Now I would have you know, my brethren, that what has happen'd to me, has only conduc'd to the progress of the gospel;

being engag'd in the same conflict, in which you saw I was formerly, and hear that I am at present engag'd.

for he long'd to see you all, and was greatly concern'd, that you should hear he was sick. and indeed he was sick almost unto death:

I don't imagine, my brethren, that I am arriv'd at the goal; but this I do, unmindful of what is pass'd, I stretch towards that which is in view,

and you yourselves know, O Philippians, that when I first preach'd the gospel, at my departure from Macedonia, I receiv'd no manner of assistance from any other church but yours;

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.

and the favour I ask of him is this, that your kindness to me may be crown'd with farther improvements in knowledge and all prudence;

so that the whole court and publick are well appriz'd that I am a prisoner upon the account of Jesus Christ.

even many of our brethren, encourag'd by my bonds, preach the word with greater freedom and intrepidity.

is it not however some advantage? since in either way, whether it be occasionally, or professedly, Christ is preach'd; which is now, and always will be matter of joy to me.

I am doubly press'd between my desire to depart, in order to be with Christ, which is by far the best for ME;

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:

you know he has stood the test, and has serv'd with me in the gospel, as a son serves with his father.

for he was upon the brink of death for the service of Christ, having expos'd his life to the greatest dangers, to perform those kind offices, which you could not do yourselves.

if zeal is to be regarded, I persecuted the church; if the integrity prescrib'd by the law, I am without reproach;

for I am not yet secure of the prize, I have not yet finish'd my course: but I press to obtain the reward, which Jesus Christ invited me to.

in the mean while, as we are already advanc'd so far, pursue your course, and keep it still in view:

who in the. end will be ruin'd, who place their religion in sensuality, their glory in that which is their shame, and fix their thoughts upon this earth.

the Lord is coming: be not in any manner of sollicitude, but in all your occasions lay your requests before God by prayer and supplication accompany'd by thanksgiving.

and the favour of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall keep your hearts and mind attach'd to Jesus Christ.

Now I joyfully thank the Lord, that your concern for me has at length reviv'd. not that you wanted the disposition, but only the opportunity.

it is not my indigence that makes me say this: for I have learn'd, in whatevever state I am, therewith to be content: I know how to be in want,

I know how to abound: every where, and in every circumstance, I have been prepar'd for fulness or famine, for plenty or penury: