Page:Ante-Nicene Fathers volume 1.djvu/298

284 which are seen and which are not seen, that I should be accounted worthy of Jesus Christ. Fire, and the cross, and the beasts that are prepared, cutting off of the limbs, and scattering of the bones, and crushing of the whole body, harsh torments of the devil—let these come upon me, but only let me be accounted worthy of Jesus Christ.

The pains of the birth stand over against me.

And my love is crucified, and there is no fire in me for another love. I do not desire the food of corruption, neither the lusts of this world. I seek the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ; and I seek His blood, a drink which is love incorruptible.

My spirit saluteth you, and the love of the churches which received me as the name of Jesus Christ; for those also who were near to [my] way in the flesh, preceded me in every city.

[Now therefore, being about to arrive shortly in Rome, I