The study of these fragments, of which the Gospel may be dated about 170 A.D., sends us back to the contemplation of the Second Epistle of St. Peter more conscious than before at what a very early date errors, both of history and doctrine, were promulgated among the Christian societies, while at the same time we are impressed more strongly with the sense that the accord of the Second Epistle with Gospel history, where it is alluded to, as well as the simplicity of Christian doctrine which it enforces, mark it as not unworthy of that place in the Canon which was accorded to it in the very earliest councils which dealt with the contents of New Testament Scripture.

CONTENTS

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PETER

I

PAGE
THE WORK OF THE TRINITY IN MAN'S ELECTION AND SALVATION[3]

II

THE HEAVENLY INHERITANCE[17]

III

THE UNITY AND GLORIOUSNESS OF THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION[29]

IV

THE CHRISTIAN'S IDEAL, AND THE STEPS THEREUNTO[41]

V

CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD: ITS CHARACTER AND DUTIES[55]

VI

THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS[69]

VII

CHRISTIANS AS PILGRIMS IN THE WORLD[83]

VIII

CHRISTIAN SERVICE[95]

IX

CHRISTIAN WIVES AND HUSBANDS[107]

X

THEY WHO BLESS ARE BLESSED[119]

XI

THE REWARDS OF SUFFERING FOR WELL-DOING[133]

XII

THE LESSONS OF SUFFERING[149]

XIII

CHRISTIAN SERVICE FOR GOD'S GLORY[163]

XIV

THE BELIEVER'S DOUBLE JOY[177]

XV

THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE JUDGEMENT HERE[189]

XVI

HOW TO TEND THE FLOCK[201]

XVII

BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY[213]

XVIII

THROUGH PERILS TO VICTORY[223]

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PETER

XIX

THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF GOD[235]

XX

WHO SHALL ASCEND INTO THE HILL OF THE LORD? [245]

XXI

THE VOICE HEARD IN THE HOLY MOUNT[257]

XXII

THE LAMP SHINING IN A DARK PLACE[271]

XXIII

THE LORD KNOWETH HOW TO DELIVER[283]

XXIV

"BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM"[297]

XXV

ALTOGETHER BECOME ABOMINABLE[313]

XXVI

AS WERE THE DAYS OF NOAH[325]

XXVII

JUDGEMENT TO COME[335]

XXVIII

THE LORD IS NOT SLACK[345]

XXIX

"WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT YE TO BE?"[355]

XXX

BE YE STEDFAST, UNMOVABLE[365]