The Second 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.

And be well assured, brethren, that our sojourning in this world in the flesh is a little thing and lasts a short time, but the promise of Christ is great and wonderful, and brings us rest, in the kingdom which is to come and in everlasting life.

What then shall

we do to attain these things save lead a holy and righteous life, and regard the things of this world as not our own, and not desire them?

For by desiring to obtain these things we fall from the way of righteousness.

And the Lord says:—No servant can serve[*](The opposition between this world and the world to come) two masters. If we desire to serve both God and Mammon it is unprofitable to us,

For what is the advantage if a man gain the whole world but lose his soul?

Now the world that is, and the world to come are two enemies.