The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

Clemens Romanus (Clement of Rome)

Clement of Rome. The Apostolic Fathers, Volume 1. Lake, Kirsopp, editor. London: William Heinemann Ltd.; New York: The Macmillan Company, 1912.

Then thou shalt know that thy house shall have peace, and the habitation of thy tabernacle shall not fail.

And thou shalt know that thy seed shall be many and thy children like the herb of the field.

And thou shalt come to the grave like ripened corn that is harvested in its due season, or like a heap on the threshing-floor

which is gathered together at the appointed time.

You see, beloved, how great is the protection[*](Application to the Corinthians) given to those that are chastened by the Master, for he is a good father and chastens us that we may obtain mercy through his holy chastisement.

You therefore, who laid the foundation of the sedition, submit to the presbyters, and receive the correction of repentance, bending the knees of your hearts.

Learn to be submissive, putting aside the boastful and the haughty self-confidence of your tongue, for it is better for you to be found small but honourable in the flock of Christ, than to be preeminent in repute but to be cast out from his hope.