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The Second Epistle of Clement
Wherefore, brethren, having received no small occasion[3969] for repentance, while we have the opportunity,[3970][3971] let us turn unto God that called us, while we still have Him as One that receiveth us. For if we renounce[3972] these enjoyments and conquer our soul in not doing these its evil desires, we shall partake of the mercy of Jesus. But ye know that the day of judgment even now “cometh as a burning oven,”[3973][3974] and some “of the heavens shall melt,” and all the earth shall be as lead melting on the fire,[3975][3976] and then the hidden and open works of men shall appear. Almsgiving therefore is a good thing, as repentance from sin; fasting is better than prayer, but almsgiving than both;[3977][3978] “but love covereth a multitude of sins.”[3979][3980] But prayer out of a good conscience delivereth from death. Blessed is every one that is found full of these; for alms-giving lighteneth the burden of sin.[3981][3982]
Let us therefore repent from the whole heart, that no one of us perish by the way. For if we have commandments that we should also practice this,[3983] to draw away men from idols and instruct them, how much more ought a soul already knowing God not to perish! Let us therefore assist one another that we may also lead up those weak as to what is good,[3984] in order that all may be saved; and let us convert and admonish one another.[3985][3986]And let us not think to give heed and believe now only, while we are admonished by the presbyters, but also when we have returned home,[3987][3988]remembering the commandments[3989] of the Lord; and let us not be dragged away by worldly lusts, but coming[3990] more frequently let us attempt to make advances in the commandments of the Lord, that all being of the same mind[3991] we may be gathered together unto life. For the Lord said, “I come to gather together all the nations, tribes, and tongues.”[3992] This He speaketh of the day of His appearing, when He shall come and redeem us, each one according to his works.[3993] And the unbelievers “shall see His glory,” and strength; and they shall think it strange when they see the sovereignty[3994] of the world in Jesus, saying, Woe unto us, Thou wast He,[3995] and we did not know and did not believe, and we did not obey the presbyters when they declared unto us concerning our salvation. And “their worm dieth not, and their fire is not quenched, and they shall be for a spectacle unto all flesh.”[3996] He speaketh of that day of judgment, when they shall see those among us[3997] that have been ungodly and acted deceitfully with the commandments of Jesus Christ. But the righteous who have done well and endured torments and hated the enjoyments of the soul, when they shall behold those that have gone astray and denied Jesus through their words or through their works, how that they are punished with grievous torments in unquenchable fire, shall be giving glory to God, saying, There will be hope for him that hath served God with his whole heart.
Let us also become of the number of them that give thanks, that have served God, and not of the ungodly that are judged. For I myself also, being an utter sinner,[3998][3999] and not yet escaped from temptation, but still being in the midst of the engines[4000] of the devil, give diligence to follow after righteousness, that I may have strength to come even near it,[4001] fearing the judgment to come.
Wherefore, brethren and sisters,[4002] after the God of truth hath been heard,[4003] I read to you an entreaty[4004] that ye may give heed to the things that are written, in order that ye may save both yourselves and him that readeth among you. For as a reward I ask of you that ye repent with the whole heart, thus giving to yourselves salvation and life. For by doing this we shall set a goal[4005] for all the young who are minded to labour[4006] on behalf of piety and the goodness of God. And let us not, unwise ones that we are, be affronted and sore displeased, whenever some one admonisheth and turneth us from iniquity unto righteousness. For sometimes while we are practising evil things we do not perceive it on account of the double-mindedness and unbelief that is in our breasts, and we are “darkened in our understanding”[4007] by our vain lusts. Let us then practice righteousness that we may be saved unto the end. Blessed are they that obey these ordinances. Even if for a little time they suffer evil in the world,[4008] they shall enjoy the immortal fruit of the resurrection. Let not then the godly man be grieved, if he be wretched in the times that now are; a blessed time waits for him. He, living again above with the fathers, shall be joyful for an eternity without grief.
But neither let it trouble your understanding, that we see the unrighteous having riches and the servants of God straitened. Let us therefore, brethren and sisters, be believing: we are striving in the contest[4009] of the living God, we are exercised by the present life, in order that we may be crowned by that to come. No one of the righteous received fruit speedily, but awaiteth it. For if God gave shortly the recompense of the righteous, straightway we would be exercising ourselves in business, not in godliness; for we would seem to be righteous, while pursuing not what is godly but what is gainful. And on this account Divine judgment surprised a spirit that was not righteous, and loaded it with chains.[4010]
To the only God invisible,[4011] the Father of truth, who sent forth to us the Saviour and Prince of incorruption,[4012] through whom also He manifested to us the truth and the heavenly life, to Him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.[4013]
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