The Shepherd of Hermas
Hermas
Hermas. The Apostolic Fathers with an English translation by Kirsopp Lake. In Two Volumes. Vol. II. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1913
But the poor man, being helped by the rich, makes intercession to God, giving him thanks, for him who gave to him, and the rich man is still zealous for the poor man, that he fail not in his life, for he knows that the intercession of the poor is acceptable and rich toward the Lord.
Therefore the two together complete the work, for the poor works in the intercession in which he is rich, which he received from the Lord: this he pays to the Lord who helps him.
And the rich man likewise provides the poor, without hesitating, with the wealth which he received from the Lord; and this work is great and acceptable with God; because he has understanding in his wealth; and has wrought for the poor man from the gifts of the Lord; and fulfilled his ministry rightly.Among men; therefore; the elm appears as if it bore no fruit; and they do not know nor understand that if there is drought the elm which has water nourishes the vine; and the vine, having water continuously; gives double fruit; both for itself and for the elm. So also the poor; interceding with the Lord for the rich; complement[*](The idea in πληροφοροῦσι is that of filling up that which is lacking,—a ὑστέρημα.) their wealth; and again; the rich helping the poor with their necessities complement their prayers.
Both; therefore; share in the righteous work. Therefore he who does these things shall not be deserted by God; but shall be inscribed in the books of the living.
Blessed are they who are wealthy and understand that their riches are from the Lord; for he who understands this will also be able to do some good service.
He showed me many trees, without leaves, which appeared to me to be as if dry, for they were all alike. And he said to me: Do you see these
trees? Yes, sir, said I, and I see that they are all alike and dry. And he answered me and said: These trees which you see are they who dwell in this world.Why, then, said I, sir, are they as it were dry and all alike? Because, said he, in this world, neither righteous nor sinners are apparent, but are all alike. For this world is winter for the righteous and they are not apparent, though they are living with sinners.
For just as in the winter the trees which have shed their leaves are alike, and it is not apparent which are dry and which are alive, so in this world neither the righteous nor the sinners are apparent, but all are alike.