Now Pythagoras made an epitome of the statements on righteousness in Moses, when he said, "Do not step over the balance;" that is, do not transgress equality in distribution, honouring justice so.
"Which friends to friends for ever, binds,
To cities, cities--to allies, allies,
For equality is what is right for men;
But less to greater ever hostile grows,
And days of hate begin,"
as is said with poetic grace.
Wherefore the Lord says, "Take My yoke, for it is gentle and light." [3016] And on the disciples, striving for the pre-eminence, He enjoins equality with simplicity, saying "that they must become as little children." [3017] Likewise also the apostle writes, that "no one in Christ is bond or free, or Greek or Jew. For the creation in Christ Jesus is new, is equality, free of strife--not grasping--just." For envy, and jealousy, and bitterness, stand without the divine choir.
Clement of Alexandria in Print
