Apocryphal New Testament — Historical English Collection

Apocryphal New Testament — Hone/Wake/Jones — Section 32

6 Take heed therefore ye that serve God, and have him in your hearts: work ye the works of God, being mindful both of his commands and of his promises, which he has promised ; and be assured that he will make them good unto you ; if ye shall keep his commandments. 7 Instead therefore of the pos- sessions that ye would otherwise purchase, redeem Hhose that are in. want from their necessi- ties, as every one is able ; j ustify the widows; judge the cause of the fatherless ; and spend your riches and your wealth in such works as these. 8 For, for this end has God enriched you, that ye might ful- fil these kind of services. It is much better to do this, than to buy lands or houses ; because all such things shall perish with this present time. 9 But what ye shall do for the name of the Lord, ye shall find in your city, and shall have jov without sadness or fear. AVherefore covet not the riches of the heathen ; for they are de- structive to the servants of God. 10 ^But trade with your own riches which you possess, by which ye may attain unto ever- lasting joy. 11 And do not commit adul- tery, nor touch any other man's wife, nor desire her ; but covet that which is thy own business, and thou shalt be saved. SIMILITUDE IL As the vine is supported by the elm, so is the rich man helped by the prayers of the poor. AS I was walking into the field, and considered the elm and the vine, and thought with myself of their fruits, an angel appeared unto me, and said unto me ; What is it that thou thinkest upon thus long within thyself? 2 And I said unto him, Sir, I think of this vine and this elm because th^ir fruits are fair. And he said unto me ; ^ These two trees are set for a pattern to the servants of God. 3 And I said unto him. Sir, I would know in what the pattern of these trees which thou men- tionest, does consist. Hearken, saith he ; seest thou this vine and this elm ; Sir, said I, I see them,