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THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS.

might rise again. It is fitting, therefore, that ye should keep aloof from such persons, and not to speak of[1] them either in private or in public, but to give heed to the prophets, and above all, to the gospel, in which the passion [of Christ] has been revealed to us, and the resurrection has been fully proved.[2] But avoid all divisions, as the beginning of evils.

who prayed that the faith of the apostles might not fail,[3] not because He was not able of Himself to preserve it, but because He rejoiced in the pre-eminence of the Father. It is fitting, therefore, that ye should keep aloof from such persons, and neither in private nor in public to talk with[1] them; but to give heed to the law, and the prophets, and to those who have preached to you the word of salvation. But flee from all abominable heresies, and those that cause schisms, as the beginning of evils.

Chap. viii.Let nothing be done without the bishop.

See that ye all follow bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution[4] of God. Let no man do anything connected with the church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper[5] Eucharist, which is [ad-

See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Christ Jesus does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles. Do ye also reverence the deacons, as those that carry out [through their office] the appointment of God. Let no man do anything connected with the church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper[5] Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there

  1. 1.0 1.1 The reading is περὶ in the one case, and μετά in the other, though the latter meaning seems preferable. Most of the mss. of the longer recension read περί, as in the shorter.
  2. Literally, "perfected."
  3. Luke xxii. 32.
  4. Or, "command."
  5. 5.0 5.1 Or, "firm."