"Stromata"
by Clement of Alexandria

The contents of the Stromateis (meaning “patchwork”) are, as its title suggests, “miscellaneous”.  Its place in Clement’s trilogy is disputed as Clement initially intended to write the Didascalus, a work which would complement the practical guidance of the Paedagogus with a more intellectual schooling in theology.   It attempts, on the basis of Scripture and tradition, to give such an account of the Christian faith as shall answer all the demands of learned men, and conduct the student into the innermost realities of his belief.