Study Desk

but in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes,

by the preaching of truth, by the power of God, by the arms of justice, both offensive and defensive.

and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God has said , "I will dwell with, and walk among them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

since then, we have these promises, my dear brethren, let us cleanse our selves from all impurity, whether of body or mind, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

nevertheless, God who comforteth those that are cast down, gave me comfort by the arrival of Titus: not barely by his presence,

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

always considering what is virtuous, with respect to God, and with respect to men.

let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor.

and God is able to make every charitable gift redound to your advantage; that being always sufficiently supply'd in every thing, you may excel in every good work:

so that being enriched in every thing, you may be continually beneficent to the glory of God by our thanksgiving.

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.

having this proof of you by such a supply, they will glorify God for your profess'd subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them as well as others;

and you will have the advantage of their earnest prayers, for the exceeding favour God has bestowed upon them by you:

thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

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.

why so? is it because I love you not? far otherwise, God knows.

the ever-blessed God, and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, knows that I speak truth.

I knew a christian who above fourteen years ago, was snatch'd up even to the third heaven, whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows.

but tho' I don't know whether it was in the body, or out of the body, which God only knows,

do you think I have been making excuses for not coming? as I am a christian, in the presence of God, I have, my beloved, in every thing consulted your advantage.