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Chapter VI.—The duties of the Christian flock.

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v.viii.vi403 words

Chapter VI.—The duties of the Christian flock.

Give ye1099 heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs1100 that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbyters, and to the deacons, and may my portion be along with them in God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates,1101 and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge1102 assigned to you, that ye may receive a worthy recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, as God is towards you. May I have joy of you for ever!1103

Give ye1104 heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs1105 that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbytery, and to the deacons: may I have my portion with them from God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates,1106 and servants of God. Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye shall receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you, that you may obtain for them a most worthy1107 recompense. Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, and God shall be so with you. May I have joy of you for ever!1108

Footnotes

  1. 1099

    As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.

  2. 1100

    Comp. chap. ii. etc.

  3. 1101

    Or, “assessors.”

  4. 1102

    A military reference, simply implying the idea of faithful effort leading to future reward.

  5. 1103

    Comp. Ignatius’ Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.

  6. 1104

    As this Epistle, though sent to the bishop, was meant to be read to the people, Ignatius here directly addresses them.

  7. 1105

    Comp. chap. ii. etc.

  8. 1106

    Or, “assessors.”

  9. 1107

    Literally, “worthy of God.”

  10. 1108

    Comp. Ignatius’ Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. ii.