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Catecharium

The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

Chapter 4

3 sections

Ignatius of Antioch

Transcribed from a dated scan; artifacts may remain. Edition notes

Let not the widows be neglected. Be yourself their protector after the Lord. Let nothing be done without your approval, and do nothing yourself without God, as indeed you do nothing; stand fast.

Let the meetings be more numerous. Seek all by their name.

Do not be haughty to slaves, either men or women; yet do not let them be puffed up, but let them rather endure slavery to the glory of God, that they may obtain a better freedom from God. Let them not desire to be set free at the Church’s expense, that they be not found the slaves of lust.

Trans. Kirsopp Lake, The Apostolic Fathers, Volume I (Loeb Classical Library), 1912. Public domain.

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