CHAPTER 

 :  Seeing that the church which is in Antioch of

Syria hath peace, as it hath been reported to me,

through your prayers, I myself also have been the more

comforted since God hath banished my care; if so be I

may through suffering attain unto God, that I may be

found a disciple through your intercession.

 :  It becometh thee, most blessed Polycarp, to call

together a godly council and to elect some one among

you who is very dear to you and zealous also, who

shall be fit to bear the name of God's courier -- to

appoint him, I say, that he may go to Syria and

glorify your zealous love unto the glory of God.

 :  A Christian hath no authority over himself, but

giveth his time to God. This is God's work, and yours

also, when ye shall complete it: for I trust in the

Divine grace, that ye are ready for an act of welldoing

which is meet for God. Knowing the fervour of

your sincerity, I have exhorted you in a short letter.