Epistulae de virginitate [Sp.]

The First Letter of the Blessed Clement, Disciple of the Apostle Peter. II. For he who has truly castrated himself for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, or who has preserved his virginity in all things, is a debtor to show himself worthy of the kingdom. 2. For the kingdom of heaven is not seized by word or appearance or name or lineage or form or strength or time, but by the power of faith; for a righteous man will actively declare faith that is demonstrated. And he who is truly righteous has from faith an active faith, an increasing faith, a fully assured faith, a faith that shines in good works, so that the God of all may be glorified. For he who is truly a lover of the poor hears the one saying: Let alms and faith not fail you; bind them upon your neck, and you will find grace; and provide for good things before the Lord and men. 4. The ways of the righteous shine like light; they go before and illuminate, until the day is perfected. 5. Therefore the man of God must be equipped and adorned in every good work and word, and do everything decently and in order, as an example for those who obey him.

For he who thinks he is a leader because he takes the lead in the work is called a leader. For a bare name does not bring one into the kingdom of heaven. The young man, therefore, that is, he who has castrated himself for the sake of the kingdom, and the virgin, if they are not in all respects such as the true imitators of Christ, cannot be saved. 3. For to be called a virgin and not to have virtues proportionate, proper, and fitting for a virgin, the Lord declared such virginity foolish; for being without light and without oil, it is shut out from the kingdom of heaven. Deprived of the joy of the bridegroom, she will be counted among those who hate the bridegroom; for she seems to be something, being inactive, while she is nothing, and she deceives herself. 4. But let each one test his own work and know himself, that religion is vain; confessing to have virginity and continence, but denying its power. And such a one clothes himself in chastity in the chaste fear of the Lord.

6. And he who has truly nailed his flesh from fear of the Lord has renounced from fear of the Lord the command to increase and multiply, and has renounced being a man in this respect, and has denied the cares, deceits, pleasures, revelries, drunkennesses, Babylonian confusions, and all worldly things, and has bidden farewell to the world and to the nets, entanglements, and snares of the world, and while walking on earth has chosen to have his citizenship in the heavens. IV. For, desiring the better things, he has bidden farewell to the world, that he might live a divine, heavenly, angelic life, in pure, undefiled, and holy worship in the spirit of God, serving the almighty God for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. 2. For this reason he has also bidden farewell to the mind of the flesh. Contend lawfully in the contest, that you may receive the crown which you have chosen and proceed crowned in triumph to the heavenly Jerusalem. 3. Let us contend to conquer the flesh and its mind in the spirit of God. Let us conquer Satan, the serpent, in Christ who empowers us.

Let us take up the cross and follow the victorious Jesus. Let us contend to run straight and confidently, so that we may seize the prize of the higher calling in Christ. For everyone who runs with full assurance and not uncertainly seizes the crown of renunciation and the much-laborious and richly-rewarded wealth of chastity. Great, therefore, is it to remain in chastity... But it is necessary also to have the remaining virtues, as has been said, proportionate to virginity. For virginity is superior to all things. VI. For the womb of a virgin bore the divine Word. From this, know the glory of virginity. For those who consecrate themselves to God become imitators of Christ. 2. Become like John, the forerunner of Christ, the chaste messenger of the Lord. 3. And like John, the beloved of the Lord, whom Jesus also loved as chaste. 4. Paul and Barnabas and Timothy completed the course of chastity and the contest spotlessly, as true imitators of Christ. 5. But also Elijah and Elisha and many others you will find their life chaste and blameless. If, therefore, you wish to imitate these, imitate powerfully the elders, whose outcome of conduct, it is said, you should contemplate and imitate, and their faith. And: Become my imitators, just as I am of Christ.

VII. The imitators of Christ imitate him powerfully. For by contending in this way you will be able truly to form within yourselves the image of Christ in all things: in life, in conduct, in purpose, in word, in deed, in endurance, in courage, in prudence, in temperance, in justice, in patience, in forbearance, in piety, in holiness, in self-control, in faith, in hope, in the most perfect love toward God. For true eunuchhood and true virginity in the Lord are holy in body and in spirit, serving the Lord without distraction and with constant attendance in the spirit of God, pleasing the Lord purely and without stain, and always caring how to please him. 3. And it is in spirit toward the Lord, as it is written: "You shall be holy, for I am holy," says the Lord. VIII. For one is not holy merely by a bare name, but is holy in everything, in body and in spirit. These things are: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, quarrels, jealousies, angers, factiousness, slanders, dissensions, envies, murders, drunkennesses, revelries, buffoonery, foolish talk, laughter, folly, mockeries, whisperings, bitterness, wrath, shouting, blasphemies, idle talk, vices, inventions of evils, perjuries, long-windedness, weaving of words, stammering, toils, base arts, mutual frictions, provocations, stupidities.

3. Pride, conceit of birth, of form, of place, of wealth, of bodily strength, of speech, contentious rivalry, hatred, rancor, irascibility, wrath, guile, retaliation, gluttony, insatiability, greed which is idolatry, love of money the root of all evils, love of adornment, vainglory, love of rule, self-will, audacity, boastfulness which is called pestilence, pride which God opposes. 4. Whoever has these and things like them in himself is fleshly and a son of the adversary. For what is born of the flesh is flesh, and he who is from the earth speaks of earthly things, thinking of earthly works. For the mind of the flesh is enmity toward God; for it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it. And in such a one the spirit of God does not dwell. 5. For my spirit will not remain, it says, in these men forever because they are flesh. If therefore anyone does not have the spirit of Christ, he is not his. IX. For he who has the spirit of God walks by the spirit of God and by the spirit of God puts to death the actions of the body and lives for God, subduing and enslaving the flesh.

2. For in the man of God there is no fleshly pride, but all the fruits of the spirit are salutary, in which God dwells and walks about. 3. In these they appear as luminaries in the world, truly holding the word of life and being the boast and glory of piety. 4. ... so that everyone who sees you may recognize that you are a blessed seed from the Lord, truly an honorable seed, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for the possession of God, heirs of imperishable and unfading promises, which no eye has seen and no ear has heard and which have not entered into the heart of men, which God has prepared for those who love him and keep his commandments. For in the hands of the idle, thorns grow, and: the paths of the idle are strewn with thorns. Such are those who do nothing but meddle, slandering 2. and babbling without fear of God. In addition to these, they are also rash in disjointed words, under the pretext of teaching.

3. Not understanding either what they say or about what they are making assertions. And: If you have understanding, answer your brother; but if not, place your hand over your mouth. But if it is the time for speaking, it is good to speak a word at the right time. 6. For it says: Let your speech always be seasoned with salt, to know how one ought to answer each individual. For every word that is laborious, and he who adds knowledge adds pain. But the rash man will fall into evils with his lips; for through lack of discipline of the tongue, angers come. But the guileless man guards his own tongue as one who loves his own soul. 7. For those who use flattery deceive the hearts of the guileless and, by praising, lead them astray. 8. Let us therefore fear the judgment of the teachers; for the judgment of those who speak and do not act, who teach false knowledge and who vainly meddle and are puffed up by the mind of the flesh, is greater, blind men leading the blind and both falling into a pit. For a man will be known by the outcome of his speech.

Nevertheless, if you have received a spiritual gift and a word of wisdom or knowledge or teaching or prophecy or ministry, blessed is God the all-rich, God who gives to all people and does not reproach. You have a gift from the Lord; minister it to the spiritual ones, to those who know that what you say is the Lord’s, for the edification of the brotherhood in Christ, with all humility and gentleness, which is good and beneficial to people. XII. That it is good to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and poor people with many children, especially first those of the household of the faith, is evident and indisputable to all. 2. That this too is good and beneficial to the brotherhood in Christ—to visit those possessed by demons and to pray over them a prayer pleasing to God faithfully, and not from a composition of many words or practice of exorcisms for display or to please people, so that we might appear eloquent or retentive, 3. sounding like a pipe to those who are afflicted, with nonsense and babbling, and not in faith of truth, as the Lord taught; for this kind, he says, departs with earnest prayer and faith with fasting.

4. Therefore let us visit the sick with sobriety, as is necessary, in a spirit of humility. 5. It is good, then, to labor together with the sick brothers, as has been said, through vigils and fasts and unceasing prayers. For it was said by the Lord: "Cast out demons, along with the other healings; you received freely, give freely." Hospitality is good and pleasing to God, especially toward those of the household of the faith. And he says also to others: "Concerning brotherly love, you yourselves are taught by God to love one another." 4. That the harvest is great and the laborers few is evident, for in our times there is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Therefore let us beseech the Lord of the harvest, that he may send forth laborers into his harvest, but laborers of this kind: those who cut straight the word of truth, unashamed, blameless, faithful laborers, not moths of the inhabited world, working not for the perishable food, but for that which endures to eternal life; laborers such as the apostles were, working for the salvation of men.

The Second Epistle of the Same Clement. Therefore it is necessary . . . to wrap their own hands in their own garment. Likewise also the men, looking with modesty, soberly and reverently in the Lord, having their right hands covered with their own garment, shall separate themselves. For it is altogether unfitting for a man who wishes to practice asceticism to eat or drink with a woman, or to be served by a woman, or to care for women, or to have any acquaintance with them at all. Likewise also it is unfitting for canonical women to associate with men, so that no one may be scandalized through us, but that we may be unobjectionable to all; for, it says, knowing the fear of the Lord we persuade men, but we are revealed to God. Therefore it is necessary to flee from them as from the face of a serpent and from great sin. VI. Therefore it is necessary for one who wishes to practice this angelic life of the solitary state to acquire the prudence of the serpent and the innocence of the dove, so that he may understand in everything what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God, so that God may be glorified in all things through our godly order and sincere conduct.

so that those who see us may recognize that we are a blessed and holy seed, sons of the living God in every word, in modesty, gentleness, conduct, and attentiveness. Therefore let us in no way be likened to worldly people in any manner. Thus also the leader should be a model for the flock in all righteousness and holy conduct, living piously and justly, preserving all that is pure, all that is chaste, every virtue and every praise, every commendable correction of benefit—let these come from him. And how was it with the Egyptian woman? Did she not desire the form of Joseph with fleshly lust, though he was truly most chaste? And when he did not consent to fulfill her desire, she through false accusation drove the pious man into afflictions and distresses even unto death. Do you see how the persistence of the flesh of the Egyptian woman worked so much affliction upon the righteous man? Therefore it is beneficial for us in every way to abstain from them. For their associations bring no advantage to those who wish to gird their loins in truth.

IX. Have you not heard about Samson the Nazirite, with whom the spirit of the Lord went? And such a holy man a woman destroyed through base flesh and unlawful desire. 2. For this reason we are not at all permitted to sit with a woman or to have any dealings with her whatsoever. X. Likewise, have you not been taught about David, whom God found a man after his own heart, how he desired the form of a woman, I mean that of Bathsheba, and into how many evils he fell? For this holy man, having seen her truly bathing, came to desire her form. 2. How great an evil did that most mighty man accomplish? And he sinned against God not only by falling into adultery, but also by ordering her husband to be put to death. Do you see how great a drama of evil he brought to completion through desire, David, the anointed of the Lord? 3. Let us be taught not to desire. For if such great men were captured through women, how shall we, the weak, making our way with our own fall and crossing in the midst of snares, escape?

XI. Likewise Amnon, through his sister Tamar, was wickedly destroyed. XII. And likewise Solomon, possessing wisdom and prudence and breadth of heart and wealth and great glory beyond all men, was also destroyed through women and became an apostate from the Lord through women. XIII. The elders who were judges in the case of Susanna, because they persisted in and intently studied another's beauty, fell into the sea of desire and rose up against the blessed Susanna. FIRST EPISTLE OF THE BLESSED CLEMENT, DISCIPLE OF THE APOSTLE PETER. II. For he who has truly castrated himself for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, or has lived as a virgin in all things, is a debtor to show himself worthy of the kingdom. 2. For the kingdom of heaven is not attained by word or appearance or name or lineage or form or strength or time, but by the power of faith; for a righteous man will declare faith that is demonstrated effectively. And he who is truly righteous has from faith an effective faith, a growing faith, a fully assured faith, a faith that illuminates in good works, so that the God of all may be glorified.

For the one who is truly a lover of the poor hears the one who says: Let alms and faith not fail you; bind them upon your neck, and you will find grace; and take thought for good things before the Lord and before men. 4. The ways of the righteous shine likewise like light; they go before and give light until the day is fully established. 5. Therefore the man of God must be equipped and adorned in every good work and word, and do everything decorously and in order, as an example for those who obey him. For the leader is called leader from being preeminent in the work. For a bare name does not bring one into the kingdom of heaven. The young man, therefore, that is, the one who has castrated himself for the sake of the kingdom, and the virgin, if they are not in all respects such as the true imitators of Christ, cannot be saved. 3. For to be called a virgin and not to have the virtues that are analogous and proper and fitting for a virgin—the Lord declared such virginity foolish; for being without light and without oil, it is shut out from the kingdom of heaven. Deprived of the joy of the bridegroom, it will be counted among those who hate the bridegroom; for it seems to be something, this inactive thing, being nothing, and it deceives itself.

Let each one test his own work and recognize himself, that religion is vain if, while confessing to have virginity and continence, they have denied its power. And such a one fastens chastity upon himself in the pure fear of the Lord. And the one who has truly nailed down the flesh from the fear of the Lord has renounced "increase and multiply" from the fear of the Lord, and has renounced being a human in this respect, and has denied the cares, deceits, pleasures, carousings, drunkennesses, Babylonian confusions, and all worldly things, and has bidden farewell to the world and to the nets, entanglements, and snares of the world, and while walking on earth has chosen to have his citizenship in the heavens. For, desiring the better things, he bade farewell to the world in order to live a divine, heavenly, angelic life, in pure, undefiled, and holy religion in the spirit of God, serving the almighty God for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. For the sake of which he also bade farewell to the mind of the flesh.

Contend lawfully in the contest, so that you may receive the crown which you have chosen and proceed in triumph as a crown-bearer to the heavenly Jerusalem. 3. Let us contend to overcome the flesh and its mind in the spirit of God. Let us conquer Satan, the serpent, by means of Christ who empowers us. 4. Let us take up the cross and follow Jesus, the maker of victory. Let us contend to run straight and confidently, so that we may attain the prize of the heavenly calling in Christ. 5. For everyone who runs with full assurance and not uncertainly attains the crown of renunciation and the much-laborious and richly-rewarded wealth of chastity. Therefore it is a great thing to remain in chastity... but it is necessary also to have the remaining virtues, as has been said, proportionate to virginity. For virginity is superior to all things. VI. For the womb of a virgin gave birth to the divine Word. From this, know the glory of virginity. For those who consecrate themselves to God become imitators of Christ. 2. Become like John, the forerunner of Christ, the pure messenger of the Lord.

3. And like John, the beloved of the Lord, whom Jesus also loved as a chaste one. 4. Paul and Barnabas and Timothy completed the course of chastity and the contest spotlessly, as true imitators of Christ. 5. But also Elijah and Elisha and many others you will find their life to be such, chaste and blameless. If therefore you wish to imitate these, imitate mightily the elders, whose outcome of conduct, it is said, you contemplate and imitate, and their faith. And: Become my imitators, just as I am of Christ. VII. The imitators of Christ imitate him mightily. For thus contending, you will be able truly to form within yourselves the image of Christ in all things: in life, in conduct, in purpose, in word, in deed, in patience, in courage, in prudence, in temperance, in justice, in long-suffering, in forbearance, in piety, in holiness, in self-control, in faith, in hope, in most perfect love toward God. For true eunuchhood and true virginity in the Lord is holy in body and spirit, serving the Lord undistractedly and assiduously in the spirit of God, pleasing the Lord purely and without stain, and always caring how to please him.

3. And he is in spirit with the Lord, as it is written: "You shall be holy, for I am holy," says the Lord. VIII. For he is not holy merely in name alone, but he is holy in every respect, in body and in spirit. These are: fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strifes, jealousies, angers, factiousness, slanders, dissensions, envies, murders, drunkennesses, revels, buffoonery, foolish talk, laughter, folly, mockeries, whisperings, bitterness, wrath, shouting, blasphemies, nonsense, vices, inventions of evils, perjuries, long-windedness, wordiness, stammering, toils, base arts, mutual irritations, summonses, stupidities, 3. pride, inflation of birth, of form, of country, of wealth, of bodily strength, of speech, contentiousness with love of strife, hatred, rancor, quick temper, wrath, deceit, retaliation, gluttony, insatiability, greed which is idolatry, love of money the root of all evils, love of adornment, vainglory, love of rule, self-will, audacity, boastfulness which is called pestilence, arrogance which God opposes.

4. Whoever has these and similar things within himself is fleshly and a son of the adversary. For what is born from flesh is flesh, and he who is from the earth speaks of earthly things, thinking of earthly works. For the mindset of the flesh is enmity toward God; it is not subject to the law of God, nor can it be. And in such a one the spirit of God does not dwell. 5. For my spirit will not remain, it says, in these people forever, because they are flesh. Therefore, if anyone does not have the spirit of Christ, he is not his. IX. For he who has the spirit of God walks by the spirit of God and by the spirit of God puts to death the actions of the body and lives for God, subduing and enslaving the flesh. 2. For in the man of God there is no fleshly mindset, but all the saving fruits of the spirit, in which God dwells and walks about. 3. In whom they appear as lights in the world, truly holding the word of life and being the boast and glory of piety.

4. . . so that everyone who sees you may recognize that you are a blessed seed from the Lord, truly a noble seed, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for the possession of God, heirs of imperishable and unfading promises, which no eye has seen and no ear has heard and has not entered into the heart of men, which God has prepared for those who love him and keep his commandments. For in the hands of the idle man thorns grow, and: the ways of the idle are strewn with thorns. Such are those who do nothing but meddle, slandering 2. and babbling without fear of God. In addition to these things, they are also rash in disjointed words, under the pretext of teaching, 3. not understanding either what they say or about what they make assertions. And: if you have understanding, answer your brother; but if not, place your hand over your mouth. But if it is the time to speak, it is good to speak a word at the right time. 6. For it says: let your speech always be seasoned with salt, to know how one ought to answer each person. For every word that is laborious and that adds knowledge adds pain. But the rash man will fall into evils with his lips; for through lack of discipline of the tongue, angers come. But the guileless man guards his tongue as one who loves his own soul.

7. For those who employ flattery deceive the hearts of the innocent and, by praising them, lead them astray. 8. Let us therefore fear the judgment of the teachers; for the judgment of those who speak but do not act, who teach a false-named knowledge and who vainly meddle and are puffed up by the mind of the flesh, is greater—blind men leading the blind, and both falling into a pit. For a man shall be known by the outcome of his word. 10. But if you have received a spiritual gift and a word of wisdom or knowledge or teaching or prophecy or service, blessed is God, the all-rich, God who gives to all men and does not reproach. You have a gift from the Lord; minister it to the spiritual, to those who know, that what you say is the Lord’s, for the edification of the brotherhood in Christ, with all humility and gentleness, which is good and beneficial to men. XII. That it is good to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and poor people with many children, especially first those of the household of the faith, is evident and indisputable to all.

2. That it is also good and beneficial for the brotherhood in Christ to visit those who are possessed by demons and to pray over them a prayer pleasing to God faithfully, and not from a composition of many words or practice of exorcisms for display or to please men, in order to appear eloquent or retentive of memory, 3. like a pipe sounding off nonsense and babbling to those who are energized, and not in faith of truth, as the Lord taught; for this kind, he says, goes out in prayer with earnestness and faith along with fasting. 4. Soberly, therefore, let us visit the sick person, as is necessary, in a spirit of humility. 5. It is good, then, to labor together with the sick brothers, as has been said, through vigils and fasts and unceasing prayers. For it was said by the Lord: Cast out demons, along with the other healings; you received freely, give freely. Hospitality is good and pleasing to God, especially towards those of the household of faith. And he says also to others: Concerning brotherly love, you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

4. That the harvest is great and the workers are few is evident, for in our times there is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Therefore let us beseech the Lord of the harvest, that he may send forth workers into his harvest, but workers of this kind: those who cut straight the word of truth, who are unashamed, irreproachable, faithful workers, stewards of the inhabited world, laboring not for the food that perishes, but for that which endures to eternal life; workers such as the apostles were, laboring for the salvation of men. II. For he who has truly castrated himself for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, or has kept virginity in all things, is a debtor to show himself worthy of the kingdom. 2. For the kingdom of heaven is not attained by word or appearance or name or lineage or form or strength or time, but by the power of faith; for a righteous man will announce faith that is demonstrated effectively. And he who is truly righteous has from faith an effective faith, a faith that increases, a faith that is fully assured, a faith that shines forth in good works, so that the God of all may be glorified.

For the one who is truly a lover of the poor hears the one saying: "Let alms and faith not fail you; fasten them upon your neck, and you will find grace; and provide well before the Lord and before men." 4. The ways of the righteous shine like light; they go before and illuminate, until the day is accomplished. 5. Therefore the man of God must be equipped and adorned in every good work and word, and do everything decently and in order, as an example for those who obey him. II. For the one who has truly castrated himself for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, or who has lived as a virgin through all things, is a debtor to show himself worthy of the kingdom. 2. For the kingdom of heaven is not attained by word, or appearance, or name, or family, or form, or strength, or time, but by the power of faith; for a righteous man will actively declare faith that is demonstrated. And the one who is truly righteous has from faith an active faith, a growing faith, a fully assured faith, a faith that illuminates in good works, so that the God of all may be glorified. For the one who is truly a lover of the poor hears the one saying: "Let alms and faith not fail you; fasten them upon your neck, and you will find grace; and provide well before the Lord and before men." 4. The ways of the righteous shine like light; they go before and illuminate, until the day is accomplished. 5. Therefore the man of God must be equipped and adorned in every good work and word, and do everything decently and in order, as an example for those who obey him. For the one who leads is called leader from the fact that he leads in the work.

For a mere name does not bring one into the kingdom of the heavens. The young man, therefore, that is, the one who has made himself a eunuch for the sake of the kingdom, and the virgin, if they are not in every respect such as the true imitators of Christ, cannot be saved. 3. For to be called a virgin and not to have the virtues that are analogous, proper, and fitting for a virgin, the Lord declared such virginity foolish; for being without light and without oil, it is shut out from the kingdom of the heavens. Deprived of the joy of the bridegroom, it will be counted among those who hate the bridegroom; for it seems to be something, being inactive, while it is nothing, and it deceives itself. 4. Let each one test his own work and know himself, that religion is vain: confessing to have virginity and continence, but denying its power. And such a one fastens chastity upon the chaste fear of the Lord. 6. And the one who has truly, from the fear of the Lord, nailed down the flesh, has from the fear of the Lord renounced "increase and multiply," and has renounced being a human in this respect, and has denied the cares, deceits, pleasures, revelries, drunkennesses, Babylonian confusions, and all worldly things, and has renounced the world and its nets, entanglements, and snares, and while walking on earth has loved to have his citizenship in the heavens. For the one who is considered a leader is called a leader from being foremost in the work. For a mere name does not bring one into the kingdom of the heavens.

The young man, therefore, that is, the one who has made himself a eunuch for the sake of the kingdom, and the virgin, if they are not in every respect such as the true imitators of Christ, cannot be saved. 3. For to be called a virgin and not to have the virtues that are analogous, proper, and fitting for a virgin—such virginity the Lord declared foolish; for being without light and without oil, it is shut out from the kingdom of the heavens. Deprived of the joy of the bridegroom, it will be counted among those who hate the bridegroom; for it seems to be something, this inactive thing that is nothing, and it deceives itself. 4. Let each one test his own work and know himself, that religion is vain when they confess to have virginity and continence but have denied its power. And such a one puts on chastity in the pure fear of the Lord. 6. And the one who has truly from the fear of the Lord nailed down the flesh has from the fear of the Lord renounced "increase and multiply," and has renounced being a human in this part, and has denied the cares, deceptions, pleasures, revelries, drunkennesses, Babylonian confusions, and all worldly things, and has bidden farewell to the world and to the nets, entanglements, and snares of the world, and while walking on earth has chosen to have his citizenship in the heavens. IV. For desiring the better things, he bade farewell to the world, in order to live a divine, heavenly, angelic life, in pure, undefiled, and holy religion in the spirit of God, serving the almighty God for the sake of the kingdom of the heavens.

2. For which reason also he renounced the thought of the flesh. IV. For desiring the better things, he renounced the world, in order to live a divine, heavenly, angelic life, in pure, undefiled, and holy worship in the spirit of God, serving the almighty God for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. 2. For which reason also he renounced the thought of the flesh. Contend lawfully in the contest, so that you may receive the crown which you have chosen and proceed crowned in triumph to the heavenly Jerusalem. 3. Let us contend to overcome the flesh and its thought in the spirit of God. Let us conquer Satan, the serpent, in Christ who empowers us. 4. Let us take up the cross and follow Jesus the victory-maker. Let us contend to run straight and confidently, so that we may seize the prize of the heavenly calling in Christ. 5. For everyone who runs with full assurance and not uncertainly seizes the crown of renunciation and the much-laborious and much-rewarded wealth of chastity. Therefore it is great to remain in chastity... But it is necessary also to have the remaining virtues, as has been said, proportionate to virginity. For virginity is superior to all things. Contend lawfully in the contest, so that you may receive the crown which you have chosen and proceed crowned in triumph to the heavenly Jerusalem. 3. Let us contend to overcome the flesh and its thought in the spirit of God. Let us conquer Satan, the serpent, in Christ who empowers us. 4. Let us take up the cross and follow Jesus the victory-maker. Let us contend to run straight and confidently, so that we may seize the prize of the heavenly calling in Christ. 5.

For everyone who runs with full assurance and not in uncertainty attains the crown of renunciation and the much-laborious and much-rewarded wealth of chastity. Great, therefore, is it to remain in chastity. But it is necessary also that the remaining virtues, as has been said, be proportionate to virginity. For virginity is superior to all things. VI. For the womb of a virgin bore the God Logos. From this, know the glory of virginity. For those who consecrate themselves to God become imitators of Christ. 2. Become like John the Forerunner of Christ, the pure angel of the Lord. 3. And like John the Beloved of the Lord, whom Jesus also loved as a pure one. 4. Paul and Barnabas and Timothy completed the course of chastity and the contest without stain, as true imitators of Christ. 5. But also the life of Elijah and Elisha and many others you will find to be such, pure and blameless. If, therefore, you wish to imitate these, imitate powerfully the elders, whose outcome of conduct, it is said, you should contemplate and imitate, and their faith. And this: Become imitators of me, just as I am of Christ. VI. For the womb of a virgin bore the God Logos. From this, know the glory of virginity. For those who consecrate themselves to God become imitators of Christ. 2. Become like John the Forerunner of Christ, the pure angel of the Lord. 3. And like John the Beloved of the Lord, whom Jesus also loved as a pure one. 4. Paul and Barnabas and Timothy completed the course of chastity and the contest without stain, as true imitators of Christ. 5.

But you will find the life of Elijah and Elisha and many others to be chaste and blameless. Therefore, if you wish to imitate them, imitate the elders powerfully, whose outcome of conduct, it is said, you are to imitate, and their faith. And this: "Become my imitators, just as I am an imitator of Christ." VII. The imitators of Christ imitate him powerfully. For by contending in this way you will be able truly to form within yourselves the image of Christ in all things: in life, in conduct, in purpose, in word, in deed, in patience, in courage, in prudence, in temperance, in justice, in long-suffering, in forbearance, in piety, in holiness, in self-control, in faith, in hope, in the most perfect love toward God. For true eunuchhood and true virginity in the Lord are holy in body and in spirit, serving the Lord without distraction and with constant attendance in the spirit of God, pleasing the Lord purely and without stain, and always caring how to please him.

3. And it is in spirit toward the Lord, as it is written: "You shall be holy, for I am holy," says the Lord. VII. The imitators of Christ imitate him powerfully. For thus striving, you will be able truly to form within yourselves the image of Christ in all things: in life, in conduct, in purpose, in word, in deed, in patience, in courage, in prudence, in temperance, in justice, in forbearance, in endurance of evil, in piety, in holiness, in self-control, in faith, in hope, in most perfect love toward God. For true eunuchhood and true virginity in the Lord are holy in body and in spirit, serving the Lord undistractedly and steadfastly in the spirit of God, pleasing the Lord purely and without stain, and always caring how to please him. 3. And it is in spirit toward the Lord, as it is written: "You shall be holy, for I am holy," says the Lord. VIII. For not by mere name is one holy, but in everything one is holy in body and in spirit.

which are fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strifes, jealousies, angers, factiousness, slanders, dissensions, envies, murders, drunkennesses, revels, ribaldry, foolish talk, laughter, folly, mockeries, whisperings, bitterness, wrath, shouting, blasphemies, idle talk, vices, inventions of evils, perjuries, long-windedness, weaving of words, stammerings, toils, base arts, mutual irritations, provocations, stupidities, 3. pride, inflation over birth, form, country, wealth, bodily strength, speech, ambition with contentiousness, hatred, rancor, quick temper, wrath, deceit, retaliation, gluttony, insatiability, greed which is idolatry, love of money the root of all evils, love of adornment, vainglory, love of rule, self-will, audacity, boastfulness which is called pestilence, arrogance which God opposes. 4. These and those like them whoever has in himself is fleshly and a son of the adversary. For what is born from the flesh is flesh, and he who is from the earth speaks the things of the earth, thinking the works of the earth. For the mind-set of the flesh is enmity toward God; for it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it. And in such a one the spirit of God does not dwell.

For my spirit will not remain," he says, "in these people forever, because they are flesh." Therefore, if anyone does not have the spirit of Christ, that one is not his. VIII. For one is not holy merely in name, but is holy in everything, in body and in spirit. These things are: fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strifes, jealousies, angers, factiousness, slanders, dissensions, envies, murders, drunkennesses, revels, ribaldry, foolish talk, laughter, folly, mockeries, whisperings, bitterness, wrath, shouting, blasphemies, nonsense, evils, inventions of evils, perjuries, long-windedness, tangled speech, stammering, toils, vulgar arts, mutual irritations, provocations, stupidities, pride, inflation over birth, form, country, wealth, fleshly courage, speech, factiousness with contentiousness, hatred, rancor, irascibility, wrath, deceit, retaliation, gluttony, insatiability, greed which is idolatry, love of money the root of all evils, love of adornment, vainglory, love of power, self-will, audacity, boastfulness which is called pestilence, pride which God opposes. These and things like them, whoever has in himself is fleshly and a son of the adversary. For what is born from flesh is flesh, and he who is from the earth speaks of earthly things, thinking of earthly works. For the thought of the flesh is enmity toward God; for it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it. And in such a one the spirit of God does not dwell.

For my spirit will not remain," he says, "in these people forever, because they are flesh." Therefore, if anyone does not have the spirit of Christ, that one is not his. IX. For he who has the spirit of God walks with the spirit of God and by the spirit of God puts to death the actions of the body and lives for God, subduing and enslaving the flesh. 2. For in the man of God there is no fleshly thought, but all the saving fruits of the spirit, in which God dwells and walks about. 3. In them they appear as lights in the world, holding the word of life truly and being the boast and glory of piety. 4. . . . so that everyone who sees you may recognize that you are a blessed seed from the Lord, truly a noble seed, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for the possession of God, heirs of imperishable and unfading promises, which no eye has seen and no ear has heard and which have not entered into the heart of men, which God has prepared for those who love him and keep his commandments. IX. For he who has the spirit of God walks with the spirit of God and by the spirit of God puts to death the actions of the body and lives for God, subduing and enslaving the flesh. 2. For in the man of God there is no fleshly thought, but all the saving fruits of the spirit, in which God dwells and walks about. 3. In them they appear as lights in the world, holding the word of life truly and being the boast and glory of piety. 4. . . .

so that everyone who sees you may recognize that you are a blessed seed of the Lord, truly a noble seed, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for the possession of God, heirs of incorruptible and unfading promises, which no eye has seen and no ear has heard and which have not entered into the heart of men, which God has prepared for those who love him and keep his commandments. For in the hands of the idle, thorns grow, and the paths of the idle are strewn with thorns. For in the hands of the idle, thorns grow, and the paths of the idle are strewn with thorns. Such are those who do nothing but meddle, slandering 2. and babbling without fear of God. Moreover, they are rash in disjointed speech, under the pretext of teaching, 3. not understanding either what they say or about what they make assertions. And: If you have understanding, answer your brother; but if not, put your hand over your mouth. And if it is time to speak, it is good to speak a word at the right time.

For it says: Let your speech always be seasoned with salt, know how to answer each one. For every word that is laborious and adds knowledge adds pain. But the rash man will fall into evils with his lips; for through lack of discipline of the tongue, angers come. The guileless man guards his own tongue as one who loves his own soul. For those who use flattery deceive the hearts of the guileless and, by praising, lead them astray. Let us therefore fear the judgment of the teachers; for the judgment of those who speak and do not act, who teach false knowledge and who meddle in vain and are puffed up from the mind of the flesh, is greater, blind leading the blind and both falling into a pit. For a man will be known from the issue of his word. Nevertheless, if you have received a spiritual gift and a word of wisdom or knowledge or teaching or prophecy or ministry, blessed is God the all-rich, God who gives to all men and does not reproach. You have a gift from the Lord; minister to the spiritual, to those who know, that what you say is the Lord's, for the edification of the brotherhood in Christ, in all humility and gentleness, which is good and beneficial to men. Such are those who do nothing but meddle, slandering and babbling in fearlessness of God. In addition to these, they are also rash in disjointed words, under the pretext of teaching, not understanding either what they say or about what they make assertions. And: If you have understanding, answer your brother; if not, put your hand over your mouth.

But if it is the time for speaking, it is good to speak a word at the right time. 6. For it says: Let your speech always be seasoned with salt, know how to answer each one. For every word that is laborious and adds knowledge adds pain. But the rash man will fall into evils with his lips; for through lack of education of the tongue, angers come. But the guileless man guards his own tongue as one loving his own soul. 7. For those who use flattery deceive the hearts of the guileless and, by praising, lead them astray. 8. Let us therefore fear the judgment of the teachers; for the judgment of those who speak and do not act, who teach false knowledge and who vainly meddle and are puffed up from the mind of the flesh, is greater, blind leading the blind and both falling into a pit. For from the outcome of his speech a man will be known. 10. However, if you have received a spiritual gift and a word of wisdom or knowledge or teaching or prophecy or service, blessed is God the all-rich, God who gives to all men and does not reproach. You have a gift from the Lord; minister to the spiritual, to those who know, that what you say is the Lord's, for the edification of the brotherhood in Christ, in all humility and meekness, which is good and beneficial to men. XII. That it is good to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and the poor with many children, especially first those of the household of the faith, is evident to all and indisputable.

2. That it is also good and beneficial for the brotherhood in Christ to visit those who are possessed by demons and to pray over them a prayer pleasing to God faithfully, and not from a composition of many words or practice of exorcisms for the sake of display or to please people, so that we might appear eloquent or having a good memory, 3. like a pipe sounding off nonsense and babbling to those who are energized, and not in faith of the truth, as the Lord taught; for this kind, it says, departs with earnest prayer and faith together with fasting. 4. Soberly, then, let us visit the one who is suffering, as is necessary, in a spirit of humility. 5. It is good, therefore, to share in the labors of suffering brothers, as has been said, through vigils and fasts and unceasing prayers. For it was said by the Lord: Cast out demons, along with the other healings; you received freely, give freely. Hospitality is good and pleasing to God, especially towards those of the household of the faith. And it says also to others: Concerning brotherly love, you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. XII. That it is good to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and poor people with many children, especially first those of the household of the faith, is evident to all and indisputable. 2. That it is also good and beneficial for the brotherhood in Christ to visit those who are possessed by demons and to pray over them a prayer pleasing to God faithfully, and not from a composition of many words or practice of exorcisms for the sake of display or to please people, so that we might appear eloquent or having a good memory, 3.

like a flute sounding nonsense and babbling to those who are possessed, and not in faith of truth, as the Lord taught; for this kind, it is said, goes out in earnest prayer and faith with fasting. 4. Therefore let us visit the sick person soberly, as is necessary, in a spirit of humility. 5. It is good, then, to share in the labors of the sick brothers, as has been said, through vigils and fasts and unceasing prayers. For it was said by the Lord: "Cast out demons," along with the other healings; "you received freely, give freely." Hospitality is good and pleasing to God, especially toward those of the household of faith. And it is said also to others: "Concerning brotherly love, you yourselves are taught by God to love one another." 4. That the harvest is great and the laborers few, it is clear that in our times there is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Therefore let us beseech the Lord of the harvest, that he may send forth laborers into his harvest, but laborers of this kind: those who cut straight the word of truth, unashamed, blameless, faithful laborers, stewards of the inhabited world, working not for the food that perishes, but for that which endures to eternal life; laborers such as the apostles were, working for the salvation of men. 4. That the harvest is great and the laborers few, it is clear that in our times there is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Therefore let us beseech the Lord of the harvest, that he may send forth laborers into his harvest, but laborers of this kind.

cutting straight the word of truth, unashamed, blameless, faithful workers, pillars of the world, working not for the food that perishes but for that which endures to eternal life; such workers as the apostles, working for the salvation of men. Second Epistle of the Same Clement. It is necessary, therefore, to wrap one's own hands in one's own garment. Likewise also the men, with modesty, looking rightly, and with self-control and reverence in the Lord, having their right hands covered by their own garment, should separate themselves. For it is altogether unsuitable for a man who wishes to practice asceticism to eat or drink with a woman, or to be served by a woman, or to take care of women, or to have any acquaintance with them at all. Likewise also for canonesses it is unsuitable to associate with men, so that no one may be scandalized by us, but that we may be unobjectionable to all; for knowing, it says, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God.

Therefore, one must flee from them as from the face of a serpent and from great sin. VI. Therefore, he who wishes to practice this angelic life of the solitary state must acquire the prudence of the serpent and the innocence of the dove, so that he may understand in everything what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God, so that God may be glorified in all things through our godly order and sincere conduct. 2. So that those who see us may recognize that we are a blessed and holy seed, sons of the living God in every word, in modesty, gentleness, conduct, and attentiveness. Therefore, let us in no way be likened to worldly people in any manner. 5. Thus, then, let the leader be a type for the flock in all righteousness and holy conduct, living piously and justly, preserving whatever is pure, whatever is reverent, whatever virtue and whatever praise, whatever correction for beneficial improvement, let it come from him. And how was it with the Egyptian woman? Did she not desire the form of Joseph with a fleshly longing for the truly most chaste one? And when he did not consent to fulfill her desire, she, through false accusation, drove the pious man into afflictions and distresses even unto death.

You see how much affliction the persistent flesh of the Egyptian woman wrought upon the righteous man? Therefore, it is beneficial for us to abstain from them in every way. For their associations bring no advantage to those who wish truly to gird their loins. IX. Have you not heard about Samson the Nazirite, with whom the spirit of the Lord went? And such a holy man a woman destroyed through base flesh and unlawful desire. 2. For this reason we are not at all permitted to sit with a woman or to have any dealings with her whatsoever. X. Likewise, have you not been taught about David, whom God found to be a man after his own heart, how, having desired the form of a woman—I mean that of Bathsheba—he fell into so many evils? For this holy man, having seen her truly bathing, came to desire her form. 2. How much evil did that very great man accomplish? And he sinned against God not only by falling into adultery, but also by ordering her husband to be killed. You see how great a drama of evil the anointed of the Lord, David, brought to completion through desire.

Let us be taught not to desire. For if such great men were ensnared through women, how shall we, the weak, who go about with our own fall and pass through the midst of snares, escape? XI. Likewise also Amnon, through his sister Tamar, was wickedly slain. XII. Similarly also Solomon, possessing wisdom and prudence and breadth of heart and wealth and great glory beyond all men, even he was destroyed through women and became an apostate from the Lord because of women. XIII. The elders who were judges in the case of Susanna, because they persisted in gazing upon and studying another’s beauty, fell into the sea of desire and rose up against the blessed Susanna. Therefore it is necessary to wrap one’s own hands in one’s own garment. Likewise also men, looking with modesty, rightly, soberly, and reverently in the Lord, having their right hands covered with their own garment, should separate themselves. For it is altogether unfitting for a man who wishes to practice asceticism to eat or drink with a woman, or to be served by a woman, or to take care of women, or to have any acquaintance with them at all. Likewise also for canonical women it is unfitting to associate with men, so that no one may be scandalized through us, but that we may be unobjectionable to all; for, it says, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God.

For it is altogether unfitting for a man who wishes to practice asceticism to eat or drink with a woman, or to be served by a woman, or to take thought for women, or to have any acquaintance with them at all. Likewise also for canonical women it is unfitting to associate with men, so that no one may be scandalized through us, but that we may be unobjectionable to all; for, it says, knowing the fear of the Lord we persuade men, but we are revealed to God. Therefore one must flee from them as from the face of a serpent and from great sin. Therefore one must flee from them as from the face of a serpent and from great sin. VI. Therefore he who wishes to practice this angelic polity of the solitary life must acquire the prudence of the serpent and the innocence of the dove, so that he may understand in everything what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God, so that God may be glorified in all things through our godly order and sincere polity. 2. So that those who see us may recognize that we are a blessed holy seed, sons of the living God in every word, modesty, gentleness, conduct, attentiveness. Therefore let us in no way be likened to worldly people in any manner.

Thus then also the one who is the leader shall be a model for the flock in all righteousness and holy conduct, living piously and justly, preserving all that is pure, all that is seemly, and if there is any virtue and any praise, any honorable correction for benefit, let it come from him. VI. Therefore the one who wishes to practice this angelic polity of the solitary life must acquire the prudence of the serpent and the innocence of the dove, so that he may understand in everything what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God, so that God may be glorified in all things through our God-fearing order and sincere polity; so that those who see us may recognize that we are a blessed and holy seed, sons of the living God in every word, modesty, gentleness, conduct, and attentiveness. Therefore let us in no way be likened to worldly people in any manner. Thus then also the one who is the leader shall be a model for the flock in all righteousness and holy conduct, living piously and justly, preserving all that is pure, all that is seemly, and if there is any virtue and any praise, any honorable correction for benefit, let it come from him. And how was it with the Egyptian woman? Did she not yearn for the form of Joseph with a fleshly desire for the truly most chaste one? And when he did not consent to fulfill her desire, she through false accusation drove the pious man into afflictions and constraints even unto death.

You see how much distress the persistent presence of the Egyptian woman caused the righteous man? Therefore it is beneficial for us to abstain from them in every way. For their company brings no advantage to those who wish truly to gird their loins. And what of the Egyptian woman? Did she not desire the form of Joseph with a fleshly longing for the truly most chaste one? And when he did not consent to fulfill her desire, she, through false accusation, plunged the pious man into distresses and dangers even unto death. You see how much distress the persistent presence of the Egyptian woman caused the righteous man? Therefore it is beneficial for us to abstain from them in every way. For their company brings no advantage to those who wish truly to gird their loins. IX. Have you not heard about Samson the Nazirite, with whom the spirit of the Lord went? And such a holy man a woman destroyed through base flesh and unlawful desire. Therefore we do not permit at all sitting with a woman or having any company whatsoever. IX. Have you not heard about Samson the Nazirite, with whom the spirit of the Lord went? And such a holy man a woman destroyed through base flesh and unlawful desire. Therefore we do not permit at all sitting with a woman or having any company whatsoever. X. Likewise, have you not been instructed about David, whom God found a man after his own heart, how by desiring the form of a woman—I mean that of Bathsheba—he fell into so many evils? For when the truly holy man saw her bathing, he was seized with desire for her form.

How great was the evil that the most mighty man wrought! And he sinned against God not only by falling into adultery, but also by ordering that her husband be put to death. Do you see how great a drama of evil he accomplished through desire, the anointed one of the Lord, David? Let us be taught not to desire. For if such great men were captured through women, how shall we, the weak, who walk with our own fall and pass through the midst of snares, escape? Likewise, have you not been taught concerning David, whom God found to be a man after his own heart, how, having desired the form of a woman, I mean that of Bersabee, he fell into so many evils? For having seen her, truly holy, bathing, he came to desire her form. How great was the evil that the most mighty man wrought! And he sinned against God not only by falling into adultery, but also by ordering that her husband be put to death. Do you see how great a drama of evil he accomplished through desire, the anointed one of the Lord, David? Let us be taught not to desire. For if such great men were captured through women, how shall we, the weak, who walk with our own fall and pass through the midst of snares, escape? Likewise, Amnon was wickedly put to death through his sister Thamar. Likewise, Amnon was wickedly put to death through his sister Thamar. Similarly, Solomon, possessing wisdom and prudence and breadth of heart and wealth and great glory beyond all men, he too was destroyed through women and became an apostate from the Lord because of women.

Likewise Solomon, possessing wisdom and prudence and breadth of heart and wealth and great glory beyond all men, was also destroyed by women and became an apostate from the Lord because of women. XIII. The elders who were judges in the matter of Susanna, because they persisted in gazing upon and studying another’s beauty, fell into the sea of desire and rose up against the blessed Susanna. XIII. The elders who were judges in the matter of Susanna, because they persisted in gazing upon and studying another’s beauty, fell into the sea of desire and rose up against the blessed Susanna.