the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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2 Thessalonians 3
1 To conclude, pray for us, my brethren, that the doctrine of the Lord may make its progress, and be respected every where as it is among you: 2 and that we may be delivered from vexatious wicked men; for all have not the faith. 3 but as for you, the Lord, who is faithful, will establish you, and protect you from the malicious one. 4 and we have this hope in the Lord, that you will still continue to observe the directions we give you. 5 may the Lord qualify your hearts with divine affection, and a patient expectation of Jesus Christ.
6 We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us. 7 for you know what an example we have given for your imitation: that our conduct among you was regular: 8 that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you: 9 not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate, 10 pursuant to the maxim, which we laid down, when among you, "he that refuses to work should be deny'd food." 11 now being inform'd, that there are among you people of an irregular conduct, who neglect their own business, and busy themselves with the affairs of others: 12 we command these persons, and exhort them by the Lord Jesus Christ, to stay at home, and earn their bread by labour. 13 As for you, my brethren, be not weary of your commendable industry: 14 and if any one should disregard what we have prescrib'd, signify it to us by letter, and don't converse with him, that he may be put to shame. 15 however, don't treat him as an enemy, but reprove him as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace grant you continual peace in all respects. the Lord be with you all. 17 I Paul salute you, this salutation being my own hand writing, which is the distinguishing mark of all my letters, so I write. 18 the favour of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. AMEN.
