Saint Ignatius of Antioch



Mary at Neapolis
(Spurious)

Chapter 4




Table of Contents

Catalogue of Titles




Logos Virtual Library



Catalogue

Saint Ignatius of Antioch (30-107)

Epistle to Mary at Neapolis, Near Zarbus

(Spurious)

Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson

Chapter 4


Now it occurs to me to mention, that the report is true which I heard of thee whilst thou wast at Rome with the blessed father Linus, whom the deservedly-blessed Clement, a hearer of Peter and Paul, has now succeeded. And by this time thou hast added a hundred-fold to thy reputation; and may thou, O woman! still further increase it. I greatly desired to come unto you, that I might have rest with you; but “the way of man is not in himself.” For the military guard [under which I am kept] hinders my purpose, and does not permit me to go further. Nor indeed, in the state I am now in, can I either do or suffer anything. Wherefore deeming the practice of writing the second resource of friends for their mutual encouragement, I salute thy sacred soul, beseeching of thee to add still further to thy vigour. For our present labour is but little, while the reward which is expected is great.





Chapter 3


Chapter 5