Part 810 (1/2)

1:3. Grace be with you, mercy and peace from G.o.d the Father and from Christ Jesus the Son of the Father: in truth and charity.

1:4. I was exceeding glad that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

1:5. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing a new commandment to thee, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

1:6. And this is charity: That we walk according to his commandments.

For this is the commandment that, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in the same:

1:7. For many seducers are gone out into the world who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a seducer and an antichrist.

1:8. Look to yourselves, that you lose not the things which you have wrought: but that you may receive a full reward.

1:9. Whosoever revolteth and continueth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not G.o.d. He that continueth in the doctrine, the same hath both the Father and the Son.

1:10. If any man come to you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into the house nor say to him: G.o.d speed you.

Nor say to him, G.o.d speed you... This admonition is in general, to forewarn the faithful of the dangers which may arise from a familiarity with those who have prevaricated and gone from the true faith, and with such as teach false doctrine. But this is not forbidding a charity for all men, by which we ought to wish and pray for the eternal salvation of every one, even of our enemies.

1:11. For he that saith unto him: G.o.d speed you, communicateth with his wicked works.

1:12. Having more things to write unto you, I would not by paper and ink: for I hope that I shall be with you and speak face to face, that your joy may be full.

1:13. The children of thy sister Elect salute thee.

THE THIRD EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE

St. John praises Gaius for his walking in truth and for his charity, complains of the bad conduct of Diotrephes and gives a good testimony to Demetrius.

3 John Chapter 1

1:1. The Ancient, to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

1:2. Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously and fare well, as thy soul doth prosperously.

1:3. I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

1:4. I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.

No greater grace... that is nothing that gives me greater joy and satisfaction.

1:5. Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren: and that for strangers,

1:6. Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church.