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Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch
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The Epistle of Ignatius to Hero, a Deacon of Antioch
Chapter I.—Exhortations to earnestness and moderation.
Chapter II.—Cautions against false teachers.
Chapter III.—Exhortations as to ecclesiastical duties.
Chapter IV.—Servants and women are not to be despised.
Chapter V.—Various relative duties.
Chapter VI—Exhortations to purity and caution.
Chapter VII.—Solemn charge to Hero, as future bishop of Antioch.
Flee from haughtiness, “for the Lord resisteth the proud.”20 Jas. iv. 6; 1 Pet. v. 5. Abhor falsehood, for says [the Scripture], “Thou shalt destroy all them that speak lies.”21 Ps. v. 6. Guard against envy, for its author is the devil, and his successor Cain, who envied his brother, and out of envy committed murder. Exhort my sisters to love God, and be content with their own husbands only. In like manner, exhort my brethren also to be content with their own wives. Watch over the virgins, as the precious treasures of Christ. Be long-suffering,22 Prov. xiv. 29. that thou mayest be great in wisdom. Do not neglect the poor, in so far as thou art prosperous. For “by alms and fidelity sins are purged away.”23 Prov. xv. 27 (after LXX.: Prov. xvi. 6 in English version)