Letters of Ignatius 72

1I therefore did my part, as a man committed to unity. But where there is division and anger, God does not dwell. Now the Lord forgives everyone when they repent, if in repentance they return to the unity of God and to the council of the bishop. I have faith in the grace of Jesus Christ, who will strike off every fetter from you; and I urge you,

2Do nothing in a spirit of faction, but according to the teaching of Christ. For I heard certain people saying, “If I do not find it in the charters, I do not believe it in the Gospel.” And when I said to them, “It is written,” they answered me, “That is the question.” But for me, my charter is Jesus Christ; the inviolable charter is his cross, his death, his resurrection, and faith through him. In these I desire to be justified through your prayers.