who are guarded by the omnipotence of God, through faith to obtain the salvation which is ready to appear at the last time.

Wherein ye exult, though yet for a little space, (if it must be so,) ye are in sorrow through various trials:

To whom it was revealed, that not for themselves, but for us were their ministrations employed in the things which are now declared unto you by those who have preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; on which things the angels bending forwards eagerly desire to gaze.

ye also, as living stones, are built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, well pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people acquired by purchase; that ye should publish abroad the excellencies of him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but are now the objects of mercy.

For ye were as sheep wandering astray; but are now returned unto the pastor and bishop of your souls.

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye are, if ye do well, and are not affrighted with any terror.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who practise wicked things.

But if ye should even suffer for righteousness, blessed are ye: be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled,

wherein they think it a strange thing, that you are not running with them into the same gulph of profligacy, spreading every scandalous report of you:

For to this end was the gospel preached to those that are dead, that they might be judged indeed in the flesh according to the will of men, but live in spirit according to the will of God.

If ye suffer reproach for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: by them indeed he is blasphemed, but by you he is glorified.

In like manner, ye who are younger persons, be in subjection to your elders: but all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed from head to foot with humility: for God sets himself in opposition to the proud, but he giveth grace to the lowly.

against whom stand fast, firm in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are fully endured by the brotherhood which is in the world.

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I think, I have written to you a few words, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye are standing fast.

Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.