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[1]THE minister, to the mother church, and her children, those whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth,
[2]For the sake of the truth which dwells in us and is with us for ever,
[3]Grace be with us, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
[4]I rejoiced greatly that I found some of your children living in the truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
[5]And now I beseech you, O mother church, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
[6]And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should follow it.
[7]For many deceivers have appeared in the world, who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist.
[8]Look to yourselves, that you lose not those things which you have accomplished, but that you receive a full reward.
[9]Whosoever transgresses, and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. He who abides in His doctrine, has both the Father and the Son.
[10]If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not welcome him to your house, neither bid him to eat:
[11]For he who bids him to eat is partaker of his evil works.
[12]I have many things to say to you, which I do not want to write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
[13]The children of your elect sister Church greet you. Grace be with you. Amen.
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