[1] And let the presbyters also be compassionate.
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merciful to all, bringing back those that have wandered, caring for all the weak, neglecting neither widow, nor orphan nor poor, but
ever providing for that which is good before God and man, refraining from all wrath, respect of persons, unjust judgment, being far from all love of money, not quickly believing evil of any, not hasty in judgment, knowing that
we all owe the debt of sin.
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[2] If then we pray the Lord to forgive us, we also ought to forgive, for we
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stand before the eyes of the Lord and of God, and
we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and each must give an account of himself.
[3] So then
let us serve him with fear and all reverence, as he himself commanded us, and
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as did the Apostles, who brought us the Gospel, and the Prophets who foretold the coming of our Lord. Let us be zealous for good, refraining from offence, and from the false brethren, and from those who bear the name of the Lord in hypocrisy, wdio deceive empty-minded men.
Epistula ad Philippenses. Polycarp. ed. Kirsopp Lake. London. 1912.
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