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Chapter VII.—Request that Polycarp would send a messenger to Antioch.

Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God,11091109    Literally, “in freedom from care of God.” if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ].11101110    Some read, “in the resurrection.” It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn11111111    Literally, “most befitting God.” council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God;11121112    Literally, “God-runner.” and to bestow on him this honour that he may go into Syria, and glorify your ever active love to the praise of Christ. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for11131113    Literally, “at leisure for.” the service of God. Now, this work is both God’s and yours, when ye shall have completed it to His glory.11141114    Literally, “to Him.” For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing, therefore, your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.

Seeing that the Church which is at Antioch in Syria is, as report has informed me, at peace, through your prayers, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God,11151115    Literally, “in freedom from care of God.” if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. It is fitting, O Polycarp, most blessed in God, to assemble a very solemn11161116    Literally, “most befitting God.” council, and to elect one whom you greatly love, and know to be a man of activity, who may be designated the messenger of God;11171117    Literally, “God-runner.” and to bestow on him the honour of going into Syria, so that, going into Syria, he may glorify your ever active love to the praise of God. A Christian has not power over himself, but must always be ready for11181118    Literally, “at leisure for.” the service of God. Now, this work is both God’s and yours, when ye shall have completed it. For I trust that, through grace, ye are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Knowing your energetic love of the truth, I have exhorted you by this brief Epistle.


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