Though you have never seen him, yet you love him; though you do not even now see him, yet you believe in him, and exalt with a triumphant happiness too great for words,

And it was revealed to them that it was not for themselves, but for you, that they were acting as Ministers of the truths which have now been told to you, by those who, with the help of the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven, have brought you the Good News--truths into which even angels long to look.

Be like obedient children; do not let your lives be shaped by the passions which once swayed you in the days of your ignorance,

For you know that it was not by perishable things, such as silver and gold, that you were Ransomed from the aimless way of living which was handed down to you from your ancestors,

since your new Life has come, not from perishable, but imperishable, seed, through the Message of the Everliving God.

It is to you, then, who believe in him that he is precious, but to those who do not believe he is 'a stone which, though rejected by the builders, has now itself become the corner-stone,'

and 'a stumbling-block, and a rock which shall prove a hindrance.' They stumble because they do not accept the Message. This was the fate destined for them.

Once you were 'not a people,' but now you are 'God's People'; once you 'had not found mercy,' but now you 'have found mercy.'

Act as free men, yet not using your freedom as those do who make it a cloak for wickedness, but as Servants of God.

Those of you who are domestic servants should always be submissive and respectful to their masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are arbitrary.

He was abused, but he did not answer with abuse; he suffered, but he did not threaten; he entrusted himself to him whose judgments are just.

Yours should be, not the external adornment of the arrangement of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or the putting on of dresses,

Again, those of you who are married men should live considerately with their wives, showing due regard to their sex, as weaker than their own, and not forgetting that they share with you in the gift of Life. Then you will be able to pray without hindrance.

Even if you should suffer for righteousness, count yourselves blessed! 'Do not let men terrify you, or allow yourselves to be dismayed.'

And baptism, which this foreshadowed, now saves you--not the mere cleansing of the body, but the search of a clear conscience after God--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

and so will live the rest of his earthly life guided, not by human passions, but by the will of God.

And, because you do not run to the same extremes of profligacy as others, they are astonished, and malign you.

Dear friends, do not be astonished at the fiery trials that you are passing through, to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

I need hardly say that no one among you must suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a criminal, or for interfering in matters which do not concern Christians.

But, if a man suffers as a Christian, do not let him be ashamed of it; let him bring honour to God even though he bears that name.

I urge you to be true shepherds of the flock of God among you, not because you are compelled, but of your own free will; not from a base love of gain, but with a ready spirit;

not as lords of your charges, but as examples to your flock.