he learned men who preach in the
synagogues fulfil it according to the letter, and desire to guide the
people; but if you do as they, you will not be righteous, nor will you
find the Kingdom of God. The wise men say, you shall not kill. I say,
you shall not get angry, or be contemptuous. He who grows angry and
censorious shall himself be judged. Your pious gifts are of no avail
if you live at enmity with your neighbour. In the law of the sages it
is written, you shall not commit adultery. I say, you shall not even
think of breaking your marriage vows. Rather should you become blind
than let your eye desire your neighbour's wife. Better lose your sight
than your purity. Rather cut off your hand than reach it after your
neighbour's goods. Better lose your strength than your virtue. It is
said in the Law, you shall not swear falsely. I say, you shall not
swear at all, either by God, or by your soul, or by your child. Yes or
no, that is enough. Now say whether I change the laws. Rather do I
desire the strictest obedience to them. But there are laws which I do
change. Listen; An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I say you
shall not treat your adversary in a hostile fashion. What you can in
justice do for yourself, that do, but go no farther; it is a thousand
times better to suffer wrong than to do wrong. Overcome your enemy
with kindness. If any one smites you on the right cheek, keep your
temper and offer him the left. Maybe that will disarm his wrath. If
any one tears off your coat ask him kindly if he would not like the
undergarment too? Perhaps he will be ashamed of his greediness. If
any asks you for something that you can grant, do not refuse him, and
if you have two coats give one to him who has none. In the law of the
sages it is said: Love your neighbour; hate your enemy. That is false.
For it is easy enough to love them that love you, and hate them that
hate you. The godless can manage so much. I tell you, love your
neighbour, and also love your enemy. Listen, my brothers, and declare
it throughout the whole world what I now say to you: Love your enemies,
do good to them that hate you."

He stopped, and a stir went through the assembly. Words had been
spoken the like of which had not before been heard in the world. A
holy inspiration, as it were, entered the universe at that hour such as
had not been felt since the creation.

Jesus continued speaking: "Do good to those who hate y