The Shepherd of Hermas

And I wondered in myself saying: How is the tree sound, when so many branches have been cut off? The shepherd said to me: Do not wonder that this tree has remained sound, though so many branches have been cut off; but if you see everything it will be made clear to you what it is.

The angel who had given the sticks to the people asked them back, and as they had received so also they were called to him, and each of them gave back the sticks. And the angel of the Lord took them and looked at them.

From some he received the sticks dried and, as it were, moth-eaten. The angel commanded those who had given up such sticks, to stand apart.

And others gave up dry sticks, but they were not moth-eaten, and these he commanded

And others gave up sticks half dry, and these stood apart.

And others gave up their sticks half dry and with cracks, and these stood apart.

And others gave up their sticks, green and having cracks, and these stood apart.

And others gave up their sticks half dry and half green, and these stood apart.