Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX:
The Epistles of Clement.: Chapter VII

Chapter VII.—We Must Strive in Order to Be Crowned.

Wherefore, then, my brethren, let us struggle with all earnestness, knowing that the contest is [in our case] close at hand, and that many undertake long voyages to strive for a corruptible reward; 4368 yet all are not crowned, but those only that have laboured hard and striven gloriously.  Let us therefore so strive, that we may all be crowned.  Let us run the straight 4369 course, even the race that is incorruptible; and let us in great numbers set out 4370 for it, and strive that we may be crowned.  And should we not all be able to obtain the crown, let us at least come near to it.  We must remember 4371 that he who strives in the corruptible contest, if he be found acting unfairly, 4372 is taken away and scourged, and cast forth from the lists.  What then think ye?  If one does anything unseemly in the incorruptible contest, what shall he have to bear?  For of those who do not preserve the seal 4373 [unbroken], [the Scripture] saith, “Their worm shall not die, and their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be a spectacle to all flesh.” 4374

Footnotes

Literally, “that many set sail for corruptible contests,” referring probably to the concourse at the Isthmian games.

Or, “Let us place before us.”

Or, “set sail.”

Literally, “know.”

Literally, “if he be found corrupting.”

Baptism is probably meant.

Isa. lxvi. 24.