Chapter I.—The Two Ways; The First Commandment

Chapter I.—The Two Ways; The First Commandment.

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.