Verse 4.— I have no greater joy than to hear. John's life was wrapped up in his desire to have all men learn, and know, and obey the truth. For this he lived; for this he labored; for this he suffered. And when he heard of men and women who had taken upon themselves the name of Christ, acting in accord with the instruction they had received, it gave him great pleasure. This is the compensa­tion he sought, all the reward he seemed to care for on earth. My children walk in truth. How tenderly the aged apostle looked upon the children of his Master. He calls them "My children." They may have been such when age is taken into the account, or with reference to the time they became servants of the Lord, as compared to his own service, or with regard to the relation­ship, spiritually, that existed— the same close, tender ties that exist between father and son. Walk in truth. The course of conduct enjoined by the inspired instruc­tors. The Master had said, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). First. Preach the gospel. Secondly. All who believe the gospel so preached and trustingly accept— baptize. Thirdly. The baptized ones teach how they shall conduct themselves throughout their life's journey. Fourthly. Assuring them by such conduct of the reward of eternal life. All such as observe, the inspired instruction given them after becoming members of Christ's body, the church, are said in Scripture to be walking in the truth.