On the Christian Religion

rise not again, why are we in danger every hour? I die daily, through your glory, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord. If, according to man, I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me, if the dead rise not again?” Again: “We are troubled, brethren, for your exhortation and salvation, which worketh in us the tolerance of the same sufferings which we also suffer, that our hope may be firm for you, knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation. For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our tribulation, which was made to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure.” Also: “I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulation. For also when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we suffered all tribulation.” Whence he says to the Ephesians: “I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus, for you Gentiles, beseech you not to faint in my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” Finally, he says that he performs the embassy for Christ in a chain. To the Philippians he says that he counts all things, even the greatest, as nothing and as dung, that he may gain Christ, and be a partaker of His passion, being made conformable to His death to merit His resurrection. Also: “Our conversation is in heaven. From whence also we look for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown; so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” But to the Thessalonians: “You also have been made followers of us, and of the Lord; receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost. You know, brethren, our entrance unto you, that it was not in vain: but having suffered before, and been...