His friend Ignatius to John the holy...

His friend ¹³⁸⁷ Ignatius to John the holy presbyter.

If thou wilt give me leave, I desire to go up to Jerusalem, and see the faithful ¹³⁸⁸ 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 her ¹³⁸⁹ 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, ¹³⁹⁰ 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 ¹³⁹¹ teacher, bid me hasten [to fulfil my wish], and fare thou well. Amen.

Footnotes

125:1387

Literally, “his own.”

125:1388

Some omit this word.

125:1389

Literally, “of herself.” Some read, instead of “de se,” “deorum,” when the translation will be, “the true God of gods.”

125:1390

Or, “face.” Some omit the word.

125:1391

Or, “good.”