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641638 [sic] THE

SECOND EPISTLE

OF S. JOHN THE APOSTLE.

He commendeth the Lady and her sonnes for continuing in the old faith, bidding them so to doe hereafter also, lest they lose the reward of their workes in the day of judgement: and to love the true believers, but with Heretikes to have no societie: expressing also the points then in controversie.

HE Seniour to the Lady Elect and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also al that have knowen the truth, for the truth which abideth in us, and shal be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercie, peace from God the Father, and from Christ JESUS the Sonne of the Father in truth, and charitie.

I was exceeding glad, because I have found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received commandement of the Father. And now I beseech thee Lady, not as writing a new commandement to thee, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is the commandement, that as you have heard from the beginning, you walke in the same: because many seducers are gone out into the world, which does not confesse JESUS Christ to have come into flesh: this is a seducer and an Antichrist.

Looke to your selves, that you lose not the things which you have wrought: but that you may receive a ful reward. Every one that revolteth, and persisteth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that persisteth in the doctrine, the same hath both the Father, and the Sonne. If any man come to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into the house, nor say, God save you, unto him. For he that saith unto him, God save you, communicateth with his wicked workes.

Having moe things to write unto you: I would not by paper and inke: for I hope that I shal be with you, and speake mouth to mouth that your joy may be ful. The children of thy sister elect salute thee. ANNOT.