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THE SHEPHERD OF HERMAS
(Translated by J.B. Lightfoot)
I HERMAS - FIRST BOOK: VISIONS
VISION I
1. The master, who reared me, had sold me to one Rhoda in Rome. After many
years, I met her again, and began to love her as a sister.
2. After a certain time I saw her bathing in the river Tiber; and I gave her
my hand, and led her out of the river. So, seeing her beauty, I reasoned in
my heart, saying, "Happy were I, if I had such an one to wife both in
beauty and in character." I merely reflected on this and nothing more.
3. After a certain time, as I was journeying to Cumae, and glorifying God's
creatures for their greatness and splendor and power, as I walked I fell
asleep. And a Spirit took me, and bore me away through a pathless tract,
through which no man could pass: for the place was precipitous, and broken
into clefts by reason of the waters. When then I had crossed the river, I
came into the level country, and knelt down, and began to pray to the Lord
and to confess my sins.
4. Now, while I prayed, the heaven was opened, and I see the lady, whom I had
desired, greeting me from heaven, saying, "Good morrow, Hermas."
5. And, looking at her, I said to her, "Lady, what doest thou here?" Then she
answered me, "I was taken up, that I might convict thee of thy sins before
the Lord."
6. I said to her, "Dost thou now convict me?" "Nay, not so," said she, "but
hear the words, that I shall say to thee. God, Who dwelleth in the heavens,
and created out of nothing the things which are, and increased and
multiplied them for His holy Church's sake, is wroth with thee, for that
thou didst sin against me."
7. I answered her and said, "Sin against thee? In what way? Did I ever speak
an unseemly word unto thee? Did I not always regard thee as a goddess? Did
I not always respect thee as a sister? How couldst thou falsely charge me,
lady, with such villainy and uncleanness?
8. "Laughing she saith unto me, "The desire after evil entered into thine
heart. Nay, thinkest thou not that it is an evil deed for a righteous man,
if the evil desire should enter into his heart? It is indeed a sin and a
great one too," saith she; "for the righteous man entertaineth righteous
purposes. While then his purposes are righteous, his repute stands
steadfast in the heavens, and he finds the Lord easily propitiated in all
that he does. But they that entertain evil purposes in their hearts, bring
upon themselves death an captivity, especially they that claim for
themselves this present work and boast in its riches, and cleave not to the
good things that are to come.
9. Their souls shall rue it, seeing that they have no hope, but have abandoned
themselves and their life. But do thou pray unto God and He shall heal
thine own sins, and those of thy whole house, and of all the saints."
10. As soon as she had spoken these words the heavens were shut and I was given
over to horror and grief Then I said within myself "If this sin is recorded
against me, how can I be saved? Or how shall I propitiate God for my sins
which are full-blown? Or with which words shall I entreat the Lord that He
may be propitious unto me?
11. While I was advising and discussing these matters in my heart, I see,
before me a great white chair of snow-white wool; and there came an aged
lady in glistening raiment, having a book in her hands, and she sat down
alone, and she saluted me, "Good morrow, Hermas." Then I grieved and
weeping, said, "Good morrow, lady."
12. And she said to me "Why so gloomy, Hermas, thou that art patient and
good-tempered and art always smiling? Why so downcast in thy looks, and far
from cheerful?" And I said to her, "Because of an excellent lady's saying
that I had sinned against her."
13. Then she said, "Far be this thing from the servant of God! Nevertheless the
thought did enter into thy heart concerning her. Now to the servants of God
such a purpose bringeth sin. For it is an evil and mad purpose to overtake
a devout spirit that hath been already approved, that it should desire an
evil deed, and especially if it be Hermas the temperate, who abstaineth
from every evil desire, and is full of all simplicity and of great
guilelessness.
14. "Yet it is not for this that God is wroth with thee, but that thou mayest
convert thy family, that hath done wrong against the Lord and against you
their parents. But out of fondness for thy children thou didst not admonish
thy family, but didst suffer it to become fearfully corrupt. Therefore the
Lord is wroth with thee. But He will heal all thy past sins, which have
been committed in thy family; for by reason of their sins and iniquities
thou hast been corrupted by the affairs of this world.
15. But the great mercy of the Lord had pity on thee and thy family, and will
strengthen thee, and establish thee in His glory. Only be not thou
careless, but take courage, and strengthen thy family. For as the smith
hammering his work conquers the task which he wills, so also doth righteous
discourse repeated daily conquer all evil. Cease not therefore to reprove
thy children; for I know that if they shall repent with all their heart,
they shall be written in the books of life with the saints."
16. After these words of hers had ceased, she saith unto me, "Wilt thou listen
to me as I read?" Then say I, "Yes, lady." She saith to me, "Be attentive,
and hear the glories of God" I listened with attention and with wonder to
that which I had no power to remember; for all the words were terrible,
such as man cannot bear. The last words however I remembered, for they were
suitable for us and gentle.
17. "Behold, the God of Hosts, Who by His invisible and mighty power and by His
great wisdom created the world, and by His glorious purpose clothed His
creation with comeliness, and by His strong word fixed the heaven, and
founded the earth upon the waters, and by His own wisdom and providence
formed His holy Church, which also He blessed-behold, He removeth the
heavens and the mountains and the hills and the seas, and all things are
made level for His elect, that He may fulfill to them the promise which He
promised with great glory and rejoicing, if so be that they shall keep the
ordinances of God, which they received, with great faith."
18. When then she finished reading and arose from her chair, there came four
young men, and they took away the chair, and departed towards the East.
19. Then she calleth me unto her, and she touched my breast, and saith to me,
"Did my reading please thee?" And I say unto her, "Lady, these last words
please me, but the former were difficult and hard." Then she spake to me,
saying, "These last words are for the righteous, but the former are for the
heathen and the rebellious."
20. While she yet spake with me, two men appeared, and took her by the arms,
and they departed, whither the chair also had gone, towards the East. And
she smiled as she departed and, as she was going, she saith to me, "Play
the man, Hermas."
VISION II
1. I was on the way to Cumae, at the same season as last year, and called to
mind my last year's vision as I walked; and again a Spirit taketh me, and
carrieth me away to the same place as last year.
2. When then I arrived at the place, I fell upon my knees, and began to pray
to the Lord, and to glorify His name, for that he counted me worthy, and
made known unto me my former sins.
3. But after I had risen up from prayer, I behold before me the aged lady,
whom also I had seen last year, walking and reading a little book. And she
saith to me, "Canst thou report these things to the elect of God?" I say
unto her, "Lady, I cannot recollect so much; but give me the little book,
that I may copy it." "Take it," saith she, "and be sure and return it to
me."
4. I took it, and retiring to a certain spot in the country I copied it letter
for letter: for I could not make out the syllables. When then I had
finished the letters of the book, suddenly the book was snatched out of my
hand; but by whom I did not see.
5. Now after fifteen days, when I had fasted and entreated the Lord earnestly,
the knowledge of the writing was revealed to me. And this is what was
written:--
6. "Thy seed, Hermas, have sinned against God, and have blasphemed the Lord,
and have betrayed their parents through great wickedness, yea, they have
got the name of betrayers of parents, and yet they did not profit by their
betrayal; and they still further added to their sins wanton deeds and
reckless wickedness; and so the measure of their transgressions was filled
up.
7. But make these words known to all thy children, and to thy wife who shall
be as thy sister; for she too refraineth not from using her tongue,
wherewith she doeth evil. But, when she hears these words, she will
refrain, and will find mercy.
8. After that thou hast made known unto them all these words, which the Master
commanded me that they should be revealed unto thee, then all their sins
which they sinned aforetime are forgiven to them; yea, and to all the
saints that have sinned unto this day, if they repent with their whole
heart, and remove double-mindedness from their heart.
9. For the Master sware by His own glory, as concerning His elect; that if,
now that this day has been set as a limit, sin shall hereafter be
committed, they shall not find salvation; for repentance for the righteous
hath an end; the days of repentance are accomplished for all the saints;
whereas for the Gentiles there is repentance until the last day.
10. Thou shalt therefore say unto the elders of the Church, that they direct
their paths in righteousness, that they may receive in full the promises
with abundant glory.
11. Ye therefore that work righteousness be steadfast, and be not
double-minded, that ye may have admission with the holy angels. Blessed are
ye, as many as endure patiently the great tribulation that cometh, and as
many as shall not deny their life.
12. For the Lord swear concerning His Son, that those who denied their Lord
should be rejected from their life, even they that are now about to deny
Him in the coming days; but to those who denied Him aforetime, to them
mercy was given of His great loving kindness.
13. "But do thou, Hermas, no longer bear a grudge against thy children, neither
suffer thy sister to have her way, so that they may be purified from their
former sins. For they shall be chastised with a righteous chastisement,
unless thou bear a grudge against them thyself. The bearing of a grudge
worketh death. But thou, Hermas, hast had great tribulations of thine own,
by reason of the transgressions of thy family, because thou hadst no care
for them. For thou wast neglectful of them, and wast mixed up with thine
evil transactions.
14. But herein is thy salvation, in that thou didst not depart from the living
God, and in thy simplicity and thy great continence. These have saved thee,
if thou abidest therein; and they save all who do such things, and walk in
guilelessness and simplicity. These men prevail over all wickedness, and
continue unto life eternal.
15. Blessed are all they that work righteousness. They shall never be
destroyed.
16. But thou shalt say to Maximus, "Behold tribulation cometh (upon thee), if
thou think fit to deny a second time. The Lord is nigh unto them that turn
unto him, as it is written in Eldad and Modat, who prophesied to the people
in the wilderness."
17. Now, brethren, a revelation was made unto me in my sleep by a youth of
exceeding fair form, who said to me, "Whom thinkest thou the aged woman,
from whom thou receivedst the book, to be?" I say, "The Sibyl" "Thou art
wrong," saith he, "she is not." "Who then is she?" I say. "The Church,"
saith he. I said unto him, "Wherefore then is she aged?" "Because," saith
he, "she was created before all things; therefore is she aged; and for her
sake the world was framed."
18. And afterwards I saw a vision in my house. The aged woman came, and asked
me, if I had already given the book to the elders. I said that I had not
given it. "Thou hast done well," she said, "for I have words to add. When
then I shall have finished all the words, it shall be made known by thy
means to all the elect.
19. Thou shalt therefore write two little books, and shalt send one to Clement,
and one to Grapte. So Clement shall send to the foreign cities, for this is
his duty; while Grapte shall instruct the widows and the orphans. But thou
shalt read (the book) to this city along with the elders that preside over
the Church.
VISION III
1. The third vision, which I saw, brethren, was as follows.
2. After fasting often, and entreating the Lord to declare unto me the
revelation which He promised to show me by the mouth of the aged woman,
that very night the aged woman was seen of me, and she said to me, "Seeing
that thou art so importunate and eager to know all things, come into the
country where thou abidest, and about the fifth hour I will appear, and
will show thee what thou oughtest to see."
3. I asked her, saying, "Lady, to what part of the country?" "Where thou
wilt," saith she. I selected a beautiful and retired spot; but before I
spoke to her and named the spot, she saith to me, "I will come, whither
thou willest."
4. I went then, brethren, into the country, and I counted up the hours, and
came to the place where I appointed her to come, and I see an ivory couch
placed there, and on the couch there lay a linen cushion, and on the
cushion was spread a coverlet of fine linen of flax.
5. When I saw these things so ordered, and no one in the place, I was amazed,
and a fit of trembling seized me, and my hair stood on end; and a fit of
shuddering came upon me, because I was alone. When then I recovered myself,
and remembered the glory of God, and took courage, I knelt down and
confessed my sins to the Lord once more, as I had done on the former
occasion.
6. Then she came with six young men, the same whom I had seen before, and she
stood by me, and listened attentively to me, as I prayed and confessed my
sins to the Lord. And she touched me, and said: "Hermas, make an end of
constantly entreating for thy sins; entreat also for righteousness, that
thou mayest take some part forthwith to thy family."
7. Then she raiseth me by the hand, and leadeth me to the couch, and saith to
the young men, "Go ye, and build."
8. And after the young men had retired and we were left alone, she saith to
me, "Sit down here." I say to her, "Lady, let the elders sit down first."
"Do as I bid thee," saith she, "sit down."
9. When then I wanted to sit down on the right side, she would not allow me,
but beckoned me with her hand that I should sit on the left side. As then I
was musing thereon, and was sad because she would not permit me to sit on
the right side, she saith to me, "Art thou sad, Hermas? The place on the
right side is for others, even for those who have already been
well-pleasing to God, and have suffered for the Name's sake. But thou
lackest much that thou shouldest sit with them; but as thou abidest in thy
simplicity, even so, and thou shalt sit with them, thou and as many as
shall have done their deeds, and have suffered what they suffered."
10. "What did they suffer?" say I. "Listen," saith she. "Stripes,
imprisonments, great tribulations, crosses, wild beasts, for the Name's
sake. Therefore to them belongs the right side of the Holiness--to them,
and to all who shall suffer for the Name. But for the rest is the left
side. Howbeit, to both, to them that sit on the right, and to them that sit
on the left, are the same gifts, and the same promises, only they sit on
the right and have a certain glory.
11. Thou indeed art very desirous to sit on the right with them, but thy
shortcomings are many; yet thou shalt be purified from thy shortcomings;
yea, and all that are not double-minded shall be purified from all their
sins unto this day."
12. When she had said this, she wished to depart; but, falling at her feet, I
entreated her by the Lord that she would show me the vision which she
promised.
13. Then she again took me by the hand, and raiseth me, and seateth me on the
couch at the left hand, while she herself sat on the right. And lifting up
a certain glistening rod, she saith to me, "Seest thou a great thing?" I
say to her, "Lady, I see nothing." She saith to me, "Look thou; dost thou
not see in front of thee a great tower being builded upon the waters, of
glistening square stones?"
14. Now the tower was being builded foursquare by the six young men that came
with her. And countless other men were bringing stones, some of them from
the deep, and others from the land, and were handing them to the six young
men. And they took them and builded.
15. The stones that were dragged from the deep they placed in every case, just
as they were, into the building, for they had been shaped, and they fitted
in their joining with the other stones; and they adhered so closely one
with another that their joining could not possibly be detected; and the
building of the tower appeared as if it were built of one stone.
16. But of the other stones which were brought from the dry land, some they
threw away, and some they put into the building; and others they broke in
pieces, and threw to a distance from the tower.
17. Now many other stones were lying round the tower, and they did not use them
for the building; for some of them were mildewed, and others had cracks in
them, and others were too short, and others were white and round, and did
not fit into the building.
18. And I saw other stones thrown to a distance from the tower, and coming to
the way, and yet not staying in the way, but rolling to where there was no
way; and others falling into the fire and burning there; and others falling
near the waters, and yet not able to roll into the water, although they
desired to roll and to come to the water.
19. When she had shown me these things, she wished to hurry away. I say to her,
"Lady, what advantage is it to me to have seen these things, and yet not to
know what the things mean? "She answered and said unto me, "Thou art an
over-curious fellow, in desiring to know all that concerns the tower."
"Yea, lady," I said, "that I may announce it to my brethren, and that they
[may be the more gladdened and] when they hear [these things] they may know
the Lord in great glory." Then said she,
20. "Many shall hear; but when they hear, some of them shall be glad, and
others shall weep. Yet even these latter, if they hear and repent, shall
likewise be glad. Hear thou therefore the parables of the tower; for I will
reveal all things unto thee. And trouble me no more about revelation; for
these revelations have an end, seeing that they have been completed.
Nevertheless thou wilt not cease asking for revelations; for thou art
shameless."
21. The tower, which thou seest building, is myself, the Church, which was seen
of thee both now and aforetime. Ask, therefore, what thou willest
concerning the tower, and I will reveal it unto thee, that thou mayest
rejoice with the saints."
22. I say unto her, "Lady, since thou didst hold me worthy once for all, that
thou shouldest reveal all things to me, reveal them." Then she saith to me,
"Whatsoever is possible to be revealed to thee, shall be revealed. Only let
thy heart be with God, and doubt not in thy mind about that which thou
seest."
23. I asked her, "Wherefore is the tower builded upon waters, lady?" "I told
thee so before," said she, "and indeed thou dost enquire diligently. So by
thy enquiry thou discoverest the truth. Hear then why the tower is builded
upon waters; it is because your life is saved and shall be saved by water.
But the tower has been founded by the word of the Almighty and Glorious
Name, and is strengthened by the unseen power of the Master."
24. I answered and said unto her, "Lady, this thing is great and marvelous. But
the six young men that build, who are they, lady?" "These are the holy
angels of God, that were created first of all, unto whom the Lord delivered
all His creation to increase and to build it, and to be masters of all
creation. By their hands therefore the building of the tower will be
accomplished."
25. "And who are the others who are bringing the stones in?" "They also are
holy angels of God; but these six are superior to them. The building of the
tower then shall be accomplished, and all alike shall rejoice in the
(completed) circle of the tower, and shall glorify God that the building of
the tower was accomplished."
26. I enquired of her, saying, "Lady, I could wish to know concerning the end
of the stones, and their power, of what kind it is." She answered and said
unto me, "It is not that thou of all men art especially worthy that it
should be revealed to thee; for there are others before thee, and better
than thou art, unto whom these visions ought to have been revealed. But
that the name of God may be glorified, it hath been revealed to thee, all
shall be revealed, for the sake of the doubtful-minded, who question in
their hearts whether these things are so or not. Tell them that all these
things are true, and that there is nothing beside the truth, but that all
are steadfast, and valid, and established on a firm foundation.
27. "Hear now concerning the stones that go to the building The stones that are
squared and white, and that fit together in their joints, these are the
apostles and bishops and teachers and deacons, who walked after the
holiness of God, and exercised their office of bishop and teacher and
deacon in purity and sanctity for the elect of God, some of them already
fallen on sleep, and others still living. And because they always agreed
with one another, they both had peace among themselves and listened one to
another. Therefore their joinings fit together in the building of the
tower."
28. "But they that are dragged from the deep, and placed in the building, and
that fit together in their joinings with the other stones that are already
builded in, who are they?" "These are they that suffered for the name of
the Lord."
29. "But the other stones that are brought from the dry land, I would fain know
who these are, lady." She said, "Those that go to the building, and yet are
not hewn, these the Lord hath approved because they walked in the
uprightness of the Lord, and rightly performed His commandments."
30. "But they that are brought and placed in the building, who are they?" "They
are young in the faith, and faithful; but they are warned by the angels to
do good, because wickedness was found in them."
31. "But those whom they rejected and threw away, who are they?" "These have
sinned, and desire to repent, therefore they were not cast to a great
distance from the tower, because they will be useful for the building, if
they repent. They then that shall repent, if they repent, will be strong in
the faith, if they repent now while the tower is building. But if the
building shall be finished, they have no more any place, but shall be
castaways. This privilege only they have, that they lie near the tower.
32. But wouldst thou know about them that are broken in pieces, and cast away
far from the tower? These are the sons of lawlessness. They received the
faith in hypocrisy, and no wickedness was absent from them. Therefore they
have not salvation, for they are not useful for building by reason of their
wickednesses. Therefore they were broken up and thrown far away by reason
of the wrath of the Lord, for they excited Him to wrath.
33. But the rest whom thou hast seen lying in great numbers, not going to the
building, of these they that are mildewed are they that knew the truth, but
did not abide in it, nor cleave to the saints. Therefore they are useless."
34. "But they that have the cracks, who are they?" "These are they that have
discord in their hearts against one another, and are not at peace among
themselves; who have an appearance of peace, but when they depart from one
another, their wickednesses abide in their hearts. These are the cracks
which the stones have.
35. But they that are broken off short, these have believed, and have their
greater part in righteousness, but have some parts of lawlessness;
therefore they are too short, and are not perfect."
36. "But the white and round stones, which did not fit into the building, who
are they, lady?" She answered and said to me, "How long art thou foolish
and stupid, and enquirest everything, and understandest nothing? These are
they that have faith, but have also riches of this world. When tribulation
cometh, they deny their Lord by reason of their riches and their business
affairs."
37. And I answered and said unto her, "When then, lady, will they be useful for
the building?" "When," she replied, "their wealth, which leadeth their
souls astray, shall be cut away, then will they be useful for God. For just
as the round stone, unless it be cut away, and lose some portion of itself,
cannot become square, so also they that are rich in this world, unless
their riches be cut away, cannot become useful to the Lord.
38. Learn first from thyself When thou hadst riches, thou wast useless; but now
thou art useful and profitable unto life. Be ye useful unto God, for thou
thyself also art taken from the same stones.
39. "But the other stones which thou sawest cast far away from the tower and
falling into the way and rolling out of the way into the regions where
there is no way, these are they that have believed, but by reason of their
double heart they abandon their true way. Thus thinking that they can find
a better way, they go astray and are sore distressed, as they walk about in
the regions where there is no way.
40. But they that fall into the fire and are burned, these are they that
finally rebelled from the living God, and it no more entered into their
hearts to repent by reason of the lusts of their wantonness and of the
wickednesses which they wrought.
41. But the others, which are near the waters and yet cannot roll into the
water, wouldest thou know who are they? These are they that heard the word,
and would be baptized unto the name of the Lord. Then, when they call to
their remembrance the purity of the truth, they change their minds, and go
back again after their evil desires."
42. So she finished the explanation of the tower.
43. Still importunate, I asked her further, whether for all these stones that
were rejected and would not fit into the building of the tower that was
repentance, and they had a place in this tower. "They can repent," she
said, "but they cannot be fitted into this tower.
44. Yet they shall be fitted into another place much more humble, but not until
they have undergone torments, and have fulfilled the days of their sins.
And they shall be changed for this reason, because they participated in the
Righteous Word; and then shall it befall them to be relieved from their
torments, if the evil deeds, that they have done, come into their heart;
but if these come not into their heart, they are not saved by reason of the
hardness of their hearts."
45. When then I ceased asking her concerning all these things, she saith to me;
"Wouldest thou see something else?" Being very desirous of beholding, I was
greatly rejoiced that I should see it.
46. She looked upon me, and smiled, and she saith to me, "Seest thou seven
women round the tower?" "I see them, lady," say I. "This tower is supported
by them by commandment of the Lord.
47. Hear now their employments. The first of them, the woman with the strong
hands, is called Faith; through her are saved the elect of God.
48. And the second, that is girded about and looketh like a man, is called
Continence; she is the daughter of Faith. Whosoever then shall follow her,
becometh happy in his life, for he shall refrain from all evil deeds,
believing that, if he refrain from every evil desire, he shall inherit
eternal life."
49. "And the others, lady, who be they?" "They are daughters one of the other.
The name of the one is Simplicity, of the next, Knowledge, of the next,
Guilelessness, of the next, Reverence, of the next, Love. When then thou
shalt do all the works of their mother, thou canst live."
50. "I would fain know, lady," I say, "what power each of them possesseth."
"Listen then," saith she, "to the powers which they have.
51. Their powers are mastered each by the other, and they follow each other, in
the order in which they were born. From Faith is born Continence, from
Continence Simplicity, from Simplicity Guilelessness, from Guilelessness
Reverence, from Reverence Knowledge, from Knowledge Love. Their works then
are pure and reverent and divine.
52. Whosoever therefore shall serve these women, and shall have strength to
master their works, shall have his dwelling in the tower with the saints of
God."
53. Then I asked her concerning the seasons, whether the consummation is even
now. But she cried aloud, saying, "Foolish man, seest thou not that the
tower is still a-building? Whensoever therefore the tower shall be finished
building, the end cometh; but it shall be built up quickly. Ask me no more
questions: this reminder is sufficient for you and for the saints, and is
the renewal of your spirits.
54. But it was not revealed to thyself alone, but in order that thou mightest
show these things unto all. After three days--
55. for thou must understand first, and I charge thee, Hermas, first with these
words, which I am about to speak to thee--(I charge thee to) tell all these
things into the ears of the saints, that hearing them and doing them they
may be purified from their wickednesses, and thyself also with them."
56. "Hear me, my children. I brought you up in much simplicity and
guilelessness and reverence, through the mercy of the Lord, Who instilled
righteousness into you, that ye might be justified and sanctified from all
wickedness and all crookedness. But ye will not to cease from your
wickedness.
57. Now then hear me and be at peace among yourselves, and have regard one to
another, and assist one another, and do not partake of the creatures of God
alone in abundance, but share them also with those that are in want.
58. For some men through their much eating bring weakness on the flesh, and
injure their flesh: whereas the flesh of those who have nought to eat is
injured by their not having sufficient nourishment, and their body is
ruined.
59. This exclusiveness therefore is hurtful to you that have and do not share
with them that are in want.
60. Look ye to the judgment that cometh. Ye then that have more than enough,
seek out them that are hungry, while the tower is still unfinished; for
after the tower is finished, ye will desire to do good, and will find no
place for it.
61. Look ye therefore, ye that exult in your wealth, lest they that are in want
shall moan, and their moaning shall go up unto the Lord, and ye with your
[abundance of good things be shut outside the door of the tower.
62. Now therefore I say unto you that are rulers of the Church, and that occupy
the chief seats; be not ye like unto the sorcerers. The sorcerers indeed
carry their drugs in boxes, but ye carry your drug and your poison in your
heart.
63. Ye are case-hardened, and ye will not cleanse your hearts and mix your
wisdom together in a clean heart, that ye may obtain mercy from the Great
King.
64. Look ye therefore, children, lest these divisions of yours deprive you of
your life.
65. How is it that ye wish to instruct the elect of the Lord, while ye
yourselves have no instruction? Instruct one another therefore, and have
peace among yourselves, that I also may stand gladsome before the Father,
and give an account concerning you all to your Lord."
66. When then she ceased speaking with me, the six young men, who were
building, came, and took her away to the tower, and other four lifted the
couch, and took it also away to the tower. I saw not the face of these, for
they were turned away.
67. And, as she went, I asked her to reveal to me concerning the three forms,
in which she had appeared to me. She answered and said to me; "As
concerning these things thou must ask another, that they may be revealed to
thee."
68. Now she was seen of me, brethren, in my first vision of last year, as a
very aged woman and seated on a chair.
69. In the second vision her face was youthful, but her flesh and her hair were
aged, and she spake to me standing; and she was more gladsome than before.
70. But in the third vision she was altogether youthful and of exceeding great
beauty, and her hair alone was aged; and she was gladsome exceedingly and
seated on a couch. Touching these things I was very greatly anxious to
learn this revelation.
71. And I see the aged woman in a vision of the night, saying to me, "Every
enquiry needs humility. Fast therefore, and thou shalt receive what thou
askest from the Lord."
72. So I fasted one day; and that very night there appeared unto me a young
man, and he saith to me, "Seeing that thou askest me revelations offhand
with entreaty, take heed lest by thy much asking thou injure thy flesh.
73. Sufficient for thee are these revelations. Canst thou see mightier
revelations than those thou hast seen?"
74. I say unto him in reply, "Sir, this one thing alone I ask, concerning the
three forms of the aged woman, that a complete revelation may be vouchsafed
me." He saith to me in answer, How long are ye without understanding? It is
your double-mindedness that maketh you of no understanding, and because
your heart is not set towards the Lord."
75. I answered and said unto him again, "From thee, Sir, we shall learn the
matters more accurately."
76. Listen," saith he, "concerning the three forms, of which thou enquirest.
77. In the first vision wherefore did she appear to thee an aged woman and
seated on a chair? Because your spirit was aged, and already decayed, and
had no power by reason of your infirmities and acts of double-mindedness.
78. For as aged people, having no longer hope of renewing their youth, expect
nothing else but to fall asleep, so ye also, being weakened with the
affairs of this world gave yourselves over to repining, and cast not your
cares on the Lord; but your spirit was broken, and ye were aged by your
sorrows."
79. "Wherefore then she was seated on a chair, I would fain know, Sir."
"Because every weak person sits on a chair by reason of his weakness, that
the weakness of his body may be supported. So thou hast the symbolism of
the first vision."
80. "But in the second vision thou sawest her standing, and with her
countenance more youthful and more gladsome than before; but her flesh and
her hair aged. Listen to this parable also," saith he.
81. "Imagine an old man, who has now lost all hope of himself by reason of his
weakness and his poverty, and expecteth nothing else save the last day of
his life. Suddenly an inheritance is left him. He heareth the news, riseth
up and full of joy clothes himself with strength, and no longer lieth down,
but standeth up, and his spirit, which was now broken by reason of his
former circumstances, is renewed again, and he no longer sitteth, but
taketh courage; so also was it with you, when you heard the revelation
which the Lord revealed unto you.
82. For He had compassion on you, and renewed your spirits, and ye laid aside
your maladies, and strength came to you, and ye were made powerful in the
faith, and the Lord rejoiced to see you put on your strength. And therefore
He showed you the building of the tower; yea, and other things also shall
He show you, if with your whole heart ye be at peace among yourselves.
83. But in the third vision ye saw her younger and fair and gladsome, and her
form fair.
84. For just as when to some mourner cometh some piece of good tidings,
immediately he forgetteth his former sorrows, and admitteth nothing but the
tidings which he hath heard, and is strengthened thenceforth unto that
which is good, and his spirit is renewed by reason of the joy which he hath
received; so also ye have received a renewal of your spirits by seeing
these good things.
85. And whereas thou sawest her seated on a couch, the position is a firm on;
for the couch has four feet and standeth firmly; for the world too Is
upheld by means of four elements.
86. They then that have fully repented shall be young again, and founded
firmly, seeing that they have repented with their whole heart. There thou
hast the revelation entire and complete. Thou shalt ask nothing more as
touching revelation-- but if anything be lacking still, it shall be
revealed unto thee."
VISION IV
1. The fourth vision which I saw, brethren, twenty days after the former
vision which came unto me, for a type of the impending tribulation.
2. I was going into the country by the Companion Way. From the high road, it
is about ten stades; and the place is easy for traveling.
3. While then I am walking alone, I entreat the Lord that He will accomplish
the revelations and the visions which He showed me through His holy Church,
that He may strengthen me and may give repentance to His servants which
have stumbled, that His great and glorious Name may be glorified, for that
He held me worthy that He should show me His marvels.
4. And as I gave glory and thanksgiving to Him, there answered me as it were
the sound of a voice, "Be not of doubtful mind, Hermas." I began to
question in myself and to say, "How can I be of doubtful mind, seeing that
I am so firmly founded by the Lord, and have seen glorious things?"
5. And I went on a little, brethren, and behold, I see a cloud of dust rising
as it were to heaven, and I began to say within myself, "Can it be that
cattle are coming, and raising a cloud of dust?" for it was just about a
stade from me.
6. As the cloud of dust waxed greater and greater, I suspected that it was
something supernatural. Then the sun shone out a little, and behold, I see
a huge beast like some sea-monster, and from its mouth fiery locusts issued
forth. And the beast was about a hundred feet in length, and its head was
as it were of pottery.
7. And I began to weep, and to entreat the Lord that He would rescue me from
it. And I remembered the word which I had heard, "Be not of doubtful mind,
Hermas."
8. Having therefore, brethren, put on the faith of the Lord and called to mind
the mighty works that He had taught me, I took courage and gave myself up
to the beast. Now the beast was coming on with such a rush, that it might
have ruined a city.
9. I come near it, and, huge monster as it was, it stretcheth itself on the
ground, and merely put forth its tongue, and stirred not at all until I had
passed by it.
10. And the beast had on its head four colors; black then fire and blood color,
then gold, then white.
11. Now after I had passed the beast, and had gone forward about thirty feet,
behold, there meeteth me a virgin arrayed as if she were going forth from a
bridal-chamber all in white and with white sandals, veiled up to her
forehead, and her head-covering consisted of a turban, and her hair was
white.
12. I knew from the former Visions that it was the Church, and I became more
cheerful. She saluteth me, saying, "Good morrow, my good man"; and I
saluted her in turn, "Lady, good morrow."
13. She answered and said unto me, "Did nothing meet thee? "I say unto her,
Lady, such a huge beast, that could have destroyed whole peoples: but, by
the power of the Lord and by His great mercy, I escaped it."
14. "Thou didst escape it well," saith she, "because thou didst cast thy care
upon God, and didst open thy heart to the Lord, believing that thou canst
be saved by nothing else but by His great and glorious Name. Therefore the
Lord sent His angel, which is over the beasts, whose name is Segri, and
shut his mouth that it might not hurt thee. Thou hast escaped a great
tribulation by reason of thy faith, and because, though thou sawest so huge
a beast, thou didst not doubt in thy mind.
15. Go therefore, and declare to the elect of the Lord His mighty works, and
tell them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation which is to
come. If therefore ye prepare yourselves beforehand, and repent (and turn)
unto the Lord with your whole heart, ye shall be able to escape it, if your
heart be made pure and without blemish, and if for the remaining days of
your life ye serve the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares upon the Lord and
He will set them straight.
16. Trust ye in the Lord, ye men of doubtful mind, for He can do all things,
yea, He both turneth away His wrath from you, and again He sendeth forth
His plagues upon you that are of doubtful mind. Woe to them that hear these
words and are disobedient; it were better for them that they had not been
born."
17. I asked her concerning the four colors, which the beast had upon its head.
Then she answered me and said, "Again thou art curious about such matters."
"Yes, lady," said I, "make known unto me what these things are."
18. "Listen," said she; "the black is this world in which ye dwell;
19. and the fire and blood color showeth that this world must perish by blood
and fire;
20. and the golden part are ye that has escaped from this world. For as the
gold is tested by the fire and is made useful, so ye also [that dwell in
it] are being tested in yourselves. Ye then that abide and pass through the
fire will be purified by it. For as the old loses its dross. so Ye also
shall cast away all sorrow and tribulation, and shall be purified, and
shall be useful for the building of the tower.
21. But the white portion is the coming age, in which the elect of God shall
dwell; because the elect of God shall be without spot and pure unto life
eternal.
22. Wherefore cease not thou to speak in the ears of the saints. Ye have now
the symbolism also of the tribulation which is coming in power. But if ye
be willing, it shall be nought. Remember ye the things that are written
beforehand."
23. With these words she departed, and I saw not in what direction she
departed; for a noise was made: and I turned back in fear, thinking that
the beast was coming.
VISION V
1. As I prayed in the house, and sat on the couch, there entered a man glorious
in his visage, in the garb of a shepherd, with a white skin wrapped about
him, and with a wallet on his shoulders and a staff in his hand. And he
saluted me, and I saluted him in return.
2. And he immediately sat down by my side, and he saith unto me, "I was sent by
the most holy angel, that I might dwell with thee the remaining days of thy
life."
3. I thought he came to tempt me, and I say unto him, "Why, who art thou? For I
know," say I, "unto whom I was delivered." He saith to me, "Dost thou not
recognize me?" "No," I say. "I," saith he, "am the shepherd, unto whom thou
wast delivered."
4. While he was still speaking, his form was changed, and I recognized him as
being the same, to whom I was delivered; and straightway I was confounded,
and fear seized me, and I was altogether overwhelmed with distress that I
had answered him so wickedly and senselessly.
5. But he answered and said unto me, "Be not confounded, but strengthen thyself
in my commandments which I am about to command thee. For I was sent," saith
he, "that I might show thee again all the things which thou didst see
before, merely the heads which are convenient for you. First of all, write
down my commandments and my parables; and the other matters thou shalt write
down as I shall show them to thee. The reason why," saith he, "I command
thee to write down first the commandments and parables is, that thou mayest
read them off-hand, and mayest be able to keep them."
6. So I wrote down the commandments and parables, as he commanded me.
7. If then, when ye hear them, ye keep them and walk in them, and do them with
a pure heart, ye shall receive from the Lord all things that He promised
you; but if, when ye hear them, ye do not repent, but still add to your
sins, ye shall receive from the Lord the opposite. All these the shepherd,
the angel of repentance. commanded me to write.
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II HERMAS - SECOND BOOK: COMMANDMENTS OR MANDATES
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE I
1. "First of all, believe that God is One, even He who created all things and
set them in order, and brought all things from non-existence into being, Who
comprehendeth all things, being alone incomprehensible.
2. Believe Him therefore, and fear Him, and in this fear be continent. Keep
these things, and thou shalt cast off all wickedness from thyself, and shalt
clothe thyself with every excellence of righteousness, and shalt live unto
God, if thou keep this commandment."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE II
1. He saith to me; "Keep simplicity and be guileless, and thou shalt be as
little children, that know not the wickedness which destroyeth the life of
men.
2. First of all, speak evil of no man, neither take pleasure in listening to a
slanderer. Otherwise thou that hearest too shalt be responsible for the sin
of him that speaketh the evil, if thou believest the slander, which thou
hearest; for in believing it thou thyself also wilt have a grudge against
thy brother. So then shalt thou be responsible for the sin of him that
speaketh the evil.
3. Slander is evil; it is a restless demon, never at peace, but always having
its home among factions. Refrain from it therefore, and thou shalt have
success at all times with all men.
4. But clothe thyself in reverence, wherein is no evil stumbling-block, but all
things are smooth and gladsome. Work that which is good, and of thy labors,
which God giveth thee, give to all that are in want freely, not questioning
to whom thou shalt give, and to whom thou shalt not give. Give to all; for
to all God desireth that there should be given of His own bounties.
5. They then that receive shall render an account to God why they received it,
and to what end; for they that receive in distress shall not be judged, but
they that receive by false pretence shall pay the penalty.
6. He then that giveth is guiltless; for as he received from the Lord the
ministration to perform it, he hath performed it in sincerity, by making no
distinction to whom to give or not to give. This ministration then, when
sincerely performed, becomes glorious in the sight of God. He therefore that
ministereth thus sincerely shall live unto God.
7. Therefore keep this commandment, as I have told thee, that thine own
repentance and that of thy household may be found to be sincere, and [thy]
heart pure and undefiled."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE III
1. Again he saith to me; "Love truth, and let nothing but truth proceed out of
thy mouth, that the Spirit which God made to dwell in this flesh, may be
found true in the sight of all men; and thus shall the Lord, Who dwelleth in
thee, be glorified; for the Lord is true in every word, and with Him there
is no falsehood.
2. They therefore that speak lies set the Lord at nought, and become robbers of
the Lord, for they do not deliver up to Him the deposit which they received.
For they received of Him a spirit free from lies. This if they shall return
a lying spirit, they have defiled the commandment of the Lord and have
become robbers."
3. When then I heard these things, I wept bitterly. But seeing me weep he
saith, "Why weepest thou?" "Because, Sir," say I "I know not if I can be
saved." "Why so?" saith he. "Because, Sir," I say, "never in my life spake I
a true word, but I always lied deceitfully with all men and dressed up my
falsehood as truth before all men; and no man ever contradicted me, but
confidence was placed in my word. How then, Sir," say I, "can I live, seeing
that I have done these things?"
4. "Your supposition," he saith, "is right and true, for it behoved thee as a
servant of God to walk in truth, and no complicity with evil should abide
with the Spirit of truth, nor bring grief to the Spirit which is holy and
true." "Never, Sir," say I, "heard I clearly words such as these."
5. "Now then," saith he, "thou hearest. Guard them, that the former falsehoods
also which thou spakest in thy business affairs may themselves become
credible, now that these are found true; for they too can become
trustworthy. If thou keep these things, and from henceforward speak nothing
but truth, thou shalt be able to secure life for thyself And whosoever shall
hear this command, and abstain from falsehood, that most pernicious habit,
shall live unto God."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE IV
1. "I charge thee, "saith he, "to keep purity, and let not a thought enter
into thy heart concerning another's wife, or concerning fornication, or
concerning any such like evil deeds; for in so doing thou commitest a great
sin. But remember thine own wife always, and thou shalt never go wrong.
2. For should this desire enter into thine heart, thou wilt go wrong, and
should any other as evil as this, thou commitest sin. For this desire in a
servant of God is a great sin; and if any man doeth this evil deed, he
worketh out death for himself.
3. Look to it therefore. Abstain from this desire; for, where holiness
dwelleth, there lawlessness ought not to enter into the heart of a
righteous man."
4. I say to him, "Sir, permit me to ask thee a few more questions" "Say on,"
saith he. "Sir," say I, "if a man who has a wife that is faithful in the
Lord detect her in adultery, doth the husband sin in living with her?"
5. "So long as he is ignorant," saith he, "he sinneth not; but if the husband
know of her sin, and the wife repent not, but continue in her fornication,
and her husband live with her, he makes himself responsible for her sin and
an accomplice in her adultery."
6. "What then, Sir," say I, "shall the husband do, if the wife continue in
this case?" "Let him divorce her," saith he, "and let the husband abide
alone: but if after divorcing his wife he shall marry another, he likewise
committeth adultery."
7. "If then, Sir," say I, "after the wife is divorced, she repent and desire
to return to her own husband, shall she not be received?"
8. "Certainly," saith he, "if the husband receiveth her not, he sinneth and
bringeth great sin upon himself; nay, one who hath sinned and repented must
be received, yet not often; for there is but one repentance for the
servants of God. For the sake of her repentance therefore the husband ought
not to marry. This is the manner of acting enjoined on husband and wife.
9. Not only," saith he, "is it adultery, if a man pollute his flesh, but
whosoever doeth things like unto the heathen committeth adultery. If
therefore in such deeds as these likewise a man continue and repent not,
keep away from him, and live not with him. Otherwise, thou also art a
partaker of his sin.
10. For this cause ye were enjoined to remain single, whether husband or wife;
for in such cases repentance is possible.
11. I," said he, "am not giving an excuse that this matter should be concluded
thus, but to the end that the sinner should sin no more. But as concerning
his former sin, there is One Who is able to give healing; it is He Who hath
authority over all things."
12. I asked him again, saying, "Seeing that the Lord held me worthy that thou
shouldest always dwell with me, suffer me still to say a few words, since I
understand nothing, and my heart has been made dense by my former deeds.
Make me to understand, for I am very foolish, and I apprehend absolutely
nothing."
13. He answered and said unto me, "I," saith he, "preside over repentance, and
I give understanding to all who repent. Nay, thinkest thou not," saith he,
"that this very act of repentance is understanding? To repent is great
understanding," saith he. "For the man that hath sinned understandeth that
he hath done evil before the Lord, and the deed which he hath done entereth
into his heart, and he repenteth, and doeth no more evil, but doeth good
lavishly, and humbleth his own soul and putteth it to torture because it
sinned. Thou seest then that repentance is great understanding."
14. "It is on this account therefore, Sir," say I, "that I enquire everything
accurately of thee; first, because I am a sinner; secondly, because I know
not what deeds I must do that I may live, for my sins are many and
various."
15. "Thou shalt live," saith he, "if thou keep my commandments and walk in them
and whosoever shall hear these commandments and keep them, shall live unto
God."
16. "I will still proceed, Sir," say I, "to ask a further question." "Speak
on," saith he. "I have heard, Sir," say I, "from certain teachers, that
there is no other repentance, save that which took place when we rent down
into the water and obtained remission of our former sins."
17. He saith to me; "Thou hast well heard; for so it is. For he that hath
received remission of sins ought no longer to sin, but to dwell in purity.
18. But, since thou enquirest all things accurately, I will declare unto thee
this also, so as to give no excuse to those who shall hereafter believe or
those who have already believed, on the Lord. For they that have already
believed, or shall hereafter believe, have not repentance for sins, but
have only remission of their former sins.
19. To those then that were called before these days the Lord has appointed
repentance. For the Lord, being a discerner of hearts and foreknowing all
things, perceived the weakness of men and the manifold wiles of the devil,
how that he will be doing some mischief to the servants of God, and will
deal wickedly with them.
20. The Lord then, being very compassionate, had pity on His handiwork, and
appointed this (opportunity of) repentance, and to me was given the
authority over this repentance.
21. But I say unto you," saith he, "if after this great and holy calling any
one, being tempted of the devil, shall commit sin, he hath only one
(opportunity of) repentance. But if he sin off-hand and repent, repentance
is unprofitable for such a man; for he shall live with difficulty."
22. I say unto him, "I was quickened unto life again, when I heard these things
from thee so precisely. For I know that, if I shall add no more to my sins,
I shall be saved." "Thou shalt be saved," he saith, "thou and all, as many
as shall do these things."
23. I asked him again, saying, "Sir, since once thou dost bear with me, declare
unto me this further matter also." "Say on," saith he. "If a wife, Sir,"
say I, "or, it may be, a husband fall asleep, and one of them marry, doth
the one that marrieth sin?"
24. "He sinneth not," saith he, "but if he remain single, he investeth himself
with more exceeding honor and with great glory before the Lord; yet even if
he should marry, he sinneth not.
25. Preserve purity and holiness therefore, and thou shalt live unto God. All
these things, which I speak and shall hereafter speak unto thee, guard from
this time forward, from the day when thou wast committed unto me, and I
will dwell in thy house.
26. But for thy former transgressions there shall be remission, if thou keepest
my commandments. Yea, and all shall have remission, if they keep these my
commandments, and walk in this purity."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE V
1. "Be thou long-suffering and understanding," he saith, "and thou shalt have
the mastery over all evil deeds, and shalt work all righteousness.
2. For if thou art long-suffering, the Holy Spirit that abideth in thee shall
be pure, not being darkened by another evil spirit, but dwelling in a large
room shall rejoice and be glad with the vessel in which he dwelleth, and
shall serve God with much cheerfulness, having prosperity in himself.
3. But if any angry temper approach, forthwith the Holy Spirit, being
delicate, is straitened, not having [the] place clear, and seeketh to
retire from the place; for he is being choked by the evil spirit, and has
no room to minister unto the Lord, as he desireth, being polluted by angry
temper. For the Lord dwelleth in long-suffering, but the devil in angry
temper.
4. Thus that both the spirits then should be dwelling together is inconvenient
and evil for that man in whom they dwell.
5. For if you take a little wormwood, and pour it into a jar of honey, is not
the whole of the honey spoiled, and all that honey ruined by a very small
quantity of wormwood? For it destroyeth the sweetness of the honey, and it
no longer hath the same attraction for the owner, because it is rendered
bitter and hath lost its use. But if the wormwood be not put into the
honey, the honey is found sweet and becomes useful to its owner.
6. Thou seest [then] that long-suffering is very sweet, beyond the sweetness
of honey, and is useful to the Lord, and He dwelleth in it. But angry,
temper is bitter and useless. If then angry temper be mixed with
long-suffering, long-suffering is polluted and the man's intercession is no
longer useful to God."
7. "I would fain know, Sir," say I, "the working of angry temper, that I may
guard myself from it." "Yea, verily," saith he, "if thou guard not thyself
from it--thou and thy family--thou hast lost all thy hope. But guard
thyself from it; for I am with thee. Yea, and all men shall hold aloof from
it, as many as have repented with their whole heart. For I will be with
them and will preserve them; for they all were justified by the most holy
angel.
8. "Hear now," saith he, "the working of angry temper, how evil it is, and how
it subverteth the servants of God by its own working, and how it leadeth
them astray from righteousness. But it doth not lead astray them that are
full in the faith, nor can it work upon them, because the power of the Lord
is with them; but them that are empty and double-minded it leadeth astray.
9. For when it seeth such men in prosperity it insinuates itself into the
heart of the man, and for no cause whatever the man or the woman is
embittered on account of worldly matters, either about meats, or some
triviality, or about some friend, or about giving or receiving, or about
follies of this kind. For all these things are foolish and vain and
senseless and inexpedient for the servants of God.
10. But long-suffering is great and strong, and has a mighty and vigorous
power, and is prosperous in great enlargement, gladsome, exultant, free
from care, glorifying the Lord at every season, having no bitterness in
itself, remaining always gentle and tranquil. This long-suffering therefore
dwelleth with those whose faith is perfect.
11. But angry temper is in the first place foolish, fickle and senseless; then
from foolishness is engendered bitterness, and from bitterness wrath, and
from wrath anger, and from anger spite; then spite being composed of all
these evil elements becometh a great sin and incurable.
12. For when all these spirits dwell in one vessel, where the Holy Spirit also
dwelleth, that vessel cannot contain them, but overfloweth.
13. The delicate spirit therefore, as not being accustomed to dwell with an
evil spirit nor with harshness, departeth from a man of that kind, and
seeketh to dwell with gentleness and tranquillity.
14. Then, when it hath removed from that man, in whom it dwells, that man
becometh emptied of the righteous spirit, and henceforward, being filled
with the evil spirits, he is unstable in all his actions, being dragged
about hither and thither by the evil spirits, and is altogether blinded and
bereft of his good intent. Thus then it happeneth to all persons of angry
temper.
15. Refrain therefore from angry temper, the most evil of evil spirits. But
clothe thyself in long-suffering, and resist angry temper and bitterness,
and thou shalt be round in company with the holiness which is beloved of
the Lord. See then that thou never neglect this commandment; for if thou
master this commandment, thou shalt be able likewise to keep the remaining
commandments, which I am about to give thee. Be strong in them and endowed
with power; and let all be endowed with power, as many as desire to walk in
them."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE VI
1. I charged thee," saith he, "in my first commandment to guard faith and fear
and temperance." "Yes, Sir," say I. "But now," saith he, "I wish to show
thee their powers also, that thou mayest understand what is the power and
effect of each one of them. For their effects are two fold. Now they are
prescribed alike to the righteous and the unrighteous.
2. Do thou therefore trust righteousness, but trust not unrighteousness; for
the way of righteousness is straight, but the way of unrighteousness is
crooked. But walk thou in the straight [and level] path, and leave the
crooked one alone.
3. For the crooked way has no tracks, but only pathlessness and many stumbling
stones, and is rough and thorny. So it is therefore harmful to those who
walk in it.
4. But those who walk in the straight way walk on the level and without
stumbling: for it is neither rough nor thorny. Thou seest then that it is
more expedient to walk in this way."
5. "I am pleased, Sir," say I, "to walk in this way." "Thou shalt walk," he
saith, "yea, and whosoever shall turn unto the Lord with his whole heart
shall walk in it.
6. "Hear now," saith he, "concerning faith. There are two angels with a man,
one of righteousness and one of wickedness."
7. "How then, Sir," say I, "shall I know their workings, seeing that both
angels dwell with me?"
8. "Hear," saith he, "and understand their workings. The angel of
righteousness is delicate and bashful and gentle and tranquil. When then
this one enters into thy heart, forthwith he speaketh with thee of
righteousness, of purity, of holiness, and of contentment, of every
righteous deed and of every glorious virtue. When all these things enter
into thy heart, know that the angel of righteousness is with thee. [These
then are the works of the angel of righteousness.] Trust him therefore and
his works.
9. Now see the works of the angel of wickedness also. First of all, he is
quick tempered and bitter and senseless, and his works are evil,
overthrowing the servants of God. Whenever then he entereth into thy heart,
know him by his works."
10. "How I shall discern him, Sir," I reply, "I know not." Listen," saith he.
"When a fit of angry temper or bitterness comes upon thee, know that he is
in thee. Then the desire of much business and the costliness of many viands
and drinking bouts and of many drunken fits and of various luxuries which
are unseemly, and the desire of women, and avarice, and haughtiness and
boastfulness, and whatsoever things are akin and like to these--when then
these things enter into thy heart, know that the angel of wickedness is
with thee.
11. Do thou therefore, recognizing his works, stand aloof from him, and trust
him in nothing, for his works are evil and inexpedient for the servants of
God. Here then thou hast the workings of both the angels. Understand them,
and trust the angel of righteousness.
12. But from the angel of wickedness stand aloof, for his teaching is evil in
every matter; for though one be a man of faith, and the desire of this
angel enter into his heart, that man, or that woman, must commit some sin.
13. And if again a man or a woman be exceedingly wicked, and the works of the
angel of righteousness come into that man's heart, he must of necessity do
something good.
14. Thou seest then," saith he, "that it is good to follow the angel of
righteousness, and to bid farewell to the angel of wickedness.
15. This commandment declareth what concerneth faith, that thou mayest trust
the works of the angel of righteousness, and doing them mayest live unto
God. But believe that the works of the angel of wickedness are difficult;
so by not doing them thou shalt live unto God."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE VII
1. "Fear the Lord," saith he, "and keep His commandments. So keeping the
commandments of God thou shalt be powerful in every deed, and thy doing
shall be incomparable. For whilst thou fearest the Lord, thou shalt do all
things well. But this is the fear wherewith thou oughtest to be afraid, and
thou shalt be saved.
2. But fear not the devil; for, if thou fear the Lord, thou shalt be master
over the devil, for there is no power in him. [For] in whom is no power,
neither is there fear of him; but in whom power is glorious, of him is fear
likewise. For every one that hath power hath fear, whereas he that hath no
power is despised of all.
3. But fear thou the works of the devil, for they are evil. While then thou
fearest the Lord, thou wilt fear the works of the devil, and wilt not do
them, but abstain from them.
4. Fear therefore is of two kinds. If thou desire to do evil, fear the Lord,
and thou shalt not do it. If again thou desire to do good, fear the Lord and
thou shalt do it. Therefore the fear of the Lord is powerful and great and
glorious. Fear the Lord then, and thou shalt live unto Him; yea, and as many
of them that keep His commandments as shall fear Him, shall live unto God."
5. "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "didst thou say concerning those that keep His
commandments, "They shall live unto God"?" "Because," saith he, "every
creature feareth the Lord, but not every one keepeth His commandments. Those
then that fear Him and keep His commandments, they have life unto God; but
they that keep not His commandments have no life in them."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE VIII
1. "I told thee," saith he, "that the creatures of God are twofold; for
temperance also is twofold. For in some things it is right to be temperate,
but in other things it is not right."
2. "Make known unto me, Sir," say I, "in what things it is right to be
temperate, and in what things it is not right." "Listen," saith he. "Be
temperate as to what is evil, and do it not; but be not temperate as to
what is good, but do it. For if thou be temperate as to what is good, so as
not to do it, thou committest a great sin; but if thou be temperate as to
what is evil, so as not to do it, thou doest great righteousness. Be
temperate therefore in abstaining from all wickedness, and do that which is
good."
3. "What kinds of wickedness, Sir," say I, "are they from which we must be
temperate and abstain?" "Listen," saith he; "from adultery and fornication,
from the lawlessness of drunkenness, from wicked luxury, from many viands
and the costliness of riches, and vaunting and haughtiness and pride, and
from falsehood and evil speaking and hypocrisy, malice and all blasphemy.
4. These works are the most wicked of all in the life of men. From these works
therefore the servant of God must be temperate and abstain; for he that is
not temperate so as to abstain from these cannot live unto God. Listen then
to what follows upon these."
5. "Why, are there still other evil deeds, Sir?" say I. "Aye, saith he, "there
are many, from which the servant of God must be temperate and abstain;
theft, falsehood, deprivation, false witness, avarice, evil desire, deceit,
vain-glory, boastfulness, and whatsoever things are like unto these.
6. Thinkest thou not that these things are wrong, yea, very wrong," [saith
he,] "for the servants of God? In all these things he that serveth God must
exercise temperance. Be thou temperate, therefore, and refrain from all
these things, that thou mayest live unto God, and be enrolled among those
who exercise self-restraint in them. These then are the things from which
thou shouldest restrain thyself
7. Now hear," saith he, "the things, in which thou shouldest not exercise self
restraint, but do them. Exercise no self-restraint in that which is good,
but do it."
8. "Sir," say I, "show me the power of the good also, that I may walk in them
and serve them, that doing them it may be possible for me to be saved."
"Hear," saith he, "the works of the good likewise, which thou must do, and
towards which thou must exercise no self-restraint.
9. First of all, there is faith, fear of the Lord, love, concord, words of
righteousness, truth, patience; nothing is better than these in the life of
men. If a man keep these, and exercise not self-restraint from them, he
becomes blessed in his life.
10. Hear now what follow upon these; to minister to widows, to visit the
orphans and the needy, to ransom the servants of God from their
afflictions, to be hospitable (for in hospitality benevolence from time to
time has a place), to resist no man, to be tranquil, to show yourself more
submissive than all men, to reverence the aged, to practice righteousness,
to observe brotherly feeling, to endure injury, to be long-suffering, to
bear no grudge, to exhort those who are sick at soul, not to cast away
those that have stumbled from the faith, but to convert them and to put
courage Into them, to reprove sinners, not to oppress debtors and indigent
persons, and whatsoever actions are like these.
11. Do these things," saith he, "seem to thee to be good?" "Why, what, Sir,"
say I, "can be better than these?" "Then walk in them," saith he, "and
abstain not from them, and thou shalt live unto God.
12. Keep this commandment therefore. If thou do good and abstain not from it,
thou shalt live unto God; yea, and all shall live unto God who act so. And
again if thou do not evil, and abstain from it, thou shalt live unto God;
yea, and all shall live unto God, who shall keep these commandments, and
walk in them."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE IX
1. He saith to me; "Remove from thyself a doubtful mind and doubt not at all
whether to ask of God, saying within thyself, "How can I ask thing of the
Lord and receive it, seeing that I have committed so many sins against
Him?"
2. Reason not thus, but turn to the Lord with thy whole heart, and ask of Him
nothing wavering, and thou shalt know His exceeding compassion, that He
will surely not abandon thee, but will fulfill the petition of thy soul.
3. For God is not as men who bear a grudge, but Himself is without malice and
hath compassion on His creatures.
4. Do thou therefore cleanse thy heart from all the vanities of this life, and
from the things mentioned before; and ask of the Lord, and thou shalt
receive all things, and shalt lack nothing of all thy petitions, if thou
ask of the Lord nothing wavering.
5. But if thou waver in thy heart, thou shalt surely receive none of thy
petitions. For they that waver towards God, these are the doubtful-minded,
and they never obtain any of their petitions.
6. But they that are complete in the faith make all their petitions trusting
in the Lord, and they receive, because they ask without wavering, nothing
doubting; for every doubtful-minded man, if he repent not, shall hardly be
saved.
7. Cleanse therefore thy heart from doubtful-mindedness, and put on faith, for
it is strong, and trust God that thou wilt receive all thy petitions which
thou askest; and if after asking anything of the Lord, thou receive thy
petition somewhat tardily, be not of doubtful mind because thou didst not
receive the petition of thy soul at once. For assuredly it is by reason of
some temptation or some transgression, of which thou art ignorant, that
thou receivest thy petition so tardily.
8. Do thou therefore cease not to make thy soul's petition, and thou shalt
receive it. But if thou grow weary, and doubt as thou askest, blame thyself
and not Him that giveth unto thee. See to this doubtful-mindedness; for it
is evil and senseless, and uprooteth many from the faith, yea, even very
faithful and strong men. For indeed this doubtful-mindedness is a daughter
of the devil, and worketh great wickedness against the servants of God.
9. Therefore despise doubtful-mindedness and gain the mastery over it in
everything, clothing thyself with faith which is strong and powerful. For
faith promiseth all things, accomplisheth all things; but
doubtful-mindedness, as having no confidence in itself, fails in all the
works which it doeth.
10. Thou seest then," saith he, "that faith is from above from the Lord, and
hath great power; but doubtful-mindedness is an earthly spirit from the
devil, and hath no power.
11. Do thou therefore serve that faith which hath power, and hold aloof from
the doubtful-mindedness which hath no power; and thou shalt live unto God;
yea, and all those shall live unto God who are so minded."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE X
1. "Put away sorrow from thyself," saith he, "for she is the sister of
doubtful-mindedness and of angry temper."
2. "How, Sir," say I, "is she the sister of these? For angry temper seems to
me to be one thing, doubtful-mindedness another, sorrow another." "Thou art
a foolish fellow," saith he, "[and] perceivest not that sorrow is more evil
than all the spirits, and is most fatal to the servants of God, and beyond
all the spirits destroys a man, and crushes out the Holy Spirit and yet
again saves it."
3. "I, Sir," say I, "am without understanding, and I understand not these
parables. For how it can crush out and again save, I do not comprehend."
4. "Listen," saith he. "Those who have never investigated concerning the
truth, nor enquired concerning the deity, but have merely believed, and
have been mixed up in business affairs and riches and heathen friendships,
and many other affairs of this world--as many, I say, as devote themselves
to these things, comprehend not the parables of the deity; for they are
darkened by these actions, and are corrupted and become barren.
5. As good vineyards, when they are treated with neglect, are made barren by
the thorns and weeds of various kinds, so men who after they have believed
fall into these many occupations which were mentioned before, lose their
understanding and comprehend nothing at all concerning righteousness; for
if they hear concerning the deity and truth, their mind is absorbed in
their occupations, and they perceive nothing at all.
6. But they that have the fear of God, and investigate concerning deity and
truth, and direct their heart towards the Lord, perceive and understand
everything that is said to them more quickly, because they have the fear of
the Lord in themselves; for where the Lord dwelleth, there too is great
understanding. Cleave therefore unto the Lord, and thou shalt understand
and perceive all things.
7. "Hear now, senseless man," saith he, "How sorrow crusheth out the Holy
Spirit, and again saveth it.
8. When the man of doubtful mind sets his hand to any action, and fails in it
owing to his doubtful-mindedness, grief at this entereth into the man, and
grieveth the Holy Spirit, and crusheth it out.
9. Then again when angry temper cleaveth to a man concerning any matter, and
he is much embittered, again sorrow entereth into the heart of the man that
was ill-tempered, and he is grieved at the deed which he hath done, and
repenteth that he did evil.
10. This sadness therefore seemeth to bring salvation, because he repented at
having done the evil. So both the operations sadden the Spirit; first, the
doubtful mind saddens the Spirit, because it succeeded not in its business,
and the angry temper again, because it did what was evil. Thus both are
saddening to the Holy Spirit, the doubtful mind and the angry temper.
11. Put away therefore from thyself sadness, and afflict not the Holy Spirit
that dwelleth in thee, lest haply He intercede with God [against thee], and
depart from thee.
12. For the Spirit of God, that was given unto this flesh, endureth not sadness
neither constraint.
13. "Therefore clothe thyself in cheerfulness, which hath favor with Cod
always, and is acceptable to Him, and rejoice in it. For every cheerful man
worketh good, and thinketh good, and despiseth sadness;
14. but the sad man is always committing sin. In the first place he committeth
sin, because he grieveth the Holy Spirit, which was given to the man being
a cheerful spirit; and in the second place, by grieving the Holy Spirit he
doeth lawlessness, in that he doth not intercede with neither confess unto
God. For the intercession of a sad man hath never at any time power to
ascend to the altar of God."
15. "Wherefore," say I, "doth not the intercession of him that is saddened
ascend to the altar?" "Because," saith he, "sadness is seated at his heart.
Thus sadness mingled with the intercession doth not suffer the intercession
to ascend pure to the altar. For as vinegar when mingled with wine in the
same (vessel) hath not the same pleasant taste, so likewise sadness mingled
with the Holy Spirit hath not the same intercession.
16. Therefore cleanse thyself from this wicked sadness, and thou shalt live
unto God; yea, and all they shall live unto God, who shall cast away
sadness from themselves and clothe themselves in all cheerfulness."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE XI
1. He shewed me men seated on a couch, and another man seated on a chair. And
he saith to me, "Seest thou those that are seated on the couch?" "I see
them, Sir," say I. "These," saith he, "are faithful, but he that sitteth on
the chair is a false prophet who destroyeth the mind of the servants of
God--I mean, of the doubtful-minded, not of the faithful.
2. These doubtful-minded ones then come to him as to a soothsayer and enquire
of him what shall befall them. And he, the false prophet, having no power
of a divine Spirit in himself, speaketh with them according to their
enquiries [and according to the lusts of their wickedness], and filleth
their souls as they themselves wish.
3. For being empty himself he giveth empty answers to empty enquirers; for
what-ever enquiry may be made of him, he answereth according to the
emptiness of the man. But he speaketh also some true words; for the devil
filleth him with his own spirit, if so be he shall be able to break down
some of the righteous.
4. So many therefore as are strong in the faith of the Lord, clothed with the
truth, cleave not to such spirits, but hold aloof from them; but as many as
are doubters and frequently change their minds, practice soothsaying like
the Gentiles, and bring upon themselves greater sin by their idolatries.
For he that consulteth a false prophet on any matter is an idolater and
emptied of the truth, and senseless.
5. For no Spirit given of God needeth to be consulted; but, having the power
of deity, speaketh all things of itself, because it is from above, even
from the power of the divine Spirit.
6. But the spirit which is consulted, and speaketh according to the desires of
men, is earthly and fickle, having no power; and it speaketh not at all,
unless it be consulted."
7. "How then, Sir," say I, "shall a man know who of them is a prophet, and who
a false prophet?" "Hear," saith he, "concerning both the prophets; and, as
I shall tell thee, so shalt thou test the prophet and the false prophet. By
his life test the man that hath the divine Spirit.
8. In the first place, he that hath the [divine] Spirit, which is from above,
is gentle and tranquil and humble-minded, and abstaineth from all
wickedness and vain desire of this present world, and holdeth himself
inferior to all men, and giveth no answer to any man when enquired of, nor
speaketh in solitude (for neither doth the Holy Spirit speak when a man
wisheth Him to speak); but the man speaketh then when God wisheth him to
speak.
9. When then the man who hath the divine Spirit cometh into an assembly of
righteous men, who have faith in a divine Spirit, and intercession is made
to God by the gathering of those men, then the angel of the prophetic
spirit, who is attached to him, filleth the man, and the man, being filled
with the Holy Spirit, speaketh to the multitude, according as the Lord
willeth.
10. In this way then the Spirit of the deity shall be manifest. This then is
the greatness of the power as touching the Spirit of the deity of the Lord.
11. Hear now," saith he, "concerning the earthly and vain spirit, which hath no
power but is foolish.
12. In the first place, that man who seemeth to have a spirit exalteth himself,
and desireth to have a chief place, and straight-way he is impudent and
shameless and talkative and conversant in many luxuries and in many other
deceits and receiveth money for his prophesying, and if he receiveth not,
he prophesieth not. Now can a divine Spirit receive money and prophesy? It
is not possible for a prophet of God to do this, but the spirit of such
prophets is earthly.
13. In the next place, it never approacheth an assembly of righteous men; but
avoideth them, and cleaveth to the doubtful-minded and empty, and
prophesieth to them in corners, and deceiveth them, speaking all things in
emptiness to gratify their desires; for they too are empty whom it
answereth. For the empty vessel placed together with the empty is not
broken, but they agree one with the other.
14. But when he comes into an assembly full of righteous men who have a Spirit
of deity, and intercession is made from them, that man is emptied, and the
earthly spirit fleeth from him in fear, and that man is struck dumb and is
altogether broken in pieces, being unable to utter a word.
15. For, if you pack wine or oil into a closet, and place an empty vessel among
them, and again desire to unpack the closet, the vessel which you place
there empty, empty in like manner you will find it. Thus also the empty
prophets, whenever they come unto the spirits of righteous men, are found
just such as they came.
16. I have given thee the life of both kinds of prophets. Therefore test, by
his life and his works, the man who says that he is moved by the Spirit.
17. But do thou trust the Spirit that cometh from God, and hath power; but in
the earthly and empty spirit put no trust at all; for in it there is no
power, for it cometh from the devil.
18. Listen [then] to the parable which I shall tell thee. Take a stone, and
throw it up to heaven--see if thou canst reach it; or again, take a squirt
of water, and squirt it up to heaven--see if thou canst bore through the
heaven."
19. "How, Sir," say I, "can these things be? For both these things which thou
hast mentioned are beyond our power." "Well then," saith he, "just as these
things are beyond our power, so likewise the earthly spirits have no power
and are feeble.
20. Now take the power which cometh from above. The hail is a very, small
grain, and yet, when it falleth on a man's head, what pain it causeth! Or
again, take a drop which falls on the ground from the tiles, and bores
through the stone.
21. Thou seest then that the smallest things from above falling on the earth
have great power. So likewise the divine Spirit coming from above is
powerful. This Spirit therefore trust, but from the other hold aloof."
COMMANDMENT/MANDATE XII
1. He saith to me; "Remove from thyself all evil desire, and clothe thyself in
the desire which is good and holy; for clothed with this desire thou shalt
hate the evil desire, and shalt bridle and direct it as thou wilt.
2. For the evil desire is wild, and only tamed with difficulty; for it is
terrible, and by its wildness is very costly to men; more especially if a
servant of God get entangled in it, and have no understanding, he is put to
fearful costs by it. But it is costly to such men as are not clothed in the
good desire, but are mixed up with this life "These men then it hands over
to death."
3. "Of what sort, Sir," say I, "are the works of the evil desire, which hand
over men to death? Make them known to me, that I may hold aloof from them."
Listen," [saith he,] "through what works the evil desire bringeth death to
the servants of God.
4. "Before all is desire for the wife or husband of another, and for
extravagance of wealth, and for many needless dainties, and for drinks and
other luxuries, many and foolish. For even luxury is foolish and vain for
the servants of God.
5. These desires then are evil, and bring death to the servants of God. For
this evil desire is a daughter of the devil. Ye must, therefore, abstain
from the evil desires, that so abstaining ye may live unto God.
6. But as many as are mastered by them, and resist them not, are done to death
utterly; for these desires are deadly.
7. But do thou clothe thyself in the desire of righteousness, and, having
armed thyself with the fear of the Lord, resist them. For the fear of God
dwelleth in the good desire. If the evil desire shall see thee armed with
the fear of God and resisting itself, it shall flee far from thee, and
shall no more be seen of thee, being in fear of thine arms.
8. Do thou therefore, when thou art crowned for thy victory over it, come to
the desire of righteousness, and deliver to her the victor's prize which
thou hast received, and serve her, according as she herself desireth. If
thou serve the good desire, and art subject to her, thou shalt have power
to master the evil desire, and to subject her, according as thou wilt."
9. "I would fain know, Sir," say I, "in what ways I ought to serve the good
desire." "Listen," saith he; "practice righteousness and virtue, truth and
the fear of the Lord, faith and gentleness, and as many good deeds as are
like these. Practicing these thou shalt be well-pleasing as a servant of
God, and shalt live unto Him; yea, and every one who shall serve the good
desire shall live unto God."
10. So he completed the twelve commandments, and he saith to me; Thou hast
these commandments; walk in them, and exhort thy hearers that their
repentance may become pure for the rest of the days of their life.
11. This ministration, which I give thee, fulfill thou with all diligence to
the end, and thou shalt effect much. For thou shalt find favor among those
who are about to repent, and they shall obey thy words. For I will be with
thee, and will compel them to obey thee."
12. I say to him; "Sir, these commandments are great and beautiful and
glorious, and are able to gladden the heart of the man who is able to
observe them. But I know not whether these commandments can be kept by a
man, for they are very hard."
13. He answered and said unto me; "If thou set it before thyself that they can
be kept, thou wilt easily keep them, and they will not be hard; but if it
once enter into thy heart that they cannot be kept by a man, thou wilt not
keep them.
14. But now I say unto thee; if thou keep them not. but neglect them thou shalt
not have salvation, neither thy children nor thy household, since thou hast
already pronounced judgment against thyself that these commandments cannot
be kept by a man."
15. And these things he said to me very angrily, so that I was confounded, and
feared him exceedingly; for his form was changed, so that a man could not
endure his anger.
16. And when he saw that I was altogether disturbed and confounded, he began to
speak more kindly [and cheerfully] to me, and he saith; "Foolish fellow,
void of understanding and of doubtful mind, perceivest thou not the glory
of God, how great and mighty and marvelous it is, how that He created the
world for man's sake, and subjected all His creation to man, and gave all
authority to him, that he should be master over all things under the
heaven?
17. If then," [he saith,] "man is lord of all the creatures of God and
mastereth all things, cannot he also master these commandments Aye," saith
he, "the man that hath the Lord in his heart can master [all things and]
all these commandments.
18. But they that have the Lord on their lips, while their heart is hardened,
and are far from the Lord, to them these commandments are hard and
inaccessible.
19. Therefore do ye, who are empty and fickle in the faith, set your Lord in
your heart, and ye shall perceive that nothing is easier than these
commandments, nor sweeter, nor more gentle.
20. Be ye converted, ye that walk after the commandments of the devil, (the
commandments which are so) difficult and bitter and wild and riotous; and
fear not the devil, for there is no power in him against you.
21. For I will be with you, I, the angel of repentance, who have the mastery
over him. The devil hath fear alone, but his fear hath no force. Fear him
not therefore; and he will flee from you."
22. I say to him, "Sir, listen to a few words from me." "Say what thou wilt,"
saith he. "Man, Sir," I say, "is eager to keep the commandments of God, and
there is no one that asketh not of the Lord that he may be strengthened in
His commandments, and be subject to them; but the devil is hard and
overmastereth them."
23. "He cannot," saith he, "overmaster the servants of God, who set their hope
on Him with their whole heart. The devil can wrestle with them, but he
cannot overthrow them. If then ye resist him, he will be vanquished and
will flee from you disgraced. But as many," saith he, "as are utterly
empty, fear the devil as if he had power.
24. When a man has filled amply sufficient jars with good wine, and among these
jars a few are quite empty, he comes to the jars, and does not examine the
full ones, for he knows that they are full; but he examineth the empty
ones, fearing lest they have turned sour. For empty jars soon turn sour,
and the taste of the wine is spoilt.
25. So also the devil cometh to all the servants of God tempting them. As many
then as are complete in the faith, oppose him mightily, and he departeth
from them, not having a place where he can find an entrance. So he cometh
next to the empty ones, and finding a place goeth into them, and further he
doeth what he willeth in them, and they become submissive slaves to him.
26. "But I, the angel of repentance, say unto you; Fear not the devil; for I
was sent," saith he, "to be with you who repent with your whole heart, and
to strengthen you in the faith.
27. Believe, therefore, on God, ye who by reason of your sins have despaired of
your life, and are adding to your sins, and weighing down your life; for if
ye turn unto the Lord with your whole heart, and work righteousness the
remaining days of your life, and serve Him rightly according to His will,
He will give healing to your former sins, and ye shall have power to master
the works of the devil. But of the threatening of the devil fear not at
all; for he is unstrung, like the sinews of a dead man.
28. Hear me therefore, and fear Him, Who is able to do all things, to save and
to destroy, and observe these commandments, and ye shall live unto God."
29. I say to him, "Sir, now am I strengthened in all the ordinances of the
Lord, because thou art with me; and I know that thou wilt crush all the
power of the devil, and we shall be masters over him, and shall prevail
over all his works. And I hope, Sir, that I am now able to keep these
commandments which thou hast commanded, the Lord enabling me."
30. "Thou shalt keep them," saith he, "if thy heart be found pure with the
Lord; yea, and all shall keep them, as many as shall purify their hearts
from the vain desires of this world, and shall live unto God."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
III HERMAS - THIRD BOOK: PARABLES OR SIMILITUDES
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE I
1. He saith to me; "Ye know that ye, who are the servants of God, are dwelling
in a foreign land; for your city is far from this city. If then ye know
your city, in which ye shall dwell, why do ye here prepare fields and
expensive displays and buildings and dwelling-chambers which are
superfluous?
2. He, therefore, that prepareth these things for this city does not purpose
to return to his own city.
3. O foolish and double-minded and miserable man, perceivest thou not that all
these things are foreign, and are under the power of another For the lord
of this city shall say, "I do not wish thee to dwell in my city; go forth
from this city, for thou dost not conform to my laws."
4. Thou, therefor who hast fields and dwellings and many other possessions,
when thou art cast out by him, what wilt thou do with thy field and thy
house am all the other things that thou preparedst for thyself? For the
lord of this country saith to thee justly, "Either conform to my laws, or
depart from my country."
5. What then shalt thou do, who art under law in thine own city? For the sake
of thy fields and the rest of thy possessions wilt thou altogether
repudiate thy law, and walk according to the law of this city? Take heed,
lest it be inexpedient to repudiate the law; for if thou shouldest desire
to return again to thy city, thou shall surely not be received [because
thou didst repudiate the law of the city], and shalt be shut out from it.
6. Take heed therefore; as dwelling in a strange land prepare nothing more for
thyself but a competency which is sufficient for thee, and make ready that,
whensoever the master of this city may desire to cast thee out for thine
opposition to his law, thou mayest go forth from his city and depart into
thine own city and use thine own law joyfully, free from all insult.
7. Take heed therefore, ye that serve God and have Him in your heart: work the
"works of God being mindful of His commandments and of the promises which
He made, and believe Him that He will perform them, if His commandments be
kept.
8. Therefore, instead of fields buy ye souls that are in trouble, as each is
able, and visit widows and orphans, and neglect them not; and spend your
riches and all your displays, which ye received from God, on fields and
houses of this kind.
9. For to this end the Master enriched you, that ye might perform these
ministrations for Him. It is much better to purchase fields [and
possessions] and houses of this kind, which thou wilt find in thine own
city, when thou visitest it.
10. This lavish expenditure is beautiful and joyous, not bringing sadness or
fear, but bringing joy. The expenditure of the heathen then practice not
ye; for it is not convenient for you the servants of God.
11. But practice your own expenditure, in which ye can rejoice; and do not
corrupt, neither touch that which is another man's, nor lust after it for
it is wicked to lust after other men's possessions. But perform thine own
task, and thou shalt be saved."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE II
1. As I walked in the field, and noticed an elm and a vine, and was
distinguishing them and their fruits, the shepherd appeareth to me and
saith; "What art thou meditating within thyself?" "I am thinking, [Sir,]"
say I, "about the elm and the vine, that they are excellently suited the
one to the other."
2. "These two trees," saith he, "are appointed for a type to the servants of
God." "I would fain know, [Sir,]" say I, "the type contained in these
trees, of which thou speakest." "Seest thou," saith he, "the elm and the
vine ?" "I see them, Sir," say I.
3. "This vine," saith he, "beareth fruit, but the elm is an unfruitful stock.
Yet this vine, except it climb up the elm, cannot bear much fruit when it
is spread on the ground; and such fruit as it beareth is rotten, because it
is not suspended upon the elm. When then the vine is attached to the elm,
it beareth fruit both from itself and from the elm.
4. Thou seest then that the elm also beareth [much] fruit, not less than the
vine, but rather more." How more, Sir?" say I. "Because," saith he, "the
vine, when hanging upon the elm, bears its fruit in abundance, and in good
condition; but, when spread on the ground, it beareth little fruit, and
that rotten. This parable therefore is applicable to the servants of God,
to poor and to rich alike."
5. "How, Sir?" say I; "instruct me." "Listen," saith he; the rich man hath
much wealth, but in the things of the Lord he is poor, being distracted
about his riches, and his confession and intercession with the Lord is very
scanty; and even that which he giveth is mall and weak and hath not power
above. When then the rich man goeth up to the poor, and assisteth him in
his needs, believing that for what he doth to the poor man he shall be able
to obtain a reward with God--because the poor man is rich in intercession
[and confession], and his intercession hath great power with God--the rich
man then supplieth all things to the poor man without wavering.
6. But the poor man being supplied by the rich maketh intercession for him,
thanking God for him that gave to him. And the other is still more zealous
to assist the poor man, that he may be continuous in his life: for he
knoweth that the intercession of the poor man is acceptable and rich before
God.
7. They both then accomplish their work; the poor man maketh intercession,
wherein he is rich [which he received of the Lord]; this he rendereth again
to the Lord Who supplieth him with it. The rich man too in like manner
furnisheth to the poor man, nothing doubting, the riches which he received
from the Lord. And this work great and acceptable with God, because (the
rich man) hath understanding concerning his riches, and worketh for the
poor man from the bounties of the Lord, and accomplisheth the ministration
of the Lord rightly.
8. In the sight of men then the elm seemeth not to bear fruit, and they know
not, neither perceive, that if there cometh a drought the elm having water
nurtureth the vine, and the vine having a constant supply of water beareth
fruit two fold, both for itself and for the elm. So likewise the poor, by
interceding with the Lord for the rich, establish their riches, and again
the rich, supplying their needs to the poor, establish their souls.
9. So then both are made partners in the righteous work. He then that doeth
these things shall not be abandoned of God, but shall be written in the
books of the living.
10. Blessed are the rich, who understand also that they are enriched from the
Lord. For they that have this mind shall be able to do some good work."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE III
1. He showed me many trees which had no leaves, but they seemed to me to be, as
it were, withered; for they were all alike. And he saith to me; "Seest thou
these trees?" "I see them, Sir," I say, "they are all alike, and are
withered." He answered and said to me; "These trees that thou seest are they
that dwell in this world."
2. "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "are they as if they were withered, and
alike?" "Because," saith he, "neither the righteous are distinguishable, nor
the sinners in this world, but they are alike. For this world is winter to
the righteous, and they are not distinguishable, as they dwell with the
sinners.
3. For as in the winter the trees, having shed their leaves, are alike, and are
not distinguishable, which are withered, and which alive, so also in this
world neither the just nor the sinners are distinguishable, but they are all
alike."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE IV
1. He showed me many trees again, some of them sprouting, and others withered,
and he saith to me; "Seest thou," saith he, "these trees?" "I see them,
Sir," say I, "some of them sprouting, and others withered."
2. "These trees," saith he, "that 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 the sinners. When then the mercy of the Lord shall
shine forth, then they that serve God shall be made manifest; yea, and all
men shall be made manifest.
3. For as in summer the fruits of each several tree are made manifest, and are
recognized of what sort they are, so also the fruits of the righteous shall
be manifest, and all [even the very smallest] shall be known to be
flourishing in that world.
4. But the Gentiles and the sinners, just as thou sawest the trees which were
withered, even such shall they be found, withered and unfruitful in that
world, and shall be burnt up as fuel, and shall be manifest, because their
practice in their life hath been evil. For the sinners shall be burned,
because they sinned and repented not; and the Gentiles shall be burned,
because they knew not Him that created them.
5. Do thou therefore bear fruit, that in that summer thy fruit may be known.
But abstain from overmuch business, and thou shalt never fill into any sin.
For they that busy themselves overmuch, sin much also, being distracted
about their business, and in no wise serving their own Lord.
6. How then," saith he, "can such a man ask anything of the Lord and receive
it, seeing that he serveth not the Lord? [For] they that serve Him, these
shall receive their petitions, but they that serve not the Lord, these shall
receive nothing.
7. But if any one work one single action, he is able also to serve the Lord;
for his mind shall not be corrupted from (following) the Lord, but he shall
serve Him, because he keepeth his mind pure.
8. If therefore thou doest these things, thou shalt be able to bear fruit unto
the world to come; yea, and whosoever shall do these things, shall bear
fruit."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE V
1. As I was fasting and seated on a certain mountain, and giving thanks to the
Lord for all that He had done unto me, I see the shepherd seated by me and
saying; "Why hast thou come hither in the early morn?" "Because, Sir," say
I, "I am keeping a station."
2. "What," saith he, "is a station?" "I am fasting, Sir," say I. "And what,"
saith he, "is this fast [that ye are fasting]?" "As I was accustomed, Sir,"
say I, "so I fast."
3. "Ye know not," saith he, "how to fast unto the Lord, neither is this a
fast, this unprofitable fast which ye make unto Him." "wherefore, Sir," say
I, "sayest thou this?" "I tell thee," saith he, "that this is not a fast,
wherein ye think to fast; but I will teach thee what is a complete fast and
acceptable to the Lord. Listen," saith he;
4. "God desireth not such a vain fast; for by so fasting unto God thou shalt
do nothing for righteousness. But fast thou [unto God] such a fast as this;
5. do no wickedness in thy life, and serve the Lord with a pure heart; observe
His commandments and walk in His ordinances, and let no evil desire rise up
in thy heart; but believe God. Then, if thou shalt do these things, and
fear Him, and control thyself from every evil deed, thou shalt live unto
God; and if thou do these things, thou shalt accomplish a great fast, and
one acceptable to God.
6. "Hear the parable which I shall tell thee relating to fasting.
7. A certain man had an estate, and many slaves, and a portion of his estate
he planted as a vineyard; and choosing out a certain slave who was trusty
and well-pleasing (and) held in honor, he called him to him and saith unto
him; "Take this vineyard [which I have planted], and fence it [till I
come], but do nothing else to the vineyard. Now keep this my commandment,
and thou shalt be free in my house." Then the master of the servant went
away to travel abroad.
8. When then he had gone away, the servant took and fenced the vineyard; and
having finished the fencing of the vineyard, he noticed that the vineyard
was full of weeds.
9. So he reasoned within himself, saying, "This command of my lord I have
carried out I will next dig this vineyard, and it shall be neater when it
is digged; and when it hath no weeds it will yield more fruit, because not
choked by the weeds." He took and digged the vineyard, and all the weeds
that were in the vineyard he plucked up. And that vineyard became very neat
and flourishing, when it had no weeds to choke it.
10. After a time the master of the servant [and of the estate] came, and he
went into the vineyard. And seeing the vineyard fenced neatly, and digged
as well, and [all] the weeds plucked up, and the vines flourishing, he
rejoiced [exceedingly] at what his servant had done.
11. So he called his beloved son, who was his heir, and the friends who were
his advisers, and told them what he had commanded his servant, and how much
he had found done. And they rejoiced with the servant at the testimony
which his master had borne to him.
12. And he saith to them; "I promised this servant his freedom, if he should
keep the commandment which I commanded him; but he kept my commandment and
did a good work besides to my vineyard, and pleased me greatly. For this
work therefore which he has done, I desire to make him joint-heir with my
son, because, when the good thought struck him, he did not neglect it, but
fulfilled it."
13. In this purpose the son of the master agreed with him, that the servant
should be made joint-heir with the son.
14. After some few days, his master made a feast, and sent to him many dainties
from the feast. But when the servant received [the dainties sent to him by
the master], he took what was sufficient for him, and distributed the rest
to his fellow servants.
15. And his fellow-servants, when they received the dainties, rejoiced, and
began to pray for him, that he might find greater favor with the master,
because he had treated them so handsomely.
16. All these things which had taken place his master heard, and again rejoiced
greatly at his deed. So the master called together again his friends and
his son, and announced to them the deed that he had done with regard to his
dainties which he had received; and they still more approved of his
resolve, that his servant should be made joint-heir with his son."
17. I say, "Sir, I understand not these parables, neither can I apprehend them,
unless thou explain them for me."
18. "I will explain everything to thee," saith he; "and will show thee
whatsoever things I shall speak with thee. Keep the commandments of the
Lord, and thou shalt be well-pleasing to God, and shalt be enrolled among
the number of them that keep His commandments.
19. But if thou do any good thing outside the commandment of God, thou shalt
win for thyself more exceeding glory, and shalt be more glorious in the
sight of God than thou wouldest otherwise have been. If then, while thou
keepest the commandments of God, thou add these services likewise, thou
shalt rejoice, if thou observe them according to my commandment."
20. I say to him, "Sir, whatsoever thou commandest me, I will keep it; for I
know that thou art with me." "I will be with thee," saith he, "because thou
hast so great zeal for doing good; yea, and I will be with all," saith he,
"whosoever have such zeal as this.
21. This fasting," saith he, "if the commandments of the Lord are kept, is very
good. This then is the way, that thou shalt keep this fast which thou art
about to observe].
22. First of all, keep thyself from every evil word and every evil desire, and
purify thy heart from all the vanities of this world. If thou keep these
things, this fast shall be perfect for thee.
23. And thus shalt thou do. Having fulfilled what is written, on that day on
which thou fastest thou shalt taste nothing but bread and water; and from
thy meats, which thou wouldest have eaten, thou shalt reckon up the amount
of that day's expenditure, which thou wouldest have incurred, and shalt
give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to one in want, and so shalt thou
humble thy soul, that he that hath received from thy humiliation may
satisfy his own soul, and may pray for thee to the Lord.
24. If then thou shalt so accomplish this fast, as I have commanded thee, thy
sacrifice shall be acceptable in the sight of God, and this fasting shall
be recorded; and the service so performed is beautiful and joyous and
acceptable to the Lord.
25. These things thou shalt so observe, thou and thy children and thy whole
household; and, observing them, thou shalt be blessed; yea, and all those,
who shall hear and observe them, shall be blessed, and whatsoever things
they shall ask of the Lord, they shall receive."
26. I entreated him earnestly, that he would show me the parable of the estate,
and of the master, and of the vineyard, and of the servant that fenced the
vineyard, [and of the fence,] and of the weeds which were plucked up out of
the vineyard, and of the son, and of the friends, the advisers. For I
understood that all these things are a parable.
27. But he answered and said unto me; "Thou art exceedingly importunate in
enquiries. Thou oughtest not," [saith he,] "to make any enquiry at all; for
if it be right that a thing be explained unto thee, it shall be explained."
I say to him; "Sir, whatsoever things thou showest unto me and dost not
explain, I shall have seen them in vain, and without understanding what
they are. In like manner also, if thou speak parables to me and interpret
them not, I shall have heard a thing in vain from thee."
28. But he again answered, and said unto me; "Whosoever," saith he, "is a
servant of God, and hath his own Lord in his heart, asketh understanding of
Him, and receiveth it, and interpreteth every parable, and the words of the
Lord which are spoken in parables are made known unto him. But as many as
are sluggish and idle in intercession, these hesitate to ask of the Lord.
29. But the Lord is abundant in compassion, and giveth to them that ask of Him
without ceasing. But thou who hast been strengthened by the holy angel, and
hast received from him such (powers of intercession and art not idle,
wherefore dost thou not ask understanding of the Lord, and obtain it from
Him)."
30. I say to him, "Sir, I that have thee with me have (but) need to ask thee
and enquire of thee; for thou showest me all things, and speakest with me;
but if I had seen or heard them apart from thee I should have asked of the
Lord, that they might be shown to me."
31. "I told thee just now," saith he, "that thou art unscrupulous and
importunate, in enquiring for the interpretations of the parables. But
since thou art so obstinate, I will interpret to thee the parable of the
estate and all the accompaniments thereof, that thou mayest make them known
unto all. Hear now," saith he, "and understand them.
32. The estate is this world, and the lord of the estate is He that created all
things, and set them in order, and endowed them with power; and the servant
is the Son of God, and the vines are this people whom He Himself planted;
33. and the fences are the [holy] angels of the Lord who keep together His
people; and the weeds, which are plucked up from the vineyard, are the
transgressions of the servants of God; and the dainties which He sent to
him from the feast are the commandments which He gave to His people through
His Son; and the friends and advisers are the holy angels which were first
created; and the absence of the master is the time which remaineth over
until His coming."
34. I say to him; "Sir, great and marvelous are all things and all things are
glorious; was it likely then," say I, "that I could have apprehended them?"
"Nay, nor can any other man, though he be full of understanding, apprehend
them." "Yet again, Sir," say I, "explain to me what I am about to enquire
of thee."
35. "Say on," he saith, "if thou desirest anything." "Wherefore, Sir,]" say I,
"is the Son of God represented in the parable in the guise of a servant?"
36. "Listen," said he; "the Son of God is not represented in the guise of a
servant, but is represented in great power and lordship." "How, Sir?" say
I; "I comprehend not."
37. "Because," saith he, "God planted the vineyard, that is, He created the
people, and delivered them over to His Son. And the Son placed the angels
in charge of them, to watch over them; and the Son Himself cleansed their
sins, by laboring much and enduring many toils; for no one can dig without
toil or labor.
38. Having Himself then cleansed the sins of His people, He showed them the
paths of life, giving them the law which He received from His Father. Thou
seest," saith he, "that He is Himself Lord of the people, having received
all power from His Father.
39. But how that the lord took his son and the glorious angels as advisers
concerning the inheritance of the servant, listen.
40. The Holy Pre-existent Spirit. Which created the whole creation, God made to
dwell in flesh that He desired. This flesh, therefore, in which the Holy
Spirit dwelt, was subject unto the Spirit, walking honorably in holiness
and purity, without in any way defiling the Spirit.
41. When then it had lived honorably in chastity, and had labored with the
Spirit, and had cooperated with it in everything, behaving itself boldly
and bravely, He chose it as a partner with the Holy Spirit; for the career
of this flesh pleased [the Lord], seeing that, as possessing the Holy
Spirit, it was not defiled upon the earth.
42. He therefore took the son as adviser and the glorious angels also, that
this flesh too, having served the Spirit unblamably, might have some place
of sojourn, and might not seem to hare lost the reward for its service; for
all flesh, which is found undefiled and unspotted, wherein the Holy Spirit
dwelt, shall receive a reward.
43. Now thou hast the interpretation of this parable also."
44. "I was right glad, Sir," say I, "to hear this interpretation." "Listen
now," saith he, "Keep this thy flesh pure and undefiled, that the Spirit
which dwelleth in it may bear witness to it, and thy flesh may be
justified.
45. See that it never enter into thine heart that this flesh of thine is
perishable, and so thou abuse it in some defilement. [For] if thou defile
thy flesh, thou shalt defile the Holy Spirit also; but if thou defile the
flesh, thou shalt not live."
46. "But if, Sir," say I, "there has been any ignorance in times past, before
these words were heard, how shall a man who has defiled his flesh be
saved?" "For the former deeds of ignorance," saith he, "God alone hath
power to give healing; for all authority is His.
47. [But now keep thyself, and the Lord Almighty, Who is full of compassion,
will give healing for thy former deeds of ignorance,] if henceforth thou
defile not thy flesh, neither the Spirit; for both share in common, and the
one cannot be defiled without the other. Therefore keep both pure, and thou
shalt live unto God."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE VI
1. As I sat in my house, and glorified the Lord for all things that I had
seen, and was considering concerning the commandments, how that they were
beautiful and powerful and gladsome and glorious and able to save a man's
soul, I said within myself; "Blessed shall I be, if I walk in these
commandments; yea, and whosoever shall walk in them shall be blessed."
2. As I spake these things within myself, I see him suddenly seated by me, and
saying as follows; "Why art thou of a doubtful mind concerning the
commandments, which I commanded thee? They are beautiful. Doubt not at all;
but clothe thyself in the faith of the Lord, and thou shalt walk in them.
For I will strengthen thee in them.
3. These commandments are suitable for those who meditate repentance; for if
they walk not in them, their repentance is in vain.
4. Ye then that repent, cast away the evil doings of this world which crush
you; and, by putting on every excellence of righteousness, ye shall be able
to observe these commandments, and to add no more to your sins. If then ye
add no further sin at all, ye will depart from your former sins. Walk then
in these my commandments, and ye shall live unto God. These things have
[all] been told you from me."
5. And after he had told these things to me, he saith to me, "Let us go into
the country, and I will show thee the shepherds of the sheep." "Let us go,
Sir," say I. And we came to a certain plain, and he showeth me a young man,
a shepherd, clothed in a light cloak, of saffron color;
6. and he was feeding a great number of sheep, and these sheep were, as it
were, well fed and very frisky, and were gladsome as they skipped about
hither and thither; and the shepherd himself was all gladsome over his
flock; and the very visage of the shepherd was exceedingly gladsome; and he
ran about among the sheep.
7. And he saith to me; "Seest thou this shepherd?" "I see him Sir," I say.
"This," saith he, "is the angel of self-indulgence and of deceit. He
crusheth the souls of the servants of God, and perverteth them from the
truth, leading them astray with evil desires, wherein they perish.
8. For they forget the commandments of the living God, and walk in vain
deceits and acts of self-indulgence, and are destroyed by this angel, some
of them unto death, and others unto corruption."
9. I say to him, "Sir, I comprehend not what means "unto death," and what
"unto corruption". "Listen," saith he; "the sheep which thou sawest
gladsome and skipping about, these are they who have been turned asunder
from God utterly, and have delivered themselves over to the lusts of this
world. In these, therefore, there is not repentance unto life. For the Name
of God is being blasphemed through them. The life of such persons is death.
10. But the sheep, which thou sawest not skipping about, but feeding in one
place, these are they that have delivered themselves over to acts of
self-indulgence and deceit, but have not uttered any blasphemy against the
Lord. These then have been corrupted from the truth. In these there is hope
of repentance, wherein they can live. Corruption then hath hope of a
possible renewal, but death hath eternal destruction."
11. Again we went forward a little way, and he showeth me a great shepherd like
a wild man in appearance, with a white goatskin thrown about him; and he
had a kind of wallet on his shoulders, and a staff very hard and with knots
in it, and a great whip. And his look was very sour, so that I was afraid
of him because of his look.
12. This shepherd then kept receiving from the young man, the shepherd, those
sheep that were frisky and well fed, but not skipping about, and putting
them in a certain spot, which was precipitous and covered with thorns and
briars, so that the sheep could not disentangle themselves from the thorns
and briars, but [became entangled among the thorns and briars.
13. And so they] pastured entangled in the thorns and briars, and were in great
misery with being beaten by him; and he kept driving them about to and fro,
and giving them no rest, and all together those sheep had not a happy time.
14. When then I saw them so lashed with the whip and vexed, I was sorry for
their sakes, because they were so tortured and had no rest at all.
15. I say to the shepherd who was speaking with me; "Sir, who is this shepherd,
who is [so] hard-hearted and severe, and has no compassion at all for these
sheep?" "This," saith he, "is the angel of punishment, and he is one of the
just angels, and presides over punishment.
16. So he receiveth those who wander away from God, and walk after the lusts
and deceits of this life, and punisheth them, as they deserve, with fearful
and various punishments."
17. "I would fain learn, Sir," said I, "of what sort are these various
punishments." "Listen," saith he; "the various tortures and punishments are
tortures belonging to the present life; for some are punished with losses,
and others with want, and others with divers maladies, and others with
[every kind] of unsettlement, and others with insults from unworthy persons
and with suffering in many other respects.
18. For many, being unsettled in their plans, set their hands to many things,
and nothing ever goes forward with them. And then they say that they do not
prosper in their doings, and it doth not enter into their hearts that they
have done evil deeds, but they blame the Lord.
19. When then they are afflicted with every kind of affliction, then they are
delivered over to me for good instruction, and are strengthened in the
faith of the Lord, and serve the Lord with a pure heart the remaining days
of their life. But, if they repent, the evil works which they have done
rise up in their hearts, and then they glorify God, saying that He is a
just Judge, and that they suffered justly each according to his doings. And
they serve the Lord thenceforward with a pure heart, and are prosperous in
all their doings, receiving from the Lord whatsoever things they may ask;
and then they glorify the Lord because they were delivered over unto me,
and they no longer suffer any evil thing."
20. I say unto him; "Sir, declare unto me this further matter." "What enquirest
thou yet?" saith he. "Whether, Sir," say I, "they that live in
self-indulgence and are deceived undergo torments during the same length of
time as they live in self-indulgence and are deceived." He saith to me,
"They undergo torments for the same length of time."
21. "Then, Sir," say I, "they undergo very slight torments; for those who are
living thus in self-indulgence and forget God ought to have been tormented
seven-fold."
22. He saith to me, "Thou art foolish, and comprehendest not the power of the
torment" "True," say I, "for if I had comprehended it, I should not have
asked thee to declare it to me." "Listen," saith he, "to the power of both,
[of the self-indulgence and of the torment].
23. The time of the self-indulgence and deceit is one hour. But an hour of the
torment hath the power of thirty days. If then one live in self indulgence
and be deceived for one day, and be tormented for one day, the day of the
torment is equivalent to a whole year. For as many days then as a man lives
in self-indulgence, for so many years is he tormented. Thou seest then,"
saith he, "that the time of the self-indulgence and deceit is very short,
but the time of the punishment and torment is long."
24. "Inasmuch, Sir," say I, "as I do not quite comprehend concerning the time
of the deceit and self-indulgence and torment, show me more clearly."
25. He answered and said unto me; "Thy stupidity cleaveth to thee; and thou
wilt not cleanse thy heart and serve God Take heed," [saith he,] "lest
haply the time be fulfilled, and thou be found in thy foolishness. Listen
then," [saith he,] "even as thou wishest, that thou mayest comprehend the
matter.
26. He that liveth in self-indulgence and is deceived for one day, and doeth
what he wisheth, is clothed in much folly and comprehendeth not the thing
which he doeth; for on the morrow he forgetteth what he did the day before.
For self-indulgence and deceit have no memories, by reason of the folly,
wherewith each is clothed; but when punishment and torment cling to a man
for a single day, he is punished and tormented for a whole year long; for
punishment and torment have long memories.
27. So being tormented and punished for the whole year, the man remembers at
length the self-indulgence and deceit, and perceiveth that it is on their
account that he is suffering these ills. Every man, therefore, that liveth
in self-indulgence and is deceived, is tormented in this way because,
though possessing lire, they have delivered themselves over unto death."
28. "What kinds of self-indulgence, Sir," say I, "are harmful?" "Every action,"
saith he, "is self-indulgence to a man, which he does with pleasure; for
the irascible man, when he gives the reins to his passion, is
self-indulgent; and the adulterer and the drunkard and the slanderer and
the liar and the miser and the defrauder and he that doeth things akin to
these, giveth the reins to his peculiar passion; therefore he is
self-indulgent in his action.
29. All these habits of self-indulgence are harmful to the servants of God; on
account of these deceits therefore they so suffer who are punished and
tormented.
30. But there are habits of self-indulgence like-wise which save men; for many
are self-indulgent in doing good, being carried away by the pleasure it
gives to themselves. This self-indulgence then is expedient for the
servants of God, and bringeth life to a man of this disposition; but the
harmful self-indulgences afore-mentioned bring to men torments and
punishments; and if they continue in them and repent not, they bring death
upon themselves."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE VII
1. After a few days I saw him on the same plain, where also I had seen the
shepherds, and he saith to me, "What seekest thou?" "I am here, Sir," say I,
"that thou mayest bid the shepherd that punisheth go out of my house; for he
afflicteth me much." "It is necessary for thee," saith he, "to be afflicted;
for so," saith he, "the glorious angel ordered as concerning thee, for he
wisheth thee to be proved." "Why, what so evil thing have I done, Sir," say
I, "that I should be delivered over to this angel?"
2. "Listen," saith he. "Thy sins are many, yet not so many that thou shouldest
be delivered over to this angel; but thy house has committed great
iniquities and sins, and the glorious angel was embittered at their deeds,
and for this cause he bade thee be afflicted for a certain time, that they
also might repent and cleanse themselves from every lust of this world. When
therefore they shall repent and be cleansed, then shall the angel of
punishment depart."
3. I say to him; "Sir, if they perpetrated such deeds that the glorious angel
is embittered, what have I done?" "They cannot be afflicted otherwise,"
saith he, "unless thou, the head of the [whole] house, be afflicted; for if
thou be afflicted, they also of necessity will be afflicted; but if thou be
prosperous, they can suffer no affliction."
4. "But behold, Sir," say I, "they have repented with their whole heart." "I am
quite aware myself," saith he, "that they have repented with their whole
heart; well, thinkest thou that the sins of those who repent are forgiven
forthwith? Certainly not; but the person who repents must torture his own
soul, and must be thoroughly humble in his every action, and be afflicted
with all the divers kinds of affliction; and if he endure the afflictions
which come upon him, assuredly He Who created all things and endowed them
with power will be moved with compassion and will bestow some remedy.
5. And this (will God do), if in any way He perceive the heart of the penitent
pure from every evil thing. But it is expedient for thee and for thy house
that thou shouldest be afflicted now. But why speak I many words to thee?
Thou must be afflicted as the angel of the Lord commanded, even he that
delivered thee unto me; and for this give thanks to the Lord, in that He
deemed thee worthy that I should reveal unto thee beforehand the affliction,
that foreknowing it thou might endure it with fortitude."
6. I say to him; "Sir, be thou with me, and I shall be able to endure all
affliction [easily]." "I will be with thee," saith he; "and I will ask the
angel that punisheth to afflict thee more lightly; but thou shalt be
afflicted for a short time, and thou shalt be restored again to thy house.
Only continue to be humble and to minister unto the Lord with a pure heart,
thou and thy children and thy house, and walk in my commandments which I
command thee, and thus it will be possible for thy repentance to be strong
and pure.
7. And if thou keep these commandments with thy household, all affliction shall
hold aloof from thee; yea, and affliction," saith he, "shall hold aloof from
all whosoever shall walk in these my commandments."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE VIII
1. He showed me a [great] willow, overshadowing plains and mountains, and
under the shadow of the willow all have come who are called by the name of
the Lord.
2. And by the willow there stood an angel of the Lord, glorious and very tall,
having a great sickle, and he was lopping branches from the willow, and
giving them to the people that sheltered beneath the willow; and he gave
them little rods about a cubit long.
3. And after all had taken the rods, the angel laid aside the sickle, and the
tree was sound, just as I had seen it.
4. Then I marvelled within myself, saying, "How is the tree sound after so
many branches have been lopped off?" The shepherd saith to me, "Marvel not
that the tree remained sound, after so many branches were lopped off but
wait until thou seest all things, and it shall be shown to thee what it
is."
5. The angel who gave the rods to the people demanded them back from them
again, and according as they had received them, so also they were summoned
to him, and each of them returned the several rods. But the angel of the
Lord took them, and examined them.
6. From some he received the rods withered and eaten as it were by grubs: the
angel ordered those who gave up rods like these to stand apart.
7. And others gave them up withered, but not grub-eaten; and these again he
ordered to stand apart.
8. And others gave them up half-withered; these also stood apart.
9. And others gave up their rods half-withered and with cracks; these also
stood apart.
10. And others gave up their rods green and with cracks; these also stood
apart. And others gave up their rods one half withered and one half green;
these also stood apart.
11. And others brought their rods two parts of the rod green, and the third
part withered; these also stood apart. And others gave them up two parts
withered, and the third part green; these also stood apart.
12. And others gave up their rods nearly all green, but a very small portion of
their rods was withered, just the end; but they had cracks in them; these
also stood apart.
13. And in those of others there was a very small portion green, but the rest
of the rods was withered; these also stood apart.
14. And others came bringing their rods green, as they received them from the
angel; and the most part of the multitude gave up their rods in this state;
and the angel rejoiced exceedingly at these; these also stood apart.
15. And others gave up their rods green and with shoots, these also stood
apart; and at these again the angel rejoiced exceedingly.
16. And others gave up their rods green and with shoots; and their shoots had,
as it were, a kind of fruit. And those men were exceeding gladsome, whose
rods were found in this state. And over them the angel exulted, and the
shepherd was very gladsome over them.
17. And the angel of the Lord commanded crowns to be brought. And crowns were
brought, made as it were of palm branches; and he crowned the men that had
given up the rods which had the shoots and some fruit, and sent them away
into the tower.
18. And the others also he sent into the tower, even those who had given up the
rods green and with shoots, but the shoots were without fruit; and he set a
seal upon them.
19. And all they that went into the tower had the same raiment, white as snow.
20. And those that had given up their rods green as they received them, he sent
away, giving them a [white] robe, and seals.
21. After the angel had finished these things, he saith to the shepherd; "I go
away; but these thou shalt send away to (their places within) the walls,
according as each deserveth to dwell; but examine their rods carefully),
and so send them away. But be careful in examining them. Take heed lest any
escape thee," saith he. "Still if any escape thee, I will test them at the
altar." When he had thus spoken to the shepherd, he departed.
22. And, after the angel had departed, the shepherd saith to me; "Let us take
the rods of all and plant them, to see whether any of them shall be able to
live." I say unto him, "Sir, these withered things, how can they live?"
23. He answered and said unto me; "This tree is a willow, and this class of
trees clingeth to life. If then the rods shall be planted and get a little
moisture, many of them will live. And afterwards let us try to pour some
water also over them. If any of them shall be able to live, I will rejoice
with it; but if it live not, I at least shall not be found neglectful."
24. So the shepherd bade me call them, just as each one of them was stationed.
And they came row after row, and they delivered up the rods to the
shepherd. And the shepherd took the rods, and planted them in rows, and
after he had planted them, he poured much water over them, so that the rods
could not be seen for the water.
25. And after he had watered the rods, he saith to me; "Let us go now. and
after days let us return and inspect all the rods; for He Who created this
tree willeth that all those who have received rods from this tree should
live. And I myself hope that these little rods, after they have got
moisture and been watered, will live the greater part of them."
26. I say to him; "Sir, inform me what this tree is. For I am perplexed
herewith, because, though so many branches were cut off, the tree is sound,
and nothing appears to have been cut from it; I am therefore perplexed
thereat."
27. "Listen," saith he; "this great tree which overshadows plains and mountains
and all the earth is the law of God which was given to the whole world; and
this law is the Son of Cod preached unto the ends of the earth. But the
people that are under the shadow are they that have heard the preaching,
and believed on Him;
28. but the great and glorious angel is Michael, who hath the power over this
people and is their captain. For this is he that putteth the law into the
hearts of the believers; therefore he himself inspecteth them to whom he
gave it, to see whether they have observed it.
29. But thou seest the rods of every one; for the rods are the law. Thou seest
these many rods rendered useless, and thou shalt notice all those that have
not observed the law, and shalt see the abode of each severally."
30. I say unto him; "Sir, wherefore did he send away some into the tower, and
leave others for thee?" "As many," saith he, "as transgressed the law which
they received from him, these he left under my authority for repentance;
but as many as already satisfied the law and have observed it, these he has
under his own authority."
31. "Who then, Sir," say I, "are they that have been crowned and go into the
tower?" ["As many," saith he, "as wrestled with the devil and overcame him
in their wrestling, are crowned:] these are they that suffered for the law.
32. But the others, who likewise gave up their rods green and with shoots,
though not with fruit, are they that were persecuted for the law, but did
not suffer nor yet deny their law.
33. But they that gave them up green just as they received them, are sober and
righteous men, who walked altogether in a pure heart and have kept the
commandments of the Lord. But all else thou shalt know, when I have
examined these rods that have been planted and watered."
34. And after a few days we came to the place, and the shepherd sat down in the
place of the angel, while I stood by him. And he saith to me; "Gird thyself
with a garment of raw flax, and minister to me." So I girded myself with a
clean garment of raw flax made of coarse material.
35. And when he saw me girded and ready to minister to him "Call," saith he,
"the men whose rods have been planted, according to the rank as each
presented their rods." And I went away to the plain, and called them all;
and they stood all of them according to their ranks.
36. He saith to them; "Let each man pluck out his own rod, and bring it to me."
Those gave them up first, who had the withered and chipped rods, and they
were found accordingly withered and chipped. He ordered them to stand
apart.
37. Then those gave them up, who had the withered but not chipped; and some of
them gave up the rods green, and others withered and chipped as by grubs.
Those then that gave them up green he ordered to stand apart; but those
that gave them up withered and chipped he ordered to stand with the first.
38. Then those gave them up who had the half-withered and with cracks; and many
of them gave them up green and without cracks; and some gave them up green
and with shoots, and fruits on the shoots, such as those had who went into
the tower crowned; and some gave them up withered and eaten, and some
withered and uneaten, and some such as they were, half-withered and with
cracks. He ordered them to stand each one apart, some in their proper
ranks, and others apart.
39. Then those gave them up who had their rods green, but with cracks. These
all gave them up green, and stood in their own company. And the shepherd
rejoiced over these, because they all were changed and had put away their
cracks.
40. And those gave them up likewise who had the one half green and the other
half withered. The rods of some were found entirely green, of some
half-withered, of some withered and eaten, and of some green and with
shoots. These were all sent away each to his company.
41. Then those gave them up who had two parts green and the third withered;
many of them gave them up green, and many half-withered, and others
withered and eaten. These all stood in their own company.
42. Then those gave them up who had two parts withered and the third part
green. Many of them gave them up half-withered, but some withered and
eaten, others half-withered and with cracks, and a few green. These all
stood in their own company.
43. Then those gave them up who had their rods green, but a very small part
[withered] and with cracks. Of these some gave them up green, and others
green and with shoots. These also went away to their own company.
44. Then those gave them up who had a very small part green and the other parts
withered. The rods of these were found for the most part green and with
shoots and fruit on the shoots, and others altogether green. At these rods
the shepherd rejoiced very [greatly], because they were found so. And these
went away each to his own company.
45. After [the shepherd] had examined the rods of all, he saith to me, "I told
thee that this tree clingeth to life. Seest thou," saith he, "how many
repented and were saved?" "I see, Sir," say I. "It is," saith he, that thou
mayest see the abundant compassion of the Lord, how great and glorious it
is, and He hath given (His) Spirit to those that are worthy of repentance."
46. "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "did they not all repent?" "To those, whose
heart He saw about to become pure and to serve Him with all the heart, to
them He gave repentance; but those whose craftiness and wickedness He saw,
who intend to repent in hypocrisy, to them He gave not repentance, lest
haply they should again profane His name."
47. I say unto him, "Sir, now then show me concerning those that have given up
their rods, what manner of man each of them is, and their abode, that when
they hear this, they that believed and have received the seal and have
broken it and did not keep it sound may fully understand what they are
doing, and repent, receiving from thee a seal, and may glorify the Lord,
that He had compassion upon them and sent thee to renew their spirits."
48. "Listen," saith he; "those whose rods were found withered and grub-eaten,
these are the renegades and traitors to the Church, that blasphemed the
Lord in their sins, and still further were ashamed of the Name of the Lord,
which was invoked upon them. These then perished altogether unto God. But
thou seest how not one of them repented, although they heard the words
which thou spakest to them, which I commanded thee. From men of this kind
life departed.
49. But those that gave up the _withered_ and undecayed (rods), these also are
near them; for they were hypocrites, and brought in strange doctrines, and
perverted the servants of God, especially them that had sinned, not
permitting them to repent, but persuading them with their foolish
doctrines. These then have hope of repenting.
50. But thou seest that many of them have indeed repented from the time when
thou spakest to them my commandments; yea, and (others) still will repent.
And as many as shall not repent, have lost their life; but as many of them
as repented, became good; and their dwelling was placed within the first
walls, and some of them even ascended into the tower. Thou seest then,"
[saith he,] "that repentance from sins bringeth life, but not to repent
bringeth death.
51. "But as many as gave up (the rods) half-withered, and with cracks in them,
hear also concerning these. Those whose rods were half-withered throughout
are the double-minded; for they neither live nor are dead.
52. But those that have them half-withered and cracks in them, these are both
double-minded and slanderers, and are never at peace among themselves but
always causing dissensions. Yet even to these," [saith he,] "repentance is
given. Thou seest," [saith he,] "that some of them have repented; and there
is still," saith he, "hope of repentance among them.
53. And as many of them," saith he, "as have repented, have their abode within
the tower; but as many of them as have repented tardily shall abide within
the walls; and as many as repent not, but continue in their doings, shall
die the death.
54. But they that have given up their rods green and with cracks, these were
found faithful and good at all times, [but] they have a certain emulation
one with another about first places and about glory of some kind or other;
but all these are foolish in having (emulation) one with another about
first places.
55. Yet these also, when they heard my commandments, being good, purified
themselves and repented quickly. They have their habitation, therefore,
within the tower. But if any one shall again turn to dissension, he shall
be cast out from the tower and shall lose his life.
56. Life is for all those that keep the commandments of the Lord. But in the
commandments there is nothing about first places, or about glory of any
kind, but about long-suffering and humility in man. In such men, therefore,
is the life of the Lord, but in factious and lawless men is death.
57. "But they that gave up their rods half green and half withered, these are
they that are mixed up in business and cleave not to the saints. Therefore
the one half of them liveth, but the other half is dead.
58. Many then when they heard my commandments repented. As many then as
repented, have their abode within the tower. But some of them altogether
stood aloof These then have no repentance; for by reason of their business
affairs they blasphemed the Lord and denied Him. So they lost their life
for the wickedness that they committed.
59. But many of them were doubtful-minded. These still have place for
repentance, if they repent quickly, and their dwelling shall be within the
tower; and if they repent tardily, they shall dwell within the walls; but
if they repent not, they too have lost their life.
60. But they that have given up two parts green and the third part withered,
these are they that have denied with manifold denials.
61. Many of them therefore repented and departed to dwell inside the tower; but
many utterly rebelled from God; these lost their life finally. And some of
them were double-minded and caused dissensions. For these then there is
repentance, if they repent speedily and continue not in their pleasures;
but if they continue in their doings, they likewise procure for themselves
death.
62. "But they that have given up their rods two thirds withered and one third
green, these are men who have been believers, but grew rich and became
renowned among the Gentiles. They clothed themselves with great pride and
became high-minded, and abandoned the truth and did not cleave to the
righteous, but lived together after the manner of the Gentiles, and this
path appeared the more pleasant unto them; yet they departed not from God,
but continued in the faith, though they wrought not the works of the faith.
63. Many of them therefore repented, and they had their habitation within the
tower.
64. But others at the last living with the Gentiles, and being corrupted by the
vain opinions of the Gentiles, departed from God, and worked the works of
the Gentiles. These therefore were numbered with the Gentiles.
65. But others of them were doubtful-minded, not hoping to be saved by reason
of the deeds that they had done; and others were double-minded and made
divisions among themselves. For these then that were double-minded by
reason of their doings there is still repentance; but their repentance
ought to be speedy, that their dwelling may be within the tower; but for
those who repent not, but continue in their pleasures, death is nigh.
66. "But they that gave up their rods green, yet with the extreme ends withered
and with cracks; these were found at all times good and faithful and
glorious in the sight of God, but they sinned to a very slight degree by
reason of little desires and because they had somewhat against one another.
But, when they heard my words, the greater part quickly repented, and their
dwelling was assigned within the tower.
67. But some of them were double-minded, and some being double-minded made a
greater dissension. In these then there is still a hope of repentance,
because they were found always good; and hardly shall one of them die.
68. But they that gave up their rods withered, yet with a very small part
green, these are they that believed, but practiced the works of
lawlessness. Still they never separated from God, but bore the Name gladly,
and gladly received into their houses the servants of God. So hearing of
this repentance they repented without wavering, and they practice all
excellence and righteousness.
69. And some of them even suffer persecution willingly, knowing the deeds that
they did. All these then shall have their dwelling within the tower."
70. And after he had completed the interpretations of all the rods, he saith
unto me; "Go, and tell all men to repent, and they shall live unto God; for
the Lord in His compassion sent me to give repentance to all, though some
of them do not deserve it for their deeds; but being long-suffering the
Lord willeth them that were called through His Son to be saved."
71. I say to him; "Sir, I hope that all when they hear these words will repent;
for I am persuaded that each one, when he fully knows his own deeds and
fears God, will repent."
72. He answered and said unto me; "As many," [saith he,] "as [shall repent]
from their whole heart [and] shall cleanse themselves from all the evil
deeds aforementioned, and shall add nothing further to their sins, shall
receive healing from the Lord for their former sins, unless they be
double-minded concerning these commandments, and they shall live unto God.
[But as many," saith he, "as shall add to their sins and walk in the lusts
of this world, shall condemn themselves to death.]
73. But do thou walk in my commandments, and live [unto God; yea, and as many
as shall walk in them and shall do rightly, shall live unto God."]
74. Having shown me all these things [and told me them] he saith to me; "Now
the rest will I declare (unto thee) after a few days."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE IX
1. After I had written down the commandments and parables of the shepherd,
the angel of repentance, he came to me and saith to me; "I wish to show
thee all things that the Holy Spirit, which spake with thee in the form of
the Church, showed unto thee. For that Spirit is the Son of God.
2. For when thou wast weaker in the flesh, it was not declared unto thee
through an angel; but when thou wast enabled through the Spirit, and didst
grow mighty in thy strength so that thou couldest even see an angel, then
at length was manifested unto thee, through the Church, the building of
the tower. In fair and seemly manner hast thou seen all things,
(instructed) as it were by a virgin; but now thou seest (being instructed)
by an angel, though by the same Spirit;
3. yet must thou learn everything more accurately from me. For to this end
also was I appointed by the glorious angel to dwell in thy house, that
thou mightest see all things mightily, in nothing terrified, even as
before."
4. And he took me away into Arcadia, to a certain rounded mountain, and set
me on the top of the mountain, and showed me a great plain, and round the
plain twelve mountains, the mountains having each a different appearance.
5. The first was black as soot; the second was bare, without vegetation; the
third was thorny and full of briars;
6. the fourth had the vegetation half-withered, the upper part of the grass
green, but the part by the roots withered, and some of the grass became
withered, whenever the sun had scorched it;
7. the fifth mountain had green grass and was rugged; the sixth mountain was
full with clefts throughout, some small and some great, and the clefts had
vegetation, but the grass was not very luxuriant, but rather as if it had
been withered;
8. the seventh mountain had smiling vegetation, and the whole mountain was in
a thriving condition, and cattle and birds of every kind did feed upon
that mountain; and the more the cattle and the birds did feed, so much the
more did the herbage of that mountain flourish. The eighth mountain was
full of springs, and every kind of creature of the Lord did drink of the
springs on that mountain.
9. the ninth mountain had no water at all, and was entirely desert; and it
had in it wild beasts and deadly reptiles, which destroy mankind. The
tenth mountain had very large trees and was umbrageous throughout, and
beneath the shade lay sheep resting and feeding.
10. the eleventh mountain was thickly wooded all over, and the trees thereon
were very productive, decked with divers kinds of fruits, so that one
seeing them would desire to eat of their fruits. The twelfth mountain was
altogether white and its aspect was cheerful; and the mountain was most
beauteous in itself.
11. And in the middle of the plain he showed me a great white rock, rising up
from the plain. The rock was loftier than the mountains, being
four-square, so that it could contain the whole world.
12. Now this rock was ancient, and had a gate hewn out of it; but the gate
seemed to me to have been hewed out quite recently. And the gate glistened
beyond the brightness of the sun, so that I marvelled at the brightness of
the gate.
13. And around the gate stood twelve virgins. The four then that stood at the
corners seemed to me to be more glorious (than the rest); but the others
likewise were glorious; and they stood at the four quarters of the gate,
and virgins stood in pairs between them.
14. And they were clothed in linen tunics and girt about in seemly fashion,
having their right shoulders free, as if they intended to carry some
burden. Thus were they prepared, for they were very cheerful and eager.
15. After I had seen these things, I marvelled in myself at the greatness and
the glory of what I was seeing And again I was perplexed concerning the
virgins, that delicate as they were they stood up like men, as if they
intended to carry the whole heaven.
16. And the shepherd saith unto me; "Why questionest thou within thyself and
art perplexed, and bringest sadness on thyself? For whatsoever things thou
canst not comprehend, attempt them not, if thou art prudent; but entreat
the Lord, that thou mayest receive understanding to comprehend them.
17. What is behind thee thou canst not see, but what is before thee thou
beholdest. The things therefore which thou canst not see, let alone, and
trouble not thyself (about them; but the things which thou seest, these
master, and be not over curious about the rest; but I will explain unto
thee all things whatsoever I shall show thee. Have an eye therefore to
what remaineth."
18. I saw six men come, tall and glorious and alike in appearance and they
summoned a multitude of men. And the others also which came were tall men
and handsome and powerful. And the six men ordered them to build a tower
above the gate. And there arose a great noise from those men who had come
to build the tower, as they ran hither and thither round the gate.
19. For the virgins standing round the gate told the men to hasten to build
the tower. Now the virgins had spread out their hands, as if they would
take something from the men.
20. And the six men ordered stones to come up from a certain deep place, and
to go to the building of the tower. And there went up ten stones square
and polished, [not] hewn from a quarry.
21. And the six men called to the virgins, and ordered them to carry all the
stones which should go unto the building of the tower, and to pass through
the gate and to hand them to the men that were about to build the tower.
22. And the virgins laid the first ten stones that rose out of the deep on
each other, and they carried them together, stone by stone.
23. And just as they stood together around the gate, in that order they
carried them that seemed to be strong enough and had stooped under the
corners of the stone, while the others stooped at the sides of the stone.
And so they carried all the stones. And they carried them right through
the gate, as they were ordered, and handed them to the men for the tower;
and these took the stones and builded.
24. Now the building of the tower was upon the great rock and above the gate.
Those ten stones then were joined together, and they covered the whole
rock. And these formed a foundation for the building of the tower. And
[the rock and] the gate supported the whole tower.
25. And, after the ten stones, other twenty-five stones came up from the deep,
and these were fitted into the building of the tower, being carried by the
virgins, like the former. And after these thirty-five stones came up. And
these likewise were fitted into the tower. And after these came up other
forty stones. and these all were put into the building of the tower. So
four rows were made in the foundations of the tower.
26. And (the stones) ceased coming up from the deep, and the builders likewise
ceased for a little. And again the six men ordered the multitude of the
people to bring in stones from the mountains for the building of the
tower.
27. They were brought in accordingly from all the mountains, of various
colors, shaped by the men, and were handed to the virgins; and the virgins
carried them right through the gate, and handed them in for the building
of the tower. And when the various stones were placed in the building,
they became all alike and white, and they lost their various colors.
28. But some stones were handed in by the men for the building, and these did
not become bright; but just as they were placed, such likewise were they
found; for they were not handed in by the virgins, nor had they been
carried in through the gate. These stones then were unsightly in the
building of the tower.
29. Then the six men, seeing the stones that were unsightly in the building,
ordered them to be removed and carried [below] into their own place whence
they were brought.
30. And they say to the men who were bringing the stones in; "Abstain for your
parts altogether from handing in stones for the building; but place them
by the tower, that the virgins may carry them through the gate, and hand
them in for the building. For if," [say they,] they be not carried in
through the gate by the hands of these virgins, they cannot change their
colors. Labor not therefore," [say they,] "in vain."
31. And the building was finished on that day, yet was not the tower finally
completed, for it was to be carried up [still] higher; and there was a
cessation in the building. And the six men ordered the builders to retire
for a short time [all of them], and to rest; but the virgins they ordered
not to retire from the tower. And methought the virgins were left to guard
the tower.
32. And after all had retired Land rested], I say to the shepherd; "How is it,
Sir," say I, "that the building of the tower was not completed?" "The
tower," he saith, "cannot yet be finally completed, until its master come
and test this building, that if any stones be found crumbling, he may
change them; for the tower is being built according to His will."
33. "I would fain know, Sir," say I, "what is this building of this tower, and
concerning the rock and gate, and the mountains, and the virgins, and the
stones that came up from the deep, and were not shaped, but went just as
they were into the building;
34. and wherefore ten stones were first placed in the foundations, then
twenty-five, then thirty-five, then forty, and concerning the stones that
had gone to the building and were removed again and put away in their own
place--concerning all these things set my soul at rest, Sir, and explain
them to me."
35. "If," saith he, "thou be not found possessed of an idle curiosity, thou
shalt know all things. For after a few days we shall come here, and thou
shalt see the sequel that overtaketh this tower and shalt understand all
the parables accurately."
36. And after a few days we came to the place where we had sat, and he saith
to me, "Let us go to the tower; for the owner of the tower cometh to
inspect it." And we came to the tower, and there was no one at all by it,
save the virgins alone.
37. And the shepherd asked the virgins whether the master of the tower had
arrived. And they said that he would be there directly to inspect the
building.
38. And, behold, after a little while I see an array of many men coming, and
in the midst a man of such lofty stature that he overtopped the tower.
39. And the six men who superintended the building walked with him on the
right hand and on the left, and all they that worked at the building were
with him, and many other glorious attendants around him. And the virgins
that watched the tower ran up and kissed him, and they began to walk by
his side round the tower.
40. And that man inspected the building so carefully, that he felt each single
stone; and he held a rod in his hand and struck each single stone that was
built in.
41. And when he smote, some of the stones became black as soot, others
mildewed, others cracked, others broke off short, others became neither
white nor black, others rough and not fitting in with the other stones,
and others with many spots; these were the varied aspects of the stones
which were found unsound for the building.
42. So he ordered all these to be removed from the tower, and to be placed by
the side of the tower, and other stones to be brought and put into their
place.
43. And the builders asked him from what mountain he desired stones to be
brought and put into their place. And he would not have them brought from
the mountains, but ordered them to be brought from a certain plain that
was nigh at hand.
44. And the plain was dug, and stones were found there bright and square, but
some of them too were round. And all the stones which there were anywhere
in that plain were brought every one of them, and were carried through the
gate by the virgins.
45. And the square stones were hewed, and set in the place of those which had
been removed; but the round ones were not placed in the building, because
they were too hard to be shaped, and to work on them was slow. So they
were placed by the side of the tower, as though they were intended to be
shaped and placed in the building; for they were very bright.
46. So then, having accomplished these things, the glorious man who was lord
of the whole tower called the shepherd to him, and delivered unto him all
the stones which lay by the side of the tower, which were cast out from
the building, and saith unto him;
47. "Clean these stones carefully, and set them in the building of the tower,
these, I mean, which can fit with the rest; but those which will not fit,
throw far away from the tower."
48. Having given these orders to the shepherd, he departed from the tower with
all those with whom he had come. And the virgins stood round the tower
watching it.
49. I say to the shepherd, "How can these stones go again to the building of
the tower, seeing that they have been disapproved?" He saith unto me in
answer; "Seest thou", saith he, "these stones ?" I see them, Sir," say I.
"I myself," saith he, "will shape the greater part of these stones and put
them into the building, and they shall fit in with the remaining stones."
50. "How, Sir," say I, "can they, when they are chiseled, fill the same
space?" He saith unto me in answer, "As many as shall be found small,
shall be put into the middle of the building; but as many as are larger,
shall be placed nearer the outside, and they will bind them together."
51. With these words he saith to me, "Let us go away, and after two days let
us come and clean these stones, and put them into the building; for all
things round the tower must be made clean, lest haply the master come
suddenly and find the circuit of the tower dirty, and he be wroth, and so
these stones shall not go to the building of the tower, and I shall appear
to be careless in my master's sight."
52. And after two days we came to the tower, and he saith unto me; "Let us
inspect all the stones, and see those which can go to the building." I say
to him, "Sir, let us inspect them."
53. And so commencing first we began to inspect the black stones; and just as
they were when set aside from the building, such also they were found. And
the shepherd ordered them to be removed from the tower and to be put on
one side.
54. Then he inspected those that were mildewed, and he took and shaped many of
them, and ordered the virgins to take them up and put them into the
building. And the virgins took them up and placed them in the building of
the tower in a middle position. But the rest he ordered to be placed with
the black ones; for these also were found black.
55. Then he began to inspect those that had the cracks; and of these he shaped
many, and he ordered them to be carried away by the hands of the virgins
for the building. And they were placed towards the outside, because they
were found to be sounder. But the rest could not be shaped owing to the
number of the cracks. For this reason therefore they were cast aside from
the building of the tower.
56. Then he proceeded to inspect the stunted (stones), and many among them
were found black, and some had contracted great cracks; and he ordered
these also to be placed with those that had been cast aside. But those of
them which remained he cleaned and shaped, and ordered to be placed in the
building So the virgins took them up, and fitted them into the middle of
the building of the tower; for they were somewhat weak.
57. Then he began to inspect those that were half white and half black, and
many of them were (now) found black; and he ordered these also to be taken
up with those that had been cast aside. But all the rest were [found
white, and were] taken up by the virgins; for being white they were fitted
by [the virgins] them[selves] into the building. But they were placed
towards the outside, because they were found sound, so that they could
hold together those that were placed in the middle; for not a single one
of them was too short.
58. Then he began to inspect the hard and rough; and a few of them were cast
away, because they could not be shaped; for they were found very hard. But
the rest of them were shaped [and taken up by the virgins] and fitted into
the middle of the building of the tower; for they were somewhat weak.
59. Then he proceeded to inspect those that had the spots, and of these some
few had turned black and were cast away among the rest; but the remainder
were found bright and sound, and these were fitted by the virgins into the
building; but they were placed towards the outside, owing to their
strength.
60. Then he came to inspect the white and round stones, and he saith unto me;
"What shall we do with these stones?" "How do I know, Sir?" say I [And he
saith to me,] "Perceivest thou nothing concerning them?"
61. "I, Sir," say I, "do not possess this art, neither am I a mason, nor can I
understand." Seest thou not," saith he, "that they are very round; and if
I wish to make them square, very much must needs be chiseled off from
them? Yet some of them must of necessity be placed into the building."
62. "If then, Sir," say I, "it must needs be so, why distress thyself, and why
not choose out for the building those thou willest, and fit them into it?"
He chose out from them the large and the bright ones, and shaped them; and
the virgins took them up, and fitted them into the outer parts of the
building.
63. But the rest, which remained over, were taken up, and put aside into the
plain whence they were brought; they were not however cast away,
"Because," saith he, there remaineth still a little of the tower to be
builded. And the master of the tower is exceedingly anxious that these
stones be fitted into the building, for they are very bright."
64. So twelve women were called, most beautiful in form, clad in black,
[girded about and having the shoulders bare,] with their hair hanging
loose. And these women, methought, had a savage look. And the shepherd
ordered them to take up the stones which had been cast away from the
building, and to carry them off to the same mountains from which also they
had been brought;
65. and they took them up joyfully, and carried away all the stones and put
them in the place whence they had been taken. And after all the stones had
been taken up, and not a single stone still lay round the tower, the
shepherd saith unto me; "Let us go round the tower, and see that there is
no defect in it." And I proceeded to go round it with him.
66. And when the shepherd saw that the tower was very comely in the building,
he was exceedingly glad; for the tower was so well builded, that when I
saw it I coveted the building of it; for it was builded, as it were, of
one stone, having one fitting in it. And the stone-work appeared as if
hewn out of the rock; for it seemed to me to be all a single stone.
67. And I, as I walked with him, was glad to see so brave a sight. And the
shepherd saith to me; "Go and bring plaster and fine clay, that I may fill
up the shapes of the stones that have been taken up and put into the
building; for all the circuit of the tower must be made smooth."
68. And I did as he bade, and brought them to him. "Assist me," saith he, "and
the work will speedily be accomplished." So he filled in the shapes of the
stones which had gone to the building, and ordered the circuit of the
tower to be swept and made clean.
69. And the virgins took brooms and swept, and they removed all the rubbish
from the tower, and sprinkled water, and the site of the tower was made
cheerful and very seemly.
70. The shepherd saith unto me, "All," saith he, "hath now been cleaned. If
the lord come to inspect the tower, he hath nothing for which to blame
us." Saying this, he desired to go away.
71. But I caught hold of his wallet, and began to adjure him by the Lord that
he would explain to me [all] what he had showed me. He saith to me; "I am
busy for a little while, and then I will explain everything to thee. Await
me here till I come."
72. I say to him; "Sir, when I am here alone what shall I do?" "Thou art not
alone," saith he; "for these virgins are here with thee." "Commend me then
to them," say I. The shepherd calleth them to him and saith to them; "I
commend this man to you till I come," and he departed.
73. So I was alone with the virgins; and they were most cheerful, and kindly
disposed to Me especially the four of them that were the more glorious in
appearance.
74. The virgins say to me; "Today the shepherd cometh not here." "What then
shall I do?" say I. "Stay for him," say they, "till eventide; and if he
come, he will speak with thee; but if he come not, thou shalt stay here
with us till he cometh."
75. I say to them; "I will await him till evening, and if he come not, I will
depart home and return early in the morning." But they answered and said
unto me; "To us thou wast entrusted; thou canst not depart from us."
76. "Where then," say I, "shall I remain?" "Thou shalt pass the night with
us," say they as a brother, not as a husband; for thou art our brother,
and henceforward we will dwell with thee; for we love thee dearly." But I
was ashamed to abide with them.
77. And she that seemed to be the chief of them began to kiss and to embrace
me; and the others seeing her embrace me, they too began to kiss me, and
to lead me round the tower, and to sport with me.
78. And I had become as it were a younger man, and I commenced myself likewise
to sport with them. For some of them began to dance, [others to skip,]
others to sing. But I kept silence and walked with them round the tower,
and was glad with them.
79. But when evening came I wished to go away home; but they would not let me
go, but detained me. And I stayed the night with them, and I slept by the
side of the tower.
80. For the virgins spread their linen tunics on the ground, and made me lie
down in the midst of them, and they did nothing else but pray; and I
prayed with them without ceasing, and not less than they. And the virgins
rejoiced that I so prayed. And I stayed there with the virgins until the
morning till the second hour.
81. Then came the shepherd, and saith to the virgins; "Have ye done him any
injury?" "Ask him," say they. I say to him, "Sir, I was rejoiced to stay
with them." "On what didst thou sup?" saith he "I supped, Sir," say I, "on
the words of the Lord the whole night through." "Did they treat thee
well?" saith he. "Yes, Sir," say I.
82. "Now," saith he, "what wouldest thou hear first?" "In the order as thou
showedst to me, Sir, from the beginning," say I; "I request thee, Sir, to
explain to me exactly in the order that I shall enquire of thee."
According as thou desirest," saith he, "even so will I interpret to thee,
and I will conceal nothing whatever from thee."
83. "First of all, Sir," say I, "explain this to me. The rock and the gate,
what is it?" "This rock," saith he, "and gate is the Son of God." "How,
Sir," say I, "is the rock ancient, but the gate recent?" "Listen," saith
he, "and understand, foolish man.
84. The Son of God is older than all His creation, so that He became the
Father's adviser in His creation. Therefore also He is ancient." "But the
gate, why is it recent, Sir?" say I.
85. "Because," saith he, "He was made manifest in the last days of the
consummation; therefore the gate was made recent, that they which are to
be saved may enter through it into the kingdom of God.
86. Didst thou see," saith he, "that the stones which came through the gate
have gone to the building of the tower, but those which came not through
it were cast away again to their own place?" "I saw, Sir," say I. "Thus,"
saith he, "no one shall enter into the kingdom of God, except he receive
the name of His Son.
87. For if thou wishest to enter into any city, and that city is walled all
round and has one gate only, canst thou enter into that city except
through the gate which it hath?" "Why, how, Sir," say I, "is it possible
otherwise?" "If then thou canst not enter into the city except through the
gate itself, even so," saith he, "a man cannot enter into the kingdom of
God except by the name of His Son that is beloved by Him.
88. Didst thou see," saith he, "the multitude that is building the tower?" "I
saw it, Sir," say I. "They," saith he, are all glorious angels. With these
then the Lord is walled around. But the gate is the Son of God; there is
this one entrance only to the Lord. No one then shall enter in unto Him
otherwise than through His Son.
89. Didst thou see," saith he, "the six men, and the glorious and mighty man
in the midst of them, him that walked about the tower and rejected the
stones from the building?" "I saw him, Sir," say I.
90. "The glorious man," saith he, "is the Son of God, and those six are the
glorious angels who guard Him on the right hand and on the left. Of these
glorious angels not one," saith he, "shall enter in unto God without Him;
whosoever shall not receive His name, shall not enter into the kingdom of
God."
91. "But the tower," say I, "what is it?" "The tower," saith he, "why, this is
the Church.
92. "And these virgins, who are they?" "They," saith he, "are holy spirits;
and no man can otherwise be found in the kingdom of God, unless these
shall clothe him with their garment; for if thou receive only the name,
but receive not the garment from them, thou profitest nothing. For these
virgins are powers of the Son of God. If [therefore] thou bear the Name,
and bear not His power, thou shalt bear His Name to none effect.
93. And the stones," saith he, "which thou didst see cast away, these bare the
Name, but clothed not themselves with the raiment of the virgins." "Of
what sort, Sir," say I, "is their raiment?" "The names themselves," saith
he, "are their raiment. Whosoever beareth the Name of the Son of God,
ought to bear the names of these also; for even the Son Himself beareth
the names of these virgins.
94. As many stones," saith he, "as thou sawest enter into the building of the
tower, being given in by their hands and waiting for the building, they
have been clothed in the power of these virgins.
95. For this cause thou seest the tower made a single stone with the rock. So
also they that have believed in the Lord through His Son and clothe
themselves in these spirits, shall become one spirit and one body, and
their garments all of one color. But such persons as bear the names of the
virgins have their dwelling in the tower."
96. "The stones then, Sir," say I, "which are cast aside, wherefore were they
cast aside? For they passed through the gate and were placed in the
building of the tower by the hands of the virgins." "Since all these
things interest thee," saith he, "and thou enquirest diligently, listen as
touching the stones that have been cast aside.
97. These all," [saith he,] "received the name of the Son of God, and received
likewise the power of these virgins. When then they received these
spirits, they were strengthened, and were with the servants of God, and
they had one spirit and one body [and one garment]; for they had the same
mind, and they wrought righteousness.
98. After a certain time then they were persuaded by the women whom thou
sawest clad in black raiment, and having their shoulders bare and their
hair loose, and beautiful in form. When they saw them they desired them,
and they clothed themselves with their power, but they stripped off from
themselves the power of the virgins.
99. They then were cast away from the house of God, and delivered to these
(women). But they that were not deceived by the beauty of these women
remained in the house of God. So thou hast," saith he, "the interpretation
of them that were cast aside."
100. What then, Sir," say I, "if these men, being such as they are, should
repent and put away their desire for these women, and return unto the
virgins, and walk in their power and in their works? Shall they not enter
into the house of God?"
101. "They shall enter," saith he, "if they shall put away the works of these
women, and take again the power of the virgins, and walk in their works.
For this is the reason why there was also a cessation in the building,
that, if these repent, they may go into the building of the tower; but if
they repent not, then others will go, and these shall be cast away
finally."
102. For all these things I gave thanks unto the Lord, because He had
compassion on all that called upon His name, and sent forth the angel of
repentance to us that had sinned against Him, and refreshed our spirit,
and, when we were already ruined and had no hope of life, restored our
life.
103. "Now, Sir," say I, "show me why the tower is not built upon the ground,
but upon the rock and upon the gate." "Because thou art senseless," saith
he, "and without understanding [thou askest the question]." "I am obliged,
Sir," say I, "to ask all questions of thee, because I am absolutely unable
to comprehend anything at all; for all are great and glorious and
difficult for men to understand."
104. "Listen," saith he. "The name of the Son of God is great and
incomprehensible, and sustaineth the whole world. If then all creation is
sustained by the Son [of God], what thinkest thou of those that are called
by Him, and bear the name of the Son of God, and walk according to His
commandments?
105. Seest thou then what manner of men He sustaineth? Even those that bear His
name with their whole heart. He Himself then is become their foundation,
and He sustaineth them gladly, because they are not ashamed to bear His
name."
106. "Declare to me, Sir," say I, "the names of the virgins, and of the women
that are clothed in the black garments." "Hear," saith he, "the names of
the more powerful virgins, those that are stationed at the corners.
107. The first is Faith, and the second, Continence, and the third, Power, and
the fourth, Long-suffering. But the others stationed between them have
these names--Simplicity, Guilelessness, Purity, Cheerfulness, Truth,
Understanding, Concord, Love. He that beareth these names and the name of
the Son of God shall be able to enter into the kingdom of God.
108. Hear," saith he, "likewise the names of the women that wear the black
garments. Of these also four are more powerful than the rest; the first is
Unbelief; the second, Intemperance; the third, Disobedience; the fourth,
Deceit; and their followers are called, Sadness, Wickedness, Wantonness,
Irascibility, Falsehood, Folly, Slander, Hatred. The servant of God that
beareth these names shall see the kingdom of God, but shall not enter into
it."
109. "But the stones, Sir," say I, "that came from the deep, and were fitted
into the building, who are they?" "The first," saith he, "even the ten,
that were placed in the foundations, are the first generation; the
twenty-five are the second generation of righteous men; the thirty-five
are God's prophets and His ministers; the forty are apostles and teachers
of the preaching of the Son of God."
110. "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "did the virgins give in these stones also
for the building of the tower and carry them through the gate?"
111. "Because these first," saith he, "bore these spirits, and they never
separated the one from the other, neither the spirits from the men nor the
men from the spirits, but the spirits abode with them till they fell
asleep; and if they had not had these spirits with them, they would not
have been found useful for the building of this tower."
112. "Show me still further, Sir," say I. "What desirest thou to know besides?"
saith he. "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "did the stones come up from the deep,
and wherefore were they placed into the building, though they bore these
spirits?"
113. "It was necessary for them," saith he, "to rise up through water, that
they might be made alive; for otherwise they could not enter into the
kingdom of God, except they had put aside the deadness of their [former]
life.
114. So these likewise that had fallen asleep received the seal of the Son of
God and entered into the kingdom of God. For before a man," saith he, "has
borne the name of [the Son of] God, he is dead; but when he has received
the seal, he layeth aside his deadness, and resumeth life.
115. The seal then is the water: so they go down into the water dead, and they
come up alive. "thus to them also this seal was preached, and they availed
themselves of it that they might enter into the kingdom of God."
116. "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "did the forty stones also come up with them from
the deep, though they had already received the seal?" "Because," saith he,
"these, the apostles and the teachers who preached the name of the Son of
God, after they had fallen asleep in the power and faith of the Son of
God, preached also to them that had fallen asleep before them, and
themselves gave unto them the seal of the preaching.
117. Therefore they went down with them into the water, and came up again. But
these went down alive [and again came up alive]; whereas the others that
had fallen asleep before them went down dead and came up alive.
118. So by their means they were quickened into life, and came to the full
knowledge of the name of the Son of God. For this cause also they came up
with them, and were fitted with them into the building of the tower and
were builded with them, without being shaped; for they fell asleep in
righteousness and in great purity. Only they had not this seal. Thou hast
then the interpretation of these things also." "I have, Sir," say I.
119. "Now then, Sir, explain to me concerning the mountains. Wherefore are
their forms diverse the one from the other, and various?" "Listen," saith
he. "These twelve mountains are [twelve] tribes that inhabit the whole
world. To these (tribes) then the Son of God was preached by the
Apostles."
120. But explain to me, Sir, why they are various--these mountains--and each
has a different appearance." "Listen," saith he. "These twelve tribes
which inhabit the whole world are twelve nations; and they are various in
understanding and in mind. As various, then, as thou sawest these
mountains to be, such also are the varieties in the mind of these nations,
and such their understanding. And I will show unto thee the conduct of
each."
121. "First, Sir," say I, "show me this, why the mountains being so various,
yet, when their stones were set into the building, became bright and of
one color, just like the stones that had come up from the deep."
122. "Because," saith he, "all the nations that dwell under heaven, when they
heard and believed, were called by the one name of [the Son of] God. So
having received the seal, they had one understanding and one mind, and one
faith became theirs and [one] love, and they bore the spirits of the
virgins along with the Name; therefore the building of the tower became of
one color, even bright as the sun.
123. But after they entered in together, and became one body, some of them
defiled themselves, and were cast out from the society of the righteous,
and became again such as they were before, or rather even worse."
124. "How, Sir," say I, "did they become worse, after they had fully known
God?" "He that knoweth not God," saith he, "and committeth wickedness,
hath a certain punishment for his wickedness; but he that knoweth God
fully ought not any longer to commit wickedness, but to do good.
125. If then he that ought to do good committeth wickedness, does he not seem
to do greater wickedness than the man that knoweth not God? Therefore they
that have not known God, and commit wickedness, are condemned to death;
but they that have known God and seen His mighty works, and yet commit
wickedness, shall receive a double punishment, and shall die eternally. In
this way therefore shall the Church of God be purified.
126. And as thou sawest the stones removed from the tower and delivered over to
the evil spirits, they too shall be cast out; and there shall be one body
of them that are purified, just as the tower, after it had been purified,
became made as it were of one stone. Thus shall it be with the Church of
God also, after she hath been purified, and the wicked and hypocrites and
blasphemers and double-minded and they that commit various kinds of
wickedness have been cast out.
127. When these have been cast out, the Church of God shall be one body, one
understanding, one mind, one faith, one love. And then the Son of God
shall rejoice and be glad in them, for that He hath received back His
people pure." "Great and glorious, Sir," say I, "are all these things.
128. Once more, Sir," [say I,] "show me the force and the doings of each one of
the mountains, that every soul that trusteth in the Lord, when it heareth,
may glorify His great and marvelous and glorious name." "Listen," saith
he, "to the variety of the mountains and of the twelve nations.
129. "From the first mountain, which was black, they that have believed are
such as these; rebels and blasphemers against the Lord, and betrayers of
the servants of God. For these there is no repentance, but there is death.
For this cause also they are black; for their race is lawless.
130. And from the second mountain, the bare one, they that believed are such as
these; hypocrites and teachers of wickedness. And these then are like the
former in not having the fruit of righteousness. For, even as their
mountain is unfruitful, so likewise such men as these have a name indeed,
but they are void of the faith, and there is no fruit of truth in them.
For these then repentance is offered, if they repent quickly; but if they
delay, they will have their death with the former."
131. "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "is repentance possible for them, but not for the
former ? For their doings are almost the same." "On this account," he
saith, "is repentance offered for them, because they blasphemed not their
Lord, nor became betrayers of the servants of God; yet from desire of gain
they played the hypocrite, and taught each other [after] the desires of
sinful men. But they shall pay a certain penalty; yet repentance is
ordained for them, because they are not become blasphemers or betrayers.
132. "And from the third mountain, which had thorns and briars, they that
believed are such as these; some of them are wealthy and others are
entangled in many business affairs. The briars are the wealthy, and the
thorns are they that are mixed up in various business affairs.
133. These [then, that are mixed up in many and various business affairs,]
cleave [not] to the servants of God, but go astray, being choked by their
affairs, but the wealthy unwillingly cleave to the servants of God,
fearing lest they may be asked for something by them. Such men therefore
shall hardly enter into the kingdom of God.
134. For as it is difficult to walk on briars with bare feet, so also it is
difficult for such men to enter the kingdom of God.
135. But for all these repentance is possible, but it must be speedy, that in
respect to what they omitted to do in the former times, they may now
revert to (past) days, and do some good. If then they shall repent and do
some good, they shall live unto God; but if they continue in their doings,
they shall be delivered over to those women, the which shall put them to
death.
136. "And from the fourth mountain, which had much vegetation, the upper part
of the grass green and the part towards the roots withered, and some of it
dried up by the sun, they that believed are such as these; the
double-minded, and they that have the Lord on their lips, but have Him not
in their heart.
137. Therefore their foundations are dry and without power, and their words
only live, but their works are dead. Such men are neither alive nor dead.
They are, therefore, like unto the double-minded; for the double-minded
are neither green nor withered; for they are neither alive nor dead.
138. For as their grass was withered up when it saw the sun, so also the
double-minded, when they hear of tribulation, through their cowardice
worship idols and are ashamed of the name of their Lord.
139. Such are neither alive nor dead. Yet these also, if they repent quickly,
shall be able to live; but if they repent not, they are delivered over
already to the women who deprive them of their life.
140. "And from the fifth mountain, which had green grass and was rugged, they
that believed are such as these; they are faithful, but slow to learn and
stubborn and self-pleasers, desiring to know all things, and yet they know
nothing at all.
141. By reason of this their stubbornness, understanding stood aloof from them,
and a foolish senselessness entered into them; and they praise themselves
as having understanding, and they desire to be self-appointed teachers,
senseless though they are.
142. Owing then to this pride of heart many, while they exalted themselves,
have been made empty; for a mighty demon is stubbornness and vain
confidence. Of these then many were cast away, but some repented and
believed, and submitted themselves to those that had understanding, having
learnt their own senselessness.
143. Yea, and to the rest that belong to this class repentance is offered; for
they did not become wicked, but rather foolish and without understanding.
If these then shall repent, they shall live unto God; but if they repent
not, they shall have their abode with the women who work evil against
them.
144. "But they that believed from the sixth mountain, which had clefts great
and small, and in the clefts herbage withered, are such as these;
145. they that have the small clefts, these are they that have aught against
one another, and from their backbitings they are withered in the faith;
but many of these repented Yea, and the rest shall repent, when they hear
my commandments; for their backbitings are but small, and they shall
quickly repent.
146. But they that have great clefts, these are persistent in their backbitings
and bear grudges, nursing wrath against one another. These then were
thrown right away from the tower and rejected from its building. Such
persons therefore shall with difficulty live.
147. If God and our Lord, Who ruleth over all things and hath the authority
over all His creation, beareth no grudge against them that confess their
sins, but is propitiated, doth man, who is mortal and full of sins, bear a
grudge against man, as though he were able to destroy or save him?
148. I say unto you--I, the angel of repentance--unto as many as hold this
heresy, put it away from you and repent, and the Lord shall heal your
former sins, if ye shall purify yourselves from this demon; but if not, ye
shall be delivered unto him to be put to death.
149. " And from the seventh mountain, on which was herbage green and smiling,
and the whole mountain thriving, and cattle of every kind and the fowls of
heaven were feeding on the herbage on that mountain, and the green
herbage, on which they fed, only grew the more luxuriant, they that
believed are such as these;
150. they were ever simple and guileless and blessed, having nothing against
one another, but rejoicing always in the servants of God, and clothed in
the Holy Spirit of these virgins, and having compassion always on every
man, and out of their labors they supplied every man's need without
reproach and without misgiving.
151. The Lord then seeing their simplicity and entire childliness made them to
abound in the labors of their hands, and bestowed favor on them in all
their doings.
152. But I say unto you that are such--I, the angel of repentance--remain to
the end such as ye are, and your seed shall never be blotted out. For the
Lord hath put you to the proof, and enrolled you among our number, and
your whole seed shall dwell with the Son of God; for of His Spirit did ye
receive.
153. "And from the eighth mountain, where were the many springs, and all the
creatures of the Lord did drink of the springs, they that believed are
such as these;
154. apostles and teachers, who preached unto the whole world, and who taught
the word of the Lord in soberness and purity, and kept back no part at all
for evil desire, but walked always in righteousness and truth, even as
also they received the Holy Spirit. Such therefore shall have their
entrance with the angels.
155. "And from the ninth mountain, which was desert, which had [the] reptiles
and wild beasts in it which destroy mankind, they that believed are such
as these;
156. they that have the spots are deacons that exercised their office ill, and
plundered the livelihood of widows and orphans, and made gain for
themselves from the ministrations which they had received to perform. If
then they abide in the same evil desire, they are dead and there is no
hope of life for them; but if they turn again and fulfill their
ministrations in purity, it shall be possible for them to live.
157. But they that are mildewed, these are they that denied and turned not
again unto their Lord, but having become barren and desert, because they
cleave not unto the servants of God but remain alone, they destroy their
own souls.
158. For as a vine left alone in a hedge, if it meet with neglect, is destroyed
and wasted by the weeds, and in time becometh wild and is no longer useful
to its owner, so also men of this kind have given themselves up in despair
and become useless to their Lord, by growing wild.
159. To these then repentance cometh, unless they be found to have denied from
the heart; but if a man be found to have denied from the heart, I know not
whether it is possible for him to live.
160. And this I say not in reference to these days, that a man after denying
should receive repentance; for it is impossible for him to be saved who
shall now deny his Lord; but for those who denied Him long ago repentance
seemeth to be possible. If a man therefore will repent, let him do so
speedily before the tower is completed; but if not, he shall be destroyed
by the women and put to death.
161. And the stunted, these are the treacherous and backbiters; and the wild
beasts which thou sawest on the mountain are these. For as wild beasts
with their venom poison and kill a man, so also do the words of such men
poison and kill a man.
162. These then are broken off short from their faith through the conduct which
they have in themselves; but some of them repented and were saved; and the
rest that are of this kind can be saved, if they repent; but if they
repent not, they shall meet their death from those women of whose power
they are possessed.
163. "And from the tenth mountain, where were trees sheltering certain sheep,
they that believed are such as these;
164. bishops, hospitable persons, who gladly received into their houses at all
times the servants of God without hypocrisy. [These bishops] at all times
without ceasing sheltered the needy and the widows in their ministration
and conducted themselves in purity at all times.
165. These [all] then shall be sheltered by the Lord for ever. They therefore
that have done these things are glorious in the sight of God, and their
place is even now with the angels, if they shall continue unto the end
serving the Lord.
166. "And from the eleventh mountain, where were trees full of fruit, decked
with divers kinds of fruits, they that believed are such as these;
167. they that suffered for the Name [of the Son of God], who also suffered
readily with their whole heart, and yielded up their lives."
168. "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "have all the trees fruits, but some of
their fruits are more beautiful than others?" "Listen," saith he; "all as
many as ever suffered for the Name's sake are glorious in the sight of
God, and the sins of all these were taken away, because they suffered for
the name of the Son of God. Now here why their fruits are various, and
some surpassing others.
169. "As many," saith he, "as were tortured and denied not, when brought before
the magistery, but suffered readily, these are the more glorious in the
sight of the Lord; their fruit is that which surpasseth. But as many as
become cowards, and were lost in uncertainty, and considered in their
hearts whether they should deny or confess, and yet suffered, their fruits
are less, because this design entered into their heart; for this design is
evil, that a servant should deny his own lord.
170. See to it, therefore, ye who entertain this idea, lest this design remain
in your hearts, and ye die unto God. But ye that suffer for the Name's
sake ought to glorify God, because God deemed you worthy that ye should
bear this name, and that all your sins should be healed.
171. Reckon yourselves blessed therefore; yea, rather think that ye have done a
great work, if any of you shall suffer for God's sake. The Lord bestoweth
life upon you, and ye percieved it not; for your sins weighed you down,
and if ye had not suffered for the Name [of the Lord], ye had died unto
God by reason of your sins.
172. These things I say unto you that waver as touching denial and confession.
Confess that ye have the Lord, lest denying Him ye be delivered into
prison.
173. If the Gentiles punish their slaves, if any one deny his lord, what think
ye the Lord will do unto you, He who has authority over all things? Away
with these designs from your hearts, that ye may live forever unto God."
174. "And from the twelfth mountain, which was white, they that believed are
such as these; they that are as very babes, into whose heart no guile
entereth, neither lernt they what wickedness is, but they remained as
babes forever.
175. Such as these then dwell without doubt in the kingdom of God, because they
defiled the commandments of God in nothing, but continued as babes all the
days of their life in the same mind.
176. As many of you therefore as shall continue," saith he, "and shall be as
infants not having guile, shall be glorious [even] than all them that have
been mentioned before; for all infants are glorious in the sight of God,
and stand first in His sight. Blessed then are ye, as many as have put
away wickedness from you, and have clothed yourselves in guilelessness: ye
shall live unto God cheifest of all."
177. After he had finished the parables of the mountains, I say unto him, "Sir,
now explain to me concerning the stones that were taken from the plain and
placed in the building in the room of the stoes that were taken from the
tower, and concerning the round (stones) which were placed in the
building, and concerning those that were still round".
178. "Hear," saith he, "likewise concerning all these things. The stones which
were taken from the plain and placed in the building of the tower in the
room of those that were rejected, are the roots of this white mountain.
179. When then they that believed from this mountain were all found guiltless,
the lord of the tower ordered these from the roots of the mountain to be
put into the building of the tower. For He knew that if these stones
should go into the building [of the tower], they would remain bright and
not one of them would turn black.
180. But if he added (stones) from other mountains, he would have been obliged
to visit the tower again, and to purify it. Now all these have been found
white, who have believed and who shall believe; for they are of the same
kind. Blessed is this kind, for it is innocent!
181. Hear now likewise concerning those round and bright stones. All these are
from the white mountain. Now here wherefore they have been found round.
Their riches have darkened and obscured them a little from the truth.
182. When therefore the Lord percieved their mind, *that they could favor the
truth,* and likewise remain good, He commanded their possessions to be cut
off from them, yet not to be taken away altogether, so that they might be
able to do some good with that which hath been left to them, and might
live unto God for that they come of a good kind. So therefore they have
been cut away a little, and placed in the building of this tower".
183. "But the other (stones), which have remained round and have not been
fitted into the building, because they have not yet received the seal,
have been replaced in their own possession, for they were found very
round.
184. For this world and the vanities of their possessions must be cut off from
them, and then they will fit into the kingdom of God. For it is necessary
that they should enter into the kingdom of God; because the Lord hath
blessed this innocent kind. Of this kind then not one shall perish. Yea,
even though any one of them being tempted by the most wicked devil have
committed any fault, he shall return speedily unto his Lord.
185. Blessed I pronounced you all to be--I the angel of repentance--whoever of
you are guileless as infants, because your part is good and honorable in
the sight of God.
186. Moreover I bid all of you, whoever have received this seal, keep
guilelessness, and bear no grudge, and continue not in your wickedness nor
in the memory of the offenses of bitterness; but become of one spirit, and
heal these evil clefts and take them away from among you, that the owner
of the flocks may rejoice concerning them.
187. For he will rejoice, if he find all things whole. But if he find any part
of the flock scattered, woe unto the shepherds.
188. For if the shepherds themselves shall have been found scattered, how will
they answer for the flocks? Will they say that they were harassed by the
flock? No credence will be given them. For it is an incredible thing that
a shepherd should be injured by his flock; and he will be punished the
more because of his falsehood. And I am the shepherd, and it behoveth me
most strongly to render an account for you.
189. "Amend yourselves therefore, while the tower is still in course of
building.
190. The Lord dwelleth in men that love peace; for to Him peace is dear; but
from the contentious and them that are given up to wickedness He keepeth
afar off. Restore therefore to Him your spirit whole as ye received it.
191. For suppose thou hast given to a fuller a new garment whole, and desirest
to receive it back again whole, but the fuller give it back to thee torn,
wilt thou receive it thus? Wilt thou not at once blaze out and attack him
with reproaches, saying; "The garment which I gave thee was whole;
wherefore hast thou rent it and made it useless? See, by reason of the
rent, which thou hast made in it, it cannot be of use." Wilt thou not then
say all this to a fuller even about a rent which he has made in thy
garment?
192. If therefore thou art thus vexed in the matter of thy garment, and
complainest because thou receivest it not back whole, what thinkest thou
the Lord will do to thee, He, Who gave thee the spirit whole, and thou
hast made it absolutely useless, so that it cannot be of any use at all to
its Lord? For its use began to be useless, when it was corrupted by thee.
Will not therefore the Lord of this spirit for this thy deed punish [thee
with death]?"
193. "Certainly," I said, "all those, whomsoever He shall find continuing to
bear malice, He will punish." "Trample not," said he, "upon His mercy, but
rather glorify Him, because He is so long-suffering with your sins, and is
not like unto you. Practice then repentance which is expedient for you.
194. "All these things which are written above I, the shepherd, the angel of
repentance, have declared and spoken to the servants of God. If then ye
shall believe and hear my words, and walk in them, and amend your ways, ye
shall be able to live. But if ye continue in wickedness and in bearing
malice, no one of this kind shall live unto God. All things which were to
be spoken by me have (now) been spoken to you."
195. The shepherd said to me, "Hast thou asked me all thy questions?" And I
said, "Yes, Sir." "Why then hast thou not enquired of me concerning the
shape of the stones placed in the building, in that we filled up their
shapes?" And I said, "I forgot, Sir."
196. "Listen now," said he, "concerning them. These are they that have heard my
commandments now, and have practiced repentance with their whole heart. So
when the Lord saw that their repentance was good and pure, and that they
could continue therein, he ordered their former sins to be blotted out.
These shapes then were their former sins, and they have been chiseled away
that they might not appear."
PARABLE/SIMILITUDE X
1. After I had written out this book completely, the angel who had delivered
me to the shepherd came to the house where I was, and sat upon a couch, and
the shepherd stood at his right hand. Then he called me, and spake thus
unto me;
2. "I delivered thee," said he, "and thy house to this shepherd, that thou
mightest be protected by him." "True, Sir," I said "If therefore," said he,
"thou desirest to be protected from all annoyance and all cruelty, to have
also success in every good work and word, and all the power of
righteousness, walk in his commandments, which I have given thee, and thou
shalt be able to get the mastery over all wickedness.
3. For if thou keep his commandments, all evil desire and the sweetness of
this world shall be subject unto thee; moreover success shall attend thee
in every good undertaking. Embrace his gravity and self-restraint, and tell
it out unto all men that he is held in great honor and dignity with the
Lord, and is a ruler of great authority, and powerful in his office. To him
alone in the whole world hath authority over repentance been assigned.
Seemeth he to thee to be powerful? Yet ye despise the gravity and
moderation which he useth towards you."
4. I say unto him; "Ask him, Sir, himself, whether from the time that he hath
been in my house, I have done ought out of order, whereby I have offended
him."
5. "I myself know," said he, "that thou hast done nothing out of order, nor
art about to do so. And so I speak these things unto thee, that thou mayest
persevere. For he hath given a good account of thee unto me. Thou therefore
shalt speak these words to others, that they too who have practiced or
shall practice repentance may be of the same mind as thou art; and he may
give a good report of them to me, and I unto the Lord."
6. "I too, Sir," I say, "declare to every man the mighty works of the Lord;
for I hope that all who have sinned in the past, if they hear these things,
will gladly repent and recover life."
7. "Continue therefore," said he, "in this ministry, and complete it unto the
end. For whosoever fulfill his commandments shall have life; yea such a man
(shall have) great honor with the Lord. But whosoever keep not his
commandments, fly from their life, and oppose him, and follow not his
commandments, but deliver themselves over to death; and each one becometh
guilty of his own blood. But I bid thee obey these commandments, and thou
shalt have a remedy for thy sins.
8. "Moreover, I have sent these virgins unto thee, that they may dwell with
thee; for I have seen that they are friendly towards thee. Thou hast them
therefore as helpers, that thou mayest be the better able to keep his
commandments; for it is impossible that these commandments be kept without
the help of these virgins. I see too that they are glad to be with thee.
But I will charge them that they depart not at all from thy house.
9. Only do thou purify thy house; for in a clean house they will gladly dwell.
For they are clean and chaste and industrious, and have favor in the sight
of the Lord. If, therefore, they shall find thy house pure, they will
continue with thee; but if the slightest pollution arise, they will depart
from thy house at once. For these virgins love not pollution in any form."
10. I said unto him, "I hope, Sir, that I shall please them, so that they may
gladly dwell in my house for ever; and just as he to whom thou didst
deliver me maketh no complaint against me, so they likewise shall make no
complaint."
11. He saith unto the shepherd, "I perceive," saith he, "that he wishes to live
as the servant of God, and that he will keep these commandments, and will
place these virgins in a clean habitation."
12. With these words he again delivered me over to the shepherd, and called the
virgins, and said to them; "Inasmuch as I see that ye are glad to dwell in
this man's house, I commend to you him and his house, that ye depart not at
all from his house." But they heard these words gladly.
13. He said then to me, "Quit you like a man in this ministry; declare to every
man the mighty works of the Lord, and thou shalt have favor in this
ministry. Whosoever therefore shall walk in these commandments, shall live
and be happy in his life; but whosoever shall neglect them, shall not live,
and shall be unhappy in his life.
14. Charge all men who are able to do right, that they cease not to practice
good works; for it is useful for them. I say moreover that every man ought
to be rescued from misfortune; for he that hath need, and suffereth
misfortune in his daily life, is in great torment and want.
15. Whosoever therefore rescueth from penury a life of this kind, winneth great
joy for himself. For he who is harassed by misfortune of this sort is
afflicted and tortured with equal torment as one who is in chains. For many
men on account of calamities of this kind, because they can bear them no
longer, lay violent hands on themselves. He then who knows the calamity of
a man of this kind and rescueth him not, committeth great sin, and becometh
guilty of the man's blood.
16. Do therefore good works, whoever of you have received (benefits) from the
Lord, lest, while ye delay to do them, the building of the tower be
completed. For it is on your account that the work of the building has been
interrupted. Unless then ye hasten to do right, the tower will be
completed, and ye shut out."
17. When then he had finished speaking with me, he rose from the couch and
departed, taking with him the shepherd and the virgins. He said however
unto me, that he would send the shepherd and the virgins back again to my
house.
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