A German translation of these epistles was published by Zingerle (1821). They are now for the first time translated into the English language.
The translation is made from the text of Beelen.
The division into chapters is due to Wetstein.
[290] See vol. vii. pp. 509-523.
[291] Against this class Cyprian stoutly contended. Comp. Cyprian, Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. v. pp. 357, 358, 587-592.
Two Epistles Concerning Virginity.
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The First Epistle of the Blessed Clement, the Disciple of Peter the Apostle.
Chapter I.--The Salutation.
To all those who love and cherish their life which is in Christ through God the Father, and obey the truth of God in hope of eternal life; to those who bear affection towards their brethren and towards their neighbours in the love of God; to the blessed brother virgins, [292] who devote themselves to preserve virginity "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven;" [293] and to the holy sister virgins: the peace which is in God. [294]
[292] In later Greek parthenos was used of both sexes (comp. Rev. xiv. 4). The Syriac original employs both a masculine and a feminine form. This will not always be indicated in the following translation.
[293] Matt. xix. 12.
[294] Or "to the holy virgins who are in God: peace." So Zingerle, and probably Wetstein.
Chapter II.--For True Virginity Perfect Virtue is Necessary.
Of all virgins of either sex who have truly resolved to preserve virginity for the sake of the kingdom of heaven--of each and every one of them it is required that he be worthy of the kingdom of heaven in every thing. For not by eloquence [295] or renown, [296] by station [297] and descent, or by beauty or strength, or by length of life, [298] is the kingdom of heaven obtained; but it is obtained by the power of faith, when a man exhibits the works of faith. For whosoever is truly righteous, his works testify concerning his faith, that he is truly a believer, with a faith which is great, a faith which is perfect, a faith which is in God, a faith which shines in good works, that the Father of all may be glorified through Christ. Now, those who are truly virgins for the sake of God give heed to Him who hath said, "Let not righteousness and faith fail thee; bind them on thy neck, and thou shalt find favour for thyself; and devise thou good things before God and before men." [299] "The paths," therefore, "of the righteous shine as the light, and the light of them advances until the day is perfect." [300] For the beams of their light illumine the whole creation even now by good works, as those who are truly "the light of the world," [301] giving light to "those who sit in darkness," [302] that they may arise and go forth from the darkness by the light of the good works of the fear of God, "that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven." [303] For it is required of the man of God, that in all his words and works he be perfect, and that in his life he be adorned with all exemplary and well-ordered behaviour, [304] and do all his deeds in righteousness, as a man of God.
[295] Zing., not so well, takes this to mean, "by the confession of the mouth" (durch das mündliche Bekenntniss), comparing Matt. vii. 21.
[296] Lit. "by word or by name."
[297] The Greek word schema, here adopted in the Syriac, is sometimes thus used.--Beelen.
[298] Lit. "much time."
[299] Prov. iii. 3, 4 (LXX.).
[300] Lit. "fixed." Prov. iv. 18.
[301] Matt. v. 14.
[302] Isa. ix. 2; Matt. iv. 16.
[303] Matt. v. 16; 1 Pet. ii. 12.
[304] Probably referring to 1 Cor. xiv. 40.--Beelen.
Chapter III.--True Virgins Prove Themselves Such by Self-Denial, as Does the True Believer by Good Works.
For virgins are a beautiful pattern to believers, and to those who shall believe. The name alone, indeed, without works, does not introduce into the kingdom of heaven; but, if a man be truly a believer, such an one can be saved. For, if a person be only called a believer in name, whilst he is not such in works, he cannot possibly be a believer. "Let no one," therefore, "lead you astray with the empty words of error." [305] For, merely because a person is called a virgin, if he be destitute of works excellent and comely, and suitable to virginity, he cannot possibly be saved. For our Lord called such virginity as that "foolish," as He said in the Gospel; [306] and because it had neither oil nor light, it was left outside of the kingdom of heaven, and was shut out from the joy of the bridegroom, and was reckoned with His enemies. For such persons as these "have the appearance only of the fear of God, but the power of it they deny." [307] For they "think with themselves that they are something, whilst they are nothing, and are deceived. But let every one constantly try [308] his works," [309] and know himself; for empty worship does he offer, whosoever he be that makes profession of virginity and sanctity, "and denies its power." For virginity of such a kind is impure, and disowned by all good works. For "every tree whatsoever is known from its fruits." [310] "See that thou understand [311] what I say: God will give thee understanding." [312] For whosoever engages before God to preserve sanctity must be girded with all the holy power of God. And, if with true fear [313] he crucify his body, he for the sake of the fear of God excuses himself from that word in which the Scripture [314] has said: "Be fruitful, and multiply," [315] and shuns all the display, and care, and sensuality, [316] and fascination of this world, and its revelries and its drunkenness, and all its luxury and ease, and withdraws from the entire life of [317] this world, and from its snares, and nets, and hindrances; and, whilst thou walkest [318] upon the earth, be zealous that thy work and thy business be in heaven.
[305] Eph. v. 6.
[306] Matt. xxv. 2.
[307] 2 Tim. iii. 5.
[308] Lit. "let every one be trying."
[309] Gal. vi. 3, 4.
[310] Matt. xii. 33. [More probably Luke vi. 44.--R.]
[311] Or "consider." There is no play on words in the passage quoted (2 Tim. ii. 7), nor perhaps was this intended in the Syriac.
[312] 2 Tim. ii. 7.
[313] Lit. "true in fear of God." The reading is probably faulty.--Beelen.
[314] The ellipsis is usually to be thus filled up in these epistles. [In similar cases which follow, italics will not be used.--R.]
[315] Gen. i. 28.
[316] Or "the sensual pleasures."
[317] Or "from all intercourse with."
[318] Either something is here omitted by the transcriber, or Clement has varied the form of expression.--Beelen.