Epistle of Ignatius to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch Do nothing without the bishops; for they are priests, and thou a servant of the priests. They baptize, offer sacrifice,[16] The Divine Liturgy of James Lord, have mercy on us: since we are full of fear and trembling, when about to stand at Thy holy... [ Continue Reading ]
Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book III Neither do we permit the laity to perform any of the offices belonging to the priesthood; as, for instance, neither the sacrifice, nor baptism, nor the laying on of hands, nor the blessing, whether the smaller or the greater: for "no one taketh this honou... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian An Answer to the Jews and named the Priest of God the Father unto eternity.[341] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book II who was not a priest, and yet would exercise the functions of the priests, was smitten with leprosy for his transgression; so every lay person shall not be unpuni... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian On Repentance to lay his spirit low in sorrows, to exchange for severe treatment the sins which he has committed; moreover, to know no food and drink but such as is plain,-not for the stomach's sake, to wit, but the soul's; for the most part, however, to feed prayers on fastings, to groa... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian Of Patience of growing up; and, when grown up, is not eager to be recognised, but is furthermore contumelious to Himself, and is baptized by His own servant; and repels with words alone the assaults of the tempter; while from being" Lord" He becomes" Master," teaching man to escape death... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian An Answer to the Jews if not on the ground of equity and righteousness, (in the observance) of a natural law? Whence was Melchizedek named "priest of the most high God,"[25]... [ Continue Reading ]
Tertullian On Monogamy What was the subject-matter which led the apostle to write such (words)? The inexperience of a new and just rising Church, which he was rearing, to wit, "with milk," not yet with the "solid food"[90]... [ Continue Reading ]
Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book V But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, who by reason of use have their senses exercised so as to distinguish between good and evil. Wherefore, leaving the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection."[118] Clement of Al... [ Continue Reading ]
Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book I "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe,"[138]... [ Continue Reading ]
Shepherd of Hermas Commandment Twelfth If you serve good desire, and be subject to it, you will gain the mastery over evil desire, and make it subject to you even as you wish."[6] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book I But it is not such as to be unattainable without it; but it is attainable only... [ Continue Reading ]