011:033 but through an opening in the wall I was let down in a basket, and so escaped his hands. 012:001 I am compelled to boast. It is not a profitable employment, but I will proceed to visions and revelations granted me by the Lord. 012:002 I know a Christian man who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know; God knows--was caught up (this man of whom I am speaking) even to the highest Heaven. 012:003 And I know that this man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know; 012:004 God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable things which no human being is permitted to repeat. 012:005 Of such a one I will boast; but of myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. 012:006 If however I should choose to boast, I should not be a fool for so doing, for I should be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should be led to estimate me more highly than what his own eyes attest, or more highly than what he hears from my lips. 012:007 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations-- therefore lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony of impalement, Satan's angel dealing blow after blow, lest I should be over-elated. 012:008 As for this, three times have I besought the Lord to rid me of him; 012:009 but His reply has been, "My grace suffices for you, for power matures in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I boast of my infirmities rather than complain of them-- in order that Christ's power may overshadow me. 012:010 In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults, in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties-- for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 012:011 It is foolish of me to write all this, but you have compelled me to do so. Why, you ought to have been my vindicators; for in no respect have I been inferior to these superlatively great Apostles, even though in myself I am nothing. 012:012 The signs that characterize the true Apostle have been done among you, accompanied by unwearied fortitude, and by tokens and marvels and displays of power. 012:013 In what respect, therefore, have you been worse dealt with than other Churches, except that I myself never hung as a dead weight upon you? Forgive the injustice I thus did you! 012:014 See, I am now for the third time prepared to visit you, but I will not be a dead weight to you. I desire not your money, but yourselves; for children ought not to put by for their parents, but parents for their children. 012:015 And as for me, most gladly will I spend all I have and be utterly spent for your salvation.