The .iiij. Chapter.
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error, and devilish doctrine of them which speak false thorow hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with an hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth, for all the creatures of God are good: and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer. If thou shalt put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Iesu Christ which hast been nourished up in the words of the faith, and good doctrine, which doctrine thou hast continually followed. But cast away unghostly and old wives' fables.
Exercise thyself unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: But godliness is good unto all things, as a thing which hath promises of the life that is now, and of the life to come. This is a sure saying, and of all parties worthy to be received. For therefore we labour and suffer rebuke, because we believe in the living God, which is the saviour of all men: but specially of those that believe. Such things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth: but be unto them that believe, an ensample, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith and in pureness.
Till I come give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine. Despise not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee thorow prophecy, and with laying on of the hands of a senior. These things exercise, and give thyself unto them, that all men may see how thou profitest. Take heed unto thyself and unto learning, and continue therein. For if thou shalt so do thou shalt save thyself, and them that hear thee.
The .v. Chapter.
Rebuke not a senior: but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brethren, the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all pureness. Honour widows which are true widows. If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to rule their own houses godly, and to recompense their elders. For that is good and acceptable before God. She that is a very widow, and friendless, putteth her trust in God, and continueth in supplication and prayer night and day: but she that liveth in pleasure, is dead even yet alive. And such things command, that they may be without fault. If there be any that provideth not for his own, and namely for them of his household, the same denieth the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Let no widow be chosen under threescore year old, and such a one as was the wife of one man, and well reported of in good works: if she have nourished children, if she have been liberal to strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered unto them which were in adversity, if she were continually given unto all manner good works. The younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton, to the dishonour of Christ, then will they marry, having damnation, because they have despised their first faith. And also they learn to go from house to house idle, yee not idle only, but also trifling and busybodies, speaking things which are not comely.
I will therefore that the younger women marry and bear children, and guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak evil. For many of them are all ready turned back, and are gone after Satan. And if any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them minister unto them, and let not the congregation be charged: that it may have sufficient for them that are widows in deed.
The seniors that rule well are worthy of double honour, most specially they which labour in the word and in teaching. For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward. Against an senior receive none accusation: but under two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke openly that other may fear.
I testify before God, and the lord Iesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without hasty judgment, and do nothing partially. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be part taker of other men's sins: Keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine, for thy stomach's sake, and thine often diseases.