4 Overlook not the men and maid servants; neither let them be puffed up: but rather let them be the more subject to the glory of God, that they may obtain from him a better liberty. 5 Let them not desire to be set free at the public cost, that they be not slaves to their own lusts. 6 Flee evil arts; or rather make not any mention of them. 7 Say to my sisters, that they love the Lord; and be satisfied with their own husbands, both in the flesh and spirit. 8 In like manner, exhort my brethren in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the church. 9 If any man can remain in a virgin state, to the honour of the flesh of Christ, let him remain without boasting; but if he boast, he is undone. And if he desire to be more taken notice of than the bishop he is corrupted. 10 But it becomes all such as are married, whether men or women, to come together with the consent of the bishop, that so their marriage may be according to godliness, and not in lust. 11 Let all things be done to the honour of God. 12 Hearken unto the bishop, that God also may hearken unto you. My soul be security for them that submit to their bishop, with their presbyters and deacons. And may my portion be together with theirs in God. 13 Labour with one another; contend together, run together, suffer together; sleep together, and rise together; as the stewards, and assessors, and ministers of God. 14 Please him under whom ye war; and from whom ye receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter; but let your baptism remain, as your arms; your faith, as your helmet; your charity, as your spear; your patience, as your whole armour. 15 Let your works be your charge, that so you may receive a suitable reward. Be long suffering therefore towards each other in meekness; as God is towards you. 16 Let me have joy of you in all things. CHAPTER III. 1 Greets Polycarp on the peace of the church at Antioch: 2 and desires him to write to that and other churches. NOW forasmuch as the church of Antioch in Lyria is, as I am told, in peace through your prayers; I also have been the more comforted, and without care in God; if so be that by suffering, I shall attain unto God; and through your prayers I may be found a disciple of Christ. 2 It will be very fit, O most worthy Polycarp, to call a select council, and choose some one whom ye particularly love, and who is patient of labour: that he may be the messenger of God; and that going unto Syria, he may glorify your incessant love, to the praise of Christ. 3 A Christian has not the power of himself; but must be always at leisure for God's service. Now this work is both God's and our's; when ye shall have perfected it. 4 For I trust through the grace of God that ye are ready to every good work that is fitting for you in the Lord. 5 Knowing therefore your earnest affection for the truth, I have exhorted you by these short letters.