101 Some of them also sung
psalms, others made up the chorus
with them. But I walked about
the tower with them, rejoicing
silently, and seeming to myself
to be grown young again.

102 When the evening came on,
I would forthwith have gone
home, but they withheld me,
and suffered me not to depart.
Wherefore I continued with them
that night near the same tower.

103 So they spread their linen
garments upon the ground; and
placed me in the middle, nor did
they anything else, only they
prayed.

104 I also prayed with them
without ceasing, nor less than
they. Who, when they saw me pray
in that manner, rejoiced greatly:
and I continued there with their
till the next day.

105 And when we had worshipped God,
then the shepherd came and said unto
them: You have done no injury to
this man? They answered, Ask him.
I said unto him, Sir, I have received
a great deal of satisfaction in that
I have remained with them.

106 And he said unto me, How didst
thou sup? I answered, Sir, I feasted
the whole night upon the words of
the Lord. They received thee well
then, said he? I said, Sir, very well.

107 He answered, Wilt thou
now learn what thou didst desire?
I replied, Sir, I will: and first I
pray thee that thou shouldest show
me all things in the order that I
asked them.

108 He answered, I will do all
as thou wouldst have me, nor
will I hide any thing from thee.

109 First of all, Sir, said I,
tell me, what this rock and this
gate denote? Hearken, said he;
this rock, and this gate, are the
Son of God. I replied, Sir, how
can that be; seeing the rock is
old, but the gate new?

110 Hear, said he, O foolish
man! and understand. The Son
of God is indeed more ancient
than any creature; insomuch
that he was in council with his
Father at the creation of all
things.

111 But the gate is therefore
new, because he appeared in the
last days in the fullness of time;
that they who shall attain unto
salvation, may by it enter into the
kingdom of God.

112 You have seen, said he,
those stones which were carried
through the gate, how they were
placed in the building of the
tower; but that those which were
not carried through the gate,
were sent away into their own
places?
113 I answered, sir, I saw it.
Thus, said he, no man shall enter
into the kingdom of God, but he
who shall take upon him the name
of the Son of God.

114 For if you would enter
into any city, and that city should
he encompassed with a wall, and
had only one gate, could you
enter into that city except by that
gate?

115 I answered, Sir, how could
I do otherwise? As therefore, said
he, there would be no other way
of entering into that city but by
its gate, so neither can any one
enter into the kingdom of God,
but only by the name of his Son,
who is most dear unto him.

116 And he said unto me,
Didst thou see the multitude of
those that built that tower? Sir,
said I, I saw it. He answered,
All those are the angels, venerable
in their dignity,

117 With those is the Lord
encompassed as with a wall: but
the gate is the Son of God, who is
the only way of coming unto God.
For no man shall go to God, but
by his Son.

118 Thou sawest also, said he,
the six men, and in the middle of
them that venerable great man,
who walked about the tower, and
rejected the stones out of the tower?

119 Sir, said I, I saw them.
He answered, that tall man was
the Son of God; and those six
were his angels of most eminent
dignity, which stand about him
on the right hand and on the left.

120 Of these excellent angels
none comes in unto God without
him. He added, Whosoever there.
fore shall not take upon him his
name, he shall nor enter into the
kingdom of God.

121 Then I said, What is this
tower? This, said he, is the church.
And what, Sir, are these virgins?
He said unto me, These are the
holy spirits, for no man can enter
into the kingdom of God, except
these clothe him with their garment,

122 For it will avail thee nothing
to take up the name of the Son of
God, unless thou shalt also
receive their garment from them.
For these virgins are the powers
of the Son of God. So shall a
man in vain bear his name, unless
he shall be also endued with his
powers.

123 And he said unto me, sawest
thou those stones that were cast
away? They bore indeed the name,
but put not on their garment.
I said, Sir, what is their
garment? Their very names,
said he, are their garment.

124 Therefore whosoever beareth
the name of the Son of God,
ought to bear their names also;
for the Son of God also himself
beareth their names.

125 As for those stones,
continued he, which being delivered
by their hands, thou sawest remain
in the building, they were clothed
with their power; for which cause
thou seest the whole tower of the
same colour with the rock, and made
as it were of one stone.

126 So also those who have
believed in God by his Son, have
put on his spirit. Behold there
shall be one spirit, and one body,
and one colour of their garments;
and all they shall attain this, who
shall bear the names of these virgins.

127 And I said, Sir, why then
were those stones cast away which
were rejected, seeing they also
were carried through the gate,
and delivered by the hands of
these virgins into the building
of this tower?

128 Seeing, said he thou takest
care to inquire diligently into all
things, hear also concerning those
stones which were rejected. All
these received the name of the
Son of God, and with that the
power of these virgins.

129 Having therefore received
these spirits, they were perfected,
and brought into the number of
the servants of God; and they
began to be one body, and to have
one garment, for they were endued
with the same righteousness,
which they alike exercised.

130 But after that they beheld
those women which thou sawest
clothed with a black garment,
with their shoulders at liberty and
their hair loose; they fixed their
desires upon them, being tempted
with their beauty; and were
clothed with their power,
and cast off the clothing
of the virgins:

131 Therefore were they cast
off from the house of God, and
delivered to those women. But
they that were not corrupted with
their beauty, remained in the
house of God. This, said he, is
the signification of those stones
which were rejected.

132 And I said, sir, what if
any of these men shall repent, and
cast away their desire of those
women, and be converted, and
return to these virgins, and put
on again their virtue; shall they
not enter into the house of God?

133 They shall enter, said he,
if they shall lay aside all the
works of those women, and shall
resume the power of these virgins,
and shall walk in their works.

134 And for this cause there is
a stop in the building, that if they
shall repent, they may be added
to the building of this tower; but
if they shall not repent, that others
may be built in their places, and
so they may be utterly cast away.

135 For all these things I gave
thanks unto the Lord, that being
moved with mercy towards all
those upon whom his name is
carried, he sent to us the angel of
repentance to preside over us who
have sinned against him; and that
he has refreshed our spirits which
were almost gone, and who had
no hope of salvation, but are now
refreshed to the renewal of life.

136 Then I said, Show me now
sir, why this tower is not built
upon the ground, but upon a rock,
and upon the gate? He replied,
Thou art foolish, and without
understanding, therefore thou
asketh this.

137 And I said, sir, I must
needs ask all things of you
because I understand nothing at all.
For all your answers are great and
excellent; and which a man can
hardly understand.

138 Hear, said he: The name
of the Son of God is great and
without bounds, and the whole
world is supported by it. If
therefore, said I, every creature
of God be sustained by his Son,
why should he not support those
also who have been invited by him,
and who carry his name, and walk
in his commandments?

139 Seest thou not, said he, that
he doth support them, who with
all their heart, bear his name?
He therefore is their foundation,
and gladly supports those who do
not deny his name, but willingly
bear it.

140 And I said: Sir, tell me
the names of these virgins; and of
those women that were clothed
with the black garment.

141 Hear, said he, the names of
those virgins which are the more
powerful, and stand at the corners
of the gate. These are their
names:

142 The first is called Faith;
the second Continence; the third
Power; the fourth Patience; the
rest which stand beneath these
are, Simplicity, Innocence,
Chastity, Cheerfulness, Truth,
Understanding, Concord, Charity.

143 Whosoever therefore bear
these names, and the name of the
Son of God, shall enter into the
kingdom of God.

144 Hear now, said he, the
names of those women, which
were clothed with the black garment.
Of these, four are the principal:
the first is Perfidiousness;
the second, Incontinence; the
third, Infidelity; the fourth,
Pleasure.

145 And the rest which follow
are called thus, Sadness, Malice,
Lust, Anger, Lying, Foolishness,
Pride, and Hatred. The servant
of God, which carries these spirits,
shall see indeed the kingdom of
God, but he shall not enter into it.

146 But, sir, what are those
stones which were taken out of the
deep and fitted into the building?
The ten, said he, which were
placed at the foundation, are the
first age; the following five-and-
twenty, are the second, of righteous
men.

147 The next thirty-five, are the
prophets and ministers of the Lord.
And the forty, are the Apostles and
doctors of the preaching of the
Son of God.

148 And I said, sir, why did the
virgins put even those stones into
the building after they were carried
through the gate? And he said,
Because these first carried those
spirits, and they departed not one
from the other, neither the men
from the spirits, nor the spirits
from the men:

149 But the spirits were joined
to those men even to the day of
their death; who if they had not
had these spirits with them, they
could not have been useful to the
building of this tower.

150 And I said, sir, show me
this farther. He answered, What
dost then ask? Why did these
stones come out of the deep, and
were placed into the building of
this tower, seeing that they long
ago carried those holy spirits?

151 It was necessary, said he,
for them to ascend by water, that
they might be at rest. For they
could not otherwise enter into the
kingdom of God, but by laying
aside the mortality of their former
life.

152 They therefore being dead,
were nevertheless sealed with the
seal of the Son of God, and so
entered into the kingdom of God.

153 For before a man receives
the name of the Son of God, he is
ordained unto death; but when he
receives that seal, he is freed from
death, and assigned unto life.

154 Now that seal is the water
of baptism, into which men go
down under the obligation unto
death, but come up appointed unto
life.

155 Wherefore to those also was
this seal preached, and they made
use of it, that they might enter
into the kingdom of God.

156 And I said, Why then, sir,
did these forty stones also ascend
with them out of the deep, having
already received that seal?

157 He answered, Because
these Apostles and teachers, who
preached the name of the Son of
God, dying after they had received
his faith and power, preached to
them who were dead before: and
they gave this seal to them.

158 They went down therefore
into the water with them, and again
came up. But these went down
whilst they were alive, and came
up again alive: whereas those who
were before dead, went down dead,
but came up alive;

159 Through these therefore
they received life, and knew the
Son of God: for which cause they
came up with them, and were fit
to come into the building of the
tower; and were not cut, but put
in entire; because they died in
righteousness, and in great purity;
only this seal was wanting to
them.

160 Thus you have the explication
of these things.

161 I answered: Sir, tell me
now what concerns those mountains;
why are they so different, some
of one form, and some of another?

162 Hear, said he; These twelve
mountains which thou seest, are
twelve nations, which make up the
whole world. Wherefore the Son
of God is preached to them, by
those whom he sent unto them.

163 But why, said I, are they
different, and every one of a figure?
He replied, Hearken. Those twelve
nations which possess the whole
world, are twelve people.

164 And as thou hast beheld
these mountains different, so are
they. I will therefore open to
thee the meaning and actions of
every mountain.

165 But first, sir, said I, show
me this; Seeing these mountains
are so different, how have they
agreed in the building of this
tower; and been brought to one
colour; and are no less bright
than those that came out of the
deep?

166 Because, replied he, all the
nations which are under heaven,
have heard and believed in the
same one name of the Son of God
by whom they are called.

167 Wherefore having received
his seal, they have all been made
partakers of the same understanding
and knowledge; and their faith
and charity have been the same;
and they have carried the spirits
of these virgins together with his
name.

168 And therefore the building
of this tower appeared to be of the
same colour, and did shine like
the brightness of the sun.

169 But after that they had thus
agreed in one mind, there began to
be one body of them all; howbeit
some of them polluted themselves,
and were cast off from those of the
righteous, and again returned to
their former state, and became
even worse than they were before.

170 How, air, said I, were
they worse who knew the Lord?
He answered: If he who knows
not the Lord liveth wickedly,
the punishment of his wickedness
attends him;

171 But he who has known the
Lord, ought to abstain altogether
from all wickedness, and more and
more to be the servant of
righteousness.

172 And does not he then seem
to thee to sin more who ought to
follow goodness, if he shall prefer
the part of sin; than he who
offends without knowing the
power of God?

173 Wherefore these are indeed
ordained unto death; but they who
have known the Lord, and have
seen his wonderful works, if they
shall live wickedly, they shall be
doubly punished, and shall die for
ever.

174 As therefore thou hast seen
that after the stones were cast out
of the tower, which had been rejected,
they were delivered to wicked and
cruel spirits; and thou beheldest
the tower so cleansed, as if it had
all been made of one stone:

175 So the church of God, when
it shall be purified: (the wicked
and counterfeits, the mischievous
and doubtful, and all that have
behaved themselves wickedly in it,
and committed divers kinds of sin,
being cast out) shall become one
body, and there shall be one
understanding, one opinion,
one faith, and the same charity.

176 And then shall the Son of
God rejoice among them, and shall
receive his people with a pure will.

177 And I said; Sir, all these
things are great and honourable;
but now show unto me the effect
and force of every mountain: that
every soul which trusteth in the
Lord, when it shall hear these
things may honour his great, and
wonderful, and holy name.

178 Hear, said he, the variety
of these mountains, that is, of the
twelve nations.

179 They who have believed
of the first mountain, which is
black, are those who have revolted
from the faith, and spoken wicked
things against the Lord; and
betrayed the servants of God.

180 These are condemned to
death; there is no repentance for
them: and therefore they are
black, because their kind is
wicked.

181 Of the second mountain
which was smooth, are the
hypocrites, who have believed,
and the teachers of naughtiness:
and these are next to the foregoing,
which have not in them the fruit of
righteousness.

182 For as their mountain is
barren and without fruit so also
such kind of men have indeed the
name of Christians, but are empty
of faith; nor is there any fruit of
the truth in them.

183 Nevertheless there is room
left to them of repentance, if they
shall speedily pursue it; but if
they shall delay, they also shall
be partakers of death with the
foregoing kind.

184 I said, air, why is there
room left to those for repentance,
and not to the foregoing kind,
seeing their sins are well nigh the
same?

185 There is therefore, said he,
to these a return unto life by
repentance, because they have not
blasphemed against their Lord,
nor betrayed the servants of God:
but by their desire of gain have
deceived men, leading them according
to the lusts of sinners; wherefore
they shall suffer for this thing.

186 Howbeit there is still left
them room for repentance, because
they have not spoken any thing
wickedly against the Lord.

187 They who are of the
third mountain which had thorns
and brambles, are those who
believed, but were some of them
rich; others taken up with many
affairs: the brambles are their
riches; the thorns, those affairs in
which they were engaged.

188 Now they who are entangled
in much business, and in diversity
of affairs, join not themselves to
the servants of God, but wander,
being called away by those affairs
with which they are choked.

189 And so they which are rich,
with difficulty yield themselves to
the conversation of the servants
of God; fearing lest any thing
should be asked of them. These
therefore shall hardly enter the
kingdom of God.

190 For as men walk with difficulty
bare-foot over thorns, even so
these kind of men shall scarcely
enter into the kingdom of God.

191 Nevertheless there is afforded
to all these a return unto repentance,
if they shall quickly return to it;
because in their former days they
having neglected to work, in the time
that is to come they may do some good.

192 If therefore having
repented they shall do the works
of righteousness, they shall live;
but if they shall continue in their
evil courses, they shall be delivered
to those women who will take away
their lives.

193 As for the fourth mountain,
which had many herbs, the upper
part of which is green, but
the roots dry, and some of which
being touched with the heat of the
sun, are withered;

194 It denotes the doubtful, who
have believed, and some others
who carry the Lord on their tongues,
but have him not in their hearts:
therefore their grass is dry,
and without root; because they
live only in words, but their
works are dead.

195 These therefore are neither
dead nor living, and withal are
doubtful. For the doubtful are
neither green nor dry; that is
neither dead nor alive.

196 For as the herbs dry away
at the sight of the sun, so the
doubtful, as soon as they hear of
persecution, and fear inconveniencies,
return to their idols, and again
serve them, and are ashamed
to bear the name of their Lord.

197 This kind of men then is
neither dead nor alive; nevertheless
these also may live, if they shall
presently repent; but if not,
they shall be delivered to those
women, who shall take away their
lives.

198 As concerning the fifth
mountain that is craggy, and yet
has green grass; they are of this
kind who have believed, and are
faithful indeed, but believe with
difficulty, and are bold and self-
conceited; and would be thought
to know all things, but really
know nothing.

199 Wherefore, by reason of
this confidence, knowledge is
departed from them; and a rash
presumption is entered into them.

200 But they carry themselves
high, and as prudent men; and
though they are fools, yet would
seem to be teachers.

201 Now by reason of this folly
many of them whilst they magnify
themselves, are become vain and
empty. For boldness and vain
confidence is a very evil spirit.

202 Wherefore many of these
are cast away; but others
acknowledging their error, have
repented, and submitted themselves
to those who are knowing.

203 And to all the rest of this
kind, there is repentance allowed;
forasmuch as they were not so
much wicked as foolish, and void
of understanding.

204 If these therefore shall
repent, they shall live unto God;
but if not, they shall dwell with
those women, who shall exercise
their wickedness upon them.

205 For what concerns the
sixth mountain having greater and
lesser clefts, they are such as have
believed; but those in which were
lesser clefts are they who have had
controversies among themselves;
and by reason of their quarrels
languish in the faith:

206 Nevertheless many of these
have repented, and so will the rest
when they shall hear my commands;
for their controversies are but
small, and they will easily
return unto repentance.

207 But those who have the
greater clefts, will be as stiff
stones, mindful of grudges and
offences, and full of anger among
themselves. These therefore are
cast from the tower, and refused
to be put into its building; for
this kind of men shall hardly
live.

208 Our God and Lord, who
ruleth over all things, and has
power over all his creatures, will
not remember our offences, but is
easily appeased by those who
confess their sins: but man being
languid, mortal, infirm, and full
of sins, perseveres in his anger
against man; as if it were in his
power to save or destroy him.

209 But I, as the angel who am
set over your repentance, admonish
you, that whosoever among you has
any such purpose he should lay it
aside, and return unto repentance;
and the Lord will heal your former
sins, if you shall purge yourself
from this evil spirit; but if you
shall not do it, ye shall be
delivered to him unto death.

210 As for the seventh mountain
in which the grass was green
and flourishing, and the whole
mountain faithful; and all kind of
cattle fed upon the grass of it, and
the more the grass was eaten, so
much the more it flourished;

211 They are such as believed,
and were always good and upright;
and without any differences among
themselves, but still rejoiced
in the servants of God, having
put on the spirit of these virgins;
and been always forward to show
mercy to all men, readily giving
to all men of their labours
without upbraiding, and without
deliberation.

212 Wherefore the Lord seeing
their simplicity and innocence,
has increased them in the works of
their hands, and given them grace
in all their works.

213 But I, who am the angel
appointed over your repentance,
exhort you, that as many as are of
this kind would continue in the
same purpose, that your seed may
not be rooted out for ever.

214 For the Lord hath tried
you, and written you into our
number; and all your seed shall
dwell with the Son of God; for ye
are all of his spirit.

215 As concerning the eighth
mountain in which were a great
many springs, by which every
kind of all the creatures of God
was watered; they are such as
have believed the Apostles which
the Lord sent into all the world to
preach;

216 And some of them being
teachers have preached and taught
purely and sincerely, and have
not in the least yielded to any evil,
desires, but have constantly walked
in righteousness and truth.

217 These therefore have their
conversations among the angels.

218 Again; as for what concerns
the ninth mountain which is
a desert, and full of serpents; they
are such as have believed, but had
many stains:

219 These are such ministers as
discharge their ministry amiss;
ravishing away the goods of the
widows and fatherless; and serve
themselves, not others, out of
those things which they have
received.

220 These, if they continue in
this covetousness, have delivered
themselves unto death, nor shall
there be any hope of life for them.
But if they shall be converted,
and shall discharge their ministry
sincerely, they may live.

221 As for those which were
found rough, they are such as
have denied the name of the Lord,
and not returned again to the
Lord, but have become savage
and wild; not applying themselves
to the servants of God; but being
separated from them, have for a
little carelessness lost their lives.

222 For as a vine that is forsaken
in a hedge, and never dressed,
perishes and is choked by the
weeds, and in time becomes wild,
and ceases to be useful to its lord;
so this kind of men despairing of
themselves, and being soured,
have begun to be unprofitable to
their Lord.

223 Howbeit, to these there is,
after all, repentance allowed, if
they shall not be found from their
hearts to have denied Christ; but
if any of these shall be found to
have denied him from his heart,
I cannot tell whether such a one
can attain unto life.

224 I say therefore that if any
one hath denied, he should in
these days return unto repentance;
for it cannot be that anyone
who now denies the Lord, can
afterwards attain unto salvation
nevertheless repentance is promised
unto them who have formerly denied.

225 But he who will repent
must hasten on his repentance,
before the building of this tower
is finished; otherwise, he shall be
delivered by those women unto
death.

226 But they that are maimed,
are the deceitful; and those who
mix with one another, are the
serpents that you saw mingled in
that mountain.

227 For as the poison of serpents
is deadly unto men, so the words
of such persons infect and
destroy men. They are therefore
maimed in their faith, by reason
of that kind of life which they
lead.

228 Howbeit some of them,
having repented, have been saved;
and so shall others of the same
kind be also saved, if they shall
repent; but if not, they shall die
by those women who power and
force posses,

229 For what concerns the
tenth mountain, in which were the
trees covering the cattle, they are
such as have believed; and some
of them have been bishops, that is,
governors of the churches.

230 Others, are such stones as
have not feignedly, but with a
cheerful mind entertained the
servants of God.

231 Then, such as have been set
over inferior ministries, and have
protected the poor and the widows;
and have always kept a chaste
conversation: therefore they
also are protected by the Lord.

232 Whosoever shall do on this
wise, are honoured with the Lord;
and their place is among the
angels, if they shall continue
to obey the Lord even unto the end.

233 As to the eleventh mountain
in which were trees loaded
with several sorts of fruit; they
are such as have believed, and
suffered death, for the name of the
Lord; and have endured with a
heavy mind, and have given up
their lives with all their hearts.

234 And I said, Why then, sir,
have all these fruit indeed, but yet
some fairer than others?

235 Hearken, said he: Whosoever
have suffered for the name of
the Lord are esteemed honourable
by the Lord; and all their offences
are blotted out, because they have
suffered death for the name of the
Son of God.

236 Hear now, why their fruits
are different, and some of them
excel others. They who were
brought before magistrates, and
being asked, denied not the Lord,
but suffered with a ready mind;
these are more honourable with
the Lord. The fruits therefore
that are the most fair are these.

237 But they who were fearful
and doubtful, and have deliberated
with themselves whether they
should confess or deny Christ, and
yet have suffered; their fruits are
smaller, because that this thought
came into their hearts.

238 For it is a wicked and evil
thought for a servant to deliberate
whether he should deny his master:
Take heed therefore ye who
have such thoughts, that this mind
Pontinrie not in you, and ye die
unto God.

239 But ye who suffer death for
his name sake, ought to honour
the Lord, that he has esteemed
you worthy to bear his name; and
that you should be delivered from
all your sins.

240 And why therefore do you
not rather esteem yourselves happy?
Ye think verily that if any
one among you suffer, he performs
a great work! Yet the Lord
giveth you life, and ye understand
it not. For your offences did
oppress you; and if you had not
suffered for his name sake, ye would
now be dead unto the Lord.

241 Wherefore I speak this unto
you who deliberate whether ye
should confess or deny him. Confess
that ye have the Lord for your
God, lest at any time denying him,
ye be delivered up into bonds.

242 For if all nations punish
their servants which deny their
masters; what think you that the
Lord will do unto you, who has
the power of all things?

243 Remove therefore out of
your hearts these doubts, that ye
may live for ever unto God.

244 As for the twelfth mountain,
which was white, they are
such as have believed like sincere
children, into whose thoughts
there never came any malice, nor
have they ever known what sin
was, but have always continued in
their integrity.

245 Wherefore this kind of men
shall without all doubt inherit the
kingdom of God; because they
have never in any thing defiled
the commandments of God, but
have continued with sincerity in
the same condition all the days of
their lives.

246 Whosoever therefore, said
he, shall continue as children
without malice; shall be more
honourable than all those of whom
I have yet spoken: for all such
children are honoured by the
Lord, and esteemed the first of
all.

247 Happy therefore are ye
who shall remove all malice from
you, and put on innocence; be.
cause ye shall first see the Lord.
248 And after he had thus
ended his explication of all the
mountains, I said unto him, Sir,
show me now also what concerns
the stones that were brought out
of the plain, and put into the
tower in the room of those that
were rejected.

249 As also concerning those
round stones which were added
into the building of the tower;
and also of those who still
continued round.

250 Hear now, says he,
concerning those stones which were
brought out of the plain into the
building of the tower, and placed
in the room of those that were
rejected: they are the roots of
that white mountain.

251 Wherefore because those
who have believed of that mountain,
were very innocent; the lord of
this tower commanded that they
which were of the roots of this
mountain should be placed into
the building.

252 For he knew that if they
were put into, this building they
would continue bright; nor would
any of them any more be made
black.

253 But if he had added after
this manner, from the rest of the
mountains, he would almost have
needed again to visit the tower,
and to cleanse it.

254 Now all these white stones
are the young men who have believed,
or shall believe; for they are all
of the same kind. Happy is this
kind, because it is innocent.

255 Hear now also concerning
those round and bright stones; all
these are of this white mountain.
But they are therefore found
round, because their riches have
a little darkened them from the
truth, and dazzled their eyes.

256 Howbeit they have never
departed from the Lord, nor has
any wicked word proceeded out
of their mouths; but all
righteousness, and virtue,
and truth.

257 When therefore the Lord
saw their minds, and that they
might adorn the truth; he
commanded that they should continue
good, and that their riches should
be pared away:

258 For he would not have
them taken wholly away, to the
end they might do some good
with that which was left, and live
unto God; because they also are
of a good kind.

259 Therefore was there little
cut off from them, and so they
were put into the building of this
tower.

260 As for the rest which
continued still round, and were
not found fit for the building of
this tower, because they have not
yet received the seal; they were
carried back to their place, be.
cause they were found very
round.

261 But this present world must
be cut away from them, and the
vanities of their riches; and then
they will be fit for the kingdom of
God. For they must enter into
the kingdom of God, because God
has blessed this innocent kind.

262 Of this kind therefore none
shall fall away: for though any of
them being tempted by the devil
should offend, he shall soon return
to his Lord God.

263 I the angel of repentance
esteem you happy, whosoever are
innocent as little children, because
your portion is good and honourable
with the Lord.

264 And I say unto all you
who have received this seal; keep
simplicity, and remember not the
offences which are committed
against you, nor continue in
malice, or in bitterness, through
the memory of offences.

265 But become one spirit,
and provide remedies for these
evil rents, and remove them from
you; that the lord of the sheep
may rejoice at it; for he will
rejoice, if he shall find all whole.

266 But if any of these sheep
shall be found scattered away, Woe
shall be to the shepherds; and
if the shepherds themselves shall
be scattered; what will they answer
to the lord of the sheep-fold?
Will they say that they were
troubled by the sheep? But
they shall not be believed.

267 For it is an incredible thing
that the shepherd should suffer by
his flock; and he shall be the more
punished for his life.

268 Now I am the shepherd;
and especially must give an
account of you.

269 Wherefore take care of
yourselves whilst the tower is,
yet building. The Lord dwells
in those that love peace, for peace
is beloved; but he is far off from
the contentious, and those who are
full of malice.

270 Wherefore restore unto him
the Spirit entire, as ye received it.
For if thou shalt give unto a
fuller a garment new and whole,
thou wilt expect to receive it whole
again; if therefore the fuller shall
restore it unto thee torn, wouldst
thou receive it?

271 Wouldst thou not presently
be angry, and reproach him,
saying: I gave my garment to thee
whole, why halt thou rent it, and
made it useless to me? Now it is
of no use to me, by reason of the
rent which thou hast made in it.
Wouldst thou not say all this to a
fuller, for the rent which he made
in thy garment?

272 If therefore thou wouldst
be concerned for thy garment,
and complain that thou hadst not
received it whole; what thinkest
thou that the Lord will do, who
gave his Spirit to thee entire, and
thou hast rendered him altogether
unprofitable, so that he can be of
no use unto his Lord? For being
corrupted by thee, he is no longer
profitable to him.

273 Will not therefore the Lord
do the same concerning his Spirit,
by reason of thy deed? Undoubtedly,
said I, he will do the same
to all those whom he shall find to
continue in the remembrance of
injuries.

274 Tread not then under foot
he said, his mercy; but rather
honour him, because he is so
patient with respect to your offences,
and not like one of you; but repent,
for it will be profitable for you.

275 All these things which
are above written, I the shepherd
and angel of repentance, have
shown and spoken to the servants
of God.

276 If therefore ye shall believe
and hearken to these words, and
shall walk in them and correct
your ways, ye shall live. But if
ye shall, continue in malice, and
in the remembrance of injuries,
no such sinners shall live unto
God.

277 All these things which were
to be spoken by me, I have thus
delivered unto you. Then the
shepherd said unto me, Hast thou
asked all things of me?
I answered, sir, I have.

278 Why then, said he, hast
thou not asked concerning the
spaces of these stones that were
put in the building, that I may
explain that also unto thee?
I answered, sir, I forgot it.
Hear, then, said he, concerning
these also.

279 They are those who have
now heard these commands, and
have repented with all their
hearts;

280 And when the Lord saw
that their repentance was good
and pure, and that they could
continue in it, he commanded
their former sins to be blotted
out. For these spaces were their
sins, and they are therefore made
even that they might not appear.

SIMILITUDE X.

Of Repentance and alms-deeds.

AFTER I had written this
book, the angel which had
delivered me to that shepherd,
came into the house where I was
and sat upon the bed, and that
shepherd stood at his right hand.

2 Then he called me and said
unto me; I delivered thee and
thy house to this shepherd, that
thou mightest be protected by
him. I said, Yes, Lord.

3 If therefore, said he, thou
wilt be protected from all
vexations and from all cruelty, and
have success in every good word
and work, and have all virtue and
righteousness; walk in those
commands which he has given thee,
and thou shalt have dominion
over all sin.

4 For if thou keepest those
commands, all the lust and pleasure
of this present world shall be
subject to thee; and success shall
follow thee in every good undertaking.

5 Take therefore his gravity
and modesty towards thee, and
say unto all, that he is in great
honour and renown with God, and
is a prince of great authority, and
powerful in his office.

6 To him only is the power of
repentance committed throughout
the whole world. Does he not
seem to thee to be of great
authority?

7 But ye despise his goodness,
and the modesty which he shows
towards you.

8 I said unto him; Sir, ask
him since the time that he came
into my house whether I have
done any thing disorderly, or
have offended him in any thing?

9 I know, said he, that thou
hast done nothing disorderly,
neither wilt thou hereafter do
any such thing, and therefore I
speak these things with thee that
then mayest persevere; for he
has given me a good account
concerning thee.

10 But thou shalt speak these
things to others, that they who
either have repented, or shall
repent, may be like-minded with
thee, and he may give me as
good an account of them also;
and that I may do the same unto
the Lord.

11 I answered; Sir, I declare
to all men the wonderful works of
God; and I hope that all who
love them, and have before sinned,
when they shall hear these things,
will repent, and recover life.

12 Continue therefore, said he,
in this ministry, and fulfil it.
And whosoever shall do according
to the commands of this shepherd,
he shall live; and shall have great
honour both here and with the
Lord.

13 But they that shall not keep
his commands, flee from their life,
and are adversaries to it. And
they that follow not his commands,
shall deliver themselves
unto death; and shall be every
one guilty of his own blood.

14 But I say unto thee, keep
these commandments, and thou
shalt find a cure for all thy sins.

15 Moreover, I have sent
these virgins to dwell with thee;
for I have seen that they are very
kind to thee. Thou shalt therefore
have them for thy helpers,
that thou mayest the better keep
the commands which he hath given
thee; for these commands cannot
be kept without these virgins.

16 And as I see how they are
willing to be with thee, I will
also command them that they shall
not all depart from thy house.

17 Only do thou purify thy
house; for they will readily dwell
in a clean house. For they are
clean and chaste, and industrious;
and all of them have grace with
the Lord.

18 If therefore thou shalt have
thy house pure, they will abide
with thee. But, if it shall be
never so little polluted, they will
immediately depart from thy house;
for these virgins cannot endure any
manner of pollution.

19 I said unto him; Sir, I hope
that I shall so please them, that
they shall always delight to dwell
in my house. And as he to whom
you have committed me, makes
no complaint of me; so neither
shall they complain.

20 Then he said to that shepherd:
I see that the servant of God will
live and keep these commandments,
and place these virgins in a pure
habitation.

21 When he had said this,
he delivered me again to that
shepherd, and called the virgins,
and said unto them; Forasmuch as I
see that ye will readily dwell in
this man's house, I commend him
and his family to you, that ye may
not at all depart from his house.
And they willingly heard these
words.

22 Then he said unto me,
Go on manfully in thy ministry;
declare to all men the great things
of God, and thou shalt find grace
in this ministry.

23 And whosoever shall walk
in these commands, shall live,
and be happy in his life. But he
that shall neglect them, shall not
live, and shall be unhappy in his
life.

24 Say unto all that whosoever
can do well, cease not to exercise
themselves in good works, for it
is profitable unto them. For I
would that all men should be
delivered from the inconveniences
they lie under.

25 For he that wants, and
suffers inconveniences in his
daily life, is in great torment
and necessity. Whosoever therefore
delivers such a soul from necessity,
gets great joy unto himself.

26 For he that is grieved with
such inconveniencies is equally
tormented, as if he were in chains.
And many upon the account of
such calamities, being not able to
bear them, have chosen even to
destroy themselves.

27 He therefore that knows the
calamity of such a man, and does
not free him from it, commits a
great sin, and is guilty of his
blood.

28 Wherefore exercise yourselves
in good works, as many as
have received ability from the
Lord; lest whilst ye delay to do
them, the building of the tower be
finished; because for your sakes
the building is stopped.

29 Except therefore ye shall
make haste to do well, the tower
shall be finished, and ye shall be
shut out of it.

30 And after he had thus spoken
with me, he rose up from the bed
and departed, taking the shepherd
and virgins with him.

31 Howbeit he said unto me,
that he would send back the
shepherd and virgins unto
my house. Amen.

REFERENCES TO THE BOOK OF
HERMAS, THE SHEPHERD.

[This book, divided into three parts, called his VISIONS, COMMANDS,
and SIMILITUDES, is thus entitled, because it was composed by
Hermas, brother to Pius, bishop of Rome; and because the Angel, who
bears the principal part in it, is represented in the form and habit
of a shepherd. Ireneus quotes it under the very name of Scripture.
Origen thought it a most useful writing, and that it was divinely
inspired; Eusebius says that, though it was not esteemed canonical,
it was read publicly in the churches, which is corroborated by
Jerome; and Athanasius cites it, calls it a most useful work, and
observes, that though it was not strictly canonical, the Fathers
appointed it to be read for direction and confirmation in faith and
piety. Jerome, notwithstanding this, and that he applauded it in his
catalogue of writers, in his comments upon it afterwards, terms it
apocryphal and foolish. Tertullian praised it when a Catholic, and
abused it when a Montanist. Although Gelasius ranks it among the
apocryphal books, it is found attached to some of the most ancient
MSS. of the New Testament; and Archbishop Wake, believing it the
genuine work of an apostolical Father, preserves it to the English
reader by the foregoing translation, in which he has rendered the
three parts of it not only more exact, but in greater purity than
they had before appeared. The archbishop procured Dr. Grabe to
entirely collate the old Latin version with an ancient MS. in the
Lambeth library; and the learned prelate himself still further
improved the whole from a multitude of fragments of the original
Greek never before used for that purpose.]