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The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles
1. There are two ways,[2370] one of life and one of death;[2371] but a great difference between the two ways. 2. The way of life, then, is this: First, thou shalt love God[2372] who made thee; second, thy neighbour as thyself;[2373] and all things whatsoever thou wouldst should not occur to thee, thou also to another do not do.[2374] 3. And of these sayings[2375] the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you.[2376] For what thank is there, if ye love them that love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same?[2377] But do ye love them that hate you; and ye shall not have an enemy.[2378] 4. Abstain thou from fleshly and worldly lusts.[2379] If one give thee a blow upon thy right cheek, turn to him the other also;[2380] and thou shalt be perfect. If one impress thee for one mile, go with him two.[2381] If one take away thy cloak, give him also thy coat.[2382] If one take from thee thine own, ask it not back,[2383] for indeed thou art not able. 5. Give to every one that asketh thee, and ask it not back;[2384] for the Father willeth that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts).[2385] Happy is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receiveth; for if one having need receiveth, he is guiltless; but he that receiveth not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement),[2386] he shall be examined concerning the things which he hath done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing.[2387] 6. But also now concerning this, it hath been said, Let thine alms sweat[2388] in thy hands, until thou know to whom thou shouldst give.
1. And the second commandment of the Teaching; 2. Thou shalt not commit murder, thou shalt not commit adultery,[2390] thou shalt not commit pæderasty,[2391] thou shalt not commit fornication, thou shalt not steal,[2392] thou shalt not practice magic, thou shalt not practice witchcraft, thou shalt not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten.[2393] Thou shalt not covet the things of thy neighbour,[2394] 3. thou shalt not forswear thyself,[2395] thou shalt not bear false witness,[2396] thou shalt not speak evil, thou shalt bear no grudge.[2397] 4. Thou shalt not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for to be double-tongued is a snare of death.[2398] 5. Thy speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed.[2399] 6. Thou shalt not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. Thou shalt not take evil counsel against thy neighbour.[2400] 7. Thou shalt not hate any man; but some thou shalt reprove,[2401] and concerning some thou shalt pray, and some thou shalt love more than thy own life.[2402]
1. My child,[2404] flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. 2. Be not prone to anger, for anger leadeth the way to murder; neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper; for out of all these murders are engendered. 3. My child, be not a lustful one; for lust leadeth the way to fornication; neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye; for out of all these adulteries are engendered. 4. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leadeth the way to idolatry; neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things; for out of all these idolatry is engendered. 5. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leadeth the way to theft; neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. 6. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leadeth the way to blasphemy; neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered. 7. But be thou meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth.[2405] 8. Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which thou hast heard.[2406] 9. Thou shalt not exalt thyself,[2407] nor give over-confidence to thy soul. Thy soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. 10. The workings that befall thee receive as good, knowing that apart from God nothing cometh to pass.[2408]
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