Him you love, though your eyes have never looked on Him. In Him, though at present you cannot see Him, you nevertheless trust, and triumph with a joy which is unspeakable and is crowned with glory,

And if you address as your Father Him who judges impartially in accordance with each man's actions, then spend in fear the time of your stay here on earth,

He was pre-destined indeed to this work, even before the creation of the world, but has been plainly manifested in these last days for the sake of you who, through Him,

are faithful to God, who raised Him from among the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are resting upon God.

Come to Him, the ever-living Stone, rejected indeed by men as worthless, but in God's esteem chosen and held in honour.

For it is contained in Scripture, "See, I am placing on Mount Zion a Cornerstone, chosen, and held in honour, and he whose faith rests on Him shall never have reason to feel ashamed."

But you are a chosen race, a priesthood of kingly lineage, a holy nation, a people belonging specially to God, that you may make known the perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.

or to provincial Governors as sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and the encouragement of those who do what is right.

For it is an acceptable thing with God, if, from a sense of duty to Him, a man patiently submits to wrong, when treated unjustly.

For "He who wishes to be well-satisfied with life and see happy days-- let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from deceitful words;

Let him turn from evil, and do good; Let him inquire for peace and go in pursuit of it.

who is at God's right hand, having gone into Heaven, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

But they will have to give account to Him who stands ready to pronounce judgement on the living and the dead.

If, however, any one suffers because he is a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God for being permitted to bear that name.

Throw the whole of your anxiety upon Him, because He Himself cares for you.

Withstand him, firm in your faith; knowing that your brethren in other parts of the world are passing through just the same experiences.

To Him be all power unto the Ages of the Ages! Amen.

I send this short letter by Silas, our faithful brother--for such I regard him--in order to encourage you, and to bear witness that what I have told you is the true grace of God. In it stand fast.