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wherefore, my writing to you so severely did not proceed from any prejudice to him, that had done the wrong, or from favour to him that suffered wrong, but to show my conscientious regard to your welfare.

so that I am not ashamed of the commendations I have formerly given you to him; but as I have always preached the truth to you, so in my commendation to Titus, I have said nothing but truth of you.

I don't mean to prescribe to you, but that the zeal of others may show you are as sincerely well-affected.

in this I only advise you: it being for your credit, since you have not only begun to execute it, but you were the first that form'd the design a year ago.

for what a man gives with a ready mind, according to his abilities, is well received; but not when he goes beyond his circumstances.

But thanks be to God, who disposed Titus to be so industrious for you.

for he not only complyed with my exhortation, but being more than ordinarily concern'd, he voluntarily went to you;

but was chosen by the churches to accompany me with this collection; which service I undertook for the sake of Christ, and to encourage your generous design.

for the execution of this charitable office, does not only supply the necessities of the converts, but by the thanksgivings of many redounds also to the glory of God.

I who am a person of a mean presence, when among you, but exert myself upon your account, when absent; I Paul intreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not to let me exert that authority,

our military arms are not so defective, but divinely effectual to demolish all their ramparts;

but that I may not seem as if I would strike a terror in you by letters:

(for 'tis objected that my letters are weighty and powerful, but my bodily presence weak, and my preaching

for I dare not rank or compare my self with some who vaunt themselves: but they making their self-conceit the only standard whereby to judge of themselves, show their want of judgment.

I will not boast of any thing done without my province, but confine myself within that line by which God has mark'd out my bounds, and in which you are included.

I don't assume to myself the credit of other men's labours in another province, but hope, that when your faith is increased, the bounds now prescribed will be enlarged by you yet farther;

but he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

for not he that commendeth himself, but he whom the Lord commendeth, is the approved.

Would you could bear with me a little in my vanity, but indeed you do bear with me.

but I fear lest by some means or other, as Eve was beguiled by the subtilly of the serpent, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is due to Christ.