for the spirit, which God has given us, is not a spirit of timidity, but of fortitude, of benevolence, and of moderation.

be not therefore asham'd of the testimony of the Lord, nor of me who am a prisoner upon his account. but share with me in the afflictions, which attend the gospel, supported as you are by the power of God,

who has saved us, and by the gospel hath called us to holiness, not in consideration of our works, but in pursuance of his own resolution, and the favour, which having been promised us by Jesus Christ several ages ago,

but when he was at Rome, he enquired for me very diligently, and found me.

for which I suffer even the chains of a malefactor: but the word of God is not so confin'd.

in a palace there are vessels not only of gold, and of silver, but of wood and of earth likewise: some are for honourable uses, and others for meaner purposes.

a christian must not be litigious, but easy to all men, qualify'd to instruct,

with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth.

of which they wear the appearance, but disclaim its influence. have no intercourse with such.

but they will be stop'd in their career; for they shall be expos'd to the world for impostors, as those magicians were.

my persecutions, and the sufferings that befel me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions did I endure? but the Lord deliver'd me out of them all: yes,

as for these impious impostors, they will go on from bad to worse, seducing others, and deluding themselves.

But be you attach'd to the doctrine you have learnt, with which you are intrusted, considering by whom you have been instructed:

for the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but get teachers of their own corrupt taste, to sooth their ears that itch for flattery:

I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance.

when you come, bring the cloke and books, but especially the roll, which I left with Carpus at Troas.

Erastus staid at Corinth: but Trophimus I left sick at Miletum.