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
And now we must look also at this, that if ever those who know not how
to do well, live well;[868] for they have lighted on well-doing. Some,
too, have aimed well at the word of truth through understanding. “But
Abraham was not justified by works, but by faith.”[869] It is therefore
of no advantage to them after the end of life, even if they do good
works now, if they have not faith. Wherefore also the Scriptures were
translated into the language of the Greeks, in order that they might
never be able to allege the excuse of ignorance, inasmuch as they are
able to hear also what we have in our hands, if they only wish. One
speaks in one way of the truth, in another way the truth interprets
itself. The guessing at truth is one thing, and truth itself is
another. Resemblance is one thing, the thing itself is another. And
the one results from learning and practice, the other from power and
faith. For the teaching of piety is a gift, but faith is grace. “For
by doing the will of God we know the will of God.”[870] “Open, then,”
says the Scripture, “the gates of righteousness; and I will enter in,
and confess to the Lord.”[871] But the paths to righteousness (since
God saves in many ways, for He is good) are many and various, and
lead to the Lord’s way and gate. And if you ask the royal and true
entrance, you will hear, “This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous
shall enter in by it.”[872] While there are many gates open, that in
righteousness is in Christ, by which all the blessed enter, and direct
their steps in the sanctity of knowledge. Now Clemens, in his Epistle
to the Corinthians, while expounding the differences of those who
are approved according to the church, says expressly, “One may be a
believer; one may be powerful in uttering knowledge; one may be wise in
discriminating between words; one may be terrible in deeds.”
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SOPHISTICAL ARTS USELESS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account