Stromata I. Cap. I. 6, 3—10, 1.

reception of divine words, having acquired faith as a reasonable judgment. From this follows persuasion in abundance. And this, then, was that prophetic saying: "Unless you believe, you will not understand." "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." And let each of these, according to the blessed David, sing in gratitude: "You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed; you will wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. You will make me hear joy and gladness; the bones that were humbled will rejoice. Turn your face from my sins, and blot out my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within my innermost parts. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a governing spirit."

9, 1 He who speaks to those present tests them by time, judges by discernment, and distinguishes those capable of hearing from others, observing their words, manners, character, life, movements, relationships, gaze, voice, the path at the crossroads, the rock, the trodden road, the fruitful land, the overgrown territory, the fertile and good and cultivated land that is able to multiply the seed. But he who speaks through memoirs dedicates himself to God,
2 proclaiming these things in writing, not for the sake of gain, not for the sake of vainglory, not to be overcome by passion, not to be enslaved by fear, not to be puffed up by pleasure, but only to enjoy the salvation of those who read, of which he does not partake even in the present, but awaits in hope the reward that will surely be rendered by the One who has promised to give the reward to the laborers according to their worth. But one who is enrolled among men ought not even to desire a reward.
3 For does not the man who boasts of his kindness receive the reward through good reputation, while the man who does what is proper for a reward—either as a benefactor hastening to receive something back, or as an evildoer avoiding the punishment—is he not caught in worldly habit? But one ought to imitate the Lord as much as possible.
4 This would be the one serving the will of God, having received freely, giving freely, receiving as a worthy reward the life itself; "for the hire of a prostitute shall not enter the sanctuary," he says. It is forbidden, therefore, to offer to the
10, 1 altar "the price of a dog."