4
Syria, is in peace, it is fitting for you, as a Church of God, to elect a Deacon, who shall there exercise the office of God's ambassador; that so you may take part in their joy, when they are met together, and may glorify the name of God. Blessed in Jesus Christ is he, who shall be thought worthy of such a ministry; and ye also shall obtain glory. Now if ye be willing, it is not impossible to do this for the name of God; seeing that all the neighbouring Churches sent, some Bishops, some Priests and Deacons.
XI. Touching Philo, the Deacon from Cilicia, a man of good report, who serveth me even now in the word of God, together with Rheus Agathopus, one of the elect, who followeth me from Syria, having taken leave of life; these also do bear testimony unto you. And I thank God for your sakes, that ye received them, even as the Lord will receive you. But for those who shewed them dishonour, may they be redeemed through the grace of Jesus Christ. The brethren who are in Troas salute you with all love; whence also I write unto you by the hand of Burrhus, who was sent with me by the Ephesians and Smyrnæans for respect's sake. Our Lord Jesus Christ will honour them, on whom they hope in body and soul, in faith, in love, in concord. Fare ye well in Christ Jesus, our common Hope.
These Tracts may be had at Turrill's, No. 250, Regent Street, London.
KING, PRINTER, ST. CLEMENT'S, OXFORD.
