The first Chapter.
The senior to the elect lady and her children which I love in the
truth: And not I only, but also all that have known the truth, for the
truth's sake, which remaineth in us, and shall be in us for ever.
With you be grace, mercy, and peace from God the father, and from the
lord Iesus Christ the son of the father, in truth and love.
I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in trough, as
we have received a commandment of the father. And now beseech I thee
lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that same,
which we had from the beginning, that we should love one another. And
this is the love, that we should walk after his commandments.
This commandment is (that as ye have heard from the beginning) ye
should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, which
confess not that Iesus Christ is como in the flesh. This is a deceiver
and an antichrist. Look on yourselves, that we loose not that we have
wrought: but that we may have a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth
and bideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that
endureth in the doctrine of Christ, hath both the father, and the son.
If there come any unto you and bring not this learning, him receive not
to house: neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed,
is part taker of his evil deeds. I had many things to write unto you,
nevertheless I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come
unto you, and speak with you mought to mouth, that our joy may be full.
The sons of thy elect sister greet thee Amen.