Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies (Stromata) Book VII

...Compare this to Stromateis VII. 110.

In Stromateis I. 11, he tells us that he intends to record, for his own use and that of others, the teaching of the elders received through tradition from Peter, James, John, and Paul. § 14: "This will not be understood by all, but only by those who are prepared for it. I am not able to give their teaching perfectly. Part has slipped my memory; part I omit intentionally—not from jealousy, God forbid, but for fear that it might be misunderstood and do mischief." § 15: "There are things which the Scripture will hint at... it will try to speak in a hidden way and reveal things while concealing them." He continues: "It will contain all that is necessary as an introduction to the knowledge based on mystic contemplation Greek: epoptike theoria, the highest stage of initiation, which will guide us as we advance... from the creation of the world in accordance with the venerable rule of tradition. It provides the necessary equipment for the study of natural philosophy and removes obstacles that might interfere with the methodical treatment of the subject... for the preliminaries of the mysteries are themselves mysteries."

From the above passages, we gather that Clement chose this form of composition mainly to discriminate between his readers. He provides sufficient light to enable the earnest and intelligent to penetrate to his inner meaning, without arousing unnecessary prejudice in the minds of the less enlightened.