to enjoy an inheritance immortal, and undefiled, and that perisheth not; reserved in heaven for you

in the which time ye shall rejoice, though now for a season - if need require - ye are in heaviness, through manifold temptations,

that your faith, once tried, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto laud, glory, and honour, at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

because it is written, "Be ye holy, for I am holy."

And if so be that ye call on the father, which without respect of person judgeth according to every man's works, see that ye pass the time of your pilgrimage in fear:

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

And forasmuch as ye have purified your souls through the spirit, in obeying the truth for to love brotherly without feigning, see that ye love one another with a pure heart, fervently:

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

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of grass; the grass is withered, and the flower falleth away,

and ye, as living stones, are made a spiritual house, and a holy priesthood, for to offer up spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Submit yourselves unto all manner ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be unto the King as unto the chief head;

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.

See that ye honour all men. Love brotherly fellowship, fear God, and honour the King.

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

For it is thankworthy if a man, for conscience toward God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

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.

For hereunto verily were ye called, for Christ also suffered for us: leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps,

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

while they behold your pure conversation coupled with fear.

For after this manner in the old time did the holy women which trusted in God tire themselves, and were obedient to their husbands,

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.

Notwithstanding, happy are ye if ye suffer for righteousness' sake. Yea, and fear not though they seem terrible unto you, neither be troubled:

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:

It is better - if the will of God be so - that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

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.

Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he which suffereth in the flesh ceaseth from sin,

For it is sufficient for us that we have spent the time that is past of the life, after the will of the gentiles; walking in wantonness, lusts, drunkenness, in eating, drinking, and in abominable idolatry.

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.

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.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them which believe not the gospel of God?

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.

Likewise, ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder. Submit yourselves every man, one to another. Knit yourselves together in lowliness of mind. For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.

Cast all your care to him: for he careth for you.

Be sober, and watch. For your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

To him be glory and dominion for ever, and while the world endureth. Amen.