For as men swear by a greater than themselves, and as an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute,

And just as men are destined to die once and after that to be judged,

Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.