to whom [may there] be honor forever and ever. May it be so.

My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am again deeply pained [as a woman in childbirth] over your [spiritual] condition, until [the life of] Christ becomes formed in your character.

But I would like to be present with you and change the tone [of my remarks], because I am very distressed over your condition.

For it is written [Isa. 40:1], "[Woman] you should be happy that you have not had children. Cry over your inability to experience the pain of childbirth. For the deserted woman has had more children than the one with a husband."

[However], I have confidence in you, since we both have a relationship with the Lord, that you will not think differently [than I do] about this matter. But whoever is causing you trouble will be rightfully judged [and punished] for it.

I wish that those who are causing such a problem over wanting people to be circumcised would just mutilate themselves [while they are at it!].