Epistles

Be pleasing to him in whose ranks you serve, from whom you receive your pay,—let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism remain as your arms, your faith as a helmet, your love as a spear, your endurance as your panoply, let your works be your deposits that you may receive the back-pay[*](It was the custom in the Homan army to pay to the soldiers only the half of any gratuities allowed them. The other half was deposited in a regimental savings bank, and was paid out to each soldier, when, and if, he was honourably discharged from the service.) due to you. Be therefore long-suffering with one another in gentleness, as God is with you. May I have joy in you always.

Since the Church which is in Antioch has peace[*](The Church in Antioch) through your prayers, as it has been reported to me, I was myself the more encouraged in the freedom from care given by God, if I may but attain to God through my sufferings, that I may be found your disciple at the resurrection.[*](Or perhaps a disciple at your resurrection.)

You ought, O Polycarp, most blessed of God, to summon a godly council, and elect someone who is very dear to you and is zealous, who can be called God’s courier; appoint him to go to Syria to glorify your zealous love to the glory of God.