Rather, reduce to subjection, by gentleness, the more pesti-
IGNATIUS TO POLYCARP
Ignatius, also called Theophorus, sends heartiest greetings to Polycarp, who is bishop of the Church of Smyrna, or rather has for his bishop' God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.
1. I am so well pleased with your God-mindedness,' firmly built, as it were, upon an immovable rock, that I am exceedingly grateful for the privilege I had of seeing your saintly face. May it, please God, be a constant joy to me!
2 I exhort you, clothed as you are with the garment of grace, to speed on your course* and exhort all others to attend to their salvation. Do justice to your office * with the utmost solicitude, both physical and spiritual. Be concerned about unity, the greatest blessing. Bear with all,° just as the Lord does with you. Have patience with all in charity, as indeed you do. 3 To prayer give yourself unceasingly; beg for an increase in understanding; watch without letting your spirit
| flag. Speak to each one singly® in imitation of God's way.
Bear the infirmities of all," like a master athlete.* The greater the toil, the greater the reward.
2. If you love good disciples, you can expect no thanks.° Rather, reduce to subjection, by gentleness, the more pestiferous.
Not every hurt is healed by the same plaster.
Allay fits of fever by means of poultices.
2 Be wary like a serpent, yet always guileless like a dove." You consist of body and soul for the reason that you may deal graciously with