The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

Whither then shall a man depart or where shall he escape from him who embraces all things?

Let us then approach him in holiness of soul,[*](The privileges of Christians) raising pure and undefiled hands to him, loving our gracious and merciful Father, who has made us the portion of his choice for himself.

For thus it is written: When the most high divided the nations,

And in another place he says Behold the Lord taketh to himself a nation from the midst of nations, as a man taketh the first-fruit of his threshing-floor, and the Holy of Holies shall come forth from that nation.[*](The passages quoted in the margin are those which most nearly resemble this quotation, but the difference is considerable, and Clement may be referring to some lost source.)

Seeing then that we are the portion of one[*](The duties of their privileges) who is holy, let us do all the deeds of sanctification, fleeing from evil speaking, and abominable and impure embraces, drunkenness and youthful lusts, and abominable passion, detestable adultery, and abominable pride.

For God, he says, resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble.

Let us then join ourselves to those to whom is given grace from God; let us put on concord in meekness of spirit and continence, keeping ourselves far from all gossip and evil speaking, and be justified by deeds, not by words.

For he says He that speaketh much shall also hear much; or doth he that is a good speaker think that he is righteous?

Blessed is he that is born of woman and hath a short life. Be not profuse in speech.[*](The text is here obviously corrupt; but the corruption is in the LXX, not in Clement.)

Let our praise be with God, and not from ourselves, for God hates

Let testimony to our good deeds be given by others, as it was given to our fathers, the righteous.

Frowardness and arrogance and boldness belong to those that are accursed by God, gentleness and humility and meekness are with those who are blessed by God.