Here is Ballou’s catechism, composed for his flock ( The Catechism of Non-Resistance ):
Q. Whence originated the term “nonresistance?” A. From the injunction, “Resist not evil,” (Matthew 5:39) . Q. What does the term signify? A. It expresses a high Christian virtue, prescribed by Christ. Q. Is the word “resistance” to be taken in its widest meaning, that is, as showing that no resistance whatever is to be shown to evil? A. No, it is to be taken in the strict sense of the Savior’s injunction; that is, we are not to retaliate evil with evil. Evil is to be resisted by all just means, but never with evil. Q. From what can we see that Christ in such cases prescribed nonresistance? A. From the words which He then used. He said, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you that ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.” Q. To whom does Jesus refer in the words, “It has been said?” A. To the patriarchs and prophets, to what they said—to what is contained in the writings of the Old Testament, which the Jews generally call the Law and the Prophets. Q. What injunctions did Christ mean by “It hath been said?” A. Those injunctions by which Noah, Moses, and other prophets authorize men to inflict personal injury on injurers, in order to punish and destroy evil. Q. Quote these precepts. A. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man (Genesis 9:6) . He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death, and if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for