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

His master heard all these events, and again rejoiced

greatly at his conduct. The master again assembled his friends and his son and reported to them what he had done with the food which he had received, and they were still more pleased that the servant should be made joint heir with his son.

I said: Sir, I do not know these parables[*](The application of the parable to Fasting) and I cannot understand them if you do not explain them to me.

I will explain everything to you, he said, and everything that I talk with you.

I will show you his commandments and if you do anything good, beyond the commandment of God, you will gain for yourself greater glory, and shall be more honourable with God than you were destined to be. If then, you keep the commandments of God, and add these services also, you shall rejoice, if you keep them according to my commandment.

I said to him: Sir, I will keep whatever you command me, for I know that you are with me. I will be with you, said he, because you have such zeal for doing good, and I will be with all, said he, who have this zeal.