seem to be derived. The Ephesian Christians had also the first Epistle of St. John, which in some form accompanied the Gospel, and is, indeed, a picture of spiritual life drawn from it. But let us remember that the Epistle is not of a character to be very quickly or readily learned by heart. Its subtle, latent links of connection do not present many grappling hooks for the memory to fasten itself to. Copies also must have been comparatively few. Now let us see how the second Epistle may well have been related to the first. Supremely, and above all else, the first Epistle contained _three_ warnings, very necessary for those times. (1) There was a danger of _losing the true Christ_, the Word made Flesh, Who for the forgiveness of our sins did shed out of His most precious side both water and blood--in a false, because shadowy and ideal Christ. (2) There was danger of _losing true love_, and therefore spiritual life, with truth. (3) With the true Christ and true love there was a danger of losing _the true commandment_--love of God and of the brethren. Now in the second Epistle these very three warnings were written on a leaflet in a form more calculated for circulation and for remembrance. (1) Against the peril of faith, of _losing the true Christ_. "Many deceivers are gone out into the world--they who confess not Jesus Christ coming in flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist."[360] With the true Christ, the true doctrine of Christ would also vanish, and with it all living hold upon _God_. _Progress_ was the watchword; but it was in reality _regress_. "Every one who abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God."[361] (2) Against the peril of _losing love_. "I beseech thee, Kyria ... that we love one another."[362] (3) Against the peril of losing _the true commandment_ (the great spiritual principle of charity), or the true commandments[363] (that principle in the details of life). "And this is love, that we walk after His _commandments_. This is the _commandment_, that even as ye heard from the beginning ye should walk in it."[364] Here then were the chief practical elements of the first Epistle contracted into a brief and easily remembered shape. Easily remembered, too, was the stern, practical prohibition of the intimacies of hospitality with those who came to the home of the Christian, in the capacity of emissaries of the antichrist above indicated. "Receive him not into your house, and good speed salute him not with."[365]