Third Similitude
The righteous and the sinners are like the live and the dead trees.In the winter they look alike, but when the summer comes
a great difference will became evident.
"... These trees which thou seest are they that dwell in this world.
... neither the righteous nor the sinners appear in this world,
but they are alike; for this world is winter to the righteous,
and they appear not while they dwell with the sinners.
3. For as in the winter the trees when they have cast their
leaves are alike, and neither the dry nor the living are seen
to be what they are, so in this world neither the righteous
nor the sinners appear, but they are all alike." (Shepherd of Hermas 3rd Sim. 1.1-3)
Forth Similitude
The forth similitude is actually a continuation of the third similitude.
"2. These trees, quoth he, which are sprouting are the righteous,
who shall dwell in the world to come; for the world to come
is summer to the righteous but winter to sinners." (Shepherd of Hermas 4th Sim. 1.2)
"When therefore the mercy of the Lord shall shine forth,
then shall they who serve God be manifested, and all shall be manifested.
3. For as in summer the fruits of the several trees are manifested,
and it is known of what kind they are, so also shall the fruits of the righteous
be manifest; and all of them shall be known when they are blossoming in that world.
4. But, as thou sawest the dry trees, so the heathen and the sinners shall be found
dry and unfruitful in that world, and they shall be burned like logs
and shall be manifest; because their doing in their lifetime was evil.
The sinners shall be burned because they sinned and repented not;
and the heathen shall be burned because they knew not Him who created them.
5. Do thou therefore bear fruit, that in that summer thy fruit may be known."
(Shepherd of Hermas 4th Sim. 1.2-5)
Refrain from excess of business
"Refrain from excess of business, and thou shalt commit no sin.For they who are busied overmuch also sin much,
being cumbered by their affairs and not serving their own Lord.
6. How, quoth he, can such an one ask and receive anything from the Lord,
when he doth not serve the Lord?
They who serve Him are they that shall receive their requests,
and they who serve not the Lord shall receive nothing."
(Shepherd of Hermas 4th Sim. 1.5,6)
