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¹ It is not necessary, my brethren, to specify the exact time: ² for you very well know, that the day of the Lord steals on like a thief in the night. ³ whilst they flatter themselves with peace and safety, destruction shall fall upon them, like the pangs of a woman in travail, and they shall not escape. ⁴ but you, my brethren, are too well inform'd to be surpriz'd by that day, as by a thief. ⁵ you inherit the advantages of meridian light: we are not involv'd in the obscurity of night.

⁶ therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate. ⁷ they that are sober take their rest in the night, whilst they that are sots, are drunk in the night: ⁸ but let us, who enjoy the light, be temperate; let us be arm'd with the breast-plate of faith and charity, and for an helmet, with the hope of salvation. ⁹ for God did not design to make us the objects of his displeasure, but to effect our felicity by the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, ¹⁰ that whether we happen to be alive or dead, we may be secure of living with him.

¹¹ wherefore comfort and edify one another, as you have hitherto done. ¹² We entreat you, brethren, to respect those, who labour in the ministry, who by divine appointment preside over you, and instruct you. ¹³ maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them. ¹⁴ and we exhort you, brethren, reprove the disorderly, comfort the pusillanimous, support the weak, and be patient toward all men. ¹⁵ Don't allow any one to return evil for evil, but strive to do all the good you can to one another, and to all the world.

¹⁶ be always chearful. ¹⁷ pray upon all occasions. ¹⁸ be thankful to God for every thing, for so christians are oblig'd to be. ¹⁹ don't abuse the gifts of the spirit. ²⁰ don't despise the prophetic gift. ²¹ bring every thing to the test: if it be proof, abide by that: ²² if it has the least appearance of evil, reject it.

²³ Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ he that has called you, is faithful, and this he will effect. ²⁵ My brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. ²⁷ I conjure you by the Lord, that this epistle may be read to all our christian brethren. ²⁸ the favour of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. AMEN.