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the Bishop, he is corrupted. It is fitting for those who purpose matrimony, to accomplish their union with the sanction of the Bishop; that their marriage may be godly, and not according to lust. Let all things be done to the honour of God.
VI. Hearken unto your Bishop, that God may also hearken unto you. My soul is as the soul of them who are in subjection to their Bishop, their Presbyters, their Deacons; and may my portion be with them in the Lord! Labour together, strive together, run together, suffer together, lie down together, rise up together, as the stewards, the ministers, and the servants of God. Seek to please Him, whose soldiers ye are, and whose wages ye receive. Let none of you be a deserter: let your baptism remain, for it is your armour; your faith, a helmet; your love, a spear; your long-suffering, a coat of mail. Let your deposits be your good works, that ye may finally receive the portion earned by your service. Be patient with one another in mildness, as God is with you. May I rejoice in you alway!
VII. But as it has been disclosed to me that the Church of Antioch in Syria, through your prayers, is at peace, I have rather been of good cheer in secure reliance on God, (if through suffering I shall attain unto Him,) that by your prayers also I may be found in the resurrection a true disciple. It is meet, O most blessed Polycarp, that thou shouldst call together a holy council, and choose some one, well-beloved and zealous, that he may be called God's Messenger; and to appoint him to go into Syria, that he may make manifest your zealous love, to the glory of Christ. A Christian is not master of himself, but is devoted to God's service. This work is God's, and your's, when you have accomplished it. For I trust in the Grace which is in you, that ye are ready to every good work which appertaineth unto God; and therefore, as I know your zeal for the truth, my exhortation has been brief.
VIII. Since I have not been able to write to all the Churches, because I have been suddenly called upon to sail from Troas to Neapolis, do thou write to those which are nearest to thee, knowing that God's will is that they shall do the same onwards, sending, if possible, messengers; if not, entrusting their Epistles to those whom thou shalt send, that ye may all be glorified for ever, as ye
