Unto which prophets it was declared, that not unto themselves, but unto us, they should minister the things which are now showed unto you, of them which, by the holy ghost sent down from heaven, have preached unto you the things which the angels desire to behold.

But as he which called you is holy, even so be ye holy in all manner of conversation,

but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb undefiled, and without spot,

which was ordained before the world was made: but was declared in the last times for your sakes.

for ye are born anew, not of mortal seed, but of immortal seed, by the word of God which liveth, and lasteth forever.

but the word of the Lord endureth ever. And this is the word which by the gospel was preached among you.

to whom ye come as unto a living stone, disallowed of men, but chosen of God and precious:

Wherefore it is contained in the scripture, "Behold, I put in Zion a head cornerstone, elect and precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

Unto you therefore which believe is he precious: but unto them which believe not, the stone which the builders refused, the same is made the headstone in the corner

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people, that ye should show the virtues of him that called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,

which in time past were not a people, yet are now the people of God, which were not under mercy: but now have obtained mercy.

other unto rulers, as unto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of evil doers: but for the laud of them that well do.

For so is the will of God, that ye put to silence the ignorance of the foolish men:

as free, and not as having the liberty for a cloak of maliciousness: but even as the servants of God.

Servants obey your masters with all fear, not only if they be good and courteous: but also though they be froward.

For what praise is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently? But and if when ye do well, ye suffer wrong and take it patiently, then is there thanks with God.

which when he was reviled, reviled not again: when he suffered, he threatened not: but committed the cause to him that judgeth righteously,

For ye were as sheep going astray: but are now returned unto the shepherd, and bishop of your souls.

but let the hid man of the heart be uncorrupt, with a meek and a quiet spirit, which spirit is, before God, a thing much set by.

not rendering evil for evil, neither rebuke for rebuke: but contrariwise, bless: remembering that ye are thereunto called, even that ye should be heirs of blessing.

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord beholdeth them that do evil.

but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, and that with meekness and fear:

Forasmuch as Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, for to bring us to God, and was killed, as pertaining to the flesh: but was quickened in the spirit.

which signifieth baptism that now saveth us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but in that a good conscience consenteth to God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

that he henceforward should live as much time as remaineth in the flesh, not after the lusts of men: but after the will of God.

For unto this purpose, verily, was the gospel preached unto the dead; that they should be condemned of men in the flesh, but should live before God in the spirit.

But above all things, have fervent love among you. For love covereth the multitude of sins.

but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's passions, that when his glory appeareth, ye may be merry and glad.

If ye be railed upon for the name of Christ; happy are ye. For the spirit of glory and the spirit of God resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of: but on your part he is glorified.

If any man suffer as a Christian man, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on his behalf.

see that ye feed Christ's flock, which is among you, taking the oversight of them: not as though ye were compelled thereto, but willingly; Not for the desire of filthy lucre, but of a good mind.

Not as though ye were lords over the parishes: but that ye be an example to the flock.

whom resist, steadfast in the faith, remembering that ye do but fulfill the same afflictions which are appointed to your brethren that are in the world.