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Epistle to Polycarp (Long Version)
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Chapter 1: Praise and Encouragement.
I HAVE OBTAINED STRONG PROOF THAT YOUR MIND IS FIXED ON GOD AS ON AN IMMOVABLE ROCK: I loudly praise His name that I have been deemed worthy to behold your blameless face, which I hope to always enjoy in God! I urge you, by the grace with which you are adorned, to press forward in your journey and to encourage everyone to be saved. Maintain your position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Strive to preserve unity, as nothing is better. Bear with everyone just as the Lord does with you. Support all in love, as you already do. Commit yourself to prayer without ceasing. Seek additional understanding to what you already possess. Be watchful, with a vigilant spirit. Speak to each person individually, as God enables you. Bear the weaknesses of all as a perfect athlete in the Christian life, just as the Lord of all does. For the Scripture says, “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” Where the labor is great, the reward is all the greater.