Didache 1:1-16

¹There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways.

²The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you.

³And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you.

⁴For what reward is there for loving those who love you?

⁵Do not the Gentiles do the same?

⁶But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy.

⁷Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts.

⁸If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect.

⁹If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two.

¹⁰If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat.

¹¹If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able.

¹²Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts).

¹³Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless.

¹⁴Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what.

¹⁵And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny.

¹⁶And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.