for want of which, some have lost themselves in frivolous disputes,

I offer thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord, who qualified me for the ministry he has plac'd me in, for having appointed me to such a trust,

assisted by faith and a good conscience: for some having discarded the one, have entirely lost the other.

I exhort you therefore, above all things, to present supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all men:

for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in the practice of all piety and virtue;

for such offices are commendable, and agreeable to God our saviour,

for there is but one God, and but one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

who gave himself for the redemption of all mankind: this is what was to be promulg'd in due time:

for this I was establish'd a herald and an apostle, I speak the truth without disguise, a doctor to instruct the Gentiles in the true faith.

for I don't allow a woman to be a teacher, nor to dictate to her husband; but let her be silent.

for Adam was the first that was form'd, then Eve.

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

for if a man is incapable of governing his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?

nor must he be a new convert; for fear he should be elated with pride, and so involve himself in the same ruin as the devil.

besides, he ought to stand fair in the opinion of unbelievers, lest he fall into disgrace, and the ambushes of the accuser.

their wives must be likewise grave, free from scandal, sober, and always faithful.

for they who duly discharge that office, prepare their way to a higher degree, and may promote the christian faith with the greater freedom.

interdicting marriage; and the use of animal food; which God created for the repast of the faithful, who embrace the truth with thankfulness.

for all that God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it be receiv'd with thanksgiving:

as for prophane and groundless fables, reject them.

exercise yourself in piety: for those exercises which relate only to the body are of little consequence, but piety is of absolute use, having the promises both of the present life, and of the life that is to come.

for to that end we expose ourselves to trouble and reproach, because we hope in the living God, who is the saviour of all men, especially of believers.

take care how you behave, and what you teach. persevere in these duties: for by the practice of them, you will save both yourself, and those who hear you.

if a widow has children or grand-children, let them above all things instruct their own family to be religious, and let them be grateful to their parents, for this is acceptable to God.

as for the widow, who is really such, and without any assistance, let her place all her hopes in God, and be assiduous in supplication and prayer.

as for young widows, don't admit them: for being impatient of religious restraint, they will be marry'd:

for which they are much to be condemn'd, because they violate the engagements they had before enter'd into:

I enjoin therefore the young women to marry, to detest abortion, to govern their families, and give our enemies no handle for reproach.

for some have already revolted to paganism.

for the scripture says, "thou shalt not muzzle the ox, when he treads the corn." and, "the labourer is worthy of his reward."

let them not treat their christian masters, on pretence of being their brethren, with less respect: but be the more obsequious, because they are believers, and deserve to be belov'd, for the kind provision they make for them. let this be the subject of your instructions, and exhortation.

mischievous opinions, and a familiarity with pernicious ignorant impostors, who consider religion only as it makes for their gain.

themselves to temptations and snares, and to many foolish noxious passions, which plunge men into ruin and perdition. for the love of money is the root of all evil:

As for you the minister of God, avoid those things: adhere to justice, piety, faith, charity, patience, and benignity of temper.

Charge those that are rich in this world, not to be elated, not to depend upon their perishable wealth, but upon the God of life, who furnishes us with every thing in plenty for our enjoyment;