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pleasures of this world. I long for the bread of God, heavenly bread, bread of life, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ the Son of God, who was of the seed of David in the latter days. And I long for the drink of God, His blood, which is Love without corruption, and Life for evermore.
VIII. I desire no longer to live after the manner of men; and no longer shall I live so, if you concede to me this favour. Favour me, therefore, that yourselves may find favour. I have written to you in few words. Place confidence in me. Surely Jesus Christ shall make this manifest unto you, that I have spoken truly; He is that mouth that cannot lie, whereby the Father spoke truly. Pray for me, that I may attain. I have written to you, not according to the flesh, but according to the counsel of God. If I suffer, let it have been with your good-will; if I am a castaway, let it have been at the expense of your regard for me.
IX. Remember in your prayers the Church that is in Syria, which hath God for its Shepherd instead of me. Its only Bishop now will be Jesus Christ, and your love. I feel unworthy to bear the name of my flock. I am the last among them. I am "one born out of due time." But, by the mercy of God, I shall be of some small account, if I go unto Him. My spirit saluteth you; as doth the love of the Churches, which received me in the name of Jesus Christ, not as a chance traveller; for even the cities, that lay not on my road, have in every instance forwarded me on this journeying of my outward man.
X. I write this unto you from Smyrna, by the hands of the truly blessed Ephesians. Crocus, a well-beloved name to me, and many others, are with me. I suppose you to be not unaware of those persons who have preceded me from Syria to Rome, to the glory of God. Make it known to them, that I am now at hand. They are all meet for God, and deserve your kindness; and you ought in every manner to assist them. I write this to you on the day preceding the 9th of the Kalends of September. Be strong unto the end, in the patience of Jesus Christ.
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