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 the Scripture also says in Ezekiel that, if Noah and Job and Daniel arise, they shall not rescue their children in the captivity.

But if even such righteous men as these cannot save their children by their own righteousness, with

what confidence shall we enter into the palace of God, if we keep not our baptism pure and undefiled? Or who shall be our advocate if we be not found to have pious and righteous works?

So then, my brethren, let us contend, knowing[*](Exhortation to strive well in the contest of life) that the contest is close at hand, and that many make voyages for corruptible prizes, but not all are crowned, save those who have toiled much, and contended well.

Let us then contend that we may all be crowned.

Let us run the straight course, the immortal contest, and let many of us sail to it, and contend, that we may also receive the crown, and if we cannot all receive the crown, let us at least come near to it.

We must remember that if he who takes part in the contest for a corruptible prize be detected in unfairness, he is flogged, taken up, and thrown off the course.

What do you think? What shall he suffer who cheats in the contest for that which is incorruptible?