The writings of Clement of Alexandria, Vol. 1 (of 2)Clement, of Alexandria, Saint
Religion
The writings of Clement of Alexandria, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Clement, of Alexandria, Saint
Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- Early Church, ca. 30-600
But feminine motions, dissoluteness, and luxury, are to be entirely
prohibited. For voluptuousness of motion in walking, “and a mincing
gait,” as Anacreon says, are altogether meretricious.
“As seems to me,” says the comedy, “it is time[720] to abandon
meretricious steps and luxury.” And the steps of harlotry lean not to
the truth; for they approach not the paths of life. Her tracks are
dangerous, and not easily known.[721] The eyes especially are to be
sparingly used, since it is better to slip with the feet than with the
eyes.[722] Accordingly, the Lord very summarily cures this malady: “If
thine eye offend thee, cut it out,”[723] He says, dragging lust up
from the foundation. But languishing looks, and ogling, which is to
wink with the eyes, is nothing else than to commit adultery with the
eyes, lust skirmishing through them. For of the whole body, the eyes
are first destroyed. “The eye contemplating beautiful objects (καλὰ),
gladdens the heart;” that is, the eye which has learned rightly (καλῶς)
to see, gladdens. “Winking with the eye, with guile, heaps woes on
men.”[724] Such they introduce the effeminate Sardanapalus, king of
the Assyrians, sitting on a couch with his legs up, fumbling at his
purple robe, and casting up the whites of his eyes. Women that follow
such practices, by their looks offer themselves for prostitution. “For
the light of the body is the eye,” says the Scripture, by which the
interior illuminated by the shining light appears. Fornication in a
woman is in the raising of the eyes.[725]
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, and concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry: for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon
the children of disobedience,”[726] cries the apostle.
But we enkindle the passions, and are not ashamed.
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