THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE
Ignatius, and the brethren who are with him, John the holy presbyter.
WE are deeply grieved at thy delay in strengthening us by thy addresses
and consolations. thy absence be prolonged, it will disappoint many of
us. Hasten then to come, for we believe that it is expedient. There are
also many of our women here, who are desirous to see Mary [the mother]
of Jesus, and wish day by day to run off from us to you, that they may
meet with her, and touch those breasts of hers which nourished the Lord
Jesus, and may inquire of her respecting some rather secret matters. But
Salome also, [the daughter of Anna,] whom thou lovest, who stayed with
her five months at Jerusalem, and some other well-known persons, relate
that she is full of all graces and all virtues, after the manner of a
virgin, fruitful in virtue and grace. And, as they report, she is cheerful
in persecutions and afflictions, free from murmuring in the midst of penury
and want, grateful to those that injure her, and rejoices when exposed
to troubles: she sympathizes with the wretched and the afflicted as sharing
in their afflictions, and is not slow to come to their assistance. Moreover,
she shines forth gloriously as contending in the fight of faith against
the pernicious conflicts of vicious principles or conduct. She is the
lady of our new religion and repentance, and the handmaid among the faithful
of all works of piety. She is indeed devoted to the humble, and she humbles
herself more devotedly than the devoted, and is wonderfully magnified
by all, while at the same time she suffers detraction from the Scribes
and Pharisees. Besides these points, many relate to us numerous other
things regarding her. We do not, however, go so far as to believe all
in every particular; nor do we mention such to thee. But, as we are informed
by those who are worthy of credit, there is in Mary the mother of Jesus
an angelic purity of nature allied with the nature of humanity.(3) And
such reports as these have greatly excited our emotions, and urge us eagerly
to desire a sight of this (if it be lawful so to speak) heavenly prodigy
and most sacred marvel. But do thou in haste comply with this our desire;
and fare thou well. Amen.
A SECOND EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO ST. JOHN.
His friend Ignatius to John the holy presbyter.
IF thou wilt give me leave, I desire to go up to Jerusalem, and see the
faithful saints who are there, especially Mary the mother, whom they report
to be an object of admiration and of affection to all. For who would not
rejoice to behold and to address her who bore the true God from hers own
womb, provided he is a friend of our faith and religion? And in like manner
[I desire to see] the venerable James, who is surnamed Just, whom they
relate to be very like Christ Jesus in appearance, in life, and in method
of conduct, as if he were a twin-brother of the same womb. They say that,
if I see him, I see also Jesus Himself, as to all the features and aspect
of His body. Moreover, [I desire to see] the other saints, both male and
female. Alas! why do I delay? Why am I kept back? Kind teacher, bid me
hasten [to fulfill my wish], and fare thou well. Amen.
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