Didache

Anonymous

Didache. The Apostolic Fathers with an English translation In Two Volumes. Vol. I. Lake, Kirsopp, translator. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1912.

For if thou canst bear the whole yoke of the Lord, thou wilt be perfect, but if thou canst not, do what thou canst.

And concerning food, bear[*](Food, and ‘things offered to idols.’) what thou canst, but keep strictly from that which is offered to idols, for it is the worship of dead gods.

Concerning baptism, baptise thus: Having first[*](Baptism) rehearsed all these things, baptise, in the Name of

the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, in running water;

but if thou hast no running water, baptise in other water, and if thou canst not in cold, then in wrarm.

But if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

And before the baptism let the baptiser and him who is to be baptised fast, and any others who are able. And thou shalt bid him who is to be baptised to fast one or two days before.

Let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for[*](Fasting) they fast on Mondays and Thursdays, but do you fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.