The Lost Books of the Bible · 125 of 214

First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians: Chapter XV

1. WHAT shall we do therefore, brethren? Shall we be slothful in well-doing, and lay aside our charity? God forbid that any such thing should be done by us.

2. But rather let us hasten with all earnestness and readiness of mind, to perfect every good work. For even the Creator and Lord of all things himself rejoices in his own works.

3. By his Almighty power he fixed the heavens, and by his incomprehensible wisdom he adorned them.

4. He also divided the earth from the water, with which it is encompassed; and fixed it as a secure tower, upon the foundation of his own will.

5. He also by his appointment, commanded all the living creatures that are upon it, to exist.

6. So likewise the sea, and all the creatures that are in it; having first created them, he enclosed them therein by his power.

7. And above all, he with his holy and pure hands, formed man, the most excellent, and, as to his understanding, truly the greatest of all other creatures, the character of his own image.

8. For so God says, Let us make man in our image, after our own likeness So God created man, male and female created he them.

9. And having thus finished all these things, he commended all that he had made, and blessed them, and said, increase and multiply.

10. We see how all righteous men have been adorned with good works: Wherefore even the Lord himself, having adorned himself with his works, rejoiced.

11. Having therefore such an example, let us without delay, fulfil his will; and with all our strength, work the work of righteousness.