The Day of the Lord
(2 Peter 3:8–13)

1It is not necessary, my brethren, to specify the exact time: 2for you very well know, that the day of the Lord steals on like a thief in the night. 3whilst 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. 4but you, my brethren, are too well inform'd to be surpriz'd by that day, as by a thief. 5you inherit the advantages of meridian light: we are not involv'd in the obscurity of night. 6therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate. 7they that are sober take their rest in the night, whilst they that are sots, are drunk in the night: 8but 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. 9for 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, 10that whether we happen to be alive or dead, we may be secure of living with him. 11wherefore comfort and edify one another, as you have hitherto done.

Christian Living

12We entreat you, brethren, to respect those, who labour in the ministry, who by divine appointment preside over you, and instruct you. 13maintain an intire affection for them, upon account of their office, and don't form any brigues against them. 14and we exhort you, brethren, reprove the disorderly, comfort the pusillanimous, support the weak, and be patient toward all men. 15Don'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. 16be always chearful. 17pray upon all occasions. 18be thankful to God for every thing, for so christians are oblig'd to be. 19don't abuse the gifts of the spirit. 20don't despise the prophetic gift. 21bring every thing to the test: if it be proof, abide by that: 22if it has the least appearance of evil, reject it.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23Now 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. 24he that has called you, is faithful, and this he will effect.

25My brethren, pray for us.

26salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27I conjure you by the Lord, that this epistle may be read to all our christian brethren.

28the favour of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. AMEN.