The writings of the Apostolic Fathers — John Shaqi
The writings of the Apostolic FathersClement I, Pope
General
The writings of the Apostolic Fathers
Clement I, Pope
Apostolic Fathers; Christian literature, Early
CHAP. XIX.—_Imitating these examples, let us seek after peace._
Thus the humility and godly submission of so great and illustrious men
have rendered not only us, but also all the generations before us,
better; even as many as have received His oracles in fear and truth.
Wherefore, having so many great and glorious examples set before us, let
us turn again to the practice of that peace which from the beginning was
the mark set before us;[84] and let us look stedfastly to the Father and
Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and surpassingly great
gifts and benefactions of peace. Let us contemplate Him with our
understanding, and look with the eyes of our soul to His long-suffering
will. Let us reflect how free from wrath He is towards all His creation.
CHAP. XX.—_The peace and harmony of the universe._
The heavens, revolving under His government, are subject to Him in
peace. Day and night run the course appointed by Him, in no wise
hindering each other. The sun and moon, with the companies of the stars,
roll on in harmony according to His command, within their prescribed
limits, and without any deviation. The fruitful earth, according to His
will, brings forth food in abundance, at the proper seasons, for man and
beast and all the living beings upon it, never hesitating, nor changing
any of the ordinances which He has fixed. The unsearchable places of
abysses, and the indescribable arrangements of the lower world, are
restrained by the same laws. The vast unmeasurable sea, gathered
together by His working into various basins,[85] never passes beyond the
bounds placed around it, but does as He has commanded. For He said,
“Thus far shalt thou come, and thy waves shall be broken within
thee.”[86] The ocean, impassable to man, and the worlds beyond it, are
regulated by the same enactments of the Lord. The seasons of spring,
summer, autumn, and winter, peacefully give place to one another. The
winds in their several quarters[87] fulfil, at the proper time, their
service without hindrance. The ever-flowing fountains, formed both for
enjoyment and health, furnish without fail their breasts for the life of
men. The very smallest of living beings meet together in peace and
concord. All these the great Creator and Lord of all has appointed to
exist in peace and harmony; while He does good to all, but most
abundantly to us who have fled for refuge to His compassions through
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory and majesty for ever and ever.
Amen.
CHAP. XXI.—_Let us obey God, and not the authors of sedition._
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