Page:Ante-Nicene Fathers volume 1.djvu/290

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THE EPISTLE TO POLYCARP.

the marriage may be in our Lord, and not in lust. Let everything, therefore, be [done] for the honour of God.


Chap. vi.

Look ye to the bishop, that God also may look upon you. I will be instead of the souls of those who are subject to the bishop, and the presbyters, and the deacons; with them may I have a portion in the presence of God! Labour together with one another, act as athletes[1] together, run together, suffer together, sleep together, rise together. As stewards of God, and of His household,[2] and His servants, please Him and serve Him, that ye may receive from Him the wages [promised]. Let none of you be rebellious. Let your baptism be to you as armour, and faith as a spear, and love as a helmet, and patience as a panoply. Let your treasures be your good works, that ye may receive the gift of God, as is just. Let your spirit be long-suffering towards each other with meekness, even as God [is] towards you. As for me, I rejoice in you at all times.


Chap. vii.

The Christian has not power over himself, but is [ever] ready to be subject to God.[3]


Chap. viii.

I salute him who is reckoned worthy to go to Antioch in my stead, as I commanded thee.[3]

  1. Literally, "make the contest."
  2. Literally, "sons of His house."
  3. 3.0 3.1 These are the only parts of chaps, vii. and viii. in the Greek that are represented in the Syriac.