Vol 01 - ST. IGNATIUS'S EPISTLE TO ST. POLY CARP.

ST. IGNATIUS'S EPISTLE TO ST. POLY CARP
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to Polycarp, bishop of the church which is at Smyrna; their overseer, but rather himself over-looked by GOD the Father, and the Lord JESUS CHRIST; all happiness.
1. HAVING known that thy mind towards GOD, is fixed upon an immovable rock, I exceedingly give thanks that I have been thought worthy to behold thy face, in which may I always rejoice in God. Wherefore I beseech thee, by the grace of GOD with which you art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain thy place, with all care both of flesh and spirit: make it thy endeavor to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all men, even as the Lord with thee. Support all in love, as also you dost. Pray without ceasing; ask more understanding than you already past. Be watchful, having thy spirit always awake. Speak to every one according as GOD shall enable thee. Bear the infirmities of all, as a perfect combatant; where the labor is great, the gain is the more.
2. If you shall love the good disciples, what thank is it But rather do you subject to thee those that are mischievous, in meekness. Every wound is not healed with the same plaister: if the disease be vehement, mollify it with soft remedies: be in all things, "wise as a serpent, but harmless as a dove." As for those who arc not seen, pray to GOD that he would reveal them unto thee, that so you may be wanting in nothing, but may abound in every gift. The times demand thee, as the pilots in the winds;; and he that is tossed in a tempest, the haven where he would be; that you may attain unto God. Be sober, as the combatant of God. The crown proposed to thee is eternal life; concerning which you art also fully persuaded. I will be thy surety in all things, and my bonds, which you have loved.
3. Let not those that teach other doctrines, disturb thee. Stand firm as a beaten anvil. It is the part of a brave combatant to be torn in pieces, and yet to conquer. We ought to endure all things for GOD’s sake, that he may bear with us. Be every day better than other: consider the times; and expect him, who is above all time, eternal, invisible, though for our sake made visible: impalpable, and impassible, yet for us subjected to sufferings; enduring all manner of ways for our salvation.
4. Let. not the widows be neglected: be You, after GOD, their guardian. Let nothing be done without thy knowledge and consent; neither do you any thing but according to the will of GOD; as also you dost, with all constancy. Let your assemblies be more frequent inquire into all by name. Overlook not the men and maid servants; neither let them be puffed up; but rather let them be the more subject, to the glory of GOD, that they may obtain from him a better liberty.
5. Flee evil arts; or rather, make not any mention of them. Say to my sisters, that they love, the Lord; and be satisfied with their own husbands, both in the flesh and spirit. In like manner, exhort my brethren, in the name of JESUS CHRIST, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the church. If any man can remain in a virgin state, to the honor of CHRIST, let him remain, without boasting; but if he boast, he is undone. It becomes all such as marry, whether men or women, to come together with the consent of the bishop, that so their marriage may be according to godliness, and not in lust. Let all things be done to the honor of God.
6. Hearken unto the bishop, that GOD also may hearken unto you. Labor with one another; contend together, run together, suffer together; sleep together, and rise together; as the stewards, and assessors, and ministers of God. Please him under whom ye war; and from whom ye receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter; but let your baptism remain, as your arms; your faith, as your helmet; your love, as your spear; your patience, as your whole armor. Let your works be your depositum, that so you may receive a suitable reward. Be long-suffering towards each other in meekness, as GOD is towards you. Let me have joy of you in all things.
7. Now forasmuch as the church of Antioch in Syria, is in peace through your prayers; I have been the more comforted and without care in GOD; if so be that by suffering I shall attain unto GOD; that through your prayers I may be found a disciple of CHRIST. It will be fit, O most worthy Polycarp, to choose one who is patient of labor, that he may be the messenger of God; and that going unto Syria, he may glorify your incessant love to the praise of CHRIST. A Christian has not the power of himself, but must be always at leisure for GOD’s service. Now this work is both GOD’s and your's; when ye shall have perfected it. For I trust through the grace of GOD ye are ready to every good work that is fitting for you in the Lord.
8. I have not been able to write to all the churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis; (for so is the command of those to whose pleasure I am subject;) do you write to the churches that are near you that they also may do in like manner. I salute all by name; particularly the wife of Epitropus, with all her house, and children. I salute Attalus my well-beloved. I salute him, who shall be thought worthy to be sent by you into Syria. Let grace be ever with him, and with Polycarp who sends him. I wish you all happiness in our GOD, JESUS CHRIST; in whom continue in the unity and protection of God. Farewel in the Lord.