Page:The Apocryphal Acts of Paul, Peter, John, Andrew and Thomas.djvu/303



69. And having gone about two miles, the apostle bade the commander to rise and sit beside him, allowing the driver to take his own seat. And as they went on it happened that on account of the great heat the beasts of burden became tired and could move no more. And the commander became very sad and discouraged, and thought of running by foot to fetch other beasts of burden for the wagon. But the apostle said, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid; but believe on Jesus Christ, whom I have preached to thee, and thou shalt see great wonders." And looking about he saw a herd of wild asses, grazing by the way. And he said to the commander, "If thou believest on Jesus Christ, go to the herd of wild asses and say, Judas Thomas, the apostle of the Messiah of the new God, saith, Let four of you come, because we need you!"

70. And the commander went, seized by fear, because they were so many. And as he went, they came to meet him. And having come near, he said to them, "Judas Thomas, the apostle of the new God, commands you that four of you should come, because I need them!" And the wild asses upon hearing this, came to him running with one accord; and having come, they fell upon their knees. And the apostle said to them, "Peace be with you! Yoke four in place of these beasts of burden put aside!" And every one of them came and crowded