Chapter XVII.—Conclusion of the first part of the epistle. As far as was possible, and could be done with perspicuity, I cherish the hope that, ac- cording to my desire, I have omitted none246 of those things at present [demanding consid- eration], which bear upon your salvation. For if I should write to you about things future,247 ye would not understand, because such knowledge is hid in parables. These things then are so. 246 Cod. Sin. reads, “my soul hopes that it has not omitted anything.” 247 Cod. Sin., “about things present or future.” Hilgenfeld’s text of this passage is as follows: “My mind and soul hopes that, according to my desire, I have omitted none of the things that pertain to salvation. For if I should write to you about things present or future,” etc. Hefele gives the text as above, and understands the meaning to be, “points bearing on the present argument.” Chapter XVII.—Conclusion of the first part of the epistle. 398 Chapter XVII.—Conclusion of the first part of the epistle.