If, however, the service that proclaims death--its code being engraved in writing upon stones--came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily on the face of Moses because of the brightness of his face--a vanishing brightness;

And all of us, with unveiled faces, reflecting like bright mirrors the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same likeness, from one degree of radiant holiness to another, even as derived from the Lord the Spirit.

Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards.

For everything is for your sakes, in order that grace, being more richly bestowed because of the thanksgivings of the increased number, may more and more promote the glory of God.

Therefore we are not cowards. Nay, even though our outward man is wasting away, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.

So we have a cheerful confidence, and we anticipate with greater delight being banished from the body and going home to the Lord.

For the love of Christ overmasters us, the conclusion at which we have arrived being this--that One having died for all, His death was their death,

With earnest entreaty they begged from us the favour of being allowed to share in the service now being rendered to God's people.

for Titus welcomed our request, and, being thoroughly in earnest, comes to you of his own free will.

For against one thing we are on our guard--I mean against blame being thrown upon us in respect to these large and liberal contributions which are under our charge.

As to the services which are being rendered to God's people, it is really unnecessary for me to write to you.

And when I was with you and my resources failed, there was no one to whom I became a burden--for the brethren when they came from Macedonia fully supplied my wants--and I kept myself from being in the least a burden to you, and will do so still.

But I will persist in the same line of conduct in order to cut the ground from under the feet of those who desire an opportunity of getting themselves recognized as being on a level with us in the matters about which they boast.

To return to what I was saying. Let no one suppose that I am foolish. Or if you must, at any rate make allowance for me as being foolish, in order that I, as well as they, may boast a little.

God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable things which no human being is permitted to repeat.

If I love you so intensely, am I the less to be loved? Be that as it may: I was not a burden to you. But being by no means scrupulous, I entrapped you, they say!