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  DANGEROUS AND SCANDALOUS ASSOCIATION WITH MAIDENS
  by Clement of Rome
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Summary: Clement of Rome warns against the dangers of association with
maidens and the unrighteous conduct of idle people who pretend to serve
God.

Topics: "Moral Conduct", "Church Discipline"
Scripture References: Proverbs 20:19, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Ephesians 5:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:11

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DESCRIPTION
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Clement of Rome addresses the congregation, warning them about the evil
rumors and reports circulating regarding shameless individuals who
misuse their association with maidens under the guise of piety, engaging
in dangerous and inappropriate behavior. He condemns those who partake
in immoral conduct, uncleanness, and frivolity, emphasizing that such
behavior is unacceptable among believers, especially those who have
committed to a life of holiness. Clement also cautions against idle
individuals who engage in gossip, slander, and manipulation for personal
gain, urging the community to distance themselves from such deceitful
practices.

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CONTENT
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Now, we are persuaded of you, my brethren, that your thoughts are
occupied about those things which are requisite for your salvation.But
we speak thus in consequence of the evil rumours and reports concerning
shameless men, who, under pretext of the fear of God, have their
dwelling with maidens, and so, expose themselves to danger, and walk
with them along the road and in solitary places alone-- a course which
is full of dangers, and full of stumbling-blocks and snares and
pitfalls; nor is it in any respect right for Christians and those who
fear God so to conduct themselves.

Others, too, eat and drink with them at entertainments allowing
themselves in loose behaviour and much uncleanness-- such as ought not
to be among believers, and especially among those who have chosen for
themselves a life of holiness.

Others, again, meet together for vain and trifling conversation and
merriment, and that they may speak evil of one another; and they hunt up
tales against one another, and are idle: persons with whom we do not
allow you even to eat bread. Then, others wander about among the houses
of virgin brethren or sisters, on pretence of visiting them, or reading
the Scriptures to them, or exorcising them. Forasmuch as they are idle
and do no work, they pry into those things which ought not to be
inquired into, and by means of plausible words make merchandise of the
name of Christ. These are men from whom the divine apostle kept aloof,
because of the multitude of their evil deeds; as it is written: Thorns
sprout in the hands of the idle; and, The ways of the idle are full of
thorns.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/clement-of-rome/dangerous-and-scandalous-association-with-maidens/
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