This is the very thing I wrote you, that when I did come I might not be made sad by the very people who ought to make me glad, for I had confidence in you all that my gladness would be gladness to you all.

For this is why I wrote you, to see if you would stand the test, to see if you would be obedient in everything.

Now if the old religious service which resulted in death, although its law was carved in letters of stone, was introduced with a splendor so great that the Israelites could not keep their eyes fixed on Moses' face because of the splendor that was fading from it,

Besides, their minds were made dull; for to this day that same veil remains unlifted, whenever they read the Old Covenant; because it is only through union with Christ that it is removed.

For if anybody is in union with Christ, he is the work of a new creation; the old condition has passed away, a new condition has come.

I do not mean this for your condemnation, because, as I have said before, you have such a place in my heart that I would live with you or die with you.

He who always supplies the sower with seed and the eater with bread will supply you with seed and multiply it and enlarge the harvest which your deeds of charity yield.

Such people should consider this: When I arrive for action I shall do exactly what I said I would in my letters when far away.

I wish you would now listen to a little folly of mine. Please do listen to me!