Of obedience to masters.

CHAP. III, IV.

Of suffering persecution. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well-jhappy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of neither be troubled, foolish men:

16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

19 For this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

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

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water.

21 The like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels, and authorities, and 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are powers being made subject unto him, now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

CHAP. II.

Duty of wives and husbands.

F

CHAP. IV.

Of ceasing to sin.

ORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise

in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

LIKEWISE, ye wives, be in subjection to with the same mind: for he that hath suffered your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the kusts of men, but to the will of God.

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

6 For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be 6 Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him judged according to men in the flesh, but live lord whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do according to God in the spirit. well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them ac-therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. cording to knowledge, giving honour unto the 8 And above all things have fervent charity wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being among yourselves: for charity shall cover the heirs together of the grace of life; that your multitude of sins. prayers be not hindered.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudg

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having com-ing. passion one of another; love as brethren, be 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so pitiful, be courteous. minister the same one to another, as good stew9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for rail-ards of the manifold grace of God. ing but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should 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 eschew evil, and do good: let him seek peace, and ensue it."

12 For the eyes of the Loid are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good?

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any inan minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved, think it not strange, concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God

Comfort against persecution.

II. PETER.

Exhortation to farth resteth upon you. On their part he is evil ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. Jaway. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves as a thief, or as an evil-ɖoer, or as a busybody in unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to other men's matters. another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner ap pear?

19 Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

CHAP. V.

The duty of elders, &c.

THE elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear,

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, es tablish, strengthen, settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The Second Epistle general of PETER.

CHAP. I.

Exhortations to several duties.

SIMON Peter, a servant and an apostle of Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

15 Moreover, I will endeavour that ye may be able, after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance.

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great 18 And this voice which came from heaven and precious promises; that by these ye might we heard, when we were with him in the holy be partakers of the divine nature, having es-mount.

caped the corruption that is in the world through 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as

Just.

5 And besides this, giving all diligence, add to unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your 6 And to knowledge, temperance; and to tem-hearts:

perance, patience; and to patience, godliness; 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the 7 And to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to scripture is of any private interpretation. brotherly kindness, charity. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they make you that ye shall neither be barren they were moved by the Holy Ghost. nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord

Jesus Christ.

CHAP. II.
False teachers foretold.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and BUT there were false prophets also among the cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he people, even as there shall be false teachers was purged from his old sins. among you, who privily shall bring in damnable 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give dili-heresies, even denying the Lord that bought gence to make your calling and election sure: them, and bring upon themselves swift destrucfor if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: tion.

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of by reason of whom the way of truth shall be our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. evil spoken of.

12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you 3 And through covetousness shall they with always in remembrance of these things, though feigned words make merchandise of you: whose ye know them, and be established in the present judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

truth.

13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in re-but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto

membrance;

14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my judgment;

5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah] the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness,

Of Christ's coming to judgment.

CHAP. III.
Coming of the last day.

THIS second epistle, beloved, I now write

bringing in the flood upon the world of the un- Tunto you, in both which I stir up your pure

godly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Go- minds by way of remembrance: morrah into ashes, condemned them with an 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which overthrow, making them an ensample unto those were spoken before by the holy prophets, and that after should live ungodly; of the commandment of us the apostles of the

7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy Lord and Saviour: conversation of the wicked:

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly things continue as they were from the beginning out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust of the creation.

unto the day of judgment to be punished:

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that

10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh by the word of God the heavens were of old, in the lust of uncleanness, and despise govern- and the earth standing out of the water and in ment. Presumptuous are they, self-willed; they the water: are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 6 Whereby the world that then was, being 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power overflowed with water, perished: and might, bring not railing accusation against 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are them before the Lord. now, by the same word are kept in store, re12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to served unto fire against the day of judgment be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things and perdition of ungodly men. that they understand not; and shall utterly per- 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one ish in their own corruption : thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thou

13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteous sand years, and a thousand years as one day. ness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, day-time. Spots they are and blemishes, sport-as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering themselves with their own deceivings while ing to us-ward, not willing that any should they feast with you; perish, but that all should come to repentance. 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that can- 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a not cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: a thief in the night; in the which the heavens heart they have exercised with covetous prac-shall pass away with a great noise, and the eletices; cursed children: ments shall melt with fervent heat, the earth

15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are also and the works that are therein shall be gone astray, following the way of Balaam the burned up.

Son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unright- 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be eousness; dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb be in all holy conversation and godliness, ass, speaking with man's voice, forbade the 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coining of madness of the prophet. the day of God, wherein the heavens being on 17 These are wells without water, clouds that fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist melt with fervent heat? of darkness is reserved for ever.

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, 18 For when they speak great swelling words look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the dwelleth righteousness.

flesh, through much wantonness, those that were 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for clean escaped from them who live in error. such things, be diligent that ye may be found of 19 While they promise them liberty, they them-him in peace, without spot, and blameless. selves are the servants of corruption: for of 15 And account that the long-suffering of our whom a man is overcome, of the same is he Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother brought in bondage. Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto

20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions him, hath written unto you;

of the world through the knowledge of the Lord 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entan- of these things; in which are some things hard gled therein, and overcome, the latter end is to be understood, which they that are unlearned worse with them than the beginning. and unstable wrest, as they do also the other

21 For it had been better for them not to have scriptures, unto their own destruction. known the way of righteousness, than, after 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these they have known it, to turn from the holy com- things before, beware lest ye also, being led mandment delivered unto them. away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.

22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and, The sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire.

THAT

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

The word of life. THAT which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

2 (For the life was manifested, and we have 5 This then is the message which we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is that eternal life which was with the Father, light, and in him is no darkness at all. and was manifested unto us :) 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

1. JOHN. To beware of deceivers* andwalk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the and ye know all things. light, we have fellowship one with another, 21 I have not written unto you because ye knov and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth not the truth, but because ye know it, and tha us from all sin. no lie is of the truth.

7 Brethren, 1 write no new commandment un-of him. to you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the begin-Bath bestowed upon us, that we should be

8 Again, a new commandment I write unto called the sons of God! therefore the world you, which thing is true in him and in you: be-knoweth us not, because it knew him not. cause the darkness is past, and the true light 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it now shineth.

13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he known him that is from the beginning. write that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he unto you, young men, because ye have overcome is righteous.

the wicked one. I write unto you, little chil- 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for dren, because ye have known the Father.

141 have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye brother's righteous. have heard that antichrist shall come, even now 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate are there many antichrists; whereby we know you.

14 We know that we have passed from death 19 They went out from us, but they were not of unto life, because we love the brethren. He us; for if they had been of us, they would no that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. doubt have continued with us: but they went 15 Whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderout, that they might be made manifest that they er: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal were not all of us. life abiding in him.

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Christ able to save us, &c

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. down our lives for the brethren. He that feareth, is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. For he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how can he love 18 My little children, let us not love in word, God, whom he hath not seen?" neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 21 And this commandment have we from him, 19 And hereby we know that we are of the That he who loveth God, love his brother truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. also. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is than our heart, and knoweth all things.

greater

CHAP. V.

The three witnesses.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then WHOSOEVER believeth that Jesus is the

have we confidence toward God.

Christ, is born of God: and every one that

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is because we keep his commandments, and do begotten of him. those things that are pleasing in his sight.

2 By this we know that we love the children 23 And this is his commandment; That we of God, when we love God, and keep his comshould believe on the name of his Son Jesus mandments.

Christ, and love one another, as he gave us com- 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his mandment. commandments; and his commandments are

24 And he that keepeth his commandments, not grievous. dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby 4 For whatsoever is born of God, overcometh we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit the world: and this is the victory that overwhich he hath given us. cometh the world, even our faith.

CHAP. IV.

Against believing all teachers.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

BELOVED, believe not every spirit, but try 6

This is he that came by water and blood, the spirits whether they are of God: because even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by many false prophets are gone out into the world. water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bear2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every eth witness, because the Spirit is truth. spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come 7 For there are three that bear record in hea in the flesh, is of God: ven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God. And this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome thein: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God. He that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God, heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life: and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. 13 These things have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 9 In this was manifested the love of God to 14 And this is the confidence that we have in ward us, because that God sent his only-begot-him, that if we ask any thing according to his ten Son into the world, that we might live will, he heareth us: through him.

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give hin life for them that sin not unto death. There 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love: and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in

him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

pray for it.

17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

18 We know that whosoever is born of God," sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols,

Amen.