Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, has, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, regenerated us for a living hope

in respect to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for us,

in which you rejoice, though now for a little while, since it is needful, you are in sorrow under various temptations;

that your faith, when proved, being much more precious than gold, which perishes though it be tried by fire, may be found to be for praise and honor and glory, at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Concerning which salvation the prophets that prophesied of the grace that should be for you, did inquire, and search diligently,

to whom it was revealed, that, not for themselves, but for us, they ministered the things that are now preached to you by those who have made known to you the gospel, through the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; into which things angels desire to look.

Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind; be watchful, and hope constantly for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

because it is written, Be you holy, for I am holy.

And since you call on the Father, who, without respect of persons, judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear:

who was indeed foreordained before the foundation of the world, but manifested in these last times for you,

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass; the grass withers, and its flower fails away: but the word of the Lord abides forever: and this is the word which has been preached as gospel to you.

For it is contained in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, chosen, precious; and he that believes on him shall not be ashamed.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme ruler,

or to governors, as those sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of those who do well.

For such is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men;

as being free, and yet not using your freedom as a cloak for malice, but as servants of God.

For this is praiseworthy, if any one, on account of conscience to ward God, endure sorrows, suffering unjustly.

For what praise is due, if, when you are punished for your faults, you endure it patiently? But if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you endure it patiently, this is praiseworthy in the- sight of God.

To this, indeed, you have been called; because even Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his footsteps.

For you were like sheep that had gone astray; but now you have returned to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.

For, in former times, the holy women also, who trusted in God, thus adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands,

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: and you are her children, if you do good, and fear no dismay.

not repaying evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling, but, on the other hand, blessing, since you know that for this end you were called, that you might inherit blessing.

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile:

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry: but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

But yet, if you even suffer for righteousness, happy are you. Yet fear not their terror, nor be troubled:

but reverence the Lord God in your hearts, and be always ready to answer every one that asks of you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

For it is better, if such be the will of God, that you suffer for doing good, than for doing evil.

For Christ also once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, having been put to death in flesh, but made alive in spirit;

Since, then, Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, do you also arm yourselves with the same determination; for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

For the time past of our life should be enough for us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, while we walked in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, revelings, drinkings, and unlawful idolatries.

For this cause, indeed, even those who have died had the gospel preached to them, that though they might be judged according to the will of men in the flesh, yet they might live according to the will of God in the spirit.

But, above all things, have fervent love one for another; for love will cover a multitude of sins.

If you are reproached on account of Christ, happy are you: for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. On their part he is reviled, but on your part he is glorified:

for no one of you should suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the gospel of God?

Act as shepherds to the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; not for the sake of sordid gain, but from readiness of mind:

Likewise, you younger, be in subjection to the older: do you all indeed be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the lowly.

Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you.

Be sober, be watchful: for your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.