1Wherefore laying aside all wickedness, and all guile, and dissimulation, and envies, 2and all evil-speakings, As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: 4To whom coming as unto a living stone, rejected indeed by men, 5but chosen of God and precious, Ye also as living stones are built up, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God thro' Jesus Christ. 6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious, and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7Therefore to you who believe, he is precious: but to them who believe not, The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner. 8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, to them who stumble, not believing the word, whereunto also they were appointed. 9But ye are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a purchased people, that ye may shew forth the virtues of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Who in time past were not a people, but now are the people of God; 10who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly desires, 12which war against the soul, Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the king as supreme, Or to governors, 14as sent by him, for the punishment of evil-doers, and the praise of them that do well. 15For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, 16yet not having your liberty for a cloak of wickedness, but as the servants of God. 17Honour all men, Love the brotherhood, Fear God, 18Honour the king, Servants be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20For what glory is it, if when ye commit faults and are buffeted, ye take it patiently? But if when ye do well and suffer, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21For even hereunto are ye called; for Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye might follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24Who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin might live to righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.