Chapter VIII.—Let other churches also send to Antioch. Inasmuch as I have not been able to write to all the Churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the will638 [of the emperor] enjoins, [I beg that] thou, as being acquainted with the purpose639 of God, wilt write to the adjacent Churches, that they also may act in like manner, such as are able to do so sending messengers,640 and the others transmitting letters through those persons who are sent by thee, that thou641 mayest be glorified by a work642 which shall be remembered for ever, as indeed thou art worthy to be. I salute all by name, and in particular the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus, my beloved. I salute him who shall be deemed worthy to go [from you] into Syria. Grace shall be with him for ever, and with Polycarp that sends him. I pray for your happiness for ever in our God, Jesus Christ, by whom continue ye in the unity and under the protection of God,643 I salute Alce, my dearly beloved.644 Fare ye well in the Lord. Inasmuch, therefore, as I have not been able to write to all Churches, because I must suddenly sail from Troas to Neapolis, as the will645 [of the emperor] enjoins, [I beg that] thou, as being acquainted with the purpose646 of God, wilt write to the adjacent Churches, that they also may act in like manner, such as are able to do so sending messenger, and the others transmitting letters through those persons who are sent by thee, that thou mayest be glorified by a work647 which shall be remembered for ever, as indeed thou art worthy to be. I salute all by name, and in particular the wife of Epitropus, with all her house and children. I salute Attalus, my beloved. I salute him who shall be deemed worthy to go [from you] into Syria. Grace shall be with him for ever, and with Polycarp that sends him. I pray for your happiness for ever in our God, Jesus Christ, by whom continue ye in the unity and under the protection of God. I salute Alce, my dearly beloved.648 Amen. Grace [be with you]. Fare ye well in the Lord. 638 Some suppose the reference to be to the soldiers, or perhaps to God Himself. 639 Or, “as possessed of the judgment.” 640 Literally, “men on foot.” 641 Some have the plural “ye” here. 642 Literally, “an eternal work.” 643 Some propose to read, “and of the bishop.” 644 Literally, “name desired by me.” 645 Some suppose the reference to be to the soldiers, or perhaps to God Himself. 646 Or, “as possessed of the judgment.” 647 Literally, “an eternal work.” 648 Literally, “name desired by me.” Chapter VIII.—Let other churches also send to Antioch. 248 Chapter VIII.—Let other churches also send to Antioch.