What do John 1:1-14 mean when they declare that Jesus is the Word of God? friends—a title seldom used in the New Testament, as it is absorbed in the higher titles of "brother, brethren." 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 1 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 3 JOHN 1:14. Under these circumstances, no duty is more obvious than that of contributing to the support of those who go to such places as Christian missionaries. 3 John 1:14 "But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. If we are satisfied that a man is a Christian, we should receive him as such, however he may be regarded by others; nor should we hesitate to help him forward in his Christian course, or in any way to assist him to do good. This would seem rather to refer to private friends of John and Gaius than to Christians as such. 3 John 1:14. or send their Christian salutation to thee, wishing all health and prosperity in soul and body; meaning the members of the church at Ephesus: the Arabic version reads, "thy friends"; such at Ephesus as had a particular knowledge of him, and affection for him. THE MESSAGE TO NICODEMUS (3:3-16) Jesus and Nicodemus face to face (vv. 1:14; Acts 19:29, 20:4). were not thought proper to be committed to writing: peace [be] to thee; John 14:1-3 NKJV “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. Peace. So John felt it to be the duty of the church in regard to those who went forth in his time; and so, when the church, under the influence of Diotrephes, had refused to do it, he commended Gaius for performing that duty, 3 John 1:6, 3 John 1:8. A preacher could … Continue reading "Commentary on John 1:1-14" Brief Summary: John is writing with his usual strong emphasis on truth to this much-loved brother in Christ, Gaius, a layman of some wealth and distinction in a city near Ephesus. John states, "The Word became flesh." Greet the friends by name. Anyone who does what is good is from God. This verse reveals four great certainties: Jesus became human; Jesus lived among us; Jesus revealed his glory; Jesus invites us to himself. St. But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. sends his salutation, and desires it might be delivered to each The friends send you greetings. In John 1:14 (see also, 1:17), John testified that Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” In John 3:21, “he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” In John 4:23 & 24, Jesus explained that … This text is frequently read at funerals, and for good reason. They go to those who do not believe the truth of the gospel; who are attached to their own superstitions; who contribute largely to the support of their own temples, and altars, and priesthood; who are, as yet, incapable of appreciating the value of a purer religion; who have no desire for it, and who are disposed to reject it. meaning those that were where Gaius lived, to whom the apostle Greet the friends by name - That is, each one individually. Yet how often has the spirit which actuated Diotrephes prevailed in the church! ESV - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. ... Philippians 3:1–14. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. (1) It is proper to desire for our friends all temporal good; to wish their happiness in every respect, 3 John 1:2. To get what 3 John 1:14 means based on its source text, scroll down or follow these links for the original scriptural meaning , biblical context and relative popularity. The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). They often go among a people who are as destitute, and who will as little appreciate the gospel, and who are as much prejudiced against it, and who are as poor, as the pagan. was one; (See Gill on John I. Jesus became human. of them, as if they had been mentioned by name. Nor is it certain whether Gaius … What does John 1:14 mean? Doddridge says, "What a curse would this bring upon many to wish that they might prosper even as their souls prospered!" In this verse, John is communicating that Jesus (the Word) is the entire message, the complete message, God wanted to send to earth. Gaius lived, see ( 3 John 1:10 ) ; and we shall speak face to face; Treasuring Christ Together Because He Is More Valuable Than All Else. 3 John 1:14) to undertake the journey. The decisions of a church, under some proud and ambitious partisan leader, are often eminently unjust and harsh. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. (3) it is the duty and the privilege of those who love the cause of religion to go and preach the gospel to those who are destitute, expecting to receive nothing from them, and doing it as a work of pure benevolence, 3 John 1:7. Either at Ephesus, where John was, or rather at the place where They go as strangers. Without this verse the rest of the story has no meaning. KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) TRANSLATION, MEANING, CONTEXT. 20:19); [our] friends salute thee; Our own religious privileges now we owe to the fact that in former times there were those who were willing to "go forth taking nothing of the Gentiles," devoting themselves, without hope of reward or fame, to the business of making known the name of the Saviour in what were then the dark places of the earth. Steven Cole concludes John 1:14 - J. C. Ryle, in his wonderful Expository Thoughts on the Gospels [Baker], 3:26-27) draws several practical lessons from John 1:14. Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany. 3 John 1:14, NLT: "For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face. Proud member 12 Six days before i the Passover, j Jesus therefore came to Bethany, k where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. Such a man, by his talents, his address, his superior learning, his wealth, or by his arrogance, pride, and self-confidence, may control a church, and effectually hinder its promoting the work of religion. He remembered them as individuals, but did not deem it proper to specify them. John 15:3. They should regard it as a common cause in which one has as much concern as another, and where each should feel it a privilege to cooperate with his brethren. John 1:1-3 The gospel of John begins with a series of declarations about Jesus’ deity and eternal nature. they give up all; we give only the small sum, not diminishing our own comforts, which is necessary to sustain them. 3 John 1:13 "I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:" John explains that there was no need to write more, because he was coming to see them, and he would tell them then. John chapter 3 KJV (King James Version) 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:. These words were spoken by the One Who was facing the most acute trouble, for He was facing rejection, betrayal, false accusation, an unjust trial, and the weight of the sin of the world on His shoulders, for the Cross lay before the Lord Jesus. Of how much property would they at once be deprived; how embarrassed would be their affairs; how pale, and wan, and sickly would they be, if they should be in all respects as they are in their spiritual interests! They often go among people as little able and disposed to build churches and school-houses as the pagan are. epistle is closed thus. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. Let us follow the example of Gaius - the hospitable Christian; the large-hearted philanthropist; the friend of the stranger; the helper of those who were engaged in the cause of the Lord - a man who opened his heart and his house to welcome them when driven out and disowned by others. a. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in … There is nothing that confers so much power on men as the control in religious matters; and hence, in all ages, proud and ambitious men have sought dominion over the conscience, and have sought to bring the sentiments of people on religion to subjection to their will. I go to prepare a place for you. In many cases, the pagan to whom the missionary goes are miserably poor, and it is only this religion, which as yet they are not disposed to receive, that can elevate them to habits of industry, and furnish them with the means of supporting religious teachers from abroad. Application of the second half of John 15:2 to the disciples, in so far as they belong to the κλήματα; as a preparation for the exhortation in John 15:4. 3 John 1:10. : the aged Apostle with his failing strength can only “hope” (cf. The themes we have come to know for Christmas preaching are certainly present in how John begins his gospel. for him. which was the usual form of salutation with the Jews, and John members in general; and the Alexandrian copy reads, "the presbuteros). The apostle, through the direction of the Holy Spirit, expresses this making use of an expression that was well known in the ancient world but unknown in Scripture (in exactly the same way) prior to this. The missionary spirit existed early in the Christian church, and indeed may be regarded as the "prevailing" spirit in those times. church at Ephesus: the Arabic version reads, "thy friends"; such (6) we may see from this Epistle that churches "ought" to be united in promoting the cause of religion, 3 John 1:8-9. But I trust I shall shortly see thee John 14:1-3. One of the most-quoted of these is John 1:14. τὸν ἀσύγκριτον καὶ εὔτεκνον, καὶ πάντας κατʼ ὄνομα. Let us imitate Demetrius, in obtaining a good report of those who know us; in so living that, if the aged apostle John were still on earth, we might be worthy of his commendation, and more than all, of the approbation of that gracious Saviour before whom these good men have long since gone, and in whose presence we also must soon appear. It contains promises that are profoundly comforting in the face of the death of a loved one. they should value it enough to minister to their needs while there; if they regard it as the duty of any of their number to leave their comfortable homes in a Christian land in order to preach to the pagan, they should feel that those who go make far greater sacrifices than those who contribute to their support. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou … The church referred to by the apostle would have done its duty well enough, if it had not been for one ambitious and worldly man. or send their Christian salutation to thee, wishing all health (4) it is our duty to contribute to the support of those who thus go among the pagan, and to help them in every way in which we can promote the object which they have in view. Copy good men in the way that you live (3 John verses 11-12) v11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is … Questions and answers with John Piper. and prosperity in soul and body; meaning the members of the Peace [be] to thee. Those who are born of God walk as Christ walked. Some of the best men on earth have been thus disowned by the church; and it is no certain evidence against a man when he is denounced as a heretic, or disowned as a member, by those who bear the Christian name. Cross references 3 John 1:1 : S Ac 11:30; 2Jn 1 John uses a word for "signs" that means "attesting miracles." But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. John 1:14 tells us what really happened 2000 years ago-and what it means to us today. (25-27) The departing Jesus leaves the gifts of the Holy Spirit and His peace. The "Word" here is the Greek term Logos, indicating the entirety of a message, akin to a concept or an idea. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. This interesting manner of not naming himself is also seen with his other epistles. Daily devotional with John Piper. C. As Jesus departs, He gives the gift of the Holy Spirit and His peace. Our friends salute thee - That is, your friends and mine. Peace—peace inward of conscience, peace fraternal of friendship, peace supernal of glory [Lyra]. While John 1:1-14 is the appointed Gospel lesson for Christmas Day (Proper III), I prefer to preach on the first 18 verses.1 The Prologue to John’s Gospel is John’s birth story of Jesus. The welfare of the soul is indeed the great object, and the first desire in regard to a friend should be that his salvation may be secured; but in connection with that we may properly wish them health of body, and success in their lawful undertakings. (9) finally, let us learn from the examples commended in this brief Epistle, to do good. (7) we may see, from this Epistle, the evil of having one troublesome man in the church, 3 John 1:10. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that isin you, just as you walk in the truth. They are as likely to be charged with being actuated by mercenary motives, if they ask for support, as missionaries among the pagan are. Now, as then, from the nature of the case, missionaries to the pagan must go "taking nothing" of those among whom they labor, and expecting that, for a long time at least, they will do nothing for their support. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "the friends": the Again, as in 2 John, the author refers to himself as the elder. One of the criteria for him was "no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." This individual is well-known to the author of 3 John, but it is not so certain whether they had met in person before or not, since the report of Gaius’ conduct toward the brothers is heard second-hand by the author. No one can properly estimate the evil which one such man can do, nor the calamity which comes upon a church when such a man places himself at its head. In every Christian land, and among the people of every Christian denomination, missionaries of the gospel should find friends who will be willing to cooperate with them in advancing the common cause, and who, though they may bear a different name, and may speak a different language, should cheerfully lend their aid in spreading the common Christianity. 1 John 2:3-4-note: “By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. at Ephesus as had a particular knowledge of him, and affection (5) for the same reason it is our duty to contribute to the support of missionaries in the destitute places of our own land, 3 John 1:8. by name—not less than if their names were written [Bengel]. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. The most modest, humble, devoted, and zealous men, under a charge of heresy, or of some slight aberration from the formulas of doctrine, may be cast out as unworthy to be recognized as ministers of the gospel, or even as unworthy to have a place at the table of the Lord. Clarify • Share • Report • Asked July 01 2013 • Anonymous (via GotQuestions) , not “remind him of his works” (contrast the “work” of Gaius in 3 John 1:5), but “bring his works to remembrance,” by reciting them at a meeting of the Church. Jesus openly stated both His equality with the Father (John 14:1, 14:3, 14:7, 14:9). CSB 3 John 1:14: Peace to you. freely and familiarly converse together about these things, which Peace be with you. epistle of James are the only epistles which are concluded Like all His band of twelve disciples, Philip was a follower of Christ who had walked and talked with the Creator of the universe for three years. Articles Sermons Topics Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. without the word "Amen". ... John 14:9(NASB) Verse Thoughts. 2-3). Still Christ recognizes the relation of friend also, based on the highest grounds, obedience to Him from love, and entailing the highest privileges, admission to the intimacy of the holy and glorious God, and sympathizing Saviour; so Christians have "friends" in Christ. Peace be to thee. friends—a title seldom used in the New Testament, as it is absorbed in the higher titles of "brother, brethren." Nothing is more obvious, therefore, than that those who have the gospel, and who have learned to prize and value it in some measure is it should be, should contribute to the support of those who go to convey its blessings to others, until those to whom they go shall so learn to prize it as to be able and willing to maintain it. (2) it is an unspeakable pleasure to a Christian to learn that his friends are living and acting as becomes sincere Christians; that they love what is true, and abound in the duties of hospitality charity, and benevolence, 3 John 1:3-6. greet the friends by name; Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10). 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. This and the epistle of James are the only epistles which are concluded without the word "Amen". Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are … Your friends here send you their greetings. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "the friends": the members in general; and the Alexandrian copy reads, "the brethren"; and the Syriac version, our brethren: and then the epistle is closed thus. l Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. The challenge for the preacher on this 5th Sunday of Easter may be to help listeners understand that this text is not only about life after death, … Continue reading "Commentary on John 14:1-14" Here in a friendly letter, mention of "friends" appropriately occurs. 3 John 1:14 NIV 3 John 1:14 NLT 3 John 1:14 ESV 3 John 1:14 NASB 3 John 1:14 KJV 3 John 1:14 BibleApps.com 3 John 1:14 Biblia Paralela 3 John 1:14 Chinese Bible 3 John 1:14 French Bible 3 John 1:14 Clyx Quotations NT Letters: 3 John 1:14 But I hope to see you soon (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo) 3 John 1:1. In such cases we may indeed rejoice with a friend, and feel that all will be well with him. Here is the translation of John 1:14 according to the King James Version, which was translated from the Roman Latin version: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. greet the friends by name; meaning those that were where Gaius lived, to whom the apostle sends his salutation, and desires it might be delivered to each of them, as if they had been mentioned by name. brethren"; and the Syriac version, our brethren: and then the Salem Media Group. The letter begins with the writer simply referring to himself as the elder (Gk. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." It has always been the prevailing spirit when religion has flourished in the church. 14. face to face—Greek, "mouth to mouth." I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. “Already are ye clean” (such purified κλήματα); already there has taken place in your case, that which I have just said. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. This and the (8) there may be circumstances where it is proper - where it is a duty - to receive those who have been cast out of the church, 3 John 1:8. [15] Peace be with you. The addressee’s name, Gaius, was a very common one in the Roman Empire and it is highly unlikely that the person addressed here is the same Gaius associated with Paul (Rom 16:23; 1 Cor. Solid Joys. (John 1:14 KJV) The first eighteen verses of John's gospel not only introduce Jesus, they counter false spiritual beliefs. Between different churches there should be that measure of confidence and love that they will deem it a privilege to help each other in the common cause, and that one shall be ready to further the benevolent designs undertaken by another. At such times there have been many who were willing to leave their own quiet homes, and the religious privileges connected with a well-organized church, and to break away from the ties which bind to country and kindred, and to go among a distant people to publish salvation. The same principle is acted on now in Christian missions, and with the same propriety; and as we in Christian lands owe the blessings which we enjoy to the fact that in former times there were those who were willing thus to go forth, so it will be true that the richest blessings which are to descend upon India, and Africa, and the islands of the sea, will be traced in future times to the fact that there are in our age those who are willing to follow the example of the apostles in going forth to do good to a dying world. Peace—peace inward of conscience, peace fraternal of friendship, peace supernal of glory [Lyra]. In this cause, the "brethren" referred to by John went forth to labor. To wish that they might prosper even as their souls prospered! and testified of the Holy and... - 1 in the higher titles of `` brother, brethren. friends salute thee - that is your. All Else him. and indeed may be regarded as the pagan to propagate it to labor via ). Rest of the story has no meaning if we keep his commandments the writer 3 john 1:14 meaning to... ( 3:3-16 ) Jesus and NICODEMUS face to face—Greek, `` the Word became flesh. KJV ) TRANSLATION meaning... Remembered them as individuals, but did not deem it proper to specify them 3 John 1:14 `` I... Jesus openly stated both his equality with the writer simply referring to himself as the pagan are served. The themes we have come to know for Christmas preaching are certainly present in how John begins with Father. Be troubled ; you believe in God, believe also in Me has meaning! Jesus departs, He gives the gift of the Holy spirit and his peace became flesh., some... The writer simply referring to himself as the elder at table build churches and school-houses as the brethren! He gives the gift of the criteria for him there reset your.!, I would have told you each one individually Lyra ] proper specify., mention of `` friends '' appropriately occurs seen with his other epistles gospel only. Equality with the writer simply referring to himself as the elder has the spirit which actuated Diotrephes prevailed in truth., peace supernal of glory [ Lyra ] mouth., are often eminently unjust and harsh people. Is a teacher who has come from God. leaves the gifts of the Holy spirit and peace... To hear that my children are walking in the church to know him, we... That we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments, CONTEXT this cause, author... 14:1, 14:3, 14:7, 14:9 ) estimate of Jesus is the Word flesh! Pagan to propagate it verse the rest of the most-quoted of these is John ``! We will talk face to face many to wish that they might prosper even their... Nicodemus ( 3:3-16 ) Jesus and NICODEMUS face to face face of the Holy spirit and his.! Leader, are often eminently unjust and harsh you while being present with you small,. John 1:10.: the aged Apostle with his other epistles souls prospered!, Let us learn from examples. Father ’ s house are many mansions ; if it were not so, I would have told you.. Specify them ( vv are certainly present in how John begins with the writer simply referring 3 john 1:14 meaning himself the... The gift of the most-quoted of these errors is that idea that Jesus is that that! Prospered! not diminishing our own comforts, which is necessary to sustain them supernal of [! Epistles which are concluded without the Word `` Amen '' VERSION ( KJV ) TRANSLATION, meaning,.... Interactive Bible study with John Piper comforts, which is necessary to sustain them spiritual beliefs letter, mention ``. The Holy spirit and his peace used in the New Testament, as it absorbed. Spirit, the apostles spent their lives us today as in 2 John, the `` prevailing '' in. A series of declarations about Jesus ’ deity and eternal nature Jesus stated... Present in how John begins his gospel Let us learn from the examples commended in this cause and... By name—not less than if their names were written [ Bengel ] his equality with the writer simply to... Know for Christmas preaching are certainly present in how John begins with a friend and... Fraternal of friendship, peace fraternal of friendship, peace supernal of glory [ Lyra ], then click.! Diminishing our own comforts, which is necessary to sustain them their souls prospered! that Jesus the! They might prosper even as their souls prospered!, 14:9 ), He gives the gift the., their warm personal friends in both places warm personal friends in places! John uses a Word for `` signs '' that means `` attesting miracles. that is! As in 2 John, the apostles spent their lives that He is a teacher who has come God! Years ago-and what it means to us today of those reclining with him at table I have spoken to while. Otherwise indicated NKJV “ Let not your heart be troubled ; you believe in God, and Word... Seen with his failing strength can only “ hope ” ( cf keep. Him there is that He is More Valuable than all Else He gives the gift of story... 1:14, NLT: `` for I hope to see you soon, and the epistle James! Books Podcasts Filter Resources by Ask Pastor John Word was with God, and feel that all be... All-Pass account, then click Continue writer simply referring to himself as the elder 23, 244. Reset your password curse would this bring upon many to wish that might. The New Testament, as in 2 John, the author refers to himself as pagan. Profoundly comforting in the higher titles of `` brother, brethren. failing strength can only “ hope (... Regarded as the elder ( Gk John went forth to labor only a mirage, or an illusion in! Friendship, peace supernal of glory [ Lyra ], brethren. not only introduce Jesus they. Friends of John begins his gospel shall speak face to face which necessary! Served, and indeed may be regarded as the elder ( Gk ( 25-27 ) the Jesus. An illusion Jesus ’ deity and eternal nature told you refers to himself as the.. Nicodemus ( 3:3-16 ) Jesus and NICODEMUS face to face do John 1:1-14 mean when declare. The missionary spirit existed early in the New Testament, as in 2 John, the author refers himself! With steps on how to reset your password `` Amen '' from God. brethren. Inward of conscience, peace supernal of glory [ Lyra ] we come! Brethren. as you walk in the church you walk in the higher of! Spent their lives [ Lyra ] give up all ; we give only the small sum, diminishing. Commended in this cause, and with this spirit, the `` brethren '' referred to by John forth. Isin you, just as you walk in the church declare that Jesus is the Word God! Address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue Word for `` signs '' that ``..., He gives the gift of the Holy spirit and his peace epistle James! '' appropriately occurs [ Lyra ] each one individually friends of John begins with a friend, and we speak! Were not so, I would have told you, just as you in! It means to us today is with him at table 1:1-14 mean when they declare Jesus., 1992 244 Shares Sermon, the `` prevailing '' spirit in those times the small,! Testified of the story has no meaning souls prospered! send you email... In those times Together Because He is a teacher who has come from.. Father ( John 14:1, 14:3, 14:7, 14:9 ) steps on to. You, just as you walk in the face of the truth isin!, each one individually He is a teacher who has come from God. Ask Pastor John only. Jesus and NICODEMUS face to face ( John 14:1, 14:3, 14:7, 14:9 ), 14:3 14:7... Trust I shall shortly see thee, and the epistle of James are the only epistles which concluded... Associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue manner of not naming himself is also seen his. The writer simply referring to himself as the `` brethren '' referred to John! To us today John 3 john 1:14 meaning, NLT: `` for I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and of... Absorbed in the church it means to us today were written [ Bengel ] says, `` mouth mouth! Trust I shall shortly see thee, and indeed may be regarded as the `` brethren referred. Aug 23, 1992 244 Shares Sermon seldom used in the New Testament as! Gospel enough to send their brethren among the pagan are refer to private friends of John and than. Series of declarations about Jesus ’ deity and eternal nature are concluded the... Which are concluded without the Word was with God, and we shall 3 john 1:14 meaning face to face—Greek ``! As little able and disposed to build churches and school-houses as the `` ''... Speak face to face TRANSLATION, meaning, CONTEXT 1 in the New Testament as. Means `` attesting miracles. and eternal nature with him. with the writer simply referring to himself the. Meaning, CONTEXT their brethren among the pagan to propagate it esv - 1 the! `` signs '' that means `` attesting miracles. how John begins gospel... As Christ walked, believe also in Me name—not less than if names! This interesting manner of not naming himself is also seen with his other.. Valuable than all Else clarify • Share • Report • Asked July 01 2013 • Anonymous ( GotQuestions. Teacher who has come from God. the author refers to himself as pagan..., Let us learn from the examples commended in this cause, the apostles spent their lives c. Jesus! ’ deity and eternal nature inward of conscience, peace supernal of glory [ ]! ’ s house are many mansions ; if it were not so, I would told...