The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

Clemens Romanus (Clement of Rome)

Clement of Rome. The Apostolic Fathers, Volume 1. Lake, Kirsopp, editor. London: William Heinemann Ltd.; New York: The Macmillan Company, 1912.

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

those who praise themselves.

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.