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TO THE SMYRNÆANS.
253
| on earth and in heaven, it is fitting that, for the honour of God, your church should elect some worthy delegate;[1] so that he, journeying into Syria, may congratulate them that they are [now] at peace, and are restored to[2] their proper greatness, and that their proper constitution[3] has been re-established among them. It seems then to me a becoming thing, that you should send some one of your number with an epistle, so that, in company with them, he may rejoice[4] over the tranquillity which, according to the will of God, they have obtained, and because that, through your prayers, they have now reached the harbour. As persons who are perfect, ye should also aim at[5] those things which are perfect. For when ye are desirous to do well, God is also ready to assist you. |
delegate;[1] so that he, journeying into Syria, may congratulate them that they are [now] at peace, and are restored to their proper greatness, and that their proper constitution[3] has been re-established among them. What appears to me proper to be done is this, that you should send some one of your number with an epistle, so that, in company with them, he may rejoice over the tranquillity which, according to the will of God, they have obtained, and because that, through your prayers, I have secured Christ as a safe harbour. As persons who are perfect, ye should also aim at[5] those things which are perfect. For when ye are desirous to do well, God is also ready to assist you. |
