Honour the king.

(18)Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but even to the froward. (19)For this is gracious conduct, if for conscience towards G.o.d, any man undergo sorrows, suffering wrongfully. (20)For what glory would there be, if committing faults, and being buffeted, ye suffered patiently? but if, when ye behave well, yet suffer, ye bear it patiently, this is graciously accepted of G.o.d. (21)For hereunto have ye been called, because Christ also hath suffered for you, leaving you a pattern, that ye should follow his steps; (22)who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (23)who, when reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he used no menaces; but referred himself to him who judgeth righteously: (24)who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead unto sins, might live unto righteousness; "by whose stripes, _even_ his, ye were healed[152]." (25)For ye were as sheep wandering astray; but are now returned unto the pastor and bishop of your souls.

CHAP. III.

LIKEWISE, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if some obey not the word, by their wives' conduct without the word, they may be won over; (2)being eye-witnesses of your chaste behaviour with timidity. (3)Whose adorning let it not be that exterior one of braided locks, and golden tr.i.m.m.i.n.gs, and dresses put on with nicety; (4)but let it be the hidden man of the heart, with that incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of G.o.d highly valuable. (5)For so in times of old the holy women also, who hoped in G.o.d, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands; (6)as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose children ye are, if ye do well, and are not affrighted with any terror.

(7)Ye husbands, in like manner dwell with them discreetly, putting respect on the dear woman as being the weaker vessel, and as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers may meet no interruption.

(8)Finally, be all like-minded, sympathizing, loving fraternally, compa.s.sionate, friendly hearted, (9)not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, contrariwise, wishing men every blessing; knowing that hereunto ye have been called, that ye should inherit the _divine_ benediction. (10)"For he that would love life, and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile. (11)Let him depart from every wicked thing, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it[153]." (12)For the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who practise wicked things. (13)And who will do you harm if ye be imitators of him that is good? (14)But if ye should even suffer for righteousness, blessed are ye: be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled, (15)but sanctify the Lord G.o.d in your hearts: and be always ready with your reply to every man who demands a reason respecting the hope which is in you with meekness and fear: (16)keeping a good conscience; that whereas they malign you, as evil doers, they may be confounded who take pleasure in ridiculing your good conduct in Christ. (17)For it is better (if it be G.o.d's will) to suffer as well doers than as evil doers. (18)For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to G.o.d, put to death indeed in the flesh, but raised to life by the Spirit: (19)by which also he went and preached to those spirits imprisoned; (20)who in time of old were disobedient, when the long suffering of G.o.d in the days of Noe waited, while the ark was preparing, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were preserved through the water. (21)The ant.i.type to which baptism now saveth us (not the mere removal of filth from the flesh, but the engagement of a good conscience to G.o.d), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (22)who is at the right hand of G.o.d, gone into heaven, angels and dominations and powers being put in subjection under him.

CHAP. IV.

CHRIST then having suffered for us in the flesh, be ye also in mind armed for the same conflict: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sinning; (2)that he might not spend the remaining s.p.a.ce of life in the flesh after human pa.s.sions, but the divine will.

(3)For the time past of life is enough for us to have wrought the will of the heathen, when we walked in all impurities, lewd appet.i.tes, excess of wine, revels, drinking-bouts, and abominable idolatries; (4)wherein they think it a strange thing, that you are not running with them into the same gulph of profligacy, spreading every scandalous report of you: (5)who shall give an account to him, who holds himself ready to judge the living and the dead. (6)For to this end was the gospel preached to those that are dead, that they might be judged indeed in the flesh according to the will of men, but live in spirit according to the will of G.o.d.

(7)But the end of all things is near: be ye therefore sober-minded, and vigilant in prayers. (8)But above all things have fervent love towards each other: for love will conceal a mult.i.tude of faults.

(9)Exercise hospitality one towards another without grudgings. (10)Let every one, according as he hath received a gift, minister it to others, as good stewards of the manifold grace of G.o.d. (11)If any man speak, let it be agreeably to the oracles of G.o.d; if any man act as a deacon, let it be from the strength which G.o.d supplieth: that in all things G.o.d may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory and might for ever and ever. Amen.

(12)Beloved, be not amazed at the fiery trial among you which is to bring you to the test, as though something strange happened to you; (13)but as ye share in the sufferings of Christ rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory also ye may hail him with exultations. (14)If ye suffer reproach for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; for the spirit of glory and of G.o.d resteth upon you: by them indeed he is blasphemed, but by you he is glorified. (15)Let no one of you then suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or a meddler in other persons' business. (16)But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him give glory to G.o.d on this very account.

(17)For now is the time when judgment is commencing at the house of G.o.d; and if it begin with us, what will be the end of those who obey not the gospel of G.o.d? (18)And if the righteous man is hardly saved, where shall the unG.o.dly and the sinner appear? (19)Wherefore let those who suffer according to the will of G.o.d commit their souls to him in well-doing as to the faithful Creator.

CHAP. V.

THE presbyters among you I exhort, who am a co-presbyter and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed: (2)feed the flock of G.o.d which is among you, exercising your pastoral office not of necessity, but of choice, not for base gain, but with alacrity of mind; (3)not as domineering over your allotted congregations, but as being examples of the flock. (4)And when the arch Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that will never fade away.

(5)In like manner, ye who are younger persons, be in subjection to your elders: but all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed from head to foot with humility: for G.o.d sets himself in opposition to the proud, but he giveth grace to the lowly. (6)Humble yourselves therefore beneath the mighty hand of G.o.d, that he may exalt you in due season: (7)casting all your anxiety upon him; for he careth for you. (8)Be sober, be vigilant; for your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, prowleth around, seeking whom he may devour: (9)against whom stand fast, firm in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are fully endured by the brotherhood which is in the world. (10)But the G.o.d of all grace, who hath called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, when ye have suffered a little while, himself perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (11)To him be glory and might for ever and ever. Amen.

(12)By Silva.n.u.s, a faithful brother as I think, I have written to you a few words, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of G.o.d wherein ye are standing fast. (13)She who is co-elect at Babylon, saluteth you, and my son Mark.

(14)Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

THE SECOND GENERAL EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE PETER.

CHAP. I.

SIMON Peter, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained with us the same precious faith by the righteousness of our G.o.d and Saviour Jesus Christ: (2)grace unto you and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of G.o.d, even Jesus our Lord, (3)as his divine power hath freely given us all things tending to life and G.o.dliness, through the acknowledgment of him who hath called us to glory and fort.i.tude: (4)whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.--(5)And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence; (6)and with intelligence moderation; and with moderation patience; and with patience piety; (7)and with piety fraternal affection; and with fraternal affection love. (8)For if these things are in your possession, and abounding, they will render you neither inactive nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9)But he that hath no possession of these things, is blind, dim-sighted, sinking into oblivion of his purification from the sins of his former days. (10)Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make sure your calling and election: for by doing these things, ye shall never at any time stumble: (11)but an entrance will thus be richly afforded you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

(12)Wherefore I will not be negligent continually to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the present truth. (13)Indeed, I think it right, as long as I am in this frail tabernacle, to rouse up your attention by reminding you: (14)knowing that the deposition of this frail tabernacle of mine is hastily approaching, as our Lord Jesus Christ hath made evident to me. (15)I will endeavour then that even after my decease, ye may always have wherewith to preserve the remembrance of these things. (16)For we have not followed artfully devised fables, when we made known to you the power and advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty. (17)For he received from G.o.d the Father honour and glory, when such a voice was sent forth to him from the transcendently magnificent glory, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.

(18)And this voice we heard coming out of heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain. (19)And we hold the prophetic word more confirmed, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark pa.s.sage, until the day dawn, and the morning-star arise upon your hearts. (20)Knowing this in the first place, that all scriptural prophecy is not from any man's own suggestions. (21)For prophecy in old time came not by the will of man: but the holy men of G.o.d spake under the impulse of the Holy Ghost.

CHAP. II.

BUT there were false prophets among the people, as there will be false teachers also among you, who wickedly introduce d.a.m.nable heresies, and deny the sovereign Lord who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. (2)And many will go out of the way after their fatal errors; by means of whom the way of truth will be injuriously reviled.

(3)And with plausible speeches will they avariciously make gain of you whose condemnation from of old lingereth not, and their perdition doth not slumber. (4)For if G.o.d spared not the angels when they sinned, but casting them bound in chains of darkness into h.e.l.l, delivered them to be kept fast until the judgment; (5)and spared not the old world, but guarded safely Noah the eighth person, the preacher of righteousness, when he brought a deluge on the world of the unG.o.dly: (6)and reducing the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes, condemned them to final destruction, making them an example for all who in future should live unG.o.dly; (7)but righteous Lot, afflicted grievously with the infamously impure conduct of those lawless men, he plucked out: (8)for by seeing and hearing, that righteous man whilst sojourning among them, suffered torment day by day in his righteous soul from their lawless doings; (9)the Lord knoweth how to deliver the G.o.dly out of temptation, but to reserve the wicked unto the day of judgment to be punished: (10)especially such as walk after the flesh in the eager pursuit of defilement, and despise government. Daring, self-sufficient, they tremble not at dignities, railing against them. (11)Whereas the angels, though so much greater in might and power, bring not a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. (12)But these men, as the naturally irrational brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil of the things of which they are ignorant, will perish by their own corruption; (13)receiving the recompence of iniquity, counting daily luxury their pleasure; spots and blemishes, when they feast together with you; riotously indulging in their own delusions: (14)having eyes full of adultery, and insatiable of sin; ensnaring souls of no stability; having a heart practised in all the wiles of covetousness; children for a curse: (15)who forsaking the strait road are gone out of the way, following the path of Balaam the son of Bosor who loved the wages of iniquity. (16)But received a reproof for his peculiar transgression: the dumb a.s.s articulating with a human voice restrained the perverseness of the prophet.

(17)These are fountains without water, clouds driven by a hurricane; for whom the blackness of darkness for ever is reserved. (18)Uttering pompous discourses of inanity, ensnaring by the l.u.s.ts of the flesh, by lascivious impurities, those who had truly escaped from such as live in a course of delusion. (19)Preaching liberty to them, while they themselves are the slaves of corruption: for by whatever a man is overcome, by that also he is enslaved. (20)For if having escaped from the defilements of the world by the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again enveloped by them and overcome, their last deeds are worse than the first. (21)For it had been better for them never to have been acquainted with the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to have turned aside from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (22)But the true proverb is verified in them, The dog hath returned to his own vomit; and the sow which was washed to its wallowing in the mire.

CHAP. III.

THIS second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I rouse up your sincere mind by awakening your recollection (2)to remember the words, that have been spoken aforetime by the holy prophets, and the injunction of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: (3)knowing this princ.i.p.ally, that in the last of the days there will come scoffers, walking after their own lewd pa.s.sions, (4)and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue in the same state as from the beginning of the creation. (5)For this they chuse to keep out of sight, that by the word of G.o.d the heavens were created of old, and the earth rising out of the water and subsisting amidst the water; (6)whence the world then existing, being deluged by water, was destroyed; (7)but the present heavens and earth by the same word are treasured up, reserved for fire at the day of judgment and perdition of unG.o.dly men.

(8)But let not this particular be concealed from you, beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (9)The Lord doth not delay the promise (as some count it delay); but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should have s.p.a.ce for repentance. (10)But the day of the Lord will come as a thief by night; in which the heavens shall pa.s.s away with a rushing noise, and the first principles of matter in flames dissolve, and the earth and all the works upon it be burnt up.

(11)Seeing then that all these things must be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be in a course of holy conduct and acts of piety, (12)expecting and hastening towards the coming of G.o.d's day, at which the heavens on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements in flames be melted as wax? (13)But we expect according to his promise new heavens and a new earth in which dwelleth righteousness. (14)Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye are expecting these things, be diligent to be found of him in peace, spotless and blameless. (15)And account the long suffering of our Lord conducive to salvation; as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, hath written unto you; (16)as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, of which some are difficult to be understood, which the uninstructed and the unstable torture, as indeed they do the rest of the scriptures unto their own destruction. (17)Ye therefore, beloved, knowing this before, be on your guard, that ye be not carried away with the delusion of these lawless men, and fall from your own stedfastness. (18)But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and unto the day of eternity. Amen.

THE FIRST GENERAL EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE JOHN.

CHAP. I.

THAT which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have gazed upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (2)(for the life was manifested, and we have beheld it, and bear testimony, and declare unto you that life eternal, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;) (3)that which we have seen and heard, declare we to you, that ye also may have communion with us: and indeed our communion is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

(4)And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be complete.

(5)And this is the promise which we have heard from him, and declare unto you, that G.o.d is light, and that darkness in him there is none.

(6)If we say that we have communion with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and practise not the truth: (7)but if we walk in the light, as he is himself in the light, we have communion with each other, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8)If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

(9)If we confess our sins, faithful is he and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10)If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

CHAP. II.

MY dear children, these things I write to you, that ye should not sin.

And if any of us sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2)and he himself is the propitiatory victim for our sins: and indeed not for ours only, but for the whole world. (3)And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (4)He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and in him the truth is not. (5)But whosoever keepeth his word, verily in him is the love of G.o.d perfected: by this we know that we are in him. (6)He who saith that he abideth in him, ought as he walked, even so himself to walk.

(7)Brethren, I write not a new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

(8)Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which is a true thing in him, and in you, because the darkness is past, and the true light is now shining. (9)He who saith, that he is in the light, yet hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. (10)He that loveth his brother is in the light, and occasion of stumbling in him there is none.

(11)But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he is departing, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.

(12)I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (13)I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (14)I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him, who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of G.o.d abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

(15)Love not the world, neither the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16)For every thing which is in the world, the l.u.s.t of the flesh, and the l.u.s.t of the eyes, and the pomp of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17)And the world is pa.s.sing away, and the l.u.s.t thereof, but he who doeth the will of G.o.d abideth for ever.

(18)My dear children, it is the last hour; and as ye have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there are many antichrists: by which we know it is the last hour. (19)They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they departed, that they might be made manifest that they are not all of us: (20)though ye have an unction from the Holy One, and know all things. (21)I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (22)Who is the liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Messiah? This man is the antichrist, who denieth the Father and the Son. (23)Every one that denieth the Son, neither doth he hold the Father; but he that acknowledgeth the Son, holdeth the Father also. (24)Let that abide in you therefore which ye have heard from the beginning. If that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning, ye also shall abide in the Son and in the Father. (25)And this is the promise which he hath promised to us, even life eternal.

(26)These things have I written unto you concerning those who are leading you astray. (27)But the unction which ye have received from him abideth in you; and ye need not that any person should instruct you.

But as the same unction teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie; and as it hath taught you, abide in him. (28)And now, my dear children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be put to shame by him at his coming. (29)If ye know that he is righteous, know that every one who practises righteousness is born of him.

CHAP. III.

BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of G.o.d! therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2)Beloved, now are we the children of G.o.d, and it is not yet evident what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; because we shall see him as he is.

(3)And every one who hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

(4)Every one who committeth sin, committeth also a transgression of the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (5)And ye know that he was manifested, that he might take away our sins; and in him there is no sin. (6)Every one who abideth in him, doth not sin; every one who sinneth hath not seen him, nor known him. (7)My dear children, let no man deceive you: he who doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous: (8)he that practises sin is of the devil; for from the beginning the devil sinneth. For this purpose the Son of G.o.d was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (9)Every one who is born of G.o.d, doth not practise sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of G.o.d. (10)By this the children of G.o.d are manifestly seen, and the children of the devil.

Every one that doth not practise righteousness, is not of G.o.d, and he that loveth not his brother.

(11)For this is the commandment which ye have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (12)Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one, and slew his brother: and wherefore did he slay him? Because his own works were wicked, and those of his brother righteous.