having been regenerated, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of the living God, which remains.

Now this is that word which has been proclaimed as glad tidings to you.

To you, then, who trust, it is precious; but to unbelieving- a stone which the builders rejected, which has become the head of the corner-

a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Those who stumble at the word, are disobedient unbelievers, to which, therefore, they were appointed:

Beloved, I beseech you, as sojourners and travelers, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.

whose adorning, let it not be that which is external-the plaiting of hair, trinkets of gold, or finery of dress;

but-the hidden man of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great value.

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.

By which, also, he made proclamation to the spirits in prison,

who formerly were disobedient, when the patience of God once waited, in the days of Noah, while an ark was preparing, in which few, that is, eight souls, were effectually saved through water-

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.

On which account they wonder that you do not run with them, into the same sink of debauchery, reviling you,-

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;

The seniors who are among you, I exhort, who am also a senior, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory which is to be revealed.

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;

and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive the crown of glory which fades not away.

By Sylvanus, a faithful brother, (as I conclude,) I have written to you in few words, exhorting you, and strongly testifying that this is the true favor of God, in which you stand.