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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.
Keep thyself pure as the habitation of God. Thou art the temple of Christ. Thou art the instrument of the Spirit. Thou knowest in what way I have brought thee up. Though I am the least of men, do thou seek to follow me, be thou an imitator of my conduct. I do not glory in the world, but in the Lord. I exhort Hero, my son; “but let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord.”24 1 Cor. i. 31; 2 Cor. x. 17. May I have joy of thee, my dear son, whose guardian may He be who is the only unbegotten God, and the Lord Jesus Christ! Do not believe all persons, do not place confidence in all; nor let any man get the better of thee by flattery. For many are the ministers of Satan; and “he that is hasty to believe is light of heart.”25 Sirach xix. 4.