Ante-Nicene Fathers/Volume VIII/Pseudo-Clementine Literature/The Clementine Homilies/Homily XIX/Chapter 23

Chapter XXIII.&#8212;The Inequalities of Lot in Human Life.

And Simon said:&#160; &#8220;Let me grant that this is the case:&#160; does not the inequality of lot amongst men seem to you most unjust?&#160; For one is in penury, another is rich; one is sick, another is in good health:&#160; and there are innumerable differences of a like character in human life.&#8221; &#160; And Peter said:&#160; &#8220;Do you not perceive, Simon, that you are again shooting your observations beyond the mark?&#160; For while we were discussing evil, you have made a digression, and introduced the question of the anomalies that appear in this world.&#160; But I shall speak even to this point.&#160; The world is an instrument artistically contrived, that for the male who is to exist eternally, the female may bear eternal righteous sons.&#160; Now they could not have been rendered perfectly pious here, had there been no needy ones for them to help.&#160; In like manner there are the sick, that they may have objects for their care.&#160; And the other afflictions admit of a like explanation.&#8221;&#160; And Simon said:&#160; &#8220;Are not those in humble circumstances unfortunate? for they are subjected to distress, that others may be made righteous.&#8221;&#160; And Peter said:&#160; &#8220;If their humiliation were eternal, their misfortune would be very great.&#160; But the humiliations and exaltations of men take place according to lot; and he who is not pleased with his lot can appeal, and by trying his case according to law, he can exchange his mode of life for another.&#8221;&#160; And Simon said:&#160; &#8220;What do you mean by this lot and this appeal?&#8221;&#160; And Peter said:&#160; &#8220;You are now demanding the exposition of another topic; but if you permit me, we can show you how, being born again, and changing your origin, and living according to law, you will obtain eternal salvation.&#8221;