and since you invoke him as your father, who without respect of persons judges every one according to his actions; while you are passing thro' this world, be fearful of offending him:

you your selves are as so many living stones, you are the edifice, the spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, agreeable to God by Jesus Christ.

and this they were destin'd to. but you are the chosen race, you are kings and priests, the holy nation, the peculiar people, that you might display his glory, who called you out

of darkness into his marvellous light: you, who formerly were not a people, but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy,

men. You are free, don't let your liberty serve as a pretext for vice: but act as the servants

You that are servants, be subject to your masters with all reverence: not only to such as are kind and gentle,

for you were as sheep going astray, but now you are brought back to the pastor and overseer of your souls.

such was Sarah, who show'd her obeysance to Abraham, by stiling him her Lord: and you will be stiled her children, if you imitate her conduct, and are not to be terrified out of your virtue.

You husbands, do you on your part behave with prudence towards your wives: who being of a more delicate make, ought to be treated with the greater tenderness: and consider they are equally intitled to the evangelical gifts, that your prayers may not be frustrated.

for the eyes of the Lord are upon the virtuous, and his ears attend to their prayers, but the wicked he discountenances."

for to this end was the gospel preach'd to those, who are now dead, that after having suffer'd the loss of this frail life from men, they might enjoy an immortal life with God.

if you suffer indignities in the cause of Christ, you are happy: for the glorious spirit of God rests upon you.

As for you that are young, be you submissive to those of a more advanc'd age: and do you all of you pay a becoming deference to one another: be cloak'd with humility, for " God opposes the proud, and shows favour to the humble."

refer all your disquietudes to him, for you are the objects of his care.

I formerly writ to you a short epistle, by Silvanus, I think, a faithful brother, to declare and testify to you, that the true dispensation of God is that to which you are attach'd.

the church at Babylon, who are likewise Christians, and Mark my son salute you.