Ignatius: To the Magnesians

When I learned the exceeding good order of your love in the ways of God, I was gladdened and I determined to address you in the faith of Jesus Christ.

For being counted worthy to bear a most godly name, in these bonds, which I carry about, I sing the praise of the churches; and I pray that there may be in them union of the flesh and of the spirit which are Jesus Christ's, our never-failing life--and union of faith and of love which is preferred before all things, and--what is more than all--an union with Jesus and with the Father, in whom if we endure patiently all the despite of the prince of this world and escape therefrom, we shall attain unto God.