to the one, a deathly, deadly odor, to the other a vital, life-giving one. Who is qualified for this task? I am!

For I who am still in my tent sigh with anxiety, because I do not want to be stripped of it, but to put on the other over it, so that what is only mortal may be absorbed in life.

pained, when I am always glad, poor, when I make many others rich, penniless, when really I own everything.

I do not mean this as a command. I only want to test the genuineness of your love by the devotion of others.

I do not mean to be easy upon others and hard upon you,

The way you stand the test of this service must do honor to God, through your fidelity to what you profess as to the good news of Christ, and through the liberality of your contributions for them and for all others;

I do not indulge in extravagant boasts over work done by others, but I do hope that as your faith increases, my influence may be immensely enlarged through you,

I robbed other churches, letting them pay me so that I could work for you!

I repeat, no one should think me a fool, but if you do, show me at least the patience you would show a fool, and let me have my little boast like the others.

For what is there in which the other churches had the better of you, except in the fact that I would not permit myself to be a burden to you? You must forgive me that wrong!