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:

To whom it was revealed, that not for themselves, but for us were their ministrations employed in the things which are now declared unto you by those who have preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; on which things the angels bending forwards eagerly desire to gaze.

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

knowing that ye have not been redeemed out of your vain manner of life, derived traditionally from your fathers, by the corruptible things, silver and gold,

born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the quickening word of God, and which abideth for ever.

who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but are now the objects of mercy.

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

Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but even to the froward.

who, when reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he used no menaces; but referred himself to him who judgeth righteously:

LIKEWISE, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if some obey not the word, by their wives' conduct without the word, they may be won over;

Whose adorning let it not be that exterior one of braided locks, and golden trimmings, and dresses put on with nicety;

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

not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, contrariwise, wishing men every blessing; knowing that hereunto ye have been called, that ye should inherit the [divine] benediction.

But if ye should even suffer for righteousness, blessed are ye: be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled,

The antitype to which baptism now saveth us (not the mere removal of filth from the flesh, but the engagement of a good conscience to God), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

that he might not spend the remaining space of life in the flesh after human passions, but the divine will.

wherein they think it a strange thing, that you are not running with them into the same gulph of profligacy, spreading every scandalous report of you:

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

For now is the time when judgment is commencing at the house of God; and if it begin with us, what will be the end of those who obey not the gospel of God?

feed the flock of God which is among you, exercising your pastoral office not of necessity, but of choice, not for base gain, but with alacrity of mind;

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