from the first day to the present time. being persuaded that

I should have this opinion of you, being sensible you make the dispensation I am under a common concern, with respect to my confinement, and the defence and confirmation of the gospel.

that being capable to distinguish what is best, you may remain stedfastly sincere until the day of Christ,

and my inclination to abide in this life, as being more advantageous for YOU:

that by my being present with you again, I may be the occasion of heightning your christian joy.

without being under any the least apprehension from your adversaries: this will be to them a sign of their ruin, and to you of salvation, by the divine appointment.

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

compleat my joy, by pursuing the same view, living in mutual love, by being unanimous, and cultivating that harmony.

by assuming the form of a servant: being made in the likeness of men,

being circumcised the eighth day, of the family of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew by descent, by sect a Pharisee.