And unto this people you shall say,
Thus says the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.
Read Chapter 21
Clement Of Rome
AD 99
Through your works you have revealed the everlasting structure of the world. You, Lord, created the earth. You are faithful throughout all generations, righteous in your judgments, marvelous in strength and majesty, wise in creating and prudent in establishing what exists. You are good in all that is observed and faithful to those who trust in you. You are merciful and compassionate. You forgive us our sins and our injustices, our transgressions and our shortcomings. Do not take into account every sin of your servants and slave girls, but cleanse us with the cleansing of your truth and “direct our steps to walk in holiness and righteousness and purity of heart,” and “to do what is good and pleasing in your sight” and in the sight of our rulers. Yes, Lord, “let your face shine on us” in peace “for our good,” that we may be sheltered “by your mighty hand” and delivered from every sin “by your uplifted arm”; deliver us as well from those who hate us unjustly. Give harmony and peace to us ...
It was not God’s law that became the cause of my being brought into subjection to corruption, but the devil, that he might be made manifest. He wrought evil through that which is good. The inventor of evil became and was proved to be the greatest of all sinners. “For we know that the law is spiritual.” So the law cannot injure anyone in any way. Spiritual things are far removed from irrational lust and sin. “But I am carnal, sold under sin.” This means, “I am carnal and placed between good and evil as a voluntary agent, so that I have it in my power to choose what I wish.” For “behold, I set before you life and death.” This means, “Death would result from disobedience of the spiritual law, that is, of the commandment, and from obedience to the carnal law, that is, the counsel of the serpent.” By such a choice I am sold to the devil, fallen under sin. Hence evil, as though besieging me, clings to me and dwells in me. Justice gives me up to be sold to the evil one, as a result of having ...
There are two ways, one of life and one of death; but there exists a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God, who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself. Anything that you would not want to happen to you, you also should not do to another. And of these sayings, the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what good is it if you love those who love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same? Rather, love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone insists on you going one mile, go with him two. If someone takes away your cloak, give him your coat as well. If someone takes something from you, do not ask for it back, for indeed you are not able to do so. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not a...
