Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/501

 Dec. 10, 1833.]

, which is also Theophorus, to the Church of the, and our , that is in Philadelphia of Asia, that hath obtained mercy, and remaineth stedfast in godly concord, and exulteth continually in the Passion of our ; and hath in His Resurrection been richly furnished with all Mercy. Even this Church do I salute in the blood of, which is our everlasting and abiding joy; especially if it be in Unity with the Bishop and his Fellow-Presbyters and Deacons, appointed after the mind of ; whom He hath according to His own Will established in all confidence, by His.

I. This your Bishop, I well know, hath obtained his public Ministry not of himself, or by the means of men, neither out of vain-glory, but in the Love of the, and our. His moderation I do greatly admire; as he by silence doth more prevail, than others with their idle disputations; for he is exactly fitted to the commandments, even as a harp to its strings. Wherefore my soul esteemeth his mind toward most happy; knowing it to be perfect in all virtue; as also his unmoved and dispassionate temper, according to the moderation of the Living.

II. Do ye then, being children of light and truth, avoid division and corrupt doctrines; but where your shepherd is, thither follow ye as sheep. For there be many wolves, held worthy to be trusted, who captivate by corrupt pleasure those that are running a godly course; but in your Unity they shall have no place.

III. Abstain from the evil herbs, that dresseth not; forasmuch as they are not the  planting. I say not this because I have found you divided, but rather sifted