1 Clem. 45

Be ye contentious, brethren, and jealous about the things that pertain unto salvation.

1Clem 45.1

Ye have searched the scriptures, which are true, which were given through the Holy Ghost;

1Clem 45.2

and ye know that nothing unrighteous or counterfeit is written in them. Ye will not find that righteous persons have been thrust out by holy men.

1Clem 45.3

Righteous men were persecuted, but it was by the lawless; they were imprisoned, but it was by the unholy. They were stoned by transgressors: they were slain by those who had conceived a detestable and unrighteous jealousy.

1Clem 45.4

Suffering these things, they endured nobly.

1Clem 45.5

For what must we say, brethren? Was Daniel cast into the lions' den by them that feared God?

1Clem 45.6

Or were Ananias and Azarias and Misael shut up in the furnace of fire by them that professed the excellent and glorious worship of the Most High? Far be this from our thoughts. Who then were they that did these things? Abominable men and full of all wickedness were stirred up to such a pitch of wrath, as to bring cruel suffering upon them that served God in a holy and blameless purpose, not knowing that the Most High is the champion and protector of them that in a pure conscience serve His excellent Name: unto whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1Clem 45.7

But they that endured patiently in confidence inherited glory and honor; they were exalted, and had their names recorded by God in their memorial for ever and ever. Amen.

1Clem 45.8