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[1]But the Spirit saith explicitly, that in the latter times, some will depart from the faith; and will go after deceptive spirits, and after the doctrine of demons.
[2]These will seduce, by a false appearance; and will utter a lie, and will be seared in their conscience;
[3]and will forbid to marry; and will require abstinence from meats, which God hath created for use and for thankfulness, by them who believe and know the truth.
[4]Because whatever is created by God is good; and there is nothing which should be rejected if it be received with thankfulness;
[5]for it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
[6]If thou shalt inculcate these things on thy brethren, thou wilt be a good minister of Jesus the Messiah, being educated in the language of the faith, and in the good doctrine which thou hast been taught.
[7]But the silly tales of old women, shun thou; and occupy thyself with righteousness.
[8]For, exercising the body is profitable a little while; but righteousness is every way profitable and hath promise of the life of the present time and of that to come.
[9]This is a faithful saying, and worthy of reception.
[10]For on this account, we toil and suffer reproach; because we trust in the living God, who is the life-giver of all men, especially of the believers.
[11]These things teach thou, and inculcate.
[12]And let no one despise thy youth; but be thou a pattern for the believers, in speech, and in behavior, and in love, and in faith, and in purity.
[13]Until I come, be diligent in reading, and in prayer, and in teaching.
[14]Despise not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, and by the laying on of the hand of the eldership.
[15]On these things meditate; give thyself wholly to them: that it may be obvious to all that thou makest advances.
[16]Be attentive to thyself, and to thy teaching; and persevere in them. For in doing this, thou wilt procure life to thyself and to them who hear thee.
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