, not with fear, but with courage, relying on the promise of thy
Lord, that thou shalt obtain the victor-crown(25) of thy "calling on
high"(26) through Jesus Christ. For whosoever walks perfect in faith, and
not fearing, doth in very deed receive the crown of virginity, which is
great in its toil and great in its reward. Dost thou understand and know
how honourable a thing is sanctity?(27) Dost thou understand how great and
exalted and excellent is the glory of virginity?(28)

CHAP. VI.--DIVINITY OF VIRGINITY.

   The womb of a holy virgin(29) carried our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of
God; and the body which our Lord wore, and in which He carried on the
conflict in this world, He put on from a holy virgin. From this, therefore,
understand the greatness and dignity of virginity. Dost thou wish to be a
Christian? Imitate Christ in everything. John, the ambassador, he who came
before our Lord, he "than whom there was not a greater among those born of
women," [1] the holy messenger of our Lord, was a virgin. Imitate,
therefore, the ambassador of our Lord, and be his follower [2] in every
thing. That John, again, who "reclined on the bosom of our Lord, and whom
He greatly loved," [3] -- he, too, was a holy person. [4] For it was not
without reason that our Lord loved him. Paul, also, and Barnabas, and
Timothy, with all the others, "whose names are written in the book of
life," [5] -- these, I say, all cherished and loved sanctity, [6] and ran
in the contest, and finished their course without blemish, as imitators of
Christ, and as sons of the living God. Moreover, also, Elijah and Elisha,
and many other holy men, we find to have lived a holy [7] and spotless
life. If, therefore, thou desirest to be like these, imitate them with all
thy power. For the Scripture has said, "The elders who are among you,
honour; and, seeing their manner of life and conduct, imitate their faith."
[8] And again it saith, "Imitate me, my brethren, as I irritate Christ."
[9]

CHAP. VII. -- THE TRUE VIRGIN.

   Those, therefore, who imitate Christ, imitate Him earnestly. For those
who have "put on Christ" [10] in truth, express His likeness in their
thoughts, and in their whole life, and in all their behaviour: in word, and
in deeds, and in patience, and in fortitude, and in knowledge, and in
chastity, and in long-suffering, and in a pure heart, and in faith, and in
hope, and in full and perfect love towards Cool. No virgin, therefore,
unless they be in everything as Christ, and as those "who are Christs,"
[11] can be saved. For every virgin who is in God is holy in her body and
in her spirit, and is constant in the service of her Lord, not turning away
from it any whither, but waiting upon Him always in purity and holiness in
the Spirit of God, being "solicitous how she may please her Lord," [12] by
living purely and without stain, and solicitous to be pleasing before Him
in every thing. She who is such does not withdraw from our Lord, but in
spirit is ever with her Lord: as it is written, "Be ye holy, as I am holy,
saith the Lord." [13]

CHAP. VIII. -- VIRGINS, BY THE LAYING ASIDE OF ALL CARNAL AFFECTION, ARE
IMITATORS OF GOD.

   For, if a man be only in name called holy, he is not holy; but he must
be holy in everything: in his body and in his spirit. And those who are
virgins rejoice at all times in becoming like God and His Christ, and are
imitators of them. For in those that are such there is not "the mind [14]
of the flesh." In those who are truly believers, and "in whom the Spirit of
Christ dwells" [15] -in them "the mind of the flesh" cannot be: which is
fornication, uncleanness, wantonness; idolatry, [16] sorcery; enmity,
jealousy, rivalry, wrath, disputes, dissensions, ill-will; drunkenness,
revelry; buffoonery, foolish talking, boisterous laughter; backbiting,
insinuations; bitterness, rage; clamour, abuse, insolence of speech;
malice, inventing of evil, falsehood; talkativeness, [17] babbling; [18]
threatenings, gnashing of teeth, readiness to accuse, [19] jarring, [20]
disdainings, blows; perversions of the right, [21] laxness in judgment;
haughtiness, arrogance, ostentation, pompousness, boasting of family, of
beauty, of position, of wealth, of an arm of flesh; [22] quarrelsomeness,
injustice, [23] eagerness for victory; hatred, anger, envy, perfidy,
retaliation; [24] debauchery, gluttony, "overreaching (which is idolatry),"
[25] " the love of money (which is the root of all evils) ;" [26] love of
display, vainglory, love of rule, assumption, pride (which is called death,
and which "God fights against "). [27] Every man with whom are these and
such like things--every such man is of the flesh. For, "he that is born of
the flesh is flesh; and he that is of the earth speaketh of the earth,"
[28] and his thoughts are of the earth. And "the mind of the flesh is
enmity towards God. For it does not submit itself to the law of God; for it
cannot do so," [29] because it is in the flesh, "in which dwells no good,"
[30] because the Spirit of God is not in it. For this cause justly does the
Scripture say regarding such a generation as this: "My Spirit shall not
dwell in men for ever, because they are flesh." [1] " Whosoever, therefore,
has not the Spirit of God in him, is none of His: " [2] as it is written,
"The Spirit of God departed from Saul, and an evil spirit troubled him,
which was sent upon him from God." [3]

CHAP. IX. -- CONTINUATION OF THE SUBJECT OF MORTIFICATION; DIGNITY OF
PERSONS CONSECRATED TO GOD.

   He in whomsoever the Spirit of God is, is in accord with the will of
the Spirit of God; and, because he is in accord with the Spirit of God,
therefore does he mortify, the deeds of the body and live unto God,
"treading down and subjugating the body and keeping it under; so that,
while preaching to others," he may be a beautiful example and pattern to
believers, and may spend his life in works which are worthy of the Holy
Spirit, so that tie may "not be cast away," [4] but may be approved before
God and before men. For in "the man who is of God," [5] with him I say
there is nothing of the mind of the flesh; and especially in virgins of
either sex; but the fruits of all of them are "the fruits of the Spirit "
[6] and of life, and they are truly the city of God, and the houses and
temples in which God abides and dwells, and among which He walks, as in the
holy city of heaven. For in this "do ye appear to the world as lights, in
that ye give heed to the Word of life," [7] and thus ye are in truth the
praise, and the boast, and the crown of rejoicing, and the delight of good
servants in our Lord Jesus Christ. For all who see you will "acknowledge
that ye are the seed which the Lord hath blessed;" [8] in very deed a seed
honourable and holy, and "a priestly kingdom, a holy people, the people of
the inheritance," [9] the heirs of the promises of God; of things which do
not decay, nor wither; of "that which eye hath not seen, and car hath not
heard, and which hath not come up into the heart of man; of that which God
hath prepared for those who love Him and keep His commandments." [10]

CHAP.X. -- DENUNCIATION OF DANGEROUS AND SCANDALOUS ASSOCIATION WITH
MAIDENS.

   Now, we are persuaded of you, my brethren, that your thoughts are
occupied about those things which are requisite for your salvation. [11]
But we speak thus [12] in consequence of the evil rumours and reports
concerning shameless men, who, under pretext of the fear of God, have their
dwelling with maidens, and so expose themselves to danger, and walk with
them along the road and in solitary places [13] alone -- a course which is
full of dangers, and full of stumbling-blocks and snares and pitfalls; nor
is it in any respect right for Christians and those who fear God so to
conduct themselves. Others, too, eat and drink with them at entertainments
allowing themselves in loose behaviour and much uncleanness--such as ought
not to be among believers, and especially among those who have chosen for
themselves a life of holiness. [14] Others, again, meet together for vain
and trifling conversation and merriment, and that they may speak evil of
one another; and they hunt up tales against one another, and are idle:
persons with whom we do not allow you even to eat bread. Then, others gad
about  among the houses of virgin brethren or sisters, on pretence of
visiting them, or reading the Scriptures to them, or exorcising them.
Forasmuch as they are idle and do no work, they pry into those things which
ought not to be inquired into, and by means of plausible words make
merchandise of the name of Christ. These are men from whom the divine
apostle kept aloof, because of the multitude of their evil deeds; as it is
written: "Thorns sprout in the hands of the idle;" [15] and, "The ways of
the idle are full of thorns." [16]

CHAP. XI. -- PERNICIOUSNESS OF IDLENESS; WARNING AGAINST THE EMPTY LONGING
TO BE TEACHERS; ADVICE ABOUT TEACHING AND THE USE OF DIVINE GIFTS.

   Such are the ways of all those who do not work, but go hunting for
tales, and think to themselves that this is profitable and right. [17] For
such persons are like those idle and prating widows "who go wandering about
[18] among houses" [19] with their prating, and hunt for idle tales, and
carry them from house to house with much exaggeration, without fear of God.
And besides all this, barefaced men as they are, [20] under pretence of
teaching, they set forth a variety of doctrines. And would that they taught
the doctrines of truth !But it is this which is so disquieting, that they
understand not what they mean, and assert that which is not true: because
they wish to be teachers, and to display themselves as skilful in speaking;
because they traffic in iniquity in the name of Christ--which it is not
right for the servants of God to do. And they hearken not to that which the
Scripture has said: "Let not many be teachers among you, my brethren, and
be not all of you prophets." [1] For "he who does not transgress in word is
a perfect man, able to keep down and subjugate his whole body.'' [2] And,
"If a man speak, let him speak in the words [3] of God." [4] And, "If there
is in thee understanding, give an answer to thy brother but if not, put thy
hand on thy mouth." [5] For, "at one thee it is proper to keep silence, and
at another thee to speak." [6] And again it says "When a man speaks in
season, it is honourable [7] to him." [8] And again it says: "Let your
speech be seasoned with grace. For it is required of a man to know how to
give an answer to every one in season." [9] For "he that utters whatsoever
comes to his mouth, that man produces strife; and he that utters a
superfluity of words increases vexation; and he that is hasty with his lips
falls into evil. For because of the unruliness of the tongue cometh anger;
but the perfect man keeps watch over his tongue, and loves his soul's
life." [10] For these are they "who by good words and fair speeches lead
astray the hearts of the simple, and, while offering them blessings, lead
them astray." [11] Let us, therefore, fear the judgment which awaits
teachers. For a severe judgment will those teachers receive "who teach, but
do not," [12] and those who take upon them the name of Christ falsely, and
say: We teach the truth, and yet go wandering about idly, and exalt
themselves, and make their boast" in the mind of the flesh." [13] These,
moreover, are like "the blind man who leads the blind man, and they both
fall into the ditch." [14] And they will receive judgment, because in their
talkativeness and their frivolous teaching they teach natural [15] wisdom
and the "frivolous error of the plausible words of the wisdom of men," [16]
"according to the will of the prince of the dominion of the air, and of the
spirit which works in those men who will not obey, according to the
training of this world, and not according to the doctrine of Christ." [17]
But if thou hast received "the word of knowledge, or the word of
instruction, or of prophecy," [18] blessed be God, "who helps every man
without grudging -- that God who gives to every man and does not upbraid
him." [19] With the gift, therefore, which thou hast received from our
Lord, serve thy spiritual brethren, the prophets who know that the words
which thou speakest are those of our Lord; and declare the gift which thou
hast received in the Church for the edification of the brethren in Christ
(for good and excellent are those things which help the men of God), if so
be that they are truly with thee. [20]

CHAP. XII. -- RULES FOR VISITS, EXORCISMS, AND HOW PEOPLE ARE TO ASSIST THE
SICK, AND TO WALK IN ALL THINGS WITHOUT OFFENCE.

   Moreover, also, this is comely and useful, that a man "visit orphans
and widows," [21] and especially those poor persons who have many children.
These things are, without controversy, required of the servants of God, and
comely and suitable for them. This also, again, is suitable and right and
comely for those who are brethren in Christ, that they should visit those
who are harassed by evil spirits, and pray and pronounce adjurations [22]
over them, intelligently, offering such prayer as is acceptable before God;
not with a multitude of fine words, [23] well prepared and arranged, so
that they may appear to men eloquent and of a good memory. Such men are "
like a sounding pipe, or a tinkling cymbal; " [24] and they bring no help
to those over whom they make their adjurations; but they speak with
terrible words, and affright people, but do not act with true faith,
according to the teaching of our Lord, who hath said: "This kind goeth not
out but by fasting and prayer," [25] offered unceasingly and with earnest
mind. And let them holily ask and beg of God, with cheerfulness and all
circumspection and purity, without hatred and without malice. In this way
let us approach a brother or a sister who is sick, and visit them in a way
that is right, without guile, and without covetousness, and without noise,
and without talkativeness, and without such behaviour as is alien from the
fear of God, and without haughtiness, but with the meek and lowly spirit of
Christ. Let them, therefore, with fasting and with prayer make their
adjurations, and not with the elegant and wall-arranged and fitly-ordered
words of learning, but as men who have received the gift of healing from
God, confidently, to the glory of God. By [1] your fastings and prayers and
perpetual watching, together with your other good works, mortify the works
of the flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit. He who acts thus "is a temple
of the Holy Spirit of God." [2] Let this man cast out demons, and God will
help him. For it is good that a man help those that are sick. Our Lord hath
said: "Cast out demons," at the same thee commanding many other acts of
healing; and, "Freely ye have received, freely give." [3] For such persons
as these a goodly recompense is laid up by God, because they serve their
brethren with the gifts which have been given them by the Lord. This is
also comely and helpful to the servants of God, because they act according
to the injunctions of our Lord, who hath said: "I was sick, and ye visited
Me, and so on." [4] And this is comely and right and just, that we visit
our neighbours for the sake of God with all seemliness of manner and purity
of behaviour; as the Apostle hath said: "Who is sick, and I am not sick?
who is offended, and I am not offended?" [5] But all these things are
spoken in reference to the love with which a man should love his neighbour.
And in these things let us occupy ourselves, [6] without giving offence,
and let us not do anything with partiality or for the shaming of others,
but let us love the poor as the servants of God, and especially let us
visit them. For this is comely before God and before men, that we should
remember the poor, and be lovers of the brethren and of strangers, for the
sake of God and for the sake of those who believe in God, as we have learnt
from the law and from the prophets, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
concerning the love of the brotherhood and the love of strangers: for ye
know the words which have been spoken concerning the love of the
brotherhood and the love of strangers; [7] powerfully are the words spoken
to all those who do them.

CHAP. XIII. -- WHAT PRIESTS SHOULD BE AND SHOULD NOT BE.

   Beloved brethren! that a man should build up and establish the brethren
on the faith in one God, this also is manifest and well-known. This too,
again, is comely, that a man should not be envious of his neighbour. And
moreover, again, it is suitable and comely that all those who work the
works of the Lord should work the works of the Lord in the fear of God.
Thus is it required of them to conduct themselves. That "the harvest is
great, but the workmen are few," this also is well-known and manifest. Let
us, therefore, "ask of the Lord of the harvest" that He would send forth
workmen into the harvest; [8] such workmen as "shall skilfully dispense the
word of truth;" workmen "who shall not be ashamed;" [9] faithful workmen;
workmen who shall be "the light of the world; " [10] workmen who "work not
for the food that perisheth, but for that food which abideth unto life
eternal; " [11] workmen who shall be such as the apostles; workmen who
imitate the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; who are concerned for
the salvation of men; not "hireling " [12] workmen; not workmen to whom the
fear of God and righteousness appear to be gain; not workmen who "serve
their belly;" not workmen who "with fair speeches and pleasant words
mislead the hearts of the innocent; " [13] not workmen who imitate the
children of light, while they are not light but darkness -- "men whose end
is destruction;" [14] not workmen who practise iniquity and wickedness and
fraud; not "crafty workmen;" [15] not workmen "drunken" and "faithless;"
[16] nor workmen who traffic in Christ; [17] not misleaders; not "lovers of
money; not malevolent." [18]

   Let us, therefore, contemplate and imitate the faithful who have
conducted themselves well in the Lord, as is becoming and suitable to our
calling and profession. Thus let us do service before God in justice and
righteousness, and without blemish, "occupying ourselves with things good
and comely before God and also before men." [19] For this is comely, that
God be glorified in us in all things.

Here endeth the first Epistle of Clement.


THE SECOND EPISTLE OF THE SAME CLEMENT.

CHAP. I. -- HE DESCRIBES THE CIRCUMSPECTNESS OF HIS INTERCOURSE WITH THE
OTHER SEX, AND TELLS HOW IN HIS JOURNEYS HE ACTS AT PLACES WHERE THERE ARE
BRETHREN ONLY.

   I would, moreover, have you know, my brethren, of what sort is our
conduct in Christ, as well as that of all our brethren, in the various
places in which we are. And if so be that you approve it, do ye also
conduct yourselves in like manner in the Lord. Now we, if God help us,
conduct ourselves thus: with maidens we do not dwell, nor have we anything
in common with them; with maidens we do not eat, nor drink; and, where a
maiden sleeps, we do not sleep; neither do women wash our feet, nor anoint
us; and on no account do we sleep where a maiden sleeps who is unmarried or
has taken the vow: [1] even though she be in some other place if she be
alone, we do not pass the night there. [2] Moreover, if it chance that the
time for rest overtake us in a place, whether in the country, or in a
village, or in a town, or in a hamlet, [3] or wheresoever we happen to be,
and there are found brethren in that place, we turn in to one who is a
brother, and call together there all the brethren, and speak to them words
of encouragement and exhortation. [4] And those among us who are gifted in
speaking will speak such words as are earnest, and serious, and chaste, in
the fear of God, and exhort them to please God in everything, and abound
and go forward in good works, and" be free from s anxious care in
everything," [6] as is fit and right for the people of God.

CHAP. II. -- HIS BEHAVIOUR IN PLACES WHERE THERE WERE CHRISTIANS OF BOTH
SEXES.

   And if, moreover, it chance that we are distant from our homes and from
our neighbours, and the day decline and the eventide overtake us, and the
brethren press us, through love of the brotherhood and by reason of their
affection for strangers, to stay with them, so that we may watch with them,
and they may hear the holy word of God and do it, and be fed with the words
of the Lord, so that they may be mindful of them, and they set before us
bread and water and that which God provides, and we be willing and consent
to stay through the night with them; if there be there a holy man, [7] with
him we turn in and lodge, and that same brother will provide and prepare
whatever is necessary for us; and he himself waits upon us, and he himself
washes our feet for us and anoints us with ointment, and he himself gets
ready a bed for us, that we may sleep in reliance on God. All these things
will that consecrated brother, who is in the place in which we tarry, do in
his own person. He will himself serve the brethren, and each one of the
brethren who are in the same place will join with him in rendering all
those services s which are requisite for the brethren. But with us may no
female, whether young maiden or married woman, be there at that thee; [9]
nor she that is aged. [10] nor she that has taken the vow; not even a maid-
servant, whether Christian or heathen; but there shall only be men with
men. And, if we see it to be requisite to stand and pray for the sake of
the women, and to speak words of exhortation and edification, we call
together the brethren and all the holy sisters and maidens, and likewise
all the other women who are there, inviting them with all modesty and
becoming behaviour to come and feast on the truth. [11] And those among us
who are skilled in speaking speak to them, and exhort them in those words
which God has given us. And then we pray, and salute [12] one another, the
men the men. But the women and the maidens will wrap their hands in their
garments; and we also, with circumspection and with all purity, our eyes
looking upwards, shall wrap our right hand in our garments; and then they
will come and give us the salutation on our right hand wrapped in our
garments. Then we go where God permits us.

CHAP. III. -- RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF CELIBATE BRETHREN IN PLACES WHERE
THERE ARE ONLY MARRIED CHRISTIANS.

   And if again we chance to come into a place where there is no
consecrated brother, but all are married, all those who are there will
receive the brother who comes to them, and minister to him, and care for
his wants [13] in everything, assiduously, with good-will. And the brother
shall be ministered to by them in the way that is suitable. And the brother
will say to the married persons who are in that place: We holy men do not
eat or drink with women, nor are we waited on by women or by maidens, nor
do women wash our feet for us, nor do women anoint us, nor do women prepare
our bed for us, nor do we sleep where women sleep, so that we may be
without reproach in everything, lest any one should be offended or stumble
at us. And, whilst we observe all these things, "we are without offence to
every man." [1] As persons, therefore, "who know the fear of the Lord, we
persuade men, and to God we are made manifest." [2]

CHAP. IV. -- CONDUCT OF THE HOLY MAN WHERE THERE ARE WOMEN ONLY.

   But if we chance to come into a place where there are no Christian men,
but all the believers are women and maidens, [3] and they press us to pass
the night there in that place, we call them all together to some suitable
place, [4] and ask them how they do; and according to that which we learn
from them, and what we see to be their state of mind, we address them in a
suitable man-Her, as men fearing God. And when they have all assembled and
come together, and we see that they are in peace, [5] we address to them
words of exhortation in the fear of God, and read the Scripture to them,
with purity and in the concise [6] and weighty words of the fear of God. We
do everything as for their edification. And as to those who are married, we
speak to them in the Lord in a manner suited to them. And if, moreover, the
day decline and the eventide draw on, we select, in order to pass the night
there, a woman who is aged and the most exemplary [7] of them all; and we
speak to her to give us a place all to ourselves, where no woman enters,
nor maiden. And this old woman herself will bring us a lamp, and whatever
is requisite for us she will herself bring us. From love to the brethren,
she will bring whatever is requisite for the service of stranger brethren.
And she herself, when the thee for sleep is come, will depart and go to her
house in peace.

CHAP. V. -- WHERE THERE IS ONLY ONE WOMAN, THE FATHER DOES NOT MAKE A STAY;
HOW CAREFULLY STUMBLING-BLOCKS MUST BE AVOIDED.

   But if, moreover, we chance upon a place, and find there one believing
woman only, and no other person be there but she only, we do not stop
there, nor pray there, nor read the Scriptures there, but we flee as from
before the face of a serpent, and as from before the face of sin. Not that
we disdain the believing woman -- far be it from us to be so minded towards
our brethren in Christ !-- but, because she is alone, we are afraid lest
any one should make insinuations against us in words of falsehood. For the
hearts of men are firmly sets on evil. And, that we may not give a pretext
to those who desire to get a pretext against us and to speak evil of us,
and that we may not be a stumbling-block to any one, on this account we cut
off the pretext of those who desire to get a pretext against us; on this
account we must be "on our guard that we be to no one a stumbling-block,
neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor yet to the Church of God; and
we must not seek that which is profitable to ourselves only, but that which
is for the profit of many, so that they may be saved." [9] For this does
not profit us, that another stumble because of us. Let us, therefore, be
studiously on our guard at all times, that we do not smite our brethren and
give them to drink of a disquieting conscience through our being to them a
stumbling-block. For "if for the sake of meat our brother be made sad, or
shocked, or made weak, or caused to stumble, we are not walking in the love
of God. For the sake of meat thou causest him to perish for whose sake
Christ died." [10] For, in "thus sinning against your brethren and wounding
their sickly consciences, ye sin against Christ Himself. For, if for the
sake of meat my brother is made to stumble," let us who are believers say,
"Never will we eat flesh, that we may not make our brother to stumble."
[11] These things, moreover, does ever one who truly loves God, who truly
takes up his cross, and puts on Christ, and loves his neighbour; the man
who watches over himself that he be not a stumbling-block to any one, that
no one be caused to stumble because of him and die because he is constantly
with maidens and lives in the same house with them -- a thing which is not
right--to the overthrow of those who see and hear. Evil conduct like this
is fraught with stumbling and peril, and is akin [12] to death. But blessed
is that man who is circumspect and fearful in everything for the sake of
purity!

CHAP. VI. -- HOW CHRISTIANS SHOULD BEHAVE THEMSELVES AMONG HEATHENS.

   If, moreover, it chance that we go to a place in which there are no
Christians, and it be important for us to stay there a few days, let us be
"wise as serpents, and harmless as doves;"(1) and let us "not be as the
foolish, but as the wise,"(2) in all the self-restraint of the fear of God,
that God may be glorified in everything through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through our chaste and holy behaviour. For, "whether we eat, or drink, or
do anything else, let us do it as for the glory of God."(3) Let "all those
who see us acknowledge that we are a blessed seed,"(4) "sons of the living
God,"(5) in everything--in all our words in shamefastness, in purity, in
humility, forasmuch as we do not copy the heathen in anything, nor are as
believers like other men, but in everything are estranged from the wicked.
And we "do not cast that which is holy before dogs, nor pearls before
swine;"(6) but with all possible self-restraint, and with all discretion,
and with all fear of God, and with earnestness of mind we praise God. For
we do not minister where heathens are drinking and blaspheming in their
feasts with words of impurity, because of their wickedness.(7) Therefore do
we not sing psalms to the heathens, nor do we read to them the Scriptures,
that we may not be like common singers, either those who play on the
lyre,(8) or those who sing with the voice, or like soothsayers, as many
are, who follow these practices and do these things, that they may sate
themselves with a paltry mouthful of bread, and who, for the sake of a
sorry cup of wine, go about "singing the songs of the Lord in the strange
land"(9) of the heathen, and doing what is not right. Do not so, my
brethren; we beseech you, my brethren, let not these deeds be done among
you; but put away those who choose thus to behave themselves with infamy
and disgrace. It is not proper, my brethren, that these  things should be
so. But we beseech you, brethren in righteousness, that these things be so
done with you as with us, as for a pattern of believers,  and of those who
shall believe. Let us be of the flock of Christ, in all righteousness, and
in  all holy and unblemished conduct, behaving ourselves with uprightness
and sanctity, as is right for believers, and observing those things which
are praiseworthy, and pure, and holy, and honourable, and noble; and do ye
promote(10) all  those things which are profitable. For ye are "our joy,
and our crown," and our hope, and our life, "if so be that ye stand in the
Lord."(11) So be it!(12)

CHAP. VII.--USES OF CONSIDERING ADMONITORY EXAMPLES, AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIVE
PATTERNS.

   Let us consider, therefore, my brethren, and see how all the righteous
fathers conducted themselves during the whole time of their sojourn in this
life, and let us search and examine from the law down to the New Testament.
For this is both becoming and profitable, that we should know how many men
there have been, and who they, were, that have perished through women; and
who and how many have been the women that have perished through men, by
reason of the constancy with which they have associated with one another.
And further, also, for the same reason, I will show how many have been the
men, and who they were, that lived all their lifetime, and continued even
to the close, with one another in the performance of chaste works without
blemish. And it is manifest and well-known that this is so.(13)

CHAP. VIII.--JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR'S WIFE; OF WHAT KIND LOVE TO FEMALES OUGHT
TO BE.

   There is Joseph, faithful, and intelligent, and wise, and who feared
God in everything. Did not a woman conceive an excessive passion for the
beauty of this chaste and upright man?  And, when he would not yield and
consent to  gratify her passionate desire,(14) she cast the righteous man
into every kind of distress and torment, to within a little of death,(15)
by bearing false witness. But God delivered him from all the evils that
came upon him through this wretched woman. Ye see, my brethren, what
distresses the constant sight of the person of the Egyptian woman brought
upon the righteous man. Therefore, let us not be constantly with women, nor
with maidens. For this is not profitable for those who truly wish to "gird
up their loins."(16) For it is required that we love the sisters in all
purity and chasteness, and with all curbing of thought, in the fear of God,
not associating constantly with them, nor finding access to them at every
hour.

CHAP. IX.--SAMSON'S ADMONITORY FALL.

   Hast thou not heard concerning Samson the Nazarite, "with whom was the
Spirit of God,"(17) the man of great strength? This man, who was a
Nazarite, and consecrated to God, and who was gifted with strength and
might, a woman brought to ruin with her wretched body, and with her vile
passion. Art thou, perchance, such a man as he? Know thyself, and know the
measure of thy strength.(1) "The married woman catcheth precious souls."(2)
Therefore, we do not allow any man whatsoever to sit with a married woman;
much less to live in the same house with a maiden who has taken the vow, or
to sleep where she sleeps, or to be constantly with her. For this is to be
hated and abominated by those who fear God.

         CHAP. X.--DAVID'S SIN, SO ADMONITORY TO US WEAK MEN.

   Does not the case of David instruct thee, whom God "found a man after
His heart,"(3) one faithful, faultless, pious, true? This same man saw the
beauty of a woman--I mean of Bathsheba--when he saw her as she was
cleansing herself and washing unclothed. This woman the holy man saw, and
was thoroughly(4) captivated with desire by the sight of her.(5) See, then,
what evils he committed because of a woman, and  haw this righteous man
sinned, and gave command that the husband of this woman should be killed in
battle. Ye have seen what wicked schemes he laid and executed, and how,
because of his passion for a woman, he perpetrated a murder--he, David, who
was called "the anointed of the Lord."(6) Be admonished, O man: for, if
such men as these have been brought to ruin through women, what is thy
righteousness, or what art thou among the holy, that thou consortest with
women and with maidens day and night, with much silliness, without fear of
God? Not thus, my brethren, not thus let us conduct ourselves; but let us
be mindful of that word which is spoken concerning a woman: "Her hands lay
snares, and her heart spreadeth nets; but the just shall escape from her,
whilst the wicked falleth into her hands."(7) Therefore let us, who are
consecrated,(8) be careful not to live in the same house with females who
have taken the vow. For such conduct as this is not becoming nor right for
the servants of God.

CHAP. XI.--ADMONITORY HISTORY OF THE INCESTUOUS CHILDREN OF DAVID.

   Hast thou not read concerning Amnon and Tamar, the children of David?
This Amnon conceived a passion for his sister, and humbled her, and did not
spare her, because he longed for her with a shameful passion; and he proved
wicked and profligate because of his constant intercourse with her, without
the fear of God, and he "wrought uncleanness in Israel."(9) Therefore, it
is not proper for us, nor right for us, to associate with sisters,
indulging in laughter and looseness; but we ought to behave towards them
with all chasteness and purity, and in the fear of the Lord.

CHAP. XII.--SOLOMON'S INFATUATION THROUGH WOMEN.

   Hast thou not read the history of Solomon, the son of David, the man to
whom God gave wisdom, and knowledge, and largeness of mind,(10) and riches,
and much glory, beyond all men? Yet this same man, through women, came to
ruin,(11) and departed from the Lord.

CHAP. XIII.--THE HISTORY OF SUSANNA TEACHES CIRCUMSPECTION WITH THE EYES
AND IN SOCIETY.

   Hast thou not read, and dost thou not know, concerning those elders who
were in the days of Susanna, who, because they were constantly with women,
and looking upon the beauty which was another's,(12) fell into the depths
of wantonness, and were not able to keep themselves in a chaste mind,(13)
but were overcome by a depraved disposition, and came suddenly(14) upon the
blessed Susanna to corrupt her. But she did not consent to their foul
passion, but cried unto God, and God saved her out of the hands of the bad
old men. Does it not, therefore, behove us to tremble and be afraid,
forasmuch as these old men, judges and elders of the people of God, fell
from their dignity because of a woman? For they did not keep in mind that
which is said: "Look thou not on the beauty which is another's;" and, "The
beauty of woman has destroyed many;"(15) and "With a married woman do not
sit;"(16) and that, again, in which it says: "Is there any one that puts
fire in his bosom, and does not burn his clothes;"(17) or, "Does a man walk
on fire, and his feet are not scorched? So whosoever goeth in to another
man's wife is not pure from evil, and whosoever comes near to her shall not
escape."(18) And again it says: "Thou shall not long after the beauty a
woman, lest she take thee captive with her eyelids;"(19) and, "Thou shalt
not look upon a maiden, lest thou perish through desire of her;"(20) and,
"With a woman that sings beautifully thou shall not constantly be;"(21)
and, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."(22)

CHAP.XIV.--EXAMPLES OF CIRCUMSPECT BEHAVIOUR FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT.

   But see what it says also concerning those holy men, the prophets, and
concerning the apostles of our Lord. Let us see whether any one of these
holy men was constantly with maidens, or with young married women, or with
such widows as the divine apostle declines to receive. Let us consider, in
the fear of God, the manner of life of these holy men. Lo! we find it
written concerning Moses and Aaron, that they acted and lived in the
company of(1) men, who themselves also followed a course of conduct like
theirs. And thus did Joshua also, the son of Nun. Woman was there none with
them; but they by themselves used holily to minister before God, men with
men. And not only so; but they taught the people, that, whensoever the host
moved, every tribe should move on apart, and the women with the women
apart, and that they should go into the rear behind the host, and the men
also apart by their tribes. And, according to the command of the Lord, so
did they set out, like a wise people, that there might be no disorder on
account of the women when the host moved. With beautiful and well-ordered
arrangements did they march without stumbling. For lo! the Scriptures bear
testimony to my words: "When the  children of Israel had crossed over the
Sea of Suth, Moses and the children of Israel sang the praises of the Lord,
and said: We will praise the Lord, because He is exceedingly to be
praised."(2) And, after that Moses had finished(3) singing praises, then
Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, took a timbrel in her hands, and all
the women went out after her, and sang praises with her, women with women
apart, and men with men apart. Then again, we find that Elisha and Gehazi
and the sons of the prophets lived together in the fear of God, and that
they had no females living with them. Micah too, and all the prophets
likewise, we find to have lived in this manner in the fear of the Lord.

CHAP. XV.--THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS HOW WE MAY ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE SERVED BY
WOMEN.

   And, not to extend our discourse to too great length, what shall we say
concerning our Lord Jesus Christ? Our Lord Himself was constantly with His
twelve disciples when He had come forth to the world. And not only so; but
also, when He was sending them out, He sent them out two and two together,
men with men; but women  were not sent with them, and neither in the
highway nor in the house did they associate with women or with maidens: and
thus they pleased God in everything. Also, when our Lord Jesus Christ
Himself was talking with the woman of Samaria by the well alone, "His
disciples came" and found Him talking with her, "and wondered that Jesus
was standing and talking with a woman."(4) Is He not a rule, such as may
not be set aside, an example, and a pattern to all the tribes of men? And
not only so; but also, when our Lord was risen from the place of the dead,
and Mary came to the place of sepulture, she ran and fell at the feet of
our Lord and worshipped Him, and would have taken hold of Him. But He said
to her: "Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father."(5) Is it
not, then, matter for astonishment, that, while our Lord did not allow
Mary, the blessed woman, to touch His feet, yet thou livest with them, and
art waited on by women and maidens, and sleepest where they sleep, and
women wash thy feet for thee, and anoint thee! Alas for this culpable state
of mind! Alas for this state of mind which is destitute of fear! Alas for
this affrontery and folly, which is without fear of God! Dost thou not
judge thine own self? Dost thou not examine thine own self? Dost thou not
know thine own self anti the measure of thy strength? These things,
moreover, are trustworthy, and these things are true and right; and these
are rules immutable for those who behave themselves uprightly in our Lord.
Many holy women, again, ministered to holy men of their substance, as the
Shunammite woman ministered to Elisha; but she did not live with him, but
the prophet lived in a house apart. And, when her son died, she wanted to
throw herself at the feet of the prophet; but his attendant would not allow
her, but restrained her. But Elisha said to his servant: "Let her alone,
because her soul is distressed."(6) From these things, then, we ought to
understand their manner of life. To Jesus Christ our Lord women ministered
of their substance: but they did not live with him; but chastely, and
holily, and unblameably they behaved before the Lord, and finished their
course, and received the crown in(7) our Lord God Almighty.

CHAP. XVI.--EXHORTATION TO UNION AND TO OBEDIENCE; CONCLUSION.

   Therefore, we beseech you, our brethren in our Lord, that these things
be observed with you, as with us, and that we may be of the same mind, that
we may be one in you and ye may be one in us, and that in everything we may
be of one soul and one heart in our Lord. Whosoever knoweth the Lord
heareth us; and every one who is not of God heareth not us. He who desires
truly to keep sanctity heareth us; and the virgin who truly desires to keep
virginity heareth us; but she who does not truly desire to keep virginity
doth not hear us. Finally, farewell in our Lord, and rejoice in the Lord,
all ye saints Peace and joy be with you from God the Father through Jesus
Christ our Lord. So be it.

   Here endeth the Second Epistle of Clement, the disciple of Peter. His
prayer be with us! So be it.


Taken from "The Early Church Fathers and Other Works" originally published
by Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. in English in Edinburgh, Scotland, beginning in
1867. (ANF 8, Roberts and Donaldson). The digital version is by The
Electronic Bible Society, P.O. Box 701356, Dallas, TX 75370, 214-407-WORD.

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