Epistles

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius of Antioch. The Apostolic Fathers, Volume 1. Lake, Kirsopp, translator. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1912.

Welcoming your godly mind which is fixed as[*](Salutation and exhortation to diligence) if on immovable rock, I glory exceedingly that it was granted me to see your blameless face wherein I would fain have pleasure in God.

I exhort you to press forward on your course, in the grace wherewith you are endued, and to exhort all men to gain salvation. Vindicate your office with all diligence, both of the flesh and spirit. Care for unity, for there is nothing better. Help all men, as the Lord also helps you; suffer all men in love, as you indeed do.

Be diligent with unceasing prayer. Entreat for wisdom greater than you have, be watchful and keep the spirit from slumbering. Speak to each individually after the manner of God. Bear the sicknesses of all as a perfect athlete.[*](No other translation is possible: athlete was, both then and later, a favourite name for Christians who strove to excel in virtue, especially in ascetic practices.) Where the toil is greatest, is the gain great.