Epistula ad Philippenses

Polycarp

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

Likewise also let the younger men be blameless in all things; caring above all for purity, and curbing themselves from all evil; for it is good to be cut off from the lust of the things in the world, because every lust warreth against the Spirit, and neither fornicators nor the effeminate nor sodomites shall

inherit the Kingdom of God, nor they who do iniquitous things. Wherefore it is necessary to refrain from all these things, and to be subject to the presbyters and deacons as to God and Christ. The virgins must walk with a blameless and pure conscience.

And let the presbyters also be compassionate.[*](The duties of the presbyters) merciful to all, bringing back those that have wandered, caring for all the weak, neglecting neither widow, nor orphan nor poor, but ever providing for that which is good before God and man, refraining from all wrath, respect of persons, unjust judgment, being far from all love of money, not quickly believing evil of any, not hasty in judgment, knowing that we all owe the debt of sin.[*](The introductory formula knowing that renders it probable that these words are a quotation, but the source is unknown.)