The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

Blessed are those Presbyters who finished their course before now, and have obtained a fruitful and perfect release in the ripeness of completed work, for they have now no fear that any shall move them from the place appointed \o them.

For we see that in spite of their good service you have removed some from the ministry which they fulfilled blamelessly.[*](It is doubtful if this translation is right, and the Greek is perhaps corrupt. Lightfoot emends τετιμημένης to τετηρημένης which they preserved. The translation given is supported by L facto (probably a corruption of functo).)

You are contentious,[*](Or possibly, Be contentious.) brethren, and zealous for[*](The persecution of the just in the Old Testament) the things which lead to salvation.

You have studied the Holy Scriptures, which are true, and given by

You know that nothing unjust or counterfeit is written in them. You will not find that the righteous have been cast out by holy men.