For this thing besought I the lord thrice,
that it might depart from me: and he said unto me: my grace is
sufficient for thee. For my strength is made perfect thorow weakness.
Very gladly therefore will I rejoice of my weakness, that the
strength of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore have I delectation in
infirmities, in rebukes, in need, in persecutions, in anguish, for
Christi's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
I am made a fool in boasting myself. Ye have compelled me: I
ought to have been commended of you. For in nothing was I inferior
unto the chief apostles, though I be nothing, yet the tokens of an
apostle were wrought among you with all patience: with signs, and
wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferiors
unto other congregations? except it be therein that I was not
grievous unto you. Forgive me this wrong done unto you. Behold now
the third time I am ready to come unto you, neither will I be
grievous unto you. For I seek not yours but you. Also the children
ought not to lay up for the fathers and mothers: but the fathers and
mothers for the children.
I will very gladly bestow, and will be bestowed for your souls:
though the more I love you, the less I am loved again.
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