knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation;

for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.

as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue,

and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience piety;

For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

and to piety brotherly affection; and to brotherly affection charity.

We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts:

For if these be in you and abound, they will not suffer you to be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And I think it my duty, while I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by way of remembrance:

knowing that I must soon lay down this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

And to this giving all diligence, add to your faith fortitude;

But he, that hath not these, is blind, or short-sighted, having forgot his baptismal purification from his former sins.

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ:

For we did not follow artfully devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.

For He received from God the Father honor and glory when a voice came to Him from the magnificent glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

And I will endeavour that after my departure also ye may always be able to call these things to remembrance.

grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord;

And this voice, from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.

Wherefore, my brethren, be the more diligent thus to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.

Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in mind of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth.