Clement of Alexandria · a new plain-English translation from the original language
And then to fix so great a reward for that fellowship — an eternal dwelling! Oh, what beautiful trade, oh, what a divine marketplace! One buys incorruption with money. And by giving away the perishing things of the world, he receives in exchange their everlasting abode in the heavens. Sail toward this, if you are wise. This is the festival, O rich man — even if it requires it, go about the whole earth. Do not spare yourself dangers and labors, so that here you may purchase a heavenly kingdom. Why do transparent stones and emeralds and a house delight you so greatly? Food for fire, or a plaything of time, or the incidental victim of an earthquake, or the outrage of a tyrant? Desire to dwell in the heavens and to reign with God; this kingdom a man will give you by imitating God — having received a small thing here, he will make you his housemate there through all the ages. Beg him that he may receive it; hurry, strive earnestly, fear lest he dishonor you — for it has not been commanded that you receive, but that you provide. Indeed the Lord did not say, 'Give,' or 'Provide,' or 'Do good,' or 'Help,' but 'Make a friend.' And a friend is not made from a single gift, but from complete rest together and long companionship; for neither faith nor love nor endurance belongs to a single day, but 'he who endures to the end, this one shall be saved.'
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