and my inclination to abide in this life, as being more advantageous for YOU:

and his whole exterior showing nothing more than a meer man, he abased himself, and carried his submission so far as to die, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obey'd the gospel, not only when I was with you, but much more now while I am absent, continue the work of your own salvation, whatever persecutions you apprehend:

for there is no one that is so dear to me as he, and no one will more sincerely interest himself in your concerns.

which I might do more justly than any other man can pretend to:

for you sent more than once to Thessalonica to supply my occasions.

I have now receiv'd the whole, and have more than sufficient: I am loaded with the presents you sent by Epaphroditus, which I have receiv'd as grateful incense, as a sacrifice which God accepts and approves.