CHAPTER 1

 1:1  When I learned the exceeding good order of your

love in the ways of God, I was gladdened and I

determined to address you in the faith of Jesus

Christ.

 1:2  For being counted worthy to bear a most godly

name, in these bonds, which I carry about, I sing the

praise of the churches; and I pray that there may be

in them union of the flesh and of the spirit which are

Jesus Christ's, our never-failing life -- an union of

faith and of love which is preferred before all

things, and -- what is more than all -- an union with

Jesus and with the Father; in whom if we endure

patiently all the despite of the prince of this world

and escape therefrom, we shall attain unto God.