Note 3 — THE “TEACHING OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES”

Chap. I.—Two ways there are, one of life and one of death, and great is the difference between the two ways.3 The way of life, then, is this: First, thou shalt love the God who made thee; secondly, thy neighbour as thyself;4 and all things whatsoever thou wouldest not have befall thee, thou, too, do not to another.5 And of these words the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you;6 for what thank [have ye] if ye love them that love you? Do not foreigners7 do the same? But love ye them that hate you and ye shall have no enemy. Abstain from the fleshly and worldly lusts.8 If any one give thee a blow on the right cheek, turn to him the other also, and thou shalt be perfect;9 if any one compel thee to go one mile, go with him twain; 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.10 To every one that asketh thee give, and ask not back; for to all the Father desireth to have given of his own free gifts.11 Blessed is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is guiltless; woe to him that receiveth;12 for if, indeed, one receiveth 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 confinement,13 shall be examined concerning what he did, and shall not go out thence until he pay the last farthing. And it hath also been said concerning this: Let thine alms sweat in thy hands, until thou knowest to whom thou shouldst give.14