Stromata I. Cap. I. 2, 2—6, 2.

2 comes to pass. But the art of preaching is already in some way angelic, benefiting in whatever way it operates, whether through the hand or through the tongue; "for the one who sows to the spirit will reap from the spirit eternal life;
3 and let us not grow weary in doing good." In any case, it contributes the greatest things to those who encounter it according to divine providence: a beginning of faith, an eagerness for a virtuous life, an impulse toward the truth, a spirit of inquiry, a trace of knowledge—in short, it provides the occasions for salvation. Those, however, who have been reared genuinely on the words of truth receive provisions for 117 S eternal life and are winged toward heaven.
4 Most admirably, therefore, the apostle says: "In everything commending ourselves as servants of God; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things; our mouth is open to you." "And I solemnly testify," he says in writing to Timothy, "before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that you guard these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of partiality."

5, 1 It is necessary, therefore, for both these parties to test themselves: the one as to whether he is worthy to speak and to leave behind memoirs, and the other as to whether he is righteous in hearing and reading. For this reason, some distribute the Eucharist, as is the custom, and permit each person of the people to take his own share.
2 For conscience is the best guide toward accurate choice and avoidance, and its firm foundation is an upright life combined with appropriate learning; and following others who have already been tested and have succeeded is best for both the understanding of the truth and the fulfillment of the commandments.
3 "So whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup."
6, 1 It would follow, therefore, that he who has taken upon himself the benefit of his neighbors should consider whether he has leapt into teaching rashly and in competition with others; whether the sharing of the word is for the sake of vainglory; whether he reaps only this reward, the salvation of those who understand; and whether he has avoided speaking for favor or the suspicion of bribery.
2 For "neither did we ever come with a word of flattery, as you know," says the apostle, "nor with a pretext for greed, God is witness, nor seeking glory from men, neither from you nor from others, though we could have been a burden as apostles of Christ; but we became gentle in your midst, as a nursing mother warms her own children."