The Elder to the elect lady and her children. Truly I love you all, and not I alone, but also all who know the truth,

And now, dear lady, I pray you--writing to you, as I do, not a new command, but the one which we have had from the very beginning--let us love one another.

Keep guard over yourselves, so that you may not lose the results of your good deeds, but may receive back a full reward.

No one has God, who instead of remaining true to the teaching of Christ, presses on in advance: but he who remains true to that teaching has both the Father and the Son.

If any one who comes to you does not bring this teaching, do not receive him under your roof nor bid him Farewell.

I have a great deal to say to you all, but will not write it with paper and ink. Yet I hope to come to see you and speak face to face, so that your happiness may be complete.