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 the husbandry is twofold,--the one unwritten, and the other
written. And in whatever way the Lord’s labourer sow the good wheat,
and grow and reap the ears, he shall appear a truly divine husbandman.
“Labour,” says the Lord, “not for the meat which perisheth, but
for that which endureth to everlasting life.”[816] And nutriment
is received both by bread and by words. And truly “blessed are the
peace-makers,”[817] who instructing those who are at war in their life
and errors here, lead them back to the peace which is in the Word, and
nourish for the life which is according to God, by the distribution of
the bread, those “that hunger after righteousness.” For each soul has
its own proper nutriment; some growing by knowledge and science, and
others feeding on the Hellenic philosophy, the whole of which, like
nuts, is not eatable. “And he that planteth and he that watereth,”
“being ministers” of Him “that gives the increase, are one” in the
ministry. “But every one shall receive his own reward, according to
his own work. For we are God’s husbandmen, God’s husbandry. Ye are
God’s building,”[818] according to the apostle. Wherefore the hearers
are not permitted to apply the test of comparison. Nor is the word,
given for investigation, to be committed to those who have been reared
in the arts of all kinds of words, and in the power of inflated
attempts at proof; whose minds are already pre-occupied, and have not
been previously emptied. But whoever chooses to banquet on faith, is
stedfast for the reception of the divine words, having acquired already
faith as a power of judging, according to reason. Hence ensues to
him persuasion in abundance. And this was the meaning of that saying
of prophecy, “If ye believe not, neither shall ye understand.”[819]
“As, then, we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to
the household of faith.”[820] And let each of these, according to
the blessed David, sing, giving thanks. “Thou shalt sprinkle me with
hyssop, and I shall be cleansed. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be
whiter than the snow. Thou shalt make me to hear gladness and joy, and
the bones which have been humbled shall rejoice. Turn Thy face from
my sins. Blot out mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit in my inward parts. Cast me not away from Thy
face, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of
Thy salvation, and establish me with Thy princely spirit.”[821]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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