Examine Yourselves

1This is the third time I am coming to you: "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 2I told you once before, and now being absent I write to forewarn you and all that have sinned, that when I shall arrive, I will not spare them; 3since you demand a proof of my mission from Christ, who with regard to you has shown no want of power among you. 4for tho' he was crucified with the appearance of weakness, yet he lives by the power of God; tho' we are afflicted upon his account, we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

5Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; bring yourselves to the proof; are you so little acquainted with yourselves, as not to know whether Jesus Christ be in you? but if you are destitute of proofs, 6I trust you shall know that we are not so destitute, 7now I pray God that I may not punish you; not that I may show you my proofs to your cost, but that by your acting honestly, I may be as if I had no proofs: 8for I can employ no power against the truth, but for the truth. 9I am therefore glad when I am disarm'd by the strength of your integrity: and this is what I pray for, even your perfection. 10these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.

Benediction and Farewell

11Finally, brethren, be cheerful: redress yourselves, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12salute one another with religious affection. 13all the converts salute you.

14the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communication of the Holy Spirit, be with you all, amen.