HKB
how the lord is to be feared, we fare fair with men. For we are known well enough unto God. I trust also that we are known in your consciences.
We praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an occasion to rejoice of us, that ye may have somewhat against them, which rejoice in the face, and not in the heart. For if we be too fervent, to God are we to fervent: if we keep measure, for your cause keep we measure. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one be dead for all, that then are all dead, and that he died for all, because that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves: but unto him which died for them and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh. Insomuch that though we have known Christ after the flesh, now henceforth know we him so no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. Nevertheless all things are of God, which hath reconciled us unto himself by Iesus Christ, and hath given unto us the office to preach the atonement. For God was in Christ, and made agreement between the world and him self, and imputed not their sins unto them: and hath committed to us the preaching of the atonement.
Now then are we messengers in the room of Christ: even as though God did beseech you thorow us: So pray we you in Christe's stead, that ye be at one with God: for he hath made him to be sin for us, which knew no sin, that we by his means should be that righteousness which before God is allowed.
The .vj. Chapter.
We as helpers therefore exhort you, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For he saith: I have heard thee in a time accepted: and in the day of health, have I succoured thee. Behold now is that well accepted time: behold now is the day of health. Let us give no man occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault: but in all things let us behave ourselves as the ministers of God.
In much patience, in afflictions, in necessity, in anguish, in stripes, in prisonment, in strife, in labour, in watch, in fasting, in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the holy ghost, in love unfeigned, in the words of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of righteousness of the right hand and on the left hand, in honour and dishonour, in evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true, as unknown, and yet known: as dying and behold we yet live: as chastened and not killed: as sorrowing and yet alwaye merry: as poor and yet make many rich: as having no thing and yet possessing all things.
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you. Our heart is made large: ye are not brought into cumbrance by us, though that ye vex yourselves of a true meaning. I speake unto you as unto children, which have like reward with us: Stretch yourselves therefore out. bear not the yoke with the unbelievers. For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? What company hath light with darkness? What concord hath Christ with beliall? Either what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? how agreeth the temple of God with images? And ye are the temple of the living God, as said God: I will dwell among them, and walk among them, and will be their God: and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and separate yourselves (saith the lord) and touch none unclean thing: so will I receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be unto me sons and daughters, saith the lord almighty.
The .vij. Chapter.