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

And others gave up their sticks green and with buds.

and the buds had; as it were, some fruit. And those men whose sticks were found thus were very joyful; and the angel rejoiced and the shepherd was very joyful over them.

And the angel of the Lord commanded crowns to be brought; and crowns were brought; made; as it were; of palm leaves; and he crowned the men who had given up their sticks with buds and some fruit; and sent them away into the tower.

And he sent also the others into the tower who gave up their sticks green and with buds; but the buds without fruit; and he gave them seals.

And all who went into the tower had the same clothing; white as snow.

And he sent away those who had given up their sticks green, as they had received them, and gave them clothing and seals.

After the angel had finished this he said to the shepherd:[*](The instruction of the angel to the Shepherd) I am going away, but you shall send these within j the walls, according as any is worthy to dwell there. s But consider their sticks carefully and thus let them go, but look carefully. See to it that none pass you, he said, but if anyone pass you, I will test them at the altar. When he had said this to the shepherd he departed.