The Fathers Speak: The Didache
The Didache is an ancient Church document dating to the first or early second century. Also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, if it doesn’t quite date back to Apostolic times, it at least comes from the patristic period and is considered an authentic product of the early Christian Church, as opposed to other false gnostic writings from later centuries that have received more attention from the mainstream media. The insight we receive from The Didache into early Christian belief and practice is wonderful and demonstrates clearly the Catholicity of the Church from the beginning.
Concerning Purgatory: And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny.
Concerning Baptism: And concerning first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you can not do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit.
Concerning abortion: Do not murder a child by abortion or kill a newborn infant.
