Mace(i)
1 Invested then with such a commission, I beseech you let not the offers of divine favour be made to you in vain.
2 for he saith, " I have heard thee in a favourable time, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee." now this is the favourable time; this is that day of salvation.
3 as for us, we give no occasion of offence, that our ministry may not be blamed:
4 but in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes,
5 from imprisonments, from tumults, from labours, from watchings, from penury.
6 I approve myself, by chastity, by knowledge, by meekness, by kindness, by sanctity of mind, by undisguised benevolence,
7 by the preaching of truth, by the power of God, by the arms of justice, both offensive and defensive.
8 in honour and disgrace, under infamy, and in repute: look'd upon as an impostor, while I say what is true;
9 as unknown, and yet celebrated; as dying, and yet I am alive; as chastised, but not slain;
10 as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.
11 O Corinthians, my heart is so full, my tongue cannot be silent:
12 our affections are as enlarged towards you, as yours are contracted towards us.
13 I address myself to you as a parent, be not you wanting in the returns of filial respect to me.