Chapter 1

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

This, then, is the way of life: first, love God who made you; second, your neighbour as yourself. And whatever you do not want to happen to you, do not do to another.

The teaching of these words is this: bless those who curse you and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what credit is there if you love those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you will have no enemy.

Keep away from fleshly and bodily desires. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek as well, and you will be complete. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with that person. If anyone takes your cloak, give that person your tunic as well. If anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back; for you cannot.

Give to everyone who asks you, and do not demand it back, for the Father wishes everyone to receive a share of his own gifts. Blessed is the one who gives according to the commandment, for such a person is blameless. Woe to the one who receives! If someone receives because they are in need, they will be blameless; but anyone who receives without being in need will have to account for why they received it and for what purpose. Once in confinement, they will be questioned about what they have done and will not be released until they have paid the last quadrans.

But it has also been said concerning this: ‘Let your almsgiving sweat in your hands until you know to whom you should give.’