This page has been validated.
258
THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS
| thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all, even as the Lord does with thee. Support[1] all in love, as also thou doest. Give thyself to prayer without ceasing.[2] Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast. Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit. Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee.[3] Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life]: where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.
|
may be saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all, even as the Lord does with thee. Support[1] all in love, as also thou doest. Give thyself to prayer without ceasing.[2] Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast. Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit. Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee.[3] Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life], even as does the Lord of all. For says [the Scripture], "He Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."[4] Where the labour is great, the gain is all the more. |
Chap. ii.—Exhortations.
|
If thou lovest the good disciples, no thanks are due to thee on that |
If thou lovest the good disciples, no thanks are due to thee on that account; but rather seek by meek- |
