Study Desk

as it were in all his epistles, where he takes notice of these things: in which there are some passages that are difficult to understand, which the illiterate, and unstable wrest, as they do the rest of the scriptures, to their own ruin.

what we have seen and heard, we declare unto you, that ye also may be of the same society with us: and truly associated with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ.

but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have society one with another, and the blood of his son Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.

if we say that we have not sinned, we impeach his veracity, and discredit his word.

if we keep his commandments, that is a proof that we know him.

he that says, he knows him, and does not keep his commandments, is a lyar, and an enemy to the truth:

but he that observes his precepts, loves God with a true and perfect love: 'tis by this we know that we are truly christians.

he that says he is attach'd to Christ, ought to regulate his conduct by his example.

he that says, he is in the light, and yet hates his brother, is still in darkness.

he that loves his brother, abides in the light, and will be secure from stumbling.

but he that hates his brother, is in darkness, he walks in darkness, and knows not whither he is going, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.

but as the unction which ye have received from him, abides in you, you don't need any instruction: being then fully instructed by his unction, which is true and not fallacious, adhere to what that has taught you.

adhere to that, my dear children, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Consider what proof the father has given us of his love, in allowing us to be called the sons of God: therefore the world does not know us, because it knew him not.

beloved, we are now the sons of God, tho' it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when this change shall be, his immediate presence will give us a divine resemblance.

not acting like Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother: but why did he slay him? because his own actions were evil, and his brother's were virtuous.

as for us, we know, that we have passed from a state of death to that of life, because we love our brethren: he that does not love his brother, is in a destructive state.

whosoever hateth his brother, has the disposition of a murderer: and you know that no murderer has any title to eternal life.

this is the proof of the divine love, Christ expos'd his life for us: and we ought to expose our lives for the brethren.

he that possesses the enjoyments of life, and seeing his brother in want, has no compassion for him, how can he be said to have any divine love?