A COLLECTION OF EPISTLES

7 that your faith that is tried may be more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ,

8 Whom ye love, having not seen, and whom ye have not yet seen, but believing in him, rejoice with joy unspeakable and most glorious,

9 Attaining at last by your faith the salvation of souls.

10 To this salvation were the searches and searches of the prophets, who foretold the grace assigned to you,

11 examining to what and to what time the Spirit of Christ who was in them indicated, when He foretold Christ's sufferings and the glory that followed them.

12 And it was revealed unto them, that it was not to themselves, but to us, that which was now preached unto you by them that preached the gospel unto you, by the Holy Spirit, which was sent from heaven, into which the angels desire to penetrate.

13 Wherefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, being watchful, trust perfectly in the grace which is being given you in the appearing of Jesus Christ.

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts that were in your ignorance,

15 but according to the example of him who called you, be holy in all your deeds.

16 For it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

17 And if ye call him Father, who judges every man impartially according to his works, ye shall spend the time of your pilgrimage with fear,

18 Knowing that you have not been redeemed with perishable silver or gold from the vain life handed down to you from your fathers,

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without blemish,

20 Who was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but which has come to you in the last times,