The writings of the Apostolic FathersClement I, Pope
General
The writings of the Apostolic Fathers
Clement I, Pope
Apostolic Fathers; Christian literature, Early
This is the way, beloved, in which we find our Saviour,[151] even Jesus
Christ, the High Priest of all our offerings, the defender and helper of
our infirmity. By Him we look up to the heights of heaven. By Him we
behold, as in a glass, His immaculate and most excellent visage. By Him
are the eyes of our hearts opened. By Him our foolish and darkened
understanding blossoms[152] up anew towards His marvellous light. By Him
the Lord has willed that we should taste of immortal knowledge,[153]
“who, being the brightness of His majesty, is by so much greater than
the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name
than they.”[154] For it is thus written, “Who maketh His angels spirits,
and His ministers a flame of fire.”[155] But concerning His Son[156] the
Lord spoke thus: “Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten Thee. Ask of
me, and I will give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the
uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.”[157] And again He
saith to Him, “Sit Thou at my right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy
footstool.”[158] But who are His enemies? All the wicked, and those who
set themselves to oppose the will of God.[159]
CHAP. XXXVII.—_Christ is our Leader, and we His soldiers._
Let us then, men and brethren, with all energy act the part of soldiers,
in accordance with His holy commandments. Let us consider those who
serve under our generals, with what order, obedience, and submissiveness
they perform the things which are commanded them. All are not prefects,
nor commanders of a thousand, nor of a hundred, nor of fifty, nor the
like, but each one in his own rank performs the things commanded by the
king and the generals. The great cannot subsist without the small, nor
the small without the great. There is a kind of mixture in all things,
and thence arises mutual advantage.[160] Let us take our body for an
example.[161] The head is nothing without the feet, and the feet are
nothing without the head; yea, the very smallest members of our body are
necessary and useful to the whole body. But all work[162] harmoniously
together, and are under one common rule[163] for the preservation of the
whole body.
CHAP. XXXVIII.—_Let the members of the church submit themselves, and no
one exalt himself above another._
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