Instructions to Elders
(1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)

1I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest; 2to exhort you to feed the flock of God, which is among you: to take care of it, voluntarily, without reluctance, not from any view to sordid gain, but out of real affection; 3not to domineer over the laity, but to be examples for their imitation; 4that when the sovereign pastor shall appear, you may carry off a glorious crown, that will never fade.

Cast Your Cares on Him

5As for you that are young, be you submissive to those of a more advanc'd age: and do you all of you pay a becoming deference to one another: be cloak'd with humility, for " God opposes the proud, and shows favour to the humble."

6submit yourselves therefore to the divine jurisdiction, that he may exalt you in due time. 7refer all your disquietudes to him, for you are the objects of his care. 8Be temperate, be vigilant: for your adversary the Devil goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9resist him by the steadiness of your faith, considering that your brethren among the Gentiles, suffer the same persecutions as you do.

Benediction and Farewell

10but may the all-gracious God, who has called us to eternal glory, perfect, confirm, fortify, and settle you, during the short interval of your sufferings. 11to him belongs eternal glory and empire, amen.

12I formerly writ to you a short epistle, by Silvanus, I think, a faithful brother, to declare and testify to you, that the true dispensation of God is that to which you are attach'd. 13the church at Babylon, who are likewise Christians, and Mark my son salute you. 14salute one another with social affection, peace be with every christian among you. Amen.