THE elder to the elect lady, and to her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all who know the truth;

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

For many deceivers have entered into the world, who con fess not that Jesus Christ came in the flesh: this is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Look to yourselves, that we lose not the things that we have gained, but that we receive a full reward.

Whoever transgresses, and abides not in the teaching of the Christ, has not God: he that abides in the teaching of the Christ, has both the Father and the Son.

If any one comes to you, and brings not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and do not wish him well:

Though I have many things to write to you, I determined not to communicate them by means of paper and ink: for I hope to come to you, and to speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full.