whom though ye have not seen, ye love; on whom, though ye have not as yet gazed, yet believing, ye exult with joy unutterable and glorious:

as obedient children, not conformed to the former passions of the days of your ignorance:

but as he who hath called you is holy, be ye holy also in all your conduct:

And if ye invoke him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, conduct yourselves during the time of your sojourning with [jealous] fear:

but by the precious blood of Christ, as the unblemished and spotless lamb:

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man, as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower of it falleth off:"

as new-born babes desire earnestly the unadulterated milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Whom approaching, as the living stone, rejected indeed of men, but elect of God, and honourable,

ye also, as living stones, are built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, well pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

Beloved, I exhort you, as strangers and sojourners, Abstain from carnal lusts, which war against the soul;

having your conduct ornamental among the Gentiles: that, whereas they malign you as wicked doers, they may, being eye-witnesses of your good works, glorify God in the day when he visits them.

Be subject therefore to every human constitution for the Lord's sake; whether to a king as the supreme magistrate;

or to governors, as sent by him for the punishment of wicked doers, but the praise of those who do well.

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for wicked practices; but as being servants of God.

For ye were as sheep wandering astray; but are now returned unto the pastor and bishop of your souls.

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye are, if ye do well, and are not affrighted with any terror.

Ye husbands, in like manner dwell with them discreetly, putting respect on the dear woman as being the weaker vessel, and as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers may meet no interruption.

keeping a good conscience; that whereas they malign you, as evil doers, they may be confounded who take pleasure in ridiculing your good conduct in Christ.

For it is better (if it be God's will) to suffer as well doers than as evil doers.

Let every one, according as he hath received a gift, minister it to others, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

If any man speak, let it be agreeably to the oracles of God; if any man act as a deacon, let it be from the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory and might for ever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, be not amazed at the fiery trial among you which is to bring you to the test, as though something strange happened to you;

but as ye share in the sufferings of Christ rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory also ye may hail him with exultations.

Let no one of you then suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or a meddler in other persons' business.

But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him give glory to God on this very account.

Wherefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in well-doing as to the faithful Creator.

not as domineering over your allotted congregations, but as being examples of the flock.

Be sober, be vigilant; for your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, prowleth around, seeking whom he may devour:

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I think, I have written to you a few words, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye are standing fast.