for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of the good: 15 For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 2 Considering your chaste conversation with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be the outward plaiting of the hair, or the wearing of gold, or the putting on of apparel : 4 But the hidden man of the heart in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit, which is rich in the sight of God. 5 For after this manner hereto18 Servants be subject to your fore the holy women also, who masters with all fear, not only to trusted in God, adorned themselves, the good and gentle, but also to being in subjection to their own the froward. husbands. 19 For this is thanks-worthy, if for 6 As Sara obeyed Abraham, calconscience towards God, a man ling him lord: whose daughters endure sorrows, suffering wrong- you are, doing well, and not fear fully. ing any disturbance. 20 For what glory is it, if com7 Ye husbands likewise dwelling mitting sin and being buffeted for with them according to knowledge, it you endure? But if doing well giving honour to the female as to you suffer patiently, this is thanks- the weaker vessel, and as to the worthy before God. co-heirs of the grace of life: that your prayers be not hindered. 21 For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps. 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. 23 Who, when he was reviled, did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not: but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly. 24 Who his own self bore our sins in his body upon the tree: that we being dead to sins, should live to justice: by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were as sheep going astray: but you are now converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls. CHAP. III. How wives are to behave to their husbands. I 8 And in fine be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble : 9 Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrari wise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. 11 Let him decline from evil, and do good: let him seek after peace, and pursue it : 12 Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers: but the countenane of the Lord upon them that do evil things. 13 And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good? 14 But if also you suffer any thing for justice sake, blessed are 「N like manner also let wives be subject to their husbands: that if any believe not the word, they may be won without the word, by ye. And be not afraid of their the conversation of the wives. fear, and be not troubled. 15 But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you. 16 But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer, than doing ill. 18 Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust, that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit. 19 In which also coming he preached to those spirits that were in prison : 20 Which had been some time incredulous, when they waited for the patience of God in the days of Noe, when the ark was a building: wherein a few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 Whereunto baptism being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death, that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into heaven, the angels and powers and virtues being made subject to him. CHẤP. IV. C Exhortation to cease from sin. HRIST therefore having suffered in the flesh, be you also armed with the same thought for he that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sins : the desires of men, but according to the will of God. 3 For the time past is sufficient to have fulfilled the will of the gentiles, for them who have walked in riotousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and unlawful worshipping of idols. 4 Wherein they think it strange, that you run not with them into the same confusion of riotousness, speaking evil of you. 5 Who shall render account to him, who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to the dead : that they might be judged indeed according to men, in the flesh: but may live according to God in the Spirit. 7 But the end of all is at hand. Be prudent therefore, and watch in prayers. 8 But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. 9 Using hospitality one towards another without murmuring. 10 As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it as of the power, which God administereth : that in all things God may be honoured through JESUS Christ; to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen. 12 Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you, as if some new thing happened to you: 13 But if you partake of the suf2 That now he may live the rest ferings of Christ, rejoice, that when of his time in the flesh, not after his glory shall be revealed you may Ver 19. Spirits in prison See here a proof of the middle state of souls. also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you be reproached for the name of Christ, sed: for that which is of the honour, glory and power of God, and that which is his Spirit, resteth upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a railer, or a coveter of other men's things. 16 But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. 17 For the time is that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God? 18 And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ? 19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God, commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator, T CHAP. V. He exhorts both priests and laity to 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it not by constraint, but willingly according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake, but voluntarily : 3 Neither as lording it over the elergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. 4 And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory. 5 In like manner ye young men be subject to the ancients. And do ye all insinuate humility one to another, for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace. 6 Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visi tation. 7 Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you. 8 Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory, in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, and confirm you, and establish you. 11 To him be glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen. 12 By Sylvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand. 13 The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you: and so doth my son Mark. 14 Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ JESUS. Amen. Ver. 18. Scarcely. That is, not without much labour and difficulty. The second EPISTLE of St. PETER. the justice of our God and Saviour He exhorts them to join all other JESUS Christ. virtues with their faith. 2 Grace to you and peace be acIMON Peter, servant and apos-complished in the knowledge of tle of JESUS Christ, to them that God and of Christ JESUS our have obtained equal faith with us in Lord: S 3 As all things of his divine pow- that after my decease also, you may er, which appertain to life and god- often have, whereby you may keep liness, are given us, through the a memory of these things. knowledge of him who hath called 16 For we have not followed us by his own proper glory and cunningly devised fables, when we virtue. 4 By whom he hath given us most great and precious promises: that by these you may be made partakers of the divine nature: flying the corruption of that concupiscence which is in the world. 5 And you employing all care, minister in your faith, virtue: and in virtue, knowledge: 6 And in knowledge, abstinence: and in abstinence, patience: and in patience, godliness: 7 And in godliness, love of brotherhood: and in love of brotherhood, charity. 8 For if these things be with you, and abound, they will make you to be neither empty nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord JESUS Christ. made known to you the power and presence of our Lord JESUS Christ: but having been made eye witness of his majesty. 17 For, he received from God the Father, honour and glory; this voice coming down to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son in whom I have pleased myself, hear ye him. 18 And this voice we heard brought from heaven, when we were with him in the holy mount: 19 And we have the more firm prophetical word: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts : 20 Understanding this first, that no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation, 9 For he that hath not these things with him, is blind, and gro21 For prophecy came not by the ping, having forgotten that he was will of man at any time: but the purged from his old sins. holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost. CHAP. H. 10 Wherefore, brethren, labour the more, that by good works you may make sure your calling and Hewarns them against false teachers: election. For doing these things, B UT there were also false proyou shall not sin at any time. phets among the people, even 11 For so an entrance shall be as there shall be among you lying ministered to you abundantly into teachers who shall bring in sects the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour JESUS Christ. 12 For which cause I will begin to put you always in remembrance of these things: though indeed you know them, and are confirmed in the present truth. of perdition, and deny the Lordwho bought them: bringing upor themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their riotousnesses, through whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness 13 But I think it meet, as long as shall they with feigned words make I am in this tabernacle, to stir you merchandise of you. Whose judgup by putting you in remembrance. ment now of a long time lingereth not, and their perdition slumbereth not. 14 Being assured that the laying away of this my tabernacle is at hand, according as our Lord JESUS Christ also hath signified to me. 15 And I will do my endeavour, 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned: but delivered them drawn down by infernal ropes to the lower hell, unto torments, to be reserved unto judgment: the way of Balaam of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity, 16 But had a check of his madness, the dumb beast used to the yoke, which speaking with man's 5 And spared not the original world, but preserved Noe the eighth person the preacher of justice, bringing in the flood upon the world voice, forbade the folly of the prophet. of the ungodly. 6 And reducing the cities of the 17 These are fountains without Sodomites and of the Gomorrhites water and clouds tossed with whirlinto ashes, condemned them to be winds, to whom the mist of darkoverthrown, making them an exam-ness is reserved. ple to those that should after act wickedly. 7 And delivered just Lot oppressed by the injustice and lewd conversation of the wicked. 8 For in sight and hearing he was just: dwelling among them, who from day to day vexed the just soul with unjust works. 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly from temptation, but to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be tormented : 18 For, speaking proud words of vanity, they allure by the desires of fleshly riotousness, those who for a little while escape, such as converse in error : 19 Promising them liberty, whereas they themselves are the slaves of corruption. For by whom a man is overcome, of the same also he is the slave. 20 For if, flying from the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Sa 10 And especially them who viour JESUS Christ, they be again walk after the flesh in the lust of entangled in them, and overcome: uncleanness, and despise government, audacious, self-willed, they fear not to bring in sects, blaspheming. their latter state is become unto them worse than the former. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way 11 Whereas angels who are greater of justice, than after they have in strength and power, bring not known it to turn back from that hoagainst themselves a railing judg- ly commandment which was delivered to them. ment. 12 But these men as irrational 22 For, that of the true proverb beasts, naturally tending to the has happened to them. The dog snare and to destruction, blasphe- is returned to his vomit: and, The ming those things which they know sow that was washed, to her walnot shall perish in their corruption, lowing in the mire. 13 Receiving the reward of their CHAP. III. injustice, counting for a pleasure Against scoffers denying the second the delights of a day: stains and spots, sporting themselves to excess, rioting in their feasts with you. 14 Having eyes full of adultery and of sin that ceaseth not: alluring unstable souls, having their heart exercised with covetousness, children of malediction: B coming of Christ. EHOLD this second epistle I write to you, my dearly beloved, in which 1 stir up by way of admonition your sincere mind: 2 That you may be mindful of those words which I told you before from the holy prophets, and of your apostles, of the precepts of the Lord and Saviour. 15 Leaving the right way they have gone astray, having followed 3 Knowing this first, that in the |