RECORDS OF THE CHURCH.
No. IV.
THE HOLY CHURCH THROUGHOUT ALL THE WORLD DOTH ACKNOWLEDGE THEE.
Epistle of Ignatius, the friend of St. Peter, on his way to Martyrdom, to Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna.
Ignatius, called also Theophorus, to Polycarp, of the Church at Smyrna, Bishop and Superintendant: yea, rather himself superintended by God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, All hail!
I. Welcoming thy disposition which is to God ward, founded as upon an immoveable rock, I glorify Him, in that I have been honoured by thy holy presence, and praying that I may rejoice in it through God. I beseech thee, by the grace of God, wherewith thou art invested, to press onwards in thy course, and to exhort all unto salvation. Maintain thy station in all diligence, both of body and soul; study to preserve that unity, than which nothing is better. Endure all men, as the Lord has also endured thee; continue, as thou dost, to bear with all men in love; devote thyself to prayer without ceasing; seek for more understanding than thou hast; watch with an unwearied spirit; speak unto every one as God shall enable thee: as a practised combatant, endure the weaknesses of all; for where labour abounds, there also abounds gain.
II. For in that thou lovest the good disciples, what thank hast thou? yea, rather with mildness bring into subjection the more mischievous. For every wound is not treated with the same application; but violent paroxysms are to be assuaged by emollient medicines. Be in all things "wise as the serpent, and harmless as the dove." For this end art thou formed of flesh and spirit, that thou mayest soften the things which are in thy sight: but pray that the things which are invisible may be revealed unto thee, that thou mayest want in nothing, but abound in every gift of God. The present season demands thee, as pilots the wind, as the storm-tost mariner his desired haven, that thou attain unto God. Be temperate, as God's Champion; the reward is incorruption, and eternal life: in which also thy faith is firm. In all things, my soul is as thine, and so are my bonds which thou hast loved.
III. Be not dismayed at those who seem worthy of trust, and yet teach new doctrines: stand firm, as the anvil under the stroke, for he is a mighty champion, who though buffetted, yet overcometh. But above all, for the sake of God, we must endure all, that He also may endure us. Become more and more zealous: study the times; await Him who is above all time, the Eternal, the Invisible, (who yet for us men became visible,) the Impalpable, the Impassible: who yet for our salvation became subject unto suffering, and endured all things.
IV. Let not the widows be neglected, for thou under the Lord art their guardian; let nothing be done without thy sanction, neither thyself do any thing without the sanction of God; which thing indeed thy constancy suffers thee not to do. Let your assemblies be held more frequently. Seek out and address all by name. Slight not the slaves; yet suffer them not to be puffed up, but let them rather serve the more diligently unto the glory of God, that from Him they may obtain a more perfect freedom. Let them not seek to be emancipated at the public cost, lest they be found to be the slaves of their own desires.
V. Avoid evil arts; nay, rather mention them not at all. Speak unto my sisters, that they love the Lord, and be content, in will as in deed, with their husbands. Exhort also my brethren in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord loveth the Church. If any one can remain in chastity, to the honour of the flesh of our Lord, let him do so in all humility. If he boast, he is already lost; yea, if he reveal it to any one, save the Bishop, he is corrupted. It is fitting for those who purpose matrimony, to accomplish their union with the sanction of the Bishop; that their marriage may be godly, and not according to lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God.
VI. Hearken unto your Bishop, that God may also hearken unto you. My soul is as the soul of them who are in subjection to their Bishop, their Presbyters, their Deacons; and may my portion be with them in the Lord! Labour together, strive together, run together, suffer together, lie down together, rise up together, as the stewards, the ministers, and the servants of God. Seek to please Him, whose soldiers ye are, and whose wages ye receive. Let none of you be a deserter: let your baptism remain, for it is your armour; your faith, a helmet; your love, a spear; your long-suffering, a coat of mail. Let your deposits be your good works, that ye may finally receive the portion earned by your service. Be patient with one another in mildness, as God is with you. May I rejoice in you alway!
VII. But as it has been disclosed to me that the Church of Antioch in Syria, through your prayers, is at peace, I have rather been of good cheer in secure reliance on God, (if through suffering I shall attain unto Him,) that by your prayers also I may be found in the resurrection a true disciple. It is meet, O most blessed Polycarp, that thou shouldst call together a holy council, and choose some one, well-beloved and zealous, that he may be called God's Messenger; and to appoint him to go into Syria, that he may make manifest your zealous love, to the glory of Christ. A Christian is not master of himself, but is devoted to God's service. This work is God's, and your's, when you have accomplished it. For I trust in the Grace which is in you, that ye are ready to every good work which appertaineth unto God; and therefore, as I know your zeal for the truth, my exhortation has been brief.
VIII. Since I have not been able to write to all the Churches, because I have been suddenly called upon to sail from Troas to Neapolis, do thou write to those which are nearest to thee, knowing that God's will is that they shall do the same onwards, sending, if possible, messengers; if not, entrusting their Epistles to those whom thou shalt send, that ye may all be glorified for ever, as ye are worthy. I salute all by name; and especially the wife of Epitropus, with her household and family. I salute Attalus my beloved. I salute him who shall be chosen to go into Syria; that the grace of God may be with him alway in my prayer, through our God Jesus Christ; in whom may you continue in the unity of God, and under His protection. Salute Alce, my well-beloved. Farewell in the Lord!
KING, PRINTER, ST. CLEMENT'S, OXFORD.