Chapter 1

  The elder to the elect lady, and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;  

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  For the truth's sake which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.  

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  Grace be with you, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.  

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  I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.  

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  And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.  

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  And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.  

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  For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver, and an antichrist.  

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  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.  

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  Whoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  

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  If any one cometh to you, and bringeth not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither wish him happiness:  

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  For he that wisheth him happiness, is partaker of his evil deeds.  

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  Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.  

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  The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.  

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