1 Clement 56

1Therefore let us also intercede concerning those who are in some transgression, so that gentleness and humility may be given to them, that they may yield not to us, but to the will of God. For in this way their compassionate remembrance before God and the saints will be fruitful and complete.

2Let us accept discipline, at which no one ought to be resentful, beloved. The admonition that we give to one another is good and exceedingly beneficial, for it binds us to the will of God.

3For thus says the holy word: “The Lord disciplined me severely, and he did not hand me over to death.”

4“For the Lord disciplines the one whom he loves, and he scourges every son whom he receives.”

5“For,” it says, “a righteous person will discipline me in mercy and will reprove me, but let not the oil of sinners anoint my head.”

6And again it says: “Blessed is the man whom the Lord reproves; and do not reject the admonition of the Almighty. For he causes pain, and then restores;

7he struck, and his hands healed.

8Six times he will deliver you from distresses, and in the seventh no evil will touch you.

9In famine he will rescue you from death, and in war he will deliver you from the hand of the sword.

10And he will hide you from the scourge of the tongue, and you will certainly not fear evils when they come.

11You will laugh at the unrighteous and lawless, and you will certainly not fear wild beasts,

12for wild beasts will be at peace with you.

13Then you will know that your house will be at peace, and you will inspect your dwelling and not miss anything.

14And you will know that your offspring will be many, and your children like the abundant grass of the field.

15And you will come to the grave like ripe grain harvested in its season, or like a heap from the threshing floor gathered in at the proper time.

16See, beloved, how great a defense there is for those who are disciplined by the Master. For, being a good Father, he disciplines us so that we may receive mercy through his holy discipline.