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The Epistles of Clement
Do we then deem it any great and wonderful thing for the Maker of all things to raise up again those that have piously served Him in the assurance of a good faith, when even by a bird He shows us the mightiness of His power to fulfil His promise?[4123] For [the Scripture] saith in a certain place, “Thou shalt raise me up, and I shall confess unto Thee”;[4124] and again, “I laid me down, and slept”; “I awaked, because Thou art with me;”[4125] and again, Job says, “Thou shalt raise up this flesh of mine, which has suffered all these things.”[4126]
Having then this hope, let our souls be bound to Him who is faithful in His promises, and just in His judgments. He who has commanded us not to lie, shall much more Himself not lie; for nothing is impossible with God, except to lie.[4127] Let His faith therefore be stirred up again within us, and let us consider that all things are nigh unto Him. By the word of His might[4128] He established all things, and by His word He can overthrow them. “Who shall say unto Him, What hast thou done? or, Who shall resist the power of His strength?”[4129] When, and as He pleases, He will do all things, and none of the things determined by Him shall pass away.[4130] All things are open before Him, and nothing can be hidden from His counsel. “The heavens[4131] declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handy-work.[4132] Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. And there are no words or speeches of which the voices are not heard.”[4133]
Since then all things are seen and heard [by God], let us fear Him, and forsake those wicked works which proceed from evil[4134] desires;[4135] so that, through His mercy, we may be protected from the judgments to come. For whither can any of us flee from His mighty hand? Or what world will receive any of those who run away from Him? For the Scripture saith in a certain place, “Whither shall I go, and where shall I be hid from Thy presence? If I ascend into heaven, Thou art there; if I go away even to the uttermost parts of the earth, there is Thy right hand;[4136] if I make my bed in the abyss, there is Thy Spirit.”[4137] Whither, then, shall anyone go, or where shall he escape from Him who comprehends all things?
Let us then draw near to Him with holiness of spirit, lifting up pure and undefiled hands unto Him, loving our gracious and merciful Father, who has made us partakers in the blessings of His elect.[4138] For thus it is written, “When the Most High divided the nations, when He scattered[4139] the sons of Adam, He fixed the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God. His people Jacob became the portion of the Lord, and Israel the lot of His inheritance.[4140] And in another place [the Scripture] saith, “Behold, the Lord taketh unto Himself a nation out of the midst of the nations, as a man takes the first-fruits of his threshing-floor; and from that nation shall come forth the Most Holy.”[4141]
Seeing, therefore, that we are the portion of the Holy One,[4142] let us do all those things which pertain to holiness, avoiding all evil-speaking, all abominable and impure embraces, together with all drunkenness, seeking after change,[4143] all abominable lusts, detestable adultery, and execrable pride. “For God,” [saith the Scripture], “resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”[4144] Let us cleave, then, to those to whom grace has been given by God. Let us clothe ourselves with concord and humility, ever exercising self-control, standing far off from all whispering and evil-speaking, being justified by our works, and not our words. For [the Scripture] saith, “He that speaketh much, shall also hear much in answer. And does he that is ready in speech deem himself righteous? Blessed[4145] is he that is born of woman, who liveth but a short time: be not given to much speaking.”[4146] Let our praise be in God, and not of ourselves; for God hateth those that commend themselves. Let testimony to our good[4147] deeds be borne by others, as it was in the case of our righteous forefathers. Boldness, and arrogance, and audacity belong to[4148] those that are accursed of God; but moderation, humility, and meekness to such as are blessed by Him.
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