Writings of Early Church Fathers

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July 24, 2008 at 6:15 pm#98882

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A Christian Library – Vol 1
THE
EPISTLES
OF THE
APOSTOLICAL FATHERS,
ST. CLEMENT, ST. IGNATIUS, ST. POLYCARP:
AND
THE MARTYRDOMS
OF
ST. IGNATIUS AND ST. POLYCARP.
PARTLY TRANSLATED, AND PARTLY ABRIDGED.
VOL. 1:

TO THE READER.

1. THE authors of the following collection were contemporaries of the holy apostles: one of them bred under our Lord himself, and the others well instructed by those great men, whom he commissioned to go forth and teach all nations. We cannot therefore doubt but what they deliver to us is the pure doctrine of the gospel; what CHRIST and his apostles taught, and what these holy men had themselves received from their own mouths.
2. Nor had they only the advantage of living in the apostolical times, of hearing the holy apostles and conversing with them, but were themselves of a very eminent character in the church; men raised to the highest honor and authority; chosen by the apostles to preside in their several sees; and those some of the most eminent then in the world: such men therefore, we may be well assured, must have been carefully instructed in the mystery of the gospel, and have had a most comprehensive and perfect knowledge of the faith as it is in JESUS.
3. Had they been men of no note, no authority in the church, yet the very age wherein they lived would have rendered their discourses justly venerable to us. But now, having to do with men not only instructed in common by the apostles, with the other Christians of those days, but particularly bred up and instituted by them; having here the writings of men who had attained to so perfect a knowledge of the mystery of godliness, as to be judged worthy by the apostles themselves to be overseers of the great churches of Rome, Antioch, and Smyrna; we cannot, with any reason, doubt of what they deliver to us as the gospel of CHRIST: but ought to receive it, though not with equal veneration, yet with only little less regard than we do the sacred writings of them who were their masters and instructors.
4. Yet farther, they were not only such eminent men, and bred up. under such mighty advantages, and so thoroughly instructed in the knowledge of the gospel, but they were also persons of consummate piety; adorned with all those Christian virtues which they so affectionately recommend to us. But, especially, they were zealous watchmen over their churches; careful to instruct them in the true faith of CHRIST, and to preserve them from the contagion of those heresies, which even then began to corrupt it. Hence we read in Eusebius, with what a holy zeal Ignatius first, and then his fellow disciple, St. Polycarp, set themselves against those who taught other doctrines than what the apostles had delivered unto them: what wise directions they gave for the discovery of false teachers, and how earnestly they exhorted all the churches to keep firm to their respective bishops and presbyters, and to the apostolical doctrine derived from them.
5. To this general piety of their lives, and care for the purity of religion, we may add, their courage and constancy in the maintaining of it. And two of them, after having spent their lives in a careful administration of the great charge to which they were called, were at last made perfect through martyrdom, which they underwent with a calmness and resolution worthy both the religion they professed, and the eminent characters they had obtained in the church.
6. Such reason have we to look on the writings of these holy men, as containing the pure, uncorrupted doctrine of CHRIST. But to advance higher yet, They were not only thus qualified by these ordinary means to deliver the gospel to us, but were likewise endued with the extraordinary assistance of the Holy Spirit.
7. To be satisfied of this, we need only consider, 1. That the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, which the Scriptures themselves tell us were conferred on other believers, as well as on the apostles, continued still in the church after their departure, as is expressly testified by Justin Martyr. And that we may be assured he spoke nothing but what was undeniable, we find him urging it against Trypho the Jew, as an unanswerable argument for the Christians against the Jews, from whom those gifts had been long departed.
8. The same St. Clement declares, in his epistle to the Corinthians; where he reproves those who prided themselves in them. And St. Ignatius riot only supposes (in his salutation to the; church of Smyrna,) that such gifts might be in others, but, in his letter to the Philadelphians, plainly intimates, that he himself was endued with a large portion of them.
9. Which being so, we cannot doubt, 2ndly, but that the apostles were careful to set those over the several churches who were most eminent for these gifts; and that GOD was also pleased to grant to such persons a more than ordinary portion of his Spirit, for the better discharge of those eminent offices, to which they were called.
1O. One of the qualifications which the apostles required, even in those who were to be ordained deacons we know was, That they should be remain full of the Holy Ghost.” And accordingly it is recorded of St. Stephen, that he was full of faith and power, and did signs and wonders among the people; nor could the Jews stand against the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke. How much more careful must they have been not to admit any into the highest authority, but who were yet more eminently endued with the same gifts.
11. The plain inference is, Not only that they were not mistaken in their interpretations of the gospel of CHRIST, but that in all the necessary parts of it they were so assisted by the Holy Ghost, as to be scarce capable of mistaking. Consequently we are to look on their writings, though not of equal authority with the Holy Scriptures, (because neither were the authors of them called in so extraordinary a way to the writing them, nor endued with so large a portion of the blessed Spirit,) yet as worthy of a much greater respect than any composures which have been made since; however men have afterwards written with more art, and a greater stock of human learning than is to be found not only in the following pieces, but even in the New Testament itself.
12. Indeed the manner in which they are written, the true primitive simplicity which appears in all the parts of them, is no just objection to them, but rather a strong recommendation to all considering men. They knew the excellency of their doctrine, and the importance of the revelations which it made of the future state; and therefore they contented themselves to declare these things in a plain and simple manner; and yet with such efficacy and power as surpassed all the rhetorick in the world.
IT is no small commendation which the Holy Ghost, by St. Paul, has left us of the writer of this epistle, Phil. 4: 3, where the apostle not only mentions him as his fellow-laborer in the work of the gospel, but as one whose name was written in the book of life.
He was made bishop of Rome by the express direction of one or both the apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul: the occasion of his writing this letter seems to have been, first, The division of the church at Corinth, on account of their teachers; and, secondly, Their mistakes concerning the resurrection. St. Paul had not long before put a stop to the one, and set them right as to the other. But the evil beginning to break out afresh, St. Clement, in the epistle before us, first, takes no notice of the rise of those new seditions, and exhorts them to unity, and then, by many arguments establishes the certainty of the future resurrection.
It is most probably judged to have been written about seventy years after CHRIST, shortly after the end of Nero's persecution, and a little before the Jewish war broke, gut, which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem.

ST. CLEMENT'S EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS.

The church of GOD which sojourneth at Corinth, elect, sanctified by the will of GOD, through JE
SUS CHRIST our Lord: grace and peace be multiplied unto you, from the Almighty GOD, through JESUS CHRIST.
BRETHREN,

§ 1. BY reason of the sudden dangers and calamities which have befallen us, we may have seemed slow to consider the things you required of us: and especially that detestable and unholy sedition, strange to us, and unbecoming the elect of GOD: which a few rash and self-willed men have inflamed to such a height of madness, that their venerable and renowned name, worthy to be loved of all, has been greatly blasphemed. For who that has only sojourned among you, has not praised the firmness of your faith, adorned with all virtues? Who has not admired the wisdom and gentleness of your piety in CHRIST? Who has not published abroad the exceeding greatness of your hospitality? And accounted you happy, for your perfect and certain knowledge of the gospel. For ye did all things without respect of persons, and walked in the laws of GOD, being subject to them who had the rule over you, and giving the honor that was due to the presbyters among you.
1. The reason of his not sooner answering their letter, which had given an account of the new schism in their church.-The scandal occasioned by it.-A commendation of their preceding behavior. Ye commanded the. young men to be of a modest and serious mind: the women ye exhorted to do all things with gravity, and with an unblamable and pure conscience; loving their husbands; obeying them, and ordering their houses with all sobriety and discretion.
§ 2. Ye were all humble-minded, without arrogance, desiring rather to be subject than to govern; more ready to give than to receive; content with the portion GOD has dispensed to you: and, hearkening diligently to his word, ye were enlarged in your bowels, having his sufferings always before your eyes. Thus a firm and blessed peace was given to you all; and an insatiable desire of doing good; and a full effusion of the Holy Ghost was upon you all. Being fall of a holy intention, ye did, with great readiness of mind, and with a pious confidence, stretch forth your hands unto Almighty GOD, beseeching him to be merciful -unto you, if in any thing ye had unwillingly offended. Ye strove with GOD day and night for all the brethren, that through his mercy the number of the elect might be saved. Ye were sincere, and without guile, toward each other; ye were not mindful of injuries; all sedition and all schism was an abomination to you. Ye bewailed every one his neighbor's sins. Ye esteemed their defects your own. Ye were kind to one another without grudging, and ready, to every good work. Being adorned with an altogether virtuous and holy conversation, ye did all things in the fear of God; and the commandments of the Lord were written on the tables of your heart.
§ 3. But, when all honor and enlargement were given unto you, then was fulfilled that which is written, My beloved did eat and drink, he was enlarged, and waxed fat, and kicked.” From hence envy, and strife, and sedition, persecution, and tumult, and war, and captivity. Hence the vile rose up against the honorable, A farther commendation of their preceding behavior. 4 1. The cause and consequences of their present schism-the foolish against the wise, the young men against the, elders. Therefore righteousness and peace are now far from you, while many leave the fear of GOD, are dim sighted in the faith, and no longer walk in the commandments of GOD, neither have their conversation as becomes the gospel of CHRIST; but walk after their own desires, full of unjust and wicked envy, by which death entered into the world.
§ 4. For thus it is written, a And in process of time, it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground, an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering; but unto Cain and unto his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.” Ye see, brethren, envy wrought the death of a brother. For this our father Jacob fled from the face of his brother Esau: this caused Joseph to be persecuted to the death, and come into bondage. For envy Aaron and Miriam were shut out of the camp. Envy sent Dathan and Abiram quick into hell, because they were seditious against Moses the servant of God. For this David underwent not only the hate of strangers, but was persecuted by Saul, the king of Israel.
§ 5. But to\cease from ancient examples, let us come to those combatants who have been nearest to us; let us take the examples of our own age. Through envy the faithful and most righteous pillars of the church have been persecuted even to the most grievous deaths. Let us set before our eyes the holy apostles. Peter, by unjust envy, underwent his many sufferings; till at last, being martyred, he went to the place of glory that was due to him. Through envy did Paul receive the reward ( 4, 5, f. Examples of the ill effects of envy of his patience, having been seven times in bonds, having been scourged, stoned; having preached both in the east and in the west; having taught the whole world righteousness, and traveled to the utmost bounds of the west, and borne testimony before rulers, he left the world, and went unto the holy place; leaving behind him a glorious report of his faith, and a most eminent pattern of patience.
§ 6. To these holy men has been joined a great number of others, who having through envy endured many torments, have left us a glorious example. Even women, persecuted through envy, having suffered grievous tortures, have finished the course of the faith, and weak as they were in body, have attained a great reward.
§ 7. These things, brethren, we write unto you, not only for your instruction, but also for our own remembrance. For we are in the same lists, and engaged in the same combat. Let us lay aside all vain and useless cares, and let us come up to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling. Let us consider what is good, and acceptable, and well pleasing in the sight of him that made us. Let us fix our eye on the blood of CHRIST, and see how precious it is before GOD, which, being shed for our salvation, brought the grace of repentance to all the world. Let us look diligently to all ages, and learn that our Lord has always given place for repentance, to all who desire to turn to him. Noah preached repentance, and they who hearkened to him were saved. Jonah denounced destruction against the Ninevites; yet they, repenting of their sins, appeased GOD by their prayers, and received salvation, although they were strangers to the covenant of God.
§ 8. All the ministers of the grace of GOD have, by the Holy Spirit, spoken of repentance. And even the Lord of all, has spoken concerning it with an oath, 7. An exhortation to repentance, 8. Promises to the penitent. ” As I live, says the Lord, I desire not the death of a sinner, but that he should repent;” adding this good sentence, ” Turn ye from your sins, for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
§ 9. Wherefore let us obey his excellent and glorious will, and, imploring his compassion and goodness, fall down before him, and turn ourselves to his mercy. Laying aside all vain labor, and contention, and envy, which leadeth unto death; let us fix our eyes on those who have perfectly ministered to his excellent glory. Look on Enoch, who, being found upright and obedient, was translated, and his death was not found. Noah, being found faithful by his ministry, preached regeneration to the world: and the Lord saved by him all the creatures that entered with one accord into the ark.
§ 1O. Abraham, named the friend of GOD, was found faithful, in obeying the words of God. By obedience he went out of his own land, and from his kindred, and his father's house; that, forsaking a narrow land, and a weak kindred, and a small house, he might inherit the promises of God.
§ 11. By faith was Lot saved
out of Sodom, when all the country round was destroyed by fire and brimstone, the Lord showing, that he will not forsake them that trust in him, but that he will bring the disobedient to punishment. For his wife, who went out with him, being not of the same mind, was set for a sign; and is a pillar of salt unto this day; that all may know, that the double-minded, and they who distrust the power of GOD, become a condemnation, and a sign to all ages.
§ 12. By faith and hospitality was Rahab saved. For when the spies were sent by Joshua the son of Nun to search out Jericho, she would not discover them unto the messengers of the king. Then she said to them, ” I know that the Lord your GOD has given this city into your hands. When therefore ye shall have taken it, ye shall save me and my father's house.” And they gave her a sign, that she should hang out of her house a scarlet thread: a type of the blood of our Lord, whereby should be redemption to all who believe and trust in God.
§ 13. Let us therefore humble ourselves, brethren, laying aside all arrogance, and pride, and foolishness, and anger. Let us-remember the words of our Lord JESUS, ” Be ye merciful, and ye shall obtain mercy; forgive and ye shall be forgiven.” By this command and these rules, let us establish ourselves, that so we may always walk obediently to his holy words.
§ 14, 15. It is therefore just and righteous, men and brethren, that we obey GOD, and not the authors of sedition and discord; considering, the danger of giving ourselves up to turbulent men, estranged from that which is good. But let us be kind to one another, according to the compassion and sweetness of him that made us. Arid let us hold fast to those who follow peace in sincerity, not with those who “bless with their mouth, but curse with their heart.”
§ 16, 17, 1S. CHRIST is theirs who are humble, not who exalt themselves over his flock. The sceptre of the majesty of GOD, our Lord JESUS CHRIST, came not in the pomp of pride and arrogance, but in lowliness and humility. He was as ” a worm and no man, a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” Ye see, beloved, what a pattern is set before us: and if our Lord thus humbled himself, what should we do?
§ 19. In humility then let us return to the mark of peace which was given to us from the beginning. Let us steadfastly behold the Father and Creator of the universe, and hold fast his glorious and exceeding great gifts and benefits. Let us see him with our understanding, and with the eyes of our soul behold his long-suffering will let us consider, how gentle and patient he is, toward his whole creation.
§ 2O. The heavens continue unshaken by his appointment, and are subject to him in peace. Day and night fulfill their allotted course, and hinder not each other. The sun and moon, and all the quires of stars, run the race he has commanded in concord. The fruitful earth yields her food plentifully in its season, to all the animals that are thereon, according to his will, not disputing or altering any thing of what he has ordered. The floods of the great deep, gathered together by him, pass not the bounds which he has appointed for them. The impassible ocean and the worlds beyond, are governed by the same Lord. Spring and summer, autumn and winter, give place to each other in peace. The winds in their courses fulfill their ministry, each in his appointed season. The eternal springs never fail to reach out their breasts, for the health and delight of man. The very smallest of creatures, join together in unity and mutual peace. All these has the great Creator and Lord of all, commanded to abide in peace and concord; who does good to all, but more abundantly to us, who have fled to his mercies, through our Lord JESUS CHRIST: to whom be glory and majesty for ever and ever. Amen.
§ 21. Take heed, my beloved, that his many blessings be not to us to condemnation, if we walk not worthy of him, doing with one consent the things that are good. and well-. pleasing in his sight. Let us consider,, how near he is, and that nothing of our words or thoughts is hid from him. Let us not therefore leave the rank assigned us by his will. Let us offend foolish and unreasonable men,
lifted up and glorifying in the arrogance of their own wisdom, rather than God. Let us reverence our Lord JESUS CHRIST, whose blood was given for us. Let us honor those that are over us in the Lord; let us respect our elders; let us train up our young men in the fear of the Lord. Our women let us guide into that which is good. Let them show forth a purity, worthy of all love; let them be patterns of sincerity and meekness: the government of their tongues let them manifest by their silence. Let them show their love, not with respect of persons, but alike toward all those who fear GOD in holiness. Let their children partake of the discipline of CHRIST. Let them learn how great power humility has with God; how much holy love avails with him: how the fear of him is good and great, and saves all those, who with a pure mind turn to him in holiness. For he is a searcher of the thoughts and intents of the heart. His breath is in us: and when he will, he takes it away.
§ 24. Let us consider, beloved, how the Lord continually shows us the resurrection which is to come; of which he had made our Lord JESUS CHRIST the first fruits, raising him from the dead. Behold the types thereof in every season: the night lies down, the day arises again, the day goes, and the night comes on. Let us behold the fruits of the earth: how the seed is sown. The sower went forth and cast it into “the ground. It fell naked and dry: it was afterwards. dissolved: then from that dissolution, the great power of GOD raiseth it up again, and it increases and brings forth fruit.
§ 26, 27. In this hope, therefore, let our souls cleave to him, who is faithful in his promises, and righteous in his judgments. He has commanded us not to lie. Much less will he himself. For nothing is impossible to GOD, but to lie. Let us then stir up our faith, and consider, that all things are nigh unto him. By the word of his majesty he made all things and by a word he is able to destroy them. `' « ho shall say unto him, what dost you?” or who shall resist the power of his strength? When he pleases, and as he pleases, he does all things.; and of all he has determined, nothing passes away. All things are continually in his sight; nor path any thing been hid from him.
§ 28. Seeing then he sees and heareth all things, let us fear him, and lay aside our unholy desires, that his mercy may cover us from the wrath to come. For whither can any of us flee from his mighty hand? What world will receive those that flee from him? ” If we ascend into heaven, he is there: if we go down to hell, he is there also.” Whither shall a man go, or whither shall he run, from him who containeth all things.
§ 29. An exhortation to purity, grounded on the omnipresence ~f GOD, and enforced by his mercy, to his servants. 3O. Cautions against detraction and several other vices.
§ 3O. Wherefore let us do all the things that pertain to holiness, fleeing all evil speaking, and unholy embraces, drunkenness, youthful lusts, and abominable desires. Let us join ourselves closely to those, to whom GOD has given his grace: and let us put on concord, lowliness, temperance, keeping ourselves far from all whispering and evil-speaking. Let us give praise to GOD, not to ourselves; for self-praises GOD hateth. Let the testimony of our good actions be given by others, as it was given to our holy fathers. Confidence, and arrogance and boldness are with the accursed of GOD; but mildness and lowliness with those that are blessed of him.
§ 31. Enforced by examples.
§ 32. All the holy men of old were glorified and magnified, not for their own sakes, or for the sake of their own works, or for the righteousness which they themselves had wrought, but through his will. And we in like manner, being called through his will in CHRIST JESUS, are not justified by ourselves, neither by our own wisdom, or knowledge or godliness, or by the works which we have
wrought in holiness of heart, but by faith; by which the Almighty GOD has justified all men from the beginning; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
§ 33. What shall we do then, brethren? Shall we let go our love, and grow slothful in doing good? GOD forbid but let us make haste with earnestness and diligence, to fulfill every good work. Even the Creator and Lord of all rejoiceth in his works. By his sovereign power has he established the heavens, and adorned them by his incomprehensible wisdom: he divided the earth from the surrounding water, and fixed it as an unshaken' tower, on the foundation of his will. The living creatures thereof he spoke into being: and having created the sea, with all the creatures that are therein, he shut them up there by his power. Above all, with his holy hands he formed man, the most excellent, and, as to his understanding, the greatest of all the creatures; the character of his own image. Having therefore such an example, let us vigorously fulfill his will, and with all our strength work the works of righteousness.
§ 34. The good workman with confidence receives the bread of his labor: but the slothful and remiss cannot bear to meet the eye of his master. Let us therefore be ready and forward in well-doing; for he, of whence are all things, has told us before, “Behold the Lord, and his reward is before his face, to render unto every man according to his work.” Therefore he exhorteth us, to set upon every good work, not slothfully or negligently, but with all our heart. And let our glorying and our confidence be in him. Let us submit ourselves to his will. Let us consider the whole multitude of his angels, how ready they stand to minister unto his will. For the scripture says, “Thousands, of thousands minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stand before him, and cry, holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Sabbaoth; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Let us also, being gathered together in love, as with one mouth, fervently cry unto him, that we way be partakers of his great and glorious promises, such as “eye has not seen, nor ear heard.”
§ 35. How blessed and wonderful, beloved, are the gifts of God? Life and immortality, righteousness and glory! truth and boldness of speech, faith and confidence, temperance and holiness! And all these things fall under our understanding. What then are those which are prepared for them that wait for him? The Creator, the Father of ages, the all-holy, The knows the greatness and excellence of them. Let us therefore agonize to be found in the number of them that wait for him, that we may partake thereof. And this shall we do, if our understanding be established by faith in God; if we seek the things which are pleasing and acceptable unto him; if we
do whatever is agreeable to his perfect will, and follow the way of truth.
§ 36. This is the way, beloved, wherein we find our Savior, JESUS CHRIST, the high-priest of our offerings, the defender and helper of our weakness. Through him we can fix our eye upon the height of heaven: through him we behold, as in a glass, the glorious face of the Most High. Through him have the eyes of our hearts been opened. Through him our darkened and foolish understanding again rejoices in his marvelous light. It has pleased GOD that through him we should taste the knowledge of immortality; who is ” the brightness of his glory, the express image of his person:” unto whom he has said, ” Sit you on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” But who are his enemies? even those who oppose their own will to the will of God.
§ 37, 38. Let us therefore, my brethren, with all earnestness, fight the good fight of faith. Let us observe duties. Those who fight under earthly leaders: with “what order and readiness, and exact obedience, they perform what is commanded them. All are not generals, nor commanders of thousands; but every one in his own rank does that which is commanded him. And thus do all the members conspire together, for the preservation of the whole body. Let therefore our whole body be saved in JESUS CHRIST; and let every man be subject to his neighbor, according to the gift he has received. Let not the strong despise the weak; and let the weak see that he reverence the strong. Let the rich man dispense to the necessities of the poor; and let the poor man bless GOD, that he has given one unto him, by whom what is wanting to him may be supplied. Let the wise show his wisdom, not in words, but in good works. Let. the humble not bear witness to himself, but leave it to another to bear witness of him. Let not the chaste glory in himself, knowing that it is another who gives him that gift. Let us all consider whereof we are made, and how we came into the world, as it were out of a sepulcher, and out of darkness. He who made us and formed us, brought us into his own world, having prepared his benefits for us, before we were born. Having therefore all these things from him, we ought in all to give thanks unto him. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
§ 4O. We ought also, looking into the depths of the Divine knowledge, to do all things in order, whatsoever the Lord has commanded to be done. We ought to make our oblations, and to perform our holy offices at their appointed seasons. For these he has commanded to be done, not irregularly or by chance, but at determinate times and hours; as he has likewise ordained by his supreme will, where, and by what persons they shall be performed: that so all things being done according to his pleasure, may be acceptable in his sight. Blessed therefore are they who make their offerings at the appointed seasons; for following the commands of their Lord, they sin not. The same care ought to be had with regard to the persons who minister in holy things. For to the chief priest are his peculiar offices given; and to the priests is their proper place appointed and to the Levites pertain their own ministries. And the layman is bound by what is commanded to laymen.
§ 41. Let every one of you therefore, brethren, bless GOD in his proper station; preserving a conscience void of offence in. all holiness, not transgressing the appointed rule of his service. The Jewish sacrifices are offered only at the appointed place, and by the appointed ministers. And they who do any thing otherwise than is ordained by his will, are punished with death. And you know, that by how much the more knowledge we have received, by so much the greater is our danger.
§ 42, 43. The apostles preached to us from our Lord JESUS CHRIST: JESUS CHRIST from God. Therefore CHRIST was sent by GOD, and the apostles by CHRIST: all this was accordingly done in order, agreeably to the will of God. They therefore having received a command, and being thoroughly assured by the resurrection of our Lord, and confirmed by the word of GOD, went forth with the full assurance of the Holy Spirit, preaching the kingdom of God. And thus preaching through all cities and countries, they constituted the first-fruits of them, having provided them by the Spirit, bishops and ministers over such as should afterwards believe.
§ 44. The apostles knew by the Lord JESUS CHRIST, that there would be contention about the name of bishoprick. And having received perfect knowledge of this before, they not only constituted those we have named, but farther gave direction that when they should die, other approved men should succeed in their ministry. Those therefore ought not to be cast out of their ministry, who have been constituted by the apostles; or afterwards by other excellent men, with the consent of the whole church; and who have ministered unblamably to the flock of CHRIST, with all lowliness, in peace and sobriety. For it is not a small crime, to throw those out of their bishop rick who have behaved honestly and unblamably therein.
§ 45. Ye are contentious, brethren, and zealous about things which do not pertain to salvation. Look into the Scriptures, the true words of the Holy Ghost. Ye know, nothing false or feigned is written therein. And there ye find not the just rejected by holy men.
The righteous were persecuted; but by sinners only. They were imprisoned, but it was by unholy men; they were killed, they were stoned, but it was by transgressors; by men corrupt and abominable, and inflamed with an unrighteous zeal men so full of rage and of all wickedness, as to torment those, who worshipped GOD with a holy and unblamable mind: not knowing that the Most High fighteth for, and defends, all who serve him with a pure conscience. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
§ 49, 5O. He that has the love that is in CHRIST, let him keep the commandments of CHRIST. Who can declare the bond of the love of GOD? Who is sufficient worthily to express the magnificence of its beauty? The height to which love exalts us cannot be spoken. Love unites us to Cod. Love covereth a multitude of sins. Love is long-sufferings, yea, bears all things. There is nothing mean in love, there is nothing haughty. Love has no schism, is not seditious. Love does all things in unity. By love were all the elect of GOD made perfect. without love nothing is acceptable to God. Through love has JESUS CHRIST our Lord received us: through his love to us has he given his blood for us, his flesh for our flesh by the will of GOD, and his soul for our souls.
Ye see, beloved, how great and wonderful a thing love is, and that no words can declare its perfection. Who then is sufficient to be found therein? Who but they whom GOD vouchsafes to teach it. Let us therefore beseech him that we may be worthy thereof, that we may live in love, unblamable, without respect of persons. All the generations from Adam unto this day are passed away: but those who were made perfect in love, are in the region of the just, and shall appear in glory at the visitation of the kingdom of CHRIST. Happy then are we, beloved, if we fulfill the commandments of GOD in the unity of love, that so, through love our sins inay be forgiven us. For ” blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” And this blessing comes on those who are elected by GOD, through JESUS CHRIST our Lord. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
§ 51, 52. Let us therefore, as many as have transgressed, pray for pardon: especially those who were the authors of the sedition and schism among you. It is better for a man to confess his sins, than to harden his heart. Pharaoh and his host, and all the princes of Egypt, together with all their chariots and horsemen, were swallowed up, and perished in the red sea, for no other cause than this, because they hardened their hearts, after so great signs wrought in the land of Egypt, by Moses the servant of God. Beloved, GOD wants nothing: neither does he desire any thing of any man, but that he should confess his sins unto him.
§ 53. Ye know, beloved, ye fully know, the Holy Scriptures. Ye have thoroughly searched the oracles of God. Consider then the love which Moses bare to his brethren. When the Lord had said unto him, ” I have seen this people, and behold it is a stiff-necked people. Now therefore let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their names from under heaven:” he said, ” Not so, Lord, forgive now this people their sin. Or if you wilt not, blot me also out of the book of the living.” O excellent love! O unsupportable perfection! the servant speaks freely to his Lord, and beseecheth him to forgive the people, or to blot out him with them!
§ 54. Who then is generous, who is compassionate, who is full of love among you? Let him say,’ If sedition arise through me, if contentions or schisms, I go wheresoever ye please, I do whatsoever ye command me. Only let the flock of CHRIST be again in peace, with the elders who have been set over it.” These things they whose conversation is right towards GOD, have done, and will ever do. Nay, even of the heathens, many have given up themselves unto death, that they might save their country from destruction. And we know how many among ourselves have given up themselves unto bonds, that they might redeem their neighbor from them: and how many have sold themselves unto slavery, that with the price of themselves they might feed their brethren.
§ 56. Let us pray for such as are in sin, that they may receive the meekness and humility to submit, not unto us, but unto the will of God. For so there shall be unto them a fruitful and merciful remembrance before God Viz. and forsake them, turning to GOD in faith, love, and new obedience and his holy ones. And let us receive correction, at which no one ought to be displeased; for the reproof and the correction which we exercise toward one another is good and highly profitable, seeing it unites us to the will of God.
§ 57. Ye therefore who laid the foundation of this schism, submit to your elders, and learn repentance. Bend ye the knees of your heart, and learn to be in subjection, laying aside your proud and arrogant boasting. For it is better for you that ye be small in the flock of CHRIST, than that ye be highly exalted, and be cast out of his fold.
§ 58. The all-seeing GOD, the Father of spirits, and Lord of all flesh, who has chosen our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and us by him to be a peculiar people, grant to every soul that calls on his glorious and holy name, faith, fear, peace, patience, long-suffering, temperance, holiness and wisdom, unto all well-pleasing in his sight, through our high-priest and protector JESUS CHRIST; by whom be glory and majesty, power and honor unto him, both now and for evermore. Amen.
§ 59. The messengers whom we have sent unto you, Claudius, Ephebus, Valerius Bito and Fortunatus, send back speedily unto us in peace and joy, that they may the sooner inform us of your peace and unity, which we pray and long for; and that we also may the sooner rejoice in your prosperity. The grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST be with you, and with all every where who are called of GOD through him. To whom be honor and glory, and might and majesty, and eternal dominion, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen.
THE character of St. Polycarp, the angel or bishop of the church in Smyrna, sufficiently appears from the words of our Lord, in the Revelation, 2: 9, &c. ” I know thy works and tribulation, and poverty; but you art rich-fear none of these things which you shall sufferbe you faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
He wrote this letter to the Philippians, as appears from several passages of the letter itself, about or a little after the time, of the martyrdom of St. Ignatius; that is, at the end of the year 116, or in the beginning of 117; when he had not as yet heard the particular circumstances of the sufferings of that glorious martyr. It is here placed before the epistles of St. Ignatius, although it was written after them; both because it is a fit introduction to them, and because it was probably so placed by Polycarp himself. For thus he speaks to the Philippians, “The epistles of Ignatius we have sent unto you,-which are subjoined to this epistle.”

July 24, 2008 at 6:22 pm#98884

Hanoch

Participant

ST IGNATIUS

TO THE READER.

OF ST. IGNATIUS'S EPISTLES

EUSEBIUS informs us, That as * Ignatius was on his way to Rome, in order to be cast to the wild beast
s, he not only confirmed the churches through which he passed, but wrote to the chief of those that were near, in the following order
First, from Smyrna, where he tarried some time with his fellow-disciple, St. Polycarp, he wrote to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians and Romans; and being gone on to Troas, he thence wrote to the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna, and a particular letter to Polycarp.
And with the descriptions which Polycarp and Eusebius have left us of the epistles of this holy man, the following fully agree; as they (likewise exactly with those numerous quotations (produced at large, and compared together by Bishop Pearson,) which the ancient fathers have made out of them.

EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church which is at Ephesus in ~4sia, blessed in the greatness andfulness of GOD the Father, predestinated, before all worlds, to an enduring, eternal, unchangeable glory, united and elected through his true passion, in the will of the Father and JESUS CHRIST our GOD, all health in JESUS CHRIST, and his holy grace.

§ 1. I HAVE heard of your name, much beloved in GOD, which ye have justly obtained, by faith and love in JESUS CHRIST our Savior, being followers of GOD, and stirring up yourselves by the blood of CHRIST to finish and perfect works answerable thereto. Ye heard that I cane bound from Syria, for the common name and hope, trusting to obtain through your prayer, that I may fight with beasts at Rome, so that by martyrdom I may attain to be a disciple of Him, “who gave himself to GOD an offering and sacrifice for us.” 1 received therefore, in the name of GOD, your whole multitude in Onesimus, your bishop, whom I love with love unspeakable; whom I beseech you all to love in JESUS CHRIST, and to be followers together of Him. Blessed be GOD who has given such a bishop to you who were worthy of him.
2. Concerning my fellow-servant Burrhus, according to the will of GOD your deacon, blessed in all things, I pray that he may remain to the honor of you and of your bishop, Crocus also, worthy of GOD and you, whom I have received as a pattern of your love, has refreshed me in all things, as the Father of our Lord JESUS CHRIST shall refresh him, with Onesimus, and Burrhus, and Euplus, and Fronto, in whom I have seen the love of you all. And may I have joy of you always, if I am worthy! Ye ought therefore, in all manner of ways, to glorify JESUS CHRIST, who has glorified us; that by an uniform obedience, ye maybe “perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment, and may all speak the same thing;” and that, being subject to the bishop and the presbyters, ye may be sanctified in all things.
3. I do not command you, as being somebody; for though I am bound for his name, I am not yet made perfect in JESUS CHRIST. But I now begin to be a disciple, and I speak unto you as to any fellow-disciples. I ought indeed to have been stirred up by you, in faith, patience, and long-suffering. But love not suffering me to be silent, I first exhort you, that ye together fulfill the will of God. JESUS CHRIST, our hidden life, shows us the will of the Father; and by the will of JESUS CHRIST are the bishops, who are appointed unto the ends of the earth:
4. Ye ought, therefore, to fulfill the will of your bishop, as indeed ye do; to whom your venerable presbytery, worthy of GOD, are fitly joined as strings to a harp, by. whose concord and harmony of love, JESUS CHRIST is sung. And be ye the quire, that so being consonant in love, and taking up the song of GOD, ye may in `unity sing with one voice to the Father, through JESUS CHRIST. So shall he hear you, and acknowledge by your works, that ye are members of his Son. Wherefore it is profitable for you to live in unblaimable unity, that ye may always partake of God.
5. Happy are ye who are so joined with your bishop, as the church with JESUS CHRIST, and JESUS CHRIST with the Father, that all things may agree in unity. Let no man deceive himself. If a man be not within the altar; he is deprived of the bread of God. But, if the prayer of one or two have such force, how much more that of the bishop and the whole church? He, therefore, who goes not to the public assembly is proud, and has passed his own sentence; for “GOD resisteth the proud.” Let us take heed, therefore, not to resist the bishop, that we may be found obedient to God.
6. For whomsoever the master of the house sends to be over his household, we ought to receive him, as him that. sent him. It is therefore manifest, that we ought to look on the bishop as on the Lord himself. And indeed Onesimus himself greatly commends your good order in GOD: that ye all live according to the truth, and that no heresy dwells among you. For ye do not hearken to any one, more than to JESUS CHRIST, speaking to you in truth.
7. But sonic deceitfully bear the name of CHRIST, and yet do things unworthy of God. Flee from these as from wild beasts. For they are ravening dogs, that bite secretly. Guard yourselves against them; for they are hard to be cured. There is one physician, both fleshly and spiritual, made and not made, GOD incarnate, true life in death, both of Mary and of GOD, first passible, then impassible.
8. Wherefore let no man deceive you. Nor indeed are ye deceived, being wholly GOD’s. For so long as there is no contention among you to trouble you, ye live according to God. My soul be for your's, for your church at Ephesus, whose name shall endure to all ages. They that are of the flesh cannot do the works of the Spirit, neither they that are of the Spirit the works of the flesh: as faith cannot do the works of unbelief, neither unbelief the works of faith. But even those worldly works which ye do are spiritual; for ye
do all things in JESUS CHRIST.
9. But I have known some who came among you, having perverse doctrine, whom ye suffered not to sow in you, stopping your ears, that ye might receive nothing from them. For ye are living stones, prepared for the building, the temple of GOD the Father, and lifted up on high by the Holy Ghost, through the cross of JESUS, CHRIST. Your faith is your support, and your charity the way that leadeth to God. Ye, therefore, with all your companions in the same journey, are spiritual temples, full of GOD, full of CHRIST, full of holiness; adorned in all things with the commands of JESUS CHRIST: with whom I rejoice that I have been counted worthy to converse by this epistle, and to joy with you, that having your eye fixed on that other life, ye love nothing but GOD only.
1O. And pray without ceasing for other men. For there is hope of their repentance, that they may attain unto God. Suffer them, therefore, to be instructed by your works. Be ye meek at their anger, humble at their boastings; return your prayers to their blasphemies; to their error, your steadfastness in the faith. At their fierceness be ye gentle, not endeavoring to imitate them: (but let us be their brethren in mildness, endeavoring to imitate the Lord. For who was ever more unjustly treated than he? who more outraged? who more set at nought?) that no plant of the devil may be found among you. But continue in all holiness and sobriety, through CHRIST JESUS, both in body and spirit.
11. The last times are come. Let us be ashamed. Let us fear the long-suffering of GOD, that it be not unto condemnation.. Either let us fear the wrath to come, or love the present grace: one of the two.” Only let us be found in CHRIST JESUS, unto true life. without him, let nothing he worthy of you. For him I bear about these bonds, these spiritual jewels; in which may arise through your prayer; whereof let me always be a partaker, that I may be found in the lot of the Christians of Ephesus, who have always agreed with the apostles, through the power of JESUS CHRIST.
12. I know who I am, and to whom I write. I am a condemned man; ye are they that have found mercy II am in danger; ye are established: ye are the passage of those who are slain into God: the fellow-disciples of the holy, the martyred, the worthily-happy Paul: at
whose feet may I be found, when I shall have attained unto GOD; who, in all his epistle, makes mention of you in CHRIST JESUS.
13. Labor, therefore, to come more frequently together, to the praise and glory of God. For when ye frequently come together, the powers of SATAN are destroyed, and his mischief is dissolved by the concord of your faith. For nothing is better than peace, whereby all war is destroyed, both of things in heaven and things on earth.
14. Nothing of this is hid from you, if ye have perfect faith in JESUS CHRIST, and love, which are the beginning and the end of life:. faith is the beginning, love the end: aid both being joined in one, are of God. All other things pertaining to perfect holiness follow. For no man that path faith sins;. and none that has love hateth any man. The tree is made manifest by its fruits. So Christians shall be known by their deeds. For it is not the work of an outward profession; but in the power of faith, if a man endure unto the end.
15. It is better to be silent and be a Christian, than to talk and not be a Christian. It is good to teach, if he that speaks does also. There is one Master who spoke and it was done. And even what things he did' without speaking, were worthy of the Father. He that truly possesseth the word of JESUS, can hear even his silence, that he may be perfect, that he may work by the things which he speaks, and may be known by the things he does in silence. There is nothing hid
from the Lord, but even our secret things are nigh -into him. Let us therefore do all things as having GOD dwelling in us, that we may be his temples, and he may be in us, and be our God. As also he is, and will manifest himself before our face: wherefore we justly love him.
16. Be not deceived, my brethren. Fornicators and adulterers a shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” But if these corrupters suffered death, how much more he% who by evil doctrine corrupts the faith of GOD, for which JESUS CHRIST was crucified? He that is thus defiled, shall depart into unquenchable fire; and so also shall he that heareth him.
17. As our Lord received on his head the sweet smelling ointment, so he breathes incorruption upon his church. Be not ye anointed with the filthy doctrine of the prince of this world, lest he carry you away captive from the life which is set before you. Why are ye not all wise, who have received the knowledge of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS? Why do we perish in our folly, not considering the gift, which is sent unto us of the Lord?
18. Let my life be sacrificed for the cross, which is a stumbling-block to them that believe not, but to us salvation and life everlasting. Where is the wise man? Where is the disputer? Where is the boasting of them who are called men of understanding? Our GOD, JESUS CHRIST, was, according to the dispensation of GOD, conceived in Mary, of the seed of David, by the Holy GhosL’He was born, he was baptized, that thereby he might sanctify water to the washing away of sin.
19. By his death all the power of magic was dissolved; every band of wickedness vanished away; ignorance was taken away, and the ancient kingdom destroyed; GOD appearing in the form of a man, for the renewal of eternal life. Then began what is already perfected in the counsel of God. From thence all things were moved; forasmuch as GOD has determined to abolish death.
2O. If it be the will of the Lord, I shall write unto you again more fully of these things. Especially if the Lord shall reveal unto me that ye all come together in one faith, obeying your bishop and your presbytery with entire affection, and breaking one and the same bread, which is the medicine of immortality, our antidote that we should not die, but live for ever in CHRIST JESUS.
21. My soul be for your's, and their's whom ye have sent, to the glory of GOD, even unto Smyrna, from whence I write to you; giving thanks unto the Lord, and loving Polycarp, even as I do you. Be mindful of me, as JESUS CHRIST of you. Pray for the church which is in Syria, from whence I am carried bound to Rome, the least of all the faithful who are there. Fare ye well in GOD the Father, and in JESUS CHRIST, our common hope!

ST. IGNATIUS'S
EPISTLE TO THE MAGNESIANS.
ST. IGNATIUS'S EPISTLE
TO THE MAGNESIANS.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the blessed church, by the grace of GOD the Father, in JESUS CHRIST our Savior; in whom I salute the church which is at Magnesia, near the 11lceander, and wish it all joy in GOD the Father, andin JESUS CHRIST.
1. WHEN I heard of your well-ordered love in GOD, being full of joy, I desired much to speak unto you, in the faith of JESUS CHRIST. For having been thought worthy to obtain a most excellent name, in the bonds which I carry about, I salute the churches; wishing in them a union both of the body and spirit of JESUS CHRIST, our eternal life; as also of faith and charity, to which nothing is preferred: but especially of JESUS and the Father; in whom, if we undergo all the injuries of the prince of this present world, and escape, we shall enjoy God.
2. Seeing then I have been judged worthy to see you, by Damas, your most excellent bishop, and by your presbyters, Bassus and Apollorius, and by my fellow servant Sotio, the deacon, in whom I rejoice, I determined to write unto you.
3. It will become you not to despise your bishop on the account of his youth; but to yield all reverence to him according to the power of GOD the Father, as also I perceive your holy presbyters do; submitting to him, or rather not to him, but to the Father of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, the Bishop of us all.
4. Seeing all things have an end, there are these two set before us, death and life; and every one shall depart into his proper place. For there are two sorts of men, the one of GOD, the other of the world; and each of these have their proper inscription. The unbelievers are of this world; but the faithful, through charity, have the character of GOD the Father, by JESUS CHRIST by whom, if we are not ready to die, after the likeness of his passion, his life is not in us.
5. I exhort you that ye study to do all things in concord; your bishop presiding in the place of GOD; your presbyters in the place of the council of the apostles; and your deacons, most dear to me, being entrusted with the ministry of JESUS CHRIST; who was with the Father before all ages, and appeared in the end to us. See that ye all reverence one another: and let no one look upon his neighbor after the flesh; but do ye all love each other in JESUS CHRIST. Let there be no division among you; but be ye united to your bishop, and those who preside over you, to be your pattern and direction in the way to immortality.
6. As, therefore, the Lord did nothing without the Father, neither by himself, nor yet by his apostles; so neither do ye do any thing without your bishop and presbyters; neither endeavor to do any thing yourselves apart: but being come together in the same place, have one common prayer; one supplication; one mind; one hope; in charity and in joy undefiled. There is one Lord JESUS CHRIST, than whom nothing is better. Wherefore come ye all together as unto one temple of GOD; as to one altar; as to one JESUS CHRIST; who proceeded from one Father, and exists in one, and is returned to one.
7. Be not deceived with strange doctrines, nor with old fables, which are unprofitable. For if we still con= tinue to live according to the Jewish law, we do confess ourselves not to have received grace. For even the most holy prophets lived according to CHRIST JESUS. And for this cause were they persecuted, being inspired by his grace to convince the unbelievers and disobedient that there is one GOD, who has manifested himself by JESUS CHRIST his Son; who is the Eternal Word, who in all things pleased him that sent him.
8. Let us not then be insensible of his goodness; for, should he have dealt with us according to our works, we had not now had a being. Wherefore, being his disciples, let us learn to live according to the rules of Christianity: for whosoever
is called by any other name besides this, he is not of God. Lay aside, therefore, the old and evil leaven; and be ye changed into the new leaven, which is JESUS CHRIST.
9. These things, my beloved, I write unto you; not that I know of any among you that he under error: but, as one of the least among you, I forewarn you that ye fall not into the snares of vain doctrine; but that ye be fully instructed in the birth, and suffering, and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST, our hope; which was accomplished in the time of Pontius Pilate; and from which, GOD forbid that any among you should be turned aside.
1O. May I, therefore, have joy of you in all things, if I shall be worthy of it. For though I am bound, yet am I not worthy to be compared to one of you that are at liberty. I know that ye are not puffed up; for ye have JESUS CHRIST in your hearts. And especially when I commend you, I know that ye are ashamed.
11. Study,, therefore, to be confirmed in the doctrine of our Lord, and of his apostles; that so, whatsoever ye do, ye may prosper both in body and spirit: in faith and love; in the Son, and in the Father, and in the Holy Spirit; in the beginning, and in the end. Be subject to your bishop, and to one another, as JESUS CHRIST to the Father, according to the flesh; and the apostles both to CHRIST and to the Father, and to the Holy Ghost; that so ye may be united both in body and spirit.
12. Knowing you to be full of GOD, I have the more briefly exhorted you. Be mindful of me in your prayers, that I may attain unto GOD: and of the church which is in Syria, from which I am not worthy to be called. I stand in need of your joint prayers in GOD, and of your love, that the church which is in Syria may be thought worthy to be nourished by your church.
13. The Ephesians salute you, from which place I write unto you, (being present here to the glory of GOD, in like manner as you are,) who have in all things refreshed me, together with Polycarp, the bishop of the Smyrnwans. The rest of the churches, in the honor of JESUS CHRIST, salute you. Farewell, and be ye strengthened in the concord of GOD, enjoying his inseparable Spirit, which is JESUS CHRIST.

ST. IGNATIUS’S
EPISTLE TO THE TRALLIANS

Ignatius, who is also called Thaeophorus, to the holy church which is at Tralles in Asia; beloved of GOD, the Father of JESUS CHRIST, elect, and worthy of GOD, having peace' through the flesh, and blood, and passion of JESUS CHRIST our hope, in the resurrection which is by him; which also I salute in the fullness of blessing, in the apostolical character, wishing all joy and happiness unto it.

1. I HAVE heard of your blameless and constant disposition through patience, which not only appears in, your outward conversation, but is naturally rooted and grounded in you; in like manner as Polybius your bishop has declared unto me, who came to me to Smyrna, by the will of GOD and JESUS CHRIST, and so rejoiced together with me in my bonds for JESUS CHRIST, that in effect I saw your whole church in him. Having therefore received the testimony of your good will towards me for GOD’s sake, by him, I knew that ye were the followers of God.
2. For whereas ye are subject to your bishop as to JESUS CHRIST, ye live not after the manner of men, but according to CHRIST, who died for us; that so believing in his death, ye might escape death. It is therefore necessary, that, without your bishop, you should do nothing: also be ye subject to your presbyters, as to the apostles of JESUS CHRIST, our hope; in whom if we walk, we shall be found in him. The deacons also, as being the ministers of the mysteries of JESUS CHRIST, must by all means please all. For they are not the ministers of meat and drink, but of the church of God. Wherefore they must avoid all offences, as they would do fire.
3. Concerning all which, I am persuaded that ye think after the very same manner: for I have received, and even now have with me, the pattern of your love in your bishop. Whose very look is instructive, and whose mildness powerful. But because I have a love towards you, I will not write sharply, lest, being a condemned man, I should seem to prescribe to you as an apostle.
4. I have great knowledge in God; but I refrain myself, lest I should perish in my boasting. For now I ought the more to fear, and not hearken to those that would puff me up. For they that speak to me in my praise chasten me. I indeed desire to suffer, but I cannot tell whether I am worthy so to do. And this desire, though to others it does not appear, yet to myself it is for that reason the more violent. I have therefore need of moderation, by which the prince of this world is destroyed..
5. Am I not able to write to you of heavenly things? But I fear lest I should harm you, who are yet but babes in CHRIST; and lest perchance, being not able to receive them, ye should be choked with them. For even I myself, although I am in bonds, yet am not therefore able to understand heavenly things: in these I am yet a learner. For many things are wanting to us, that we come not short of God.
6. I exhort you therefore, yet not I, but the love of JESUS CHRIST, that ye use none but Christian nourishment; abstaining from pasture which is of another kind, I mean heresy. For they that are hereticks, confound together the doctrine of JESUS CHRIST with their own poison, whilst they seem worthy of belief; as men give a deadly potion mixed with sweet wine, of which he who is ignorant does with the treacherous pleasure sweetly drink in his own death.
7. Not that I know there is any thing of this nature among you; but I fore-arm you, as foreseeing the snares of the devil. Wherefore, putting on meekness, renew yourselves in faith and love. Let no man have any thing against his neighbor. Give no occasion to the gentiles, lest, by means of a few fooling men, the whole congregation of GOD be evil spoken of. For wo to that man through whose vanity his name is blasphemed by any.
8. Flee therefore these evil plants, which bring forth deadly fruit, of which if any one taste, he shall presently die. For these are not the plants of the Father; seeing if they were, they would appear to be the branches of the cross, and their fruit would be incorruptible; by which he invites you through his passion, who are members of him. For the head cannot be without its members, GOD having promised a union with himself.
9. 1: salute you from Smyrna, together with the delegates of the churches of GOD that are present with me, who have refreshed me in all things, both in the flesh and in the spirit. My bonds, which I carry about me for the sake of CHRIST, (beseeching him that I may attain unto GOD,) exhort you that you continue in concord among yourselves, and in prayer with one another. I beseech you that you hearken to me in love, that I may not by those things which I write, rise up in witness against you. Pray also for me, who stand in need of your prayers, that I may be worthy of the portion which I am, about to obtain, that I be not found a reprobate.
1O. The love of those who are at Smyrna and Ephesus salute you. Remember in your prayers the church of Syria, from which I am not worthy to be called, being one of the-least of it. Fare ye well in JESUS CHRIST. Love every one his brother with an unfeigned heart. My soul be for yours, not only now, but when I shall have attained unto GOD; for I am yet under danger. But the Father is faithful in JESUS CHRIST to fulfill both mine and your petition; in whom may ye be found unblamable!

ST. IGNATIUS'S
EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church which has obtained mercy from the majesty of the most high Father, and his only-begotten Son JESUS CHRIST; beloved, and illuminated through the will of him who willeth all things which are according to the love of JESUS CHRIST our God; united both in flesh and spirit to all his commands, and felled with the grace of God; all joy in JESUS CHRIST our God.
1. FORASMUCH as I have at last obtained, through my prayers to GOD, to see your fac
e, which I much desired to do, I hope to salute you, if it shall be the will of GOD to grant me the end I long for. For the beginning is well-disposed, if I shall have grace, without hindrance, to receive what is appointed for me. But I fear your love, lest it do me an injury. For it is easy for you to do what you please; but it will be hard for me to attain unto GOD, if you spare me..
2. But I would not that ye should please men, but GOD, whom also ye do please. For neither shall I ever hereafter have such an opportunity of going unto GOD; nor will you, if ye shall now be silent, ever be entitled to a better work. For if you shall be silent in my behalf, I shall be made partaker of God. But if you shall love my body, I shall have my course to run again. Wherefore suffer me to be sacrificed unto GOD, now the altar is already prepared; that when ye shall be gathered together in love, ye may give thanks to the Father through CHRIST JESUS, that he has vouchsafed to bring a bishop of Syria unto you, being called from the east unto the west. For it is good for me to set from the world unto GOD, that I may rise again unto him.
3. Ye have never envied any one; ye have taught others. I would therefore that ye should now do those things yourselves, which in your instructions you have prescribed to others. Only pray for me, that GOD would give me strength, that I may not only say, but will; nor be only called a Christian, but be one. If I shall be found a Christian, I may be called one; and be thought faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world.
4. I write to the churches, and signify to them all, that I am willing to die for GOD, unless you hinder me. I beseech you that you skew not an unseasonable goodwill towards me. Suffer me to be food to the wild beasts, by whom I shall attain unto God. For I am the wheat of GOD; and I shall be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of CHRIST. Rather encourage the beasts, that they may become my sepulcher, and may leave nothing of my body; that, being dead, I may not be troublesome to any. Then shall I be truly the disciple of JESUS CHRIST, when the world shall not see so much as my body. Pray therefore unto CHRIST for me, that by these instruments I may be made the sacrifice of God. I do not, as Peter and Paul, command you. They were apostles, I am a condemned man: they were free, but I am a servant but if I shall suffer, I shall then become the freeman of JESUS CHRIST, and shall rise free. And now,, being in bonds, I learn not to desire any thing.
5. From Syria even unto Rome, I fight with beasts, both by sea and land; both night and day; being bound to ten leopards, to a band of soldiers; who though treated with all kindness, are the worse for it. But I am the more instructed by their injuries; yet am I not therefore justified. May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me; which also I wish may exercise all their fierceness upon me. Pardon me in this matter; II know what is profitable for me. Now I begin to be a disciple of CHRIST; nor shall any thing move me, whether visible or invisible, that I may attain to CHRIST JESUS. Let fire and the cross, let the rage of wild beasts, let breaking of bones, and tearing of members, let the shattering in pieces of the whole body, and all the torments of the devil come upon me,-only let me enjoy JESUS CHRIST.
6. All the ends of the world, and the kingdoms of it, will profit me nothing: I would rather die for JESUS CHRIST, than rule to the utmost ends of the earth. Him I seek who died for us; Him I desire, that rose again for us. This is the gain that is laid up for me. Pardon me, my brethren, ye shall not hinder me from living suffer me to enter into pure light; where, being come, I shall be indeed the servant of God. Permit me to imitate the passion of my God. If any one has Him within himself, let him consider what I desire, and let him have compassion on me, as knowing how I am straitened.
7. The prince of this world would fain carry me away, and corrupt my resolution towards my God. Let none of you help him: rather do ye join with me, that is with God. Do not speak with JESUS CHRIST, and yet covet the world. Let not any envy dwell with you: no, not though I myself when I shall be come unto you, should exhort you to it, yet do not ye hearken to me; but rather believe what I now write unto you. For though I am alive at the writing this, yet my desire is to die. My love is crucified. I take no pleasure in the food of corruption, nor in the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of GOD, which is the flesh of JESUS CHRIST, and the drink that I long for is his blood, which is incorruptible love.
8. I have no desire to live any longer after the manner of men; neither shall 1, if you consent. Be ye willing, that ye yourselves also may be pleasing to God. I exhort you in few words; I pray you believe me. JESUS CHRIST will show you that I speak truly. My mouth is without deceit, and the Father has truly spoken by it. Pray for me, that I may accomplish what I desire. I have not written to you after the flesh, but according to the will of God. If I suffer, ye have loved me: but if I shall be rejected, ye have hated me.
9. Remember in your prayers the church of Syria, which now enjoys GOD for its shepherd instead of me: let JESUS CHRIST only oversee it, and your love. I am ashamed to be reckoned one of them for neither am I worthy, being the least among them, and as one born out of due season. But through mercy I have obtained to be somebody, if I shall get unto God. My spirit salutes you; and the charity of the churches that have received. me in the name of JESUS CHRIST; for even they that were not near-to me in the way, have gone before me to the next city to meet me. –
1O. These things I write to you from Smyrna, by the most worthy of the church of Ephesus. As for those which are come from Syria, and are gone before me to Rome, I suppose you are not ignorant of them. Ye shall therefore signify to them that I draw near, for they are all worthy both of GOD and of you; whom it is fit that you refresh in all things. This have I written to you, the day before the ninth of the calends of September. Be strong unto the end, in the patience of JESUS CHRIST.

ST. IGNATIUS'S
EPISTLE TO THE PHILADELPHIANS

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church of GOD the Father, and our Lord JESUS CHRIST, which is at Philadelphia in Asia; which has obtained mercy, being fixed in the concord of GOD, and rejoicing evermore in the passion of our Lord, and being fulfilled in all mercy through his resurrection; which church I salute in the blood of JESUS CHRIST, which is our eternal and undefiled joy.
1. AS becomes the children of the light and truth, flee divisions and false doctrines: but where your shepherd is, there do ye follow after. For there are many wolves who lead captive those that run in the course of God; but in your concord they shall find no place.
2. My brethren, the love I have towards you makes me the more large; and having a great joy in you, I endeavor to secure you against danger: or rather not I, but JESUS CHRIST; in whom being bound I the more fear, as being yet only on the way to suffering. But your prayer to GOD shall make me perfect, that I may attain to that portion which by GOD’s mercy is allotted to me.
3. If any do not speak concerning CHRIST JESUS, they are but as monuments and sepulchres of the dead, upon which are written only the names of men. Flee therefore the snares of the prince of this world; lest at any time ye grow cold in your charity. But come all together in the same place, with an undivided heart. I bless my GOD that no one among you has whereof to boast that I
have been burthensome to him. And I wish to all among whom I have conversed, that it may not turn to a witness against them.
4. For although some would have deceived me according to the flesh; yet the Spirit, being from GOD, is not deceived: for it knows both whence it comes, and whither it goes, and reproves the secrets of the heart. I cried whilst I was am
ong you, attend to the bishop, and to the presbytery, and to deacons. Some supposed that I spoke this as fore-seeing the division that should come among you. And he is my witness for whose sake I am in bonds that I knew nothing from any man. But the Spirit spoke, saying on this wise: Do nothing without the bishop: keep your bodies as the temples of GOD love unity; flee divisions; be the followers of CHRIST, as he was of his Father.
5. I trust in the grace of JESUS CHRIST, that he will free you from every bond. I exhort you that you do nothing out of strife, but according to the instruction of CHRIST. I have heard of some who say, Unless I find it written in the originals, I will not believe it to be written in the gospel. And when I said, it is written, they answered what lay before them in their corrupted copies. But to me JESUS CHRIST is instead of all the uncorrupted monuments in the world; together with those undefiled monuments, his cross, and death, and resurrection, and the faith which is by him; by which I desire, though your prayers, to be justified.
6. He is the door of the Father; by which Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, entered in; as well as the apostles and the church. And all these things tend to the unity which is of God. Howbeit, the gospel has somewhat in it far above all other dispensations; namely, the appearance of our Savior, the Lord JESUS CHRIST, his passion, and resurrection. For the beloved prophets referred to him: but the gospel is the perfection of incorruption. All therefore together are good, if ye believe with charity.
7. Now as concerning the church of Antioch which is in Syria, seeing through your prayers, and the bowels which ye have towards it in JESUS CHRIST, it is in peace; it will become you, as the church of GOD, to ordain some deacon to go to them thither as the ambassador of God; that he may rejoice with them when they meet together, and glorify GOD’s name. Blessed be that man in JESUS CHRIST, who shall be found worthy of such a ministry.
8. As concerning Philo, the deacon of Cilicia, he still ministers unto me in the word of GOD; together with Rheus, who has followed me even from Syria, not regarding his life: these also bear witness unto you. And I myself give thanks to GOD for you, that ye receive them as the Lord shall receive you. But for those that dishonored them, may they be forgiven through the grace of JESUS CHRIST. The love of the brethren that are at Troas salutes you: from whence also I write. May our Lord JESUS CHRIST honor them; in whom they hope, both in flesh, and soul, and spirit; in faith, in love, in unity. Farewell in CHRIST JESUS our common hope.

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.

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 forwar
d 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.

THE MARTYRDOM
OF ST. IGNATIUS

1. WHEN Trajan came to the Roman empire, Ignatius, the disciple of St. John the apostle, a man in all things like unto the apostles, governed the church of -Antioch with all care. Who, being scarcely able to escape the storms of persecution under Domitian, as a good governor, by the helm of prayer and fasting, by the constancy of his doctrine and spiritual labor, withstood the raging floods; fearing lest they should sink those who either wanted courage, or were not well grounded in the faith.
2. Wherefore this being at present somewhat abated, he rejoiced greatly at, the tranquility of his church; yet was troubled as to himself, that he had not attained to the pitch of a perfect disciple. For he thought that the confession which is made by martyrdom would bring him to a yet more intimate union with the Lord. Wherefore continuing a few years longer with the church, and as a divine lamp, illuminating the hearts of the faithful by the exposition of the Holy Scriptures, he attained to what he had desired.
3. For Trajan, in the nineteenth year of his empire, being lifted up with his victory over the Scythians and Dacians, and many other nations,-and thinking that the conquest of the Christians was yet wanting to his absolute and universal dominion,-obliged all such as lived religiously either to sacrifice or to die. Wherefore our brave soldier of CHRIST, being in fear for the church of Antioch, was voluntarily brought before Trajan, who was at that time there, on his way to Armenia, and the Parthians, against whom he was hastening.
4. Being come into the presence of the emperor Trajan, the emperor asked him, “What a wicked wretch art You, thus to transgress our commands, and to persuade others also to do likewise, to their destruction?” Ignatius answered; ” No one ought to call Theophorus wicked; forasmuch as all evil spirits are departed far from the servants of God. But if because I am a trouble to those wicked spirits, you tallest me wicked, I confess the charge; for having within me CHRIST, the heavenly King, I dissolve all the snares of the devils.”
5. Trajan replied; “And who is Theophorus?”–Ignatius. He who has CHRIST in his breast Trajan. And do not we seem to thee to have the gods within us, who fight for us against our enemies?-Ignatius. Ye err, in that ye call the evil spirits of the heathens, gods. For there is but one GOD, who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that are in them; and one JESUS CHRIST, his only-begotten Son, whose kingdom may I enjoy.
6. Trajan. His kingdom, you say, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate.-Ignatius. His who crucified my sin, with the inventor of it; and has put all the deceit and malice of the devil under the feet of those who carry him in their heart Trajan. Dost you then carry Him who was crucified within thee?-Ignatius. I do for it is written, ” I will dwell in them, and walk in them.” Then Trajan pronounced this sentence against him; For as much as Ignatius has confessed that he
carries within himself Him that was crucified, we command that he be carried bound to the great Rome, there to be thrown
to the beasts, for the entertainment of the people.
7. When the holy martyr heard this, he cried out with joy, 111 thank thee, O Lord, that you have vouchsafed to honor me with a perfect love towards thee; and have made me to be put in iron bonds with thy apostle Paul.” Having said this, he with joy put on his bonds; and having first prayed for the church, and commended it with tears unto the Lord, he was hurried away, like -a choice ram, the leader of a good flock, by the brutish soldiers, in order to his being carried to Rome, there to be devoured by the blood-thirsty beasts.
8. Wherefore with much readiness, out of his desire to suffer, he left Antioch, and came to Seleucia; from whence he was to, sail. And after a great deal of toil, being come to Smyrna, he left the ship with great gladness, and hastened to see the holy Polycarp, his fellow scholar, who was bishop there: for they had both of them been the disciples of St. John.
9. Being brought, to him, he entreated first the whole church (for the churches of Asia attended this holy man by their bishops, and priests, and deacons, if by any means they might receive some part of his spiritual gift,) but more particularly Polycarp, to contend with GOD in his behalf; that, being suddenly taken by the beasts from the world, he might appear before the face of CHRIST. And to return a recompence to the churches, he sent letters of thanks to them, which distilled spiritual grace, with prayer and exhortation.
1O. And having strengthened such of the brethren at Rome as were against his martrydom by his epistle', setting sail from Smyrna, he came to Troas; from whence, being brought to Neapolis, he passed by Philippi, through Macedonia, and that part of Epirus which is next to Epidamnus. Having found a ship in one of the sea-ports, he sailed; and passing by several islands and cities, at length saw Puteoli: which being showed to the holy man, he hastened to go forth, being desirous to walk from thence, in the way that Paul the apostle had gone. But a violent wind arising, and driving on the ship, would not suffer him so to do: wherefore, commending the love of the brethren in that place, he sailed forward.
11. And the wind continuing favorable to us, in one day and a night we indeed were unwillingly hurried on, as sorrowing to think of being separated from the holy martyr: but to him it happened according to his wish, that he might go the sooner out of the world, and attain unto the Lord, whom he loved. Wherefore sailing into the Roman port, and those impure sports being almost at an end, the soldiers began to be offended at our slowness; but the bishop with great joy complied with their hastiness.
12. Being therefore soon forced away from the port, we met the brethren, who were full of fear and joy; for they rejoiced in that GOD had vouchsafed them the company of Theophorus; but were afraid when they considered that such an one was brought thither to die. Some of these he commanded to hold their peace, who were the most zealous for his safety, and said, That 11 they would appease the people, that they should not desire the destruction of the just;” who presently knowing this by the Spirit, desired them that they would skew a true love to him; persuading them not to envy him who was,hastening unto the Lord. And so, all the brethren kneeling down, he prayed to the Son of GOD in behalf of the churches, that he would put a stop to the persecution, and continue the love of the brethren towards each other; which being done, he was with all haste led into the amphitheatre, and speedily thrown in, the end of the spectacles being at hand. Thus was he delivered to the cruel beasts, that so the desire of the holy martyr might be accomplished; namely, That he might not be burdensome to any of the brethren, by the gathering of- his relicks; for only the greater and harder of his bones remained, which were carried to Antioch.
13. Thus this valiant martyr of CHRIST trod under foot the devil, and perfected the course he had desired, in CHRIST JESUS our Lord; by whom, and with whom, all glory and power be to the Father, with the blessed Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen!

July 24, 2008 at 6:24 pm#98885

Hanoch

Participant

OF ST POLYCARP

TO THE READER.

ST. POLYCARP'S
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.

Polycarp, and the presbyters which are with him, to the church of GOD which so
journers at Philippi, mercy and peace from GOD Almighty and the Lord JESUS CHRIST, our Savior, be multiplied.
§ 1. I REJOICED with you greatly in our Lord JESUS CHRIST, that ye received those who are the images of true charity, and, as it belloved you, accompanied those that were in bonds becoming saints, which are the crowns of those who are truly elected by GOD and our Lord: as also that the firm root of your faith remains unto this day, and brings forth fruit unto our Lord JESUS CHRIST, who suffered for our sins even unto death: whom GOD has raised up, loosing the bands of hell; ” whom having not seen ye love; in whom believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory;” into which many desire to enter, knowing that ” by grace ye are saved;” not by works, but by the will of GOD, through JESUS CHRIST.
§ 2. Wherefore girding up your loins, serve the Lord in fear and truth. Leave vain conversation, and the error of the many; believing in him who raised up our Lord JESUS CHRIST from the dead, and gave him glory and a throne at his right hand: to whom all things in heaven and in earth are made subject; whom all that has breath shall worship, who come to judge the quick and the dead, whose blood GOD shall require of them that obey him not. And he who raised up CHRIST from the dead, will raise us up also, if we do his will, and walk in his commandments, and love the things which he loved; renouncing all unrighteousness, love of money, inordinate affection, lying and evil speaking: not rendering evil for evil, of railing for railing, but remembering the words of our Lord, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: be merciful, and ye shall obtain mercy.
§ 3. These things, my brethren, I write not unto you of myself, concerning righteousness; but because ye exhorted me thereto. For neither can I, nor any other such as I am, come up to the wisdom of the blessed and glorious Paul, who being present with you, taught you the word of truth perfectly, and being absent, wrote letters unto you; by which ye may be edified in the faith that is given you, which is the mother of us all which is followed by hope and led by love both of GOD, and CHRIST, and our neighbor. For if a man be in these, he has fulfilled the law of righteousness: for he who has love is far from all sin.
§ 4. But ” love of money is the root of all evil.” Knowing therefore that ” we brought nothing into the world, neither can carry any thing out,” let us arm ourselves with the armor of righteousness. Let us teach ourselves first, to walk in the law of the Lord, and then our wives to walk in the faith which is given them, in love and purity, (loving their husbands in all truth, and all others alike with all temperance, and to bring up their children in the discipline and fear of the Lord. The widows teach to be sober in the faith, continually interceding for all men; far from all slander, lying, evil speaking, covetousness, and from all evil: knowing that they are the altars of GOD, and that he sees all things, that nothing is hid from him; nothing of the reasonings, or of the thoughts, or of the secrets of their hearts.
§ 5. Knowing therefore that GOD is not mocked, we ought to walk worthy of his commandment and his glory. Let the deacons be blameless in his sight, as the ministers of GOD in CHRIST, and not of men: not evil speakers, not double-tongued, not lovers of money; but compassionate, careful, diligent, temperate in all things; walking according to the truth of the Lord, who was the servant of all: whom if we please in this present world, we shall receive the good things which are to come; as he has promised to raise us' from the dead; and that if we believe and walk worthy of him, we shall reign with him. Let the young men be unblamable in all things: above all, taking care of their purity, and restraining themselves from all evil: for it is good to be cut off from the desires which are in the world, because all desire wars against the Spirit.
§ 6. Let the priests be merciful and compassionate to all, bringing back such as are gone astray; visiting all
that are weak; not neglecting the widows, the fatherless, and the poor: let them always be provident to do good, in the sight of GOD and men; abstaining from all anger, covetousness, respect of persons, unjust judgment: not soon believing any thing against any: not severe in judging; knowing that we are all debtors by sin. If therefore we pray our Lord to forgive us, we ought ourselves to forgive. We are all before the eyes of our Lord and God; and we must all stand before the judgment-seat of CHRIST. Let us therefore serve him in all fear and reverence; being zealous of what is good, abstaining from all ofFeuce, and avoiding false brethren, and those that bear the name of CHRIST in hypocrisy, who deceive vain men.
§ 7. For every one who confesseth not that JESUS CHRIST is come in the flesh, is an anti CHRIST.” And every one who confesseth not his death on the cross, is of the devil. And every one who perverteth the oracles of GOD to his own lusts, and says there is no resurrection, and no judgment, he is the first-born of SATAN. Wherefore, leaving the vanity of the many and their false doctrines, let us turn unto the words delivered to us from the beginning. Let us watch unto prayer. Let us persevere in fastings, and with supplication beseech the all-seeing GOD not to lead us into temptation; since, as our Lord has said, Though a the Spirit be willing, the flesh is weak.”
§ 8. Let us therefore without ceasing cleave steadfastly to him who is our hope, and the earnest of our righteousness, even JESUS CHRIST, “who himself bare our sins in his own body on the tree; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth;” but suffered all things for us, that we might live through him. Let us therefore be followers of his patience; and if we suffer for his name, let us glorify him; for this example has he left us, and thus have we believed.
§ 9. Wherefore I exhort you all, that ye obey the word of righteousness, and exercise all patience, which ye have seen before your eyes, not only in the blessed Ignatius, Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul and the rest of the apostles being confident that all these have not run in vain, but in faith and righteousness; and that they are in the place which was due unto them, with the Lord, with whom also they suffered. For they loved n9t the present world, but him who died, and was raised again by GOD for us.
§ 1O. Stand fast in these things, following the steps of our Lord. Be ye firm and immovable in the faith, lovers of the brethren, lovers of one another, gentle to all, despising none. When it is in your power to do good, delay not. Be ye all subject one to another; ” having your conversation unblamable among the gentiles,” that our Lord be not blasphemed. But wo unto him through whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed. Therefore teach sobriety to all men.
§ 11, 12. I am greatly afflicted for Valens, once a presbyter among you, and for his wife: may the Lord give them true repentance; and be long-suffering toward them, not counting them as enemies, that ye may save your whole body. And the GOD and Father of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and JESUS CHRIST himself, our everlasting high-priest, the Son of GOD, build you up in faith and truth, and in all meekness and gentleness, in patience and long-suffering, in forbearance and chastity, and give you a lot and portion among his saints; and unto us with you, and to all under the heavens who shall believe in our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and in his Father who raised him from the dead. Pray ye for all the saints; and also for all kings, princes, and rulers, and for those who hate you and persecute you, and for the enemies of the cross, that your fruit may be manifest in all, and that ye may be perfect in CHRIST.
§ 13. The epistles of Ignatius, which ye required, we have sent unto you; they are subjoined to this epistle. Ye may be greatly profited thereby; for they treat of faith and patience, and of all things that pertain to edificati
on in the Lord JESUS.-Be ye safe in the Lord JESUS CHRIST. His grace be with you all. Amen!

AN
EXTRACT
FROM THE
EPISTLE OF THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA,
CONCERNING
THE MARTYRDOM
OF
ST. POLYCARP.

The church of GOD which is at Smyrna, to the church of GOD which is at Philadelphia, and to all the other assemblies of the holy catholic church in every place; mercy, peace, and. love, from GOD the Father, and our Lord JESUS CHRIST, be multiplied.

§ 1. WE have written to you, brethren, of the other martyrs, but especially the blessed Polycarp, who by his sufferings put an end to the persecution.
2. Germanicus strengthened those that feared by his patience; and fought gloriously with the beasts.. For when the Proconsul would have persuaded him to consider his age, and spare himself, he pulled the wild beast to him, and provoked him, being desirous quickly to be delivered from a wicked and unjust world. Upon this, the whole multitude cried out, “Away with the atheists; let Polycarp be looked out.
3. Then one named Quintus, seeing the beasts, was afraid. This was he who forced himself and some others, to present themselves of their own accord to the trial. Him the Proconsul persuaded to swear and sacrifice. For which cause, brethren, we do not commend those who offer themselves to persecution; seeing the gospel teaches no such thing.
4. Polycarp, when he first heard that he was called for, was not at all concerned; but resolved to tarry in the city. Nevertheless, he was at last persuaded to go out of it. He departed therefore into a village, not far distant, and there tarried with a few; doing nothing, night and day, but praying for all men, and for the churches that were in the world. And as he was praying, he saw a vision three days before he was taken; and behold, the pillow under his head seemed to him on fire. Whereupon, turning to those that were with him, he said prophetically, I must be burnt alive.
5. When those who were to take him drew near, lie. departed into another village; and immediately they came thither. And when they found him not, they seized upon two young men; one of which, being tormented, confessed. So the officer, Herod by name, hastened, that Polycarp might receive his portion, being made partaker of CHRIST.
6. The sergeants, therefore, and horsemen taking the young lad with them, departed about supper-time, being Friday; about the close of the evening they found him, lying down in a little upper room. When he heard that they were come to the house, he went down and spoke to them. Then presently he ordered that there should be somewhat got ready for them, that they might eat and drink: desiring them withal, that they would give him one hour's liberty, to pray without disturbance.
And when they had permitted him, he stood praying, being full of the grace of GOD, so that he ceased not for two whole hours; insomuch that many of the soldiers began to repent they were come out.
7. As soon as he had done his prayer, in which he remembered all men, whether he or great, honorable or obscure, that had at any time been acquainted with him, and with them the whole catholic church; the time being come to depart, the guards set him upon an ass, and brought him into the city, being the day of the great Sabbath. Herod, with his father Nicetes, met him in a chariot: and having taken him up to them, and set him in the chariot, they began to persuade him, saying, “What harm is there in it, to say, Lord Caesar, and sacrifice, and so be safe?” But Polycarp, at first, answered them not: whereupon they, continuing to urge him, he said, ” I shall not do what you would persuade me to.” So being out of all hope of prevailing, they first spoke bitter words, and then with violence threw him out of the chariot, insomuch that he hurt his thigh with the fall. But he not turning back, went on readily with all diligence, as if he had received no harm; and so was brought to the lists, where there was so great a tumult, that no body could be heard.
8. As he was going into the lists, there came a voice from heaven to him, Be strong, Polycarp, and quit thy self like a man. No one saw who it was that spoke to him; but the voice many of our brethren heard. As he was brought in, there was a great disturbance when they heard that Polycarp was taken. And when he came near, the Proconsul asked him, whether he was Polycarp? Who confessing that he was, he persuaded him to deny the faith, saying, ” Reverence thy old age, swear by Caesar's fortune: repent, and say, take away the wicked.” Then Polycarp, looking with a stern countenance upon the whole multitude, that was gathered together in the lists, and shaking his hand at them, looked unto heaven, and groaning, said, ” Take away thewicked.” But the Proconsul insisting, and saying; ” Swear, and I will set thee at liberty; reproach CHRIST;” Polycarp replied, “Eighty and six years have I now served CHRIST, and he has never done me the least wrong: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”
9. When the Proconsul still insisted, saying, ” Swear by the genius of Caesar;” he answered, ” Seeing you art so urgent with me that I should swear, as you callest it, by the genius of Caesar, seeming as if you didst not know what I am; hear me freely professing that I am a Christian. If you desirest an account what Christianity is, appoint a dty, and you shall hear it.” The Proconsul replied, ” Persuade the people.” Polycarp answered, ” To thee have I offered to give a reason of my faith: for so are we taught to pay all due honor, (such only excepted as would be hurtful to ourselves,) to the powers and authorities which are ordained of God. But for the people, I esteem them not worthy, that I should give an account of my faith to them.”
1O. The Proconsul continued, and said, ” I have wild beasts ready; to those I will cast thee, except you repent.” He answered, ” Call for them then: for we Christians are fixed in our minds not to change from good to evil.” The Proconsul added, ” Seeing you despisest the wild beasts, I will cause thee to be devoured by fire, unless you shall repent.” Polycarp answered, ” You threatenest me with fire, which burns for an hour; but knows not the fire of that eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why tarriest you? Bring forth what you wilt.”
11. The Proconsul then sent his cryer into the middle of the lists, to proclaim three times, Polycarp has confessed himself to be a Christian. Which being done, the whole multitude, both of the Gentiles and the Jews, being full of fury, cried out with a loud voice, “This is the doctor of Asia, the father of the Christians, and the overthrower of our gods: he that has taught so many not to sacri
flee, nor pay any worship to the gods.” And saying this, they cried out with one consent, that Polycarp should be burnt alive.
12. This was done with greater speed than it was spoke; the whole multitude insta3tly gathering together wood and fagots, out of the shops and hass; the Jews especially, with all readiness assisting. When the fuel was ready, Polycarp laid aside all his upper garments. This being done, they presently put about him such things as were necessary to prepare the fire. But when they would have nailed him to the stake, he said, ” Let me alone as I am: for He who has given me strength to endure the fire, will also enable me, without your securing me by nails, to stand without moving in the pile.
13. Wherefore they did not nail him, but only tied him to it. But he having put his hands behind him, and being bound as a ram chosen out of a great flock, for a burnt-sacrifice, acceptable unto GOD, looked up to heaven, and said, ” O Lord GOD Almighty, the Father of thy well-beloved and blessed Son, JESUS CHRIST, by whom we have received the knowledge of thee; the GOD of angels and powers, and of every creature, and especially of the whole race of just men who live in thy presence! I give thee hearty thanks, that you have vouchsafed to bring me to this day, and to this hour; that I should have a part in the number of thy mart
yrs, in the cup of thy CHRIST, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body) in' the incorruption of the Holy Ghost among which may I be accepted this day before thee, as an acceptable sacrifice. For this, and for all things else, I praise thee, I bless thee, I glorify thee, by the eternal and heavenly High-Priest, JESUS CHRIST, thy beloved Son; with whom to thee) and the Holy Ghost, be glory, both now, and to all succeeding ages. Amen.”
14. He had no sooner pronounced aloud, Amen, and finished his prayer, but they who were appointed to be his executioners, lighted the fire. And when the flame began to blaze to a very great heighth, behold the flame, making a kind of arch, like the sail of a ship filled with the wind, encompassed, as in a circle, the body of the holy martyr.
15. Those wicked men, seeing that his body was not consumed by the fire, commanded the executioner to go near to him, and strike his dagger in him; which was accordingly done. The centurion then put his body into the midst of the fire, and so consumed it.
16. Such was the passion of the blessed Polycarp; who is yet had in memory of all men: insomuch that he is spoken of by the very Gentiles themselves, as having been not only an eminent teacher, but a glorious martyr. Whose death all desire to imitate, as having been every way conformable to the gospel of CHRIST. For having by patience overcome the unjust governor, and so received the crown of immortality, he now, together with the apostles, and all other righteous men, who have gone before, with great triumph, glorifies GOD, even the Father, and blesses our Lord, the Governor both of our souls and bodies, and Shepherd of the catholic church, which is over all the earth.
17. We wish you, brethren, all happiness, by living according to the rule of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST; with whom, glory be to the Father and the Holy Spirit, for the salvation of his chosen saints. After whose example the blessed Polycarp suffered; at whose feet may we be found in the kingdom of JESUS CHRIST!

July 24, 2008 at 6:33 pm#98887

Hanoch

Participant

These documents were copied and pasted from this wonderful website:

http://wesley.nnu.edu/index.htm

Which I'd gotten from the “links” section of this wonderful website:

http://www.fellowshipofthemartyrs.com/index.htm

May God give you his grace, brothers.

July 25, 2008 at 7:13 am#98955

Stu

Participant

So no actual eyewitness accounts of Jesus here, either. Why did no one who actually met him leave any lasting record of it, in an age otherwise well-documented?

Stuart

July 25, 2008 at 1:20 pm#98973

theodorej

Participant

Quote (Stu @ July 25 2008,19:13)

So no actual eyewitness accounts of Jesus here, either. Why did no one who actually met him leave any lasting record of it, in an age otherwise well-documented?

Stuart

Greetings Stu…..The answer to your question is simple….They never met or knew Jesus…These epistles that are being tauted are nothing more than the scriblings of men who,were under the influence of the Holy C….The vatican as we know it today..

July 25, 2008 at 2:42 pm#98977

Hanoch

Participant

Please do not bring that arguing onto this thread.

Do not answer his posts here, please.

This is just so people can read the manuscripts; not for arguing. **Do not bring that here.**

July 26, 2008 at 2:38 am#99065

Stu

Participant

Quote (Hanoch @ July 26 2008,02:42)

Please do not bring that arguing onto this thread.

Do not answer his posts here, please.

This is just so people can read the manuscripts; not for arguing. **Do not bring that here.**

Hanoch, why did you not just provide a link? Posting long tracts doesn't encourage reading, but then you don't seem very interested in what others think about your post. Do you disagree with theodorej? The provenance of Jesus is very questionable, and why shouldn't we wonder about whether this gets us any closer to whether he indeed existed at all?

Stuart

November 14, 2009 at 11:57 pm#156766

terraricca

Participant

hi to all
this document is idolatry because it honor the glorification of man.

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