Didache 1

Two ways there are, one of life and one of death, but there is a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, thou shalt love the God who made thee; secondly, thy neighbor as thyself; and all things whatsoever thou wouldst not have befall thee, too, do not to another. Now of these words the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you: for what thank have ye if ye love them that love you? Do not the nations also the same? But love ye them that hate you and ye shall have no enemy. Abstain from the fleshly and worldly lusts. If any one give thee a blow on the right cheek, turn to him the other also, and thou shalt be perfect; if any one compel thee to go one mile, go with him two; if any one take thy cloak, give him thy tunic also; if any one take from thee what is thine, ask it not back; for indeed thou canst not. To every one that asketh thee, and ask not back; for to all the Father desires to give of his own gracious gifts. Blessed is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is guiltless; wo to him that taketh; for if indeed, one taketh who hath need, he shall be guiltless; but he who hath no need shall give account, why he took, and for what purpose, and coming under arrest shall be ex- amind concerning what he did, and shall not go out thence until he pay the last farthing. But it hath been also said concerning this matter: Let thine alms sweat in thy hands, until that knowest to whom thou shouldst give.