First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 1: The Study of Scripture

23

I may make a great nation of you” (Exod 32:9–10). But Moses said, “But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written” (Exod 32:32). O marvelous love! O insurmountable perfection! The servant speaks freely to his Lord, and asks forgiveness for the people, or begs that he himself might perish along with them. The Fruit of Doctrine F irst C lement 2: Moreover, you were all distinguished by humility, and were in no respect puffed up with pride. Instead, you produced obedience rather than extorted it. Plus, you were more willing to give than to receive. Satisfied with the provision which God had made for you, and carefully attending to His words, you were filled with His doctrine, and His sufferings were before your eyes. Thus, a profound and rich peace was given to you all, and you had an insatiable desire for doing good. At the same time, a full outpouring of the Holy Spirit was on each of you. Full of holy designs, and with true earnestness of mind and a godly confidence, you stretched out your hands to God Almighty. You asked Him to be merciful to you, if you had been guilty of any involuntary transgression. Day and night, you were anxious for the whole church, that the number of God’s elect might be saved with mercy and a good conscience. You were sincere and uncorrupted, and forgiving of injuries between one another. Every kind of faction and schism was offensive in your sight. You mourned over the transgressions of your neighbors: their deficiencies you deemed your own. You never grudged any act of kindness, being “ready for every