When I remember you, as I continually do in my prayers night and day, I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, after the example of my fore-fathers.

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,

yet I am not ashamed, for I know in whom I have confided, and I am persuaded he is able to keep what I have committed to him against that day.

the Lord be favourable to the family of Onesiphorus; for he often reliev'd me, and was not asham'd of my chains:

a combatant does not receive the crown, unless he has observ'd the laws of the games.

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

he will renounce us likewise: tho' we are diffident, he is still faithful, and will not retract his word.

endeavour to approve yourself to God, as an artist that is not afraid of reproach, by rightly explaining the word of truth.

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.

Moses did not meet with greater opposition from Jannes and Jambres, than truth does from men so corrupted in their mind, and so adulterated in their faith.

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.