having been regenerated, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of the living God, which remains.

Wherefore, it is contained in the scripture, "Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: whoever trusts in it, shall not be ashamed."

who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Live as freemen, yet do not use your freedom as a covering of wickedness; but as the servants of God.

Let household servants be subject to their masters, with all reverence; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth;

who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten, but committed his cause to him who judges righteously-

In like manner, let the wives be in subjection to their own husbands; that, indeed, if any obey not the word, they, without the word, may be won by the behavior of their wives,

whose adorning, let it not be that which is external-the plaiting of hair, trinkets of gold, or finery of dress;

even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord; whose daughters you are become, doing well, and not fearing any terror.

In like manner, husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, and as joint heirs of the favor of life, that your prayers be not hindered.

not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, on the contrary, bless: knowing that to this you were called, that you might inherit the blessing.

Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness' sake, you are happy. Therefore, do not fear their fear, neither be troubled:

the antitype, immersion, does, also, now save us, (not putting away the filth of the flesh; but seeking of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ;

On which account they wonder that you do not run with them, into the same sink of debauchery, reviling you,-

Beloved, wonder not at the fiery trial among you, which is come upon you for a trial, as if some strange thing happened to you;

However, if any one suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him even glorify God on that account.

Indeed, the time is come that punishment must begin at the house of God; and if it begin first at us, what the end of them who do not obey the gospel of God?

Feed the flock of God, which is with you; exercising the overseer's office, not by constraint, but willingly; neither for the sake of sordid gain, but from good disposition;

and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive the crown of glory which fades not away.