2 Clement

J. B. Lightfoot · Translated text

2 Clem. 6

But the Lord saith, No servant can serve two masters. If we desire to serve both God and mammon, it is unprofitable for us:

For what advantage is it, if a man gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

Now this age and the future are two enemies.

The one speaketh of adultery and defilement and avarice and deceit, but the other biddeth farewell to these.

We cannot therefore be friends of the two, but must bid farewell to the one and hold companionship with the other.

Let us consider that it is better to hate the things which are here, because they are mean and for a short time and perishable, and to love the things which are there, for they are good and imperishable.

For, if we do the will of Christ, we shall find rest; but if otherwise, then nothing shall deliver us from eternal punishment, if we should disobey His commandments.

And the scripture also saith in Ezekiel, Though Noah and Job and Daniel should rise up, they shall not deliver their children in the captivity.

But if even such righteous men as these cannot by their righteous deeds deliver their children, with what confidence shall we, if we keep not our baptism pure and undefiled, enter into the kingdom of God? Or who shall be our advocate, unless we be found having holy and righteous works?

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