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[1]The Elder to the elect Lady, and her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all that have known the truth,
[2]For the truth's sake which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever:
[3]Grace be with you, mercy and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, with truth and love.
[4]I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment of the Father.
[5]And now beseech I thee, Lady, (not as writing a new commandment unto thee, but that same which we had from the beginning) that we love one another.
[6]And this is the love, that we should walk after his commandements. This commandment is, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
[7]For many deceivers are entered into the world, which confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. He that is such one, is a deceiver and an Antichrist.
[8]Look to yourselves, that we lose not the things, which we have done, but that we may receive a full reward.
[9]Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that continueth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
[10]If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not to house, neither bid him, God speed.
[11]For he that bideth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds. Although I had many things to write unto you, yet I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full.
[12]The sons of thine elect sister greet thee, Amen.
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