You know how much I expended on the judges in the districts which I
visited most frequently. For I think I paid them not less than the
hire of fifteen men, that you might have the benefit of my presence,
and that I might always enjoy you in the Lord. I do not regret it, nor
is it sufficient for me. I still spend, and will still spend, for your
souls.] Behold, I call God to witness on my soul that I do not lie,
neither that you may have occasion, nor that I hope for honor from any
of you; sufficient for me is the honor of truth. But I see that now in
the present world I am greatly exalted by the Lord; and I was not
worthy nor fit to be thus exalted, for I know that poverty and calamity
are more suitable for me than riches and luxury. But even Christ the
Lord was poor for us.

Truly, I, a poor and miserable creature, even if I wished for wealth,
have it not; neither do I judge myself, because I daily expect either
death, or treachery, or slavery, or an occasion of some kind or
another. [But I fear none of these things, relying on the heavenly
promise; for I have cast myself into the hands of the omnipotent God,
who rules everywhere; as the prophet says: "Cast thy care upon the
Lord, and He shall sustain thee."

Behold, now I commend my soul to my most faithful God, whose mission I
perform, notwithstanding my unworthiness; but because He does not
accept persons, and has chosen me for this office, to be one of the
least of His ministers. "What shall I render to Him for all the things
that He hath rendered to me?" But what shall I say or promise to my
Lord? For I see nothing unless He gives Himself to me; but He searches
the heart and reins, because I ardently desire and am ready that He
should give me to drink His cup, as He has permitted others to do who