grace be to you, and peace from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

according as he had chosen us in himself before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, free from vice, and devoted to virtue.

which he exerted in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at the head of his heavenly kingdom,

for by grace are ye saved, thro' faith (and that not from us:

that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God.

and display to all the world that mysterious dispensation, which from all past ages has been conceal'd in the secret purpose of God, who created all things:

from whom the whole family in heaven and earth are denominated his children:

from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.

but you have learned other things from Christ,

wherefore 'tis said, " awake thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

may our brethren have peace, social affection, and faith from God the father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.