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because they confess not that the Sacrament is the Body of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, which the Father in His mercy raised again. They then, denying the Gift of God, perish in their disputes. Well had it been for them to accept It rather with thankfulness, that through It they might rise again. From such then it is meet that you should abstain; and not even to speak concerning them, either in private or public. But attend diligently to the Prophets, and above all to the Gospel in which His Passion is made manifest to us, and His Resurrection perfected; but avoid divisions, as the beginning of evils.
VIII. Follow your Bishop, all of you, even as Jesus Christ the Father; and the body of Presbyters, as the Apostles. Respect the Deacons, as ye would the commandment of God. Let no one do any thing pertaining to the Church without the Bishop. Let that be esteemed a well-ordered celebration of the Sacrament, which is administered either by the Bishop, or by those to whom he has committed it. Where the Bishop is, there let the body of Believers be; even as where Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. Without the Bishop it is lawful neither to baptize, nor to celebrate the Communion; but whatever he judges right, that also is well-pleasing unto God, that all which is done be safe and firm.
IX. It is meet that we should return to a sober mind, and while we have yet time, repent and turn unto God. It is good to regard God, and the Bishop. Whoso honoureth the Bishop, he is honoured of God. But he that doeth any thing hidden from the Bishop, sheweth the Devil. May all things abound unto you in grace, for ye are worthy. In all things ye have refreshed me; even as Jesus Christ has refreshed you. Ye have loved me when I was present, and ye have loved me when I was absent. God reward you therefore, for whom ye endure all things; wherefore also ye will attain unto Him!
X. Ye have done well, in that ye have received as the servants of Christ, even of God, Philo, and Rhëus, and Agathopus, my followers in the word of God; who also bless the Lord for you, because ye have in every way refreshed them. None of these things shall perish. My soul be as your souls, and my bonds, which ye despised not, neither were ashamed of; wherefore He who was perfect Faith, even Christ Jesus, will not be ashamed of you.
XI. Your prayer has come unto the Church which is at Antioch
