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.

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.

This world speaks of adultery, and corruption, and love of money, and deceit, but that world bids these things farewell.

We cannot then be the friends of both; but we must bid farewell to this world, to consort with that which is to come.