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.
Let not the widows be neglected. Be yourself their protector after the Lord. Let nothing be done[*](His duty to members of the church)
without your approval, and do nothing yourself without God, as indeed you do nothing; stand fast.Let the meetings be more numerous. Seek all by their name.
Do not be haughty to slaves, either men or women; yet do not let them be puffed up, but let them rather endure slavery to the glory of God, that they may obtain a better freedom from God. Let them not desire to be set free at the Church’s expense, that they be not found the slaves of lust.