2 John 1:1-3 John 1:15

Mace^{(i) 1} The PRESBYTER to the lady ECLECTA and her children, whom I sincerely love, and not only I, but all true christians, ² in consideration of the true doctrine, we all profess, and in which we shall for ever persevere. ³ Grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ the son of the father, in consequence of your sincere piety, and social virtue. ⁴ It was a great satisfaction to me, to see the conduct of your children, was so agreeable to the directions, we received from the father. ⁵ and now, my lady, I beg our love may be mutual, since what I write, is no new prescription, but what was originally enjoin'd. ⁶ now love consists in the practice of the divine precepts. this is the precept you have originally receiv'd, as the rule of your conduct. ⁷ For there are many impostors started up in the world, who will not own that Jesus Christ was incarnate. such a one is an impostor and an anti-christ. ⁸ be upon your guard, that we may not lose the fruit of our labours, but that we may receive our full reward. ⁹ no renegado that deserts the doctrine of Christ, has any interest in the deity: he that adheres to the doctrine of Christ, has an interest both in the father, and in the son. ¹⁰ whoever comes to you unaccompanied with this doctrine, don't admit him to your house, nor treat him with the common term of civility. ¹¹ for he who shows that respect to such a man, is accessary to his wicked actions. ¹² I had many things to write to you, but I don't think it proper to commit them to paper and ink, because I hope to make you a visit, and deliver them by word of mouth; that so our joy may be compleat. ¹³ The children of your sister ECLECTA salute you. AMEN.

3 John

¹ The PRESBYTER to my dear Gaius, whom I truly love. ² I wish, my beloved, you may be as prosperous with regard to your health and other circumstances, as in what concerns your soul. ³ For I was greatly pleased when the brethren came and assured me of your fidelity and religious conduct. ⁴ greater joy I cannot have, than to hear that my children are attach'd to the truth. ⁵ My dear child, whatever you do in behalf of the brethren, and of those who are strangers, is commendable. ⁶ they have made a publick declaration of your charity, and you will do well to accompany them in the most effectual manner. ⁷ for they set out upon account of the gospel, and refus'd to take any thing of the Gentiles. ⁸ it behoves us to give a kind reception to such, that we may be assistant in promoting the truth. ⁹ I have writ to the church: but Diotrephes, who affects the superiority, has no regard to our representations. ¹⁰ for which reason, when I come, I shall animadvert upon his conduct, and the malicious aspersions he casts upon us: not contented with this, he will neither receive the brethren himself, nor suffer those who are better inclin'd, to do it; but drives them out of the church. ¹¹ my beloved, don't imitate vice, but virtue. he that does good, is a child of God: he that does evil, is not acquainted with God. ¹² Demetrius has the applauses of all men, and the testimony of his own virtue: we likewise certify in his behalf, and you know that our testimonial deserves credit. ¹³ I have many things to write, which I don't think fit to commit to paper and ink: ¹⁴ hoping I shall shortly see you, and then communicate them in person.