The .iiij. Chapter.
For as much as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he which suffereth in the flesh ceaseth from sin, that he henceforward should live as much time as remaineth in the flesh, not after the lusts of men: but after the will of God. For it is sufficient for us that we have spent the time that is past of the life, after the will of the gentiles, walking in wantonness lusts, drunkenness, in eating, drinking, and in abominable idolatry.
And it seemeth to them a strange thing that ye run not also with them unto the same excess of riot, and therefore speak they evil of you, which shall give acomptes to him that is ready to judge quick and dead. For unto this purpose verily was the gospel preached unto the dead, that they should be judged after the manner of men in the flesh, but should live godly in the spirit. The end of all things is at hand.
Be ye therefore discreet, and sober, that ye may be apt to prayers. But above all things have fervent love among you. For love covereth the multitude of sins. Be ye harbourous, and that without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, minister the same one to another as good ministers of the manyfold grace of God. If any man speak, let him talk as though he speake the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God ministreth unto him. That God in all things may be glorified thorow Iesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and while the world standeth Amen.
Derly beloved, be not troubled in this heat, which now is come among you to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you: but rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's passions, that when his glory appeareth, ye may be merry and glad.
Happy are ye when ye suffer rebuke for the name of Christ. For the spirit of glory and the spirit of God resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of: but on your part he is glorified.
See that none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or an evil doer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. If any man suffer as a Christian man, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on his behalf. For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them which believe not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved: where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to him with well doing, as unto a faithful creator.
The .v. Chapter.
The seniors which are among you I exhort, which am also an senior, and a witness of the afflictions of Christ, and also a part taker of the glory that shall be opened: see that ye feed Christe's flock, which is among you, taking the oversight of them, not as though ye were compelled thereto: but willingly: Not for the desire of filthy lucre: but of a good mind. Not as though ye were lords over the parishes: but that ye be an ensample to the flock. And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive an incorruptible crown of glory.
Likewise ye younger submit your selves unto the elder. Submit yourselves every man, one to another. Knit yourselves together in lowliness of mind. For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Submit your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you, when the time is come. Cast all your care to him: for he careth for you.