predetermined, indeed, 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 the flower of it falls down; but the word of the Lord remains forever."

Be subject, therefore, to every human establishment for the Lord's sake; whether to the king, as supreme;

or to governor, as those sent by him for the punishment, indeed, of evil doers; but for the praise of them who do good.

For so is the will of God, that, by doing good, you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Treat all men with respect: love the brotherhood: fear God: honor the king.

For this is acceptable, if any one, from conscience of God, sustain sorrows, suffering unjustly.

Besides, to this you were called; for even Christ suffered for us, leaving us a pattern, that you should follow his footsteps;

For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd, and Overseer of your souls.

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

not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, on the contrary, bless: knowing that to this you were called, that you might inherit the blessing.

"For he who is desirous to enjoy life, and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is against the workers of iniquity."

Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness' sake, you are happy. Therefore, do not fear their fear, neither be troubled:

but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be always prepared for giving an answer, with meekness and reverence, to every one who asks of you a reason for the hope which is in you.

For it is better to suffer as well doers, if the will of God appoints it, than as evil doers.

For even Christ once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death, indeed, in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit.

Christ, then, having suffered for us in the flesh, do you also warm yourselves with the same mind: for he who has suffered in the flesh, has ceased from sin;

For the time which has passed of life, is sufficient to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, having walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excesses in wine, revellings, carousals, and abominable idolatries.

For, to this end of the gospel was preached to the dead, that they might, indeed, be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

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

If any one speak, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any one minister, let him do it as from the strength which God supplies; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, wonder not at the fiery trial among you, which is come upon you for a trial, as if some strange thing happened to you;

If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Feed the flock of God, which is with you; exercising the overseer's office, not by constraint, but willingly; neither for the sake of sordid gain, but from good disposition;

For the like reason, you younger persons subject yourselves to the seniors. Yes, all be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives favor to the humble.

Cast all your anxious care on him, because he cares for you.

to him be the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.