Chap. i.—As a prisoner, I hope to see you

Chap. i.—As a prisoner, I hope to see you.

Shorter.

Through prayer[1080] to God I have obtained the privilege of seeing your most worthy faces,[1081] and have even[1082] been granted more than I requested; for I hope as a prisoner in Christ Jesus to salute you, if indeed it be the will of God that I be thought worthy of attaining unto the end. For the beginning has been well ordered, if I may obtain grace to cling to[1083] my lot without hindrance unto the end. For I am afraid of your love,[1084] lest it should do me an injury. For it is easy for you to accomplish what you please; but it is difficult for me to attain to God, if ye spare me.

Longer.

Through prayer to God I have obtained the privilege of seeing your most worthy faces,[1085] even as I earnestly begged might be granted me; for as a prisoner in Christ Jesus I hope to salute you, if indeed it be the will [of God] that I be thought worthy of attaining unto the end. For the beginning has been well ordered, if I may obtain grace to cling to[1086] my lot without hindrance unto the end. For I am afraid of your love,[1087] lest it should do me an injury. For it is easy for you to accomplish what you please; but it is difficult for me to attain to God, if ye do not spare me,[1088] under the pretence of carnal affection.