When thou hast given thy name to the warfare, thou art held by a bridle. Therefore begin thou to put away thy former doings. Shun luxuries, since labour is threatening arms. With all thy virtue thou must obey the king’s command, if thou wishest to attain the last times in gladness. He is a good soldier, always wait for things to be enjoyed. Be unwilling to flatter thyself; absolutely put away sloth, that thou mayest daily be ready for what is set before thee. Be careful beforehand; in the morning revisit the standards. When thou seest the war, take the nearest contest. This is the king’s glory, to see the soldiery prepared. The king is present; desire that ye may fight beyond his hope. He makes ready gifts. He gladly looks for the victory, and assigns you to be a fit follower.

Commodian. 1885. “The Instructions of Commodianus.” In Fathers of the Third Century: Tertullian, Part Fourth; Minucius Felix; Commodian; Origen, Parts First and Second, edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, translated by Robert Ernest Wallis, 4:213. The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company.

Translated into modern English via Grok:

Once you’ve enlisted in this warfare [given your name to Christ’s service], you’re under strict discipline—like a bridle holds a horse.

So start by abandoning your old ways.

Avoid luxuries, because hard work and battle are now your reality.

With full commitment and virtue, obey the King’s commands if you want to reach the end times with joy.

A good soldier always looks forward to the rewards that await.

Don’t flatter or deceive yourself—completely reject laziness, so you’re ready every day for whatever comes.

Be prepared in advance; in the morning, check in with the standards [rally to the flag, review your duties].

When you see the battle coming, jump into the nearest fight.

This brings glory to the King: seeing His troops fully prepared.

The King is right there with you—strive to fight even better than He expects.
He has gifts prepared.

He eagerly awaits your victory and will appoint you as a worthy follower [reward you with honor and place in His kingdom].

Don’t hold back or spare yourself for the sake of evil [Belial/Satan]; instead, be diligent, so that He may grant you fame even in death [eternal reward or martyrdom’s crown].