Letters of Ignatius 54

1Because, in answer to my prayer to God, I have been granted the privilege of seeing your godly faces, I have received even more than I asked for. For while wearing chains in Christ Jesus, I hope to greet you, if it is the divine will that I should be counted worthy to reach the end.

2For the beginning is indeed well ordered, provided that I reach the goal and receive my inheritance without hindrance. I fear your very love, in case it should harm me. For it is easy for you to do what you want, but it is difficult for me to reach God unless you spare me.