Chapter I.—Commendation and exhortation. Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God as upon an immoveable rock, I loudly glorify [His name] that I have been thought worthy [to behold] thy blameless face,582 which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all, even as the Lord does with thee. Support583 all in love, as also thou doest. Give thyself to prayer without ceasing.584 Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast. Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit. Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee.585 Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life]: where the labour is great, the gain is all the more. Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God as upon an immoveable rock, I loudly glorify [His name] that I have been thought worthy to behold thy blameless face,586 which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all even as the Lord does with thee. Support587 all in love, as also thou doest. Give thyself to prayer without ceasing.588 Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast. Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit. Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee.589 Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life], even as does the Lord of all. For says [the Scripture], “He Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”590 Where the labour is great, the gain is all the more. 582 i.e., to make personal acquaintance with one esteemed so highly. 583 Or, “tolerate.” 584 Comp. 1 Thess. v. 17. 585 Some read, “according to thy practice.” 586 i.e., to make personal acquaintance with one esteemed so highly. 587 Or, “tolerate.” 588 Comp. 1 Thess. v. 17. 589 Some read, “according to thy practice.” 590 Matt. viii. 17. Chapter I.—Commendation and exhortation. 241 Chapter I.—Commendation and exhortation.