Page:Suppressed Gospels and Epistles.djvu/161



GNATIUS, who is also called Theohorus, to the church of God the Father, and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which God hath mercifully blessed with every good gift; being filled with faith and charity, so that it is wanting in no gift; most worthy of God, and fruitful in saints; the church which is at Smyrna in Asia; all through his immaculate spirit, through word of God.

I glorify God, even Jesus Christ, who has given you such wisdom.

For I have observed that you are settled in an immoveable faith, as if you were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the flesh and in the spirit; and are confirmed in love through the blood of Christ; being fully persuaded of those things which relate unto our Lord.

Who truly was of the race of David according to the flesh, but the Son of God according to the will and power of God; truly born of the Virgin, and baptised of John; that so all righteousness might be fulfilled by him.

He was also truly crucified by Pontius Pilate, and Herod the Tetrarch, being nailed for us in the flesh; by the fruits of which we are, even by his most blessed passion;

That he might set up a token for all ages through his resurrection, to all his holy and faithful servants, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, in one body of his church.

Now all these things he suffered for us that we might be saved; and he suffered truly, as he also truly raised up himself; and not, as some unbelievers say, that he only seemed to suffer; they themselves only seeming to be.

And as they believe so shall it happen unto them, when being divested of the body they shall become mere spirits.

But I know that even after his resurrection he was in the flesh; and I believe that he is still so.

And when he came to those who were with Peter, he said unto them, Take, handle me, and see that I am not an incorporeal daemon. And straightway they felt and believed; being convinced both by his flesh and spirit.

For this cause they despised death, and were bound to be above it.

But after his resurrection he did eat and drink with them, as he was flesh; although as to his Spirit he was united to the Father.

OW these things, beloved, I put you in mind of, not questioning but that you yourselves also believe that they are so.

But I arm you before-hand against certain beasts in the shape of men, whom you must not only not receive, but if it be possible must not meet with.

Only you must pray for them, that if it be the will of God they may repent; which yet will be