[1:1] Reply of the Blessed Virgin to this Letter.
[1:2] The lowly handmaid of Christ Jesus to Ignatius, her beloved fellow-disciple.
[1:3] The things which thou hast heard and learned from John concerning Jesus are true.
[1:4] Believe them, cling to them, and hold fast the profession of that Christianity which thou hast embraced, and conform thy habits and life to thy profession.
[1:5] Now I will come in company with John to visit thee, and those that are with thee.
[1:6] Stand fast in the faith, and show thyself a man; nor let the fierceness of persecution move thee, but let thy spirit be strong and rejoice in God thy Saviour, Amen.