Vol 01 - ST. IGNATIUSS EPISTLE TO THE SMYRNAEANS

ST. IGNATIUS’S EPISTLE TO THE SMYRNAEANS
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church of GOD the Father, and of the beloved JESUS CHRIST; which GOD has mercifully blessed with every good gift; being filled with faith and love, so that it is wanting in no gift; most worthy of GOD, and fruitful in saints; to the church which is at Smyrna in Asia; all. joy through his immaculate Spirit, and the word of God.
1. I GLORIFY GOD, even JESUS CHRIST, who has given you such wisdom. For I have observed that you are settled in an immovable faith, as if you were nailed to the cross of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, both in the flesh and in the Spirit; and are confirmed in love through the blood of CHRIST; being fully persuaded of those things which relate unto our Lord: who truly was of the race of David according to the flesh, but the Son of GOD according to the will and power of God.
2. Now these things, beloved, I put you in mind of, not questioning but that you yourselves also believe that they are so. But I arm you before-hand against certain beasts in the shape of men, whom you must not receive; only pray for them, that if it be the will of GOD they may repent; but of this our Lord JESUS CHRIST has the power, who is our true life; for whom I have given up myself to death, to the fire, to the sword, to wild beasts; and the nearer I am to the sword, the nearer am I to GOD when I shall come among the wild beasts, I shall come to God. Only in the name of JESUS CHRIST, I undergo all, to suffer together with him; he who was made a perfect man strengthening me.
3. Let no man deceive himself; both the things which are in heaven, and the glorious angels, and princes, whether visible or invisible, if they believe not in the blood of CHRIST, it is to them to condemnation. " He that is able to receive this, let him receive it." Let no man's place or state in the world puff him up: that which is worth all is faith and love, to which nothing is to be preferred. But consider those who are of a different opinion from us, as to what concerns the grace of JESUS CHRIST which is come unto us, how contrary they are to the design of God. They have no regard to charity; no care of the widow, the fatherless, and the oppressed; of the bond or free, of the hungry or thirsty.
4. See that ye all follow your bishop, as JESUS CHRIST, the Father; and the presbytery, as the apostles. And reverence the deacons, as the command of God. Let no man do any thing of what belongs to the church separately from the bishop. Let that eucharist be looked upon as well as established, which is either offered by the bishop, or by him to whom the bishop has given his consent. Wheresoever the bishop shall appear, there let the, people also be; as where JESUS CHRIST is, there is the catholic church. It is not lawful without the bishop, either to baptize, or to celebrate the holy communion but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing unto God.
5. Ye have done well in that ye have received Philo, and Rheus, who followed me for the word of GOD, the deacons of CHRIST our God. Who also give thanks unto the Lord for you, forasmuch as ye have refreshed them in all things. Nor shall any thing that you have done, be lost to you. My soul be for yours, and my bonds which ye have not despised, nor been ashamed of. Neither shall JESUS CHRIST, our perfect faith, be ashamed of you.
6. Your prayer is come to the church of Antioch which is in Syria. From whence, being sent bound with chains, I salute the churches; being not worthy to be called from thence, as being the least among, them. Nevertheless, by the will of GOD, I have been thought worthy of this honor; not for that I think I have deserved it, but by the grace of GOD, which I wish may be perfectly given unto me, that through your prayers I may attain unto God. And therefore that your work maybe fully accomplished, it will be for the honor of GOD, that your church appoint some delegate, who being come as far as Syria, may rejoice together with them that are in peace. For in as much as ye are perfect yourselves, you ought to think those things that are perfect. And when you are desirous to do well, GOD is ready to enable you thereunto.
7. The love of the brethren that are at Troas salute you; from whence I write to you by.Burrhus, whom ye sent with me, who has in all things refreshed me. And I would to GOD that all would imitate him, as being a pattern of the ministry of God. May his grace fully reward him. I salute your very worthy bishop, and your venerable presbytery; and your deacons, my fellowservants; and all of you in general, and every one in particular, in the name of JESUS CHRIST, and in his flesh and blood; in his passion and resurrection, both fleshly and spiritually; and in the unity of GOD with you. Grace be with you, and mercy, and peace, and patience, for evermore.