but we had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we might not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead:

For this is our rejoicing, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and pious sincerity, not with carnal wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and especially towards you.

And in this confidence I had a mind to come to you first, (that ye might have a second benefit,) and to pass by you into Macedonia;

yet I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother there; but taking my leave of them, I went away into Macedonia.

For when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

Wherefore if I wrote in such a manner to you, it was not merely on his account who had done the wrong, nor for his sake who had been injured; but that our care for you in the sight of God might be manifested among you.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had already begun, so he would also complete this grace among you.

as it is written, "He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack."

But I have sent the brethren, that our boasting of you might not become vain in this respect, but that ye might be ready, as I had said: