Chapter XVII.--The saints as examples of humility.
Let us be imitators also of those who in goat-skins and sheep-skins [72] went about proclaiming the coming of Christ; I mean Elijah, Elisha, and Ezekiel among the prophets, with those others to whom a like testimony is borne [in Scripture]. Abraham was specially honoured, and was called the friend of God; yet he, earnestly regarding the glory of God, humbly declared, "I am but dust and ashes." [73] Moreover, it is thus written of Job, "Job was a righteous man, and blameless, truthful, God-fearing, and one that kept himself from all evil." [74] But bringing an accusation against himself, he said, "No man is free from defilement, even if his life be but of one day." [75] Moses was called faithful in all God's house; [76] and through his instrumentality, God punished Egypt [77] with plagues and tortures. Yet he, though thus greatly honoured, did not adopt lofty language, but said, when the divine oracle came to him out of the bush, "Who am I, that Thou sendest me? I am a man of a feeble voice and a slow tongue." [78] And again he said, "I am but as the smoke of a pot." [79]
[72] Heb. xi. 37.
[73] Gen. xviii. 27.
[74] Job i. 1.
[75] Job xiv. 4, 5. [Septuagint.]
[76] Num. xii. 7; Heb. iii. 2.
[77] Some fill up the lacuna which here occurs in the ms. by "Israel."
[78] Ex. iii. 11, Ex. iv. 10.
[79] This is not found in Scripture. [They were probably in Clement's version. Comp. Ps. cxix. 83.]
Chapter XVIII.--David as an example of humility.
But what shall we say concerning David, to whom such testimony was borne, and of whom [80] God said, "I have found a man after Mine own heart, David the son of Jesse; and in everlasting mercy have I anointed him?" [81] Yet this very man saith to God, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions, blot out my transgression. Wash me still more from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done that which was evil in Thy sight; that Thou mayest be justified in Thy sayings, and mayest overcome when Thou [82] art judged. For, behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in my sins did my mother conceive me. For, behold, Thou hast loved truth; the secret and hidden things of wisdom hast Thou shown me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; my bones, which have been humbled, shall exult. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. [83] Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and establish me by Thy governing Spirit. I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall be converted unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, [84] O God, the God of my salvation: my tongue shall exult in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my mouth, and my lips shall show forth Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would have given it; Thou wilt not delight in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a bruised spirit; a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise." [85]
[80] Or, as some render, "to whom."
[81] Ps. lxxxix. 21.
[82] Or, "when Thou judgest."
[83] Literally, "in my inwards."
[84] Literally, "bloods."
[85] Ps. li. 1-17.
Chapter XIX.--Imitating these examples, let us seek after peace.
Thus the humility and godly submission of so great and illustrious men have rendered not only us, but also all the generations before us, better; even as many as have received His oracles in fear and truth. Wherefore, having so many great and glorious examples set before us, let us turn again to the practice of that peace which from the beginning was the mark set before us; [86] and let us look stedfastly to the Father and Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and surpassingly great gifts and benefactions of peace. Let us contemplate Him with our understanding, and look with the eyes of our soul to His long-suffering will. Let us reflect how free from wrath He is towards all His creation.
[86] Literally, "Becoming partakers of many great and glorious deeds, let us return to the aim of peace delivered to us from the beginning." Comp. Heb. xii. 1.