¶ Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to be kind to strangers. For thereby have divers received angels into their houses unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, even as though ye were bound with them. Be mindful of them which are in adversity, as ye which are yet in your bodies. Let wedlock be had in price in all points, and let the chamber be undefiled: for whore keepers and advoutrers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with that ye have already. For he verily said: I will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: that we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man doeth unto me. Remember them which have the oversight of you, which have declared unto you the word of God: consider the conversation of their living, and counterfeit their faith.
¶ Iesus Christ yesterday and today, and the same continueth for ever. Be not carried thither with divers and strange learning. For it is a good thing that the heart be stablished with grace, and not with meats, which have not profited them that have had their pastime in them. We have an altar whereof they may not eat which serve in the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts (whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest to purge sin) are burnt without the tents. Therefore Iesus, to sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered with out the gate. Let us go forth therefore out of the tents, and suffer rebuke with him. For here have we no continuing city: but we seek a city to come.
¶ For by him offer we the sacrifice of laud always to God: that is to say the fruit of those lips, which confess his name. To do good, and to distribute forget not, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey them that have the oversight of you, and submit yourselves to them, for they watch for your souls, even as they should give accounts for them: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief. For that is an unprofitable thing for you. Pray for us. We have confidence because we have a good conscience in all things, and desire to live honestly. I desire you therefore somewhat the more abundantly, that ye so do, that I may be restored to you quickly.
¶ The God of peace that brought again from death our Lord Iesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, thorow the blood of the everlasting testament, make you perfect in all works, to do his will, and bring to pass, that whatsoever ye do, may be accepted in his sight, by the means of Iesus Christ. To whom be praise for ever while the world endureth Amen.
¶ I beseech you brethren, suffer the words of exhortation: For we have written unto you in few words. Know the brother Timothy, whom we have sent from us, with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you. Salute them that have the oversight of you, and all the saints. They of Italy, salute you. Grace be with you all Amen.
Sent from Italy by Timotheous.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1526