always being persecuted, but not deserted; always getting a knockdown, but never a knockout;

because his letters, he says, are weighty and strong, but his presence in the body weak, and his speech naught.

For we cannot find in our hearts to make ourselves of the number of them, or to compare ourselves to them, which laud themselves. Nevertheless, while they measure themselves with themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they understand nought.

Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God for nought?