Shepherd of Hermas

The First Vision of Rhoda and the Elderly Woman

1 The master, who raised me, had sold me to a woman named Rhoda in Rome. After many years, I met her again, and began to love her as a sister. 2 Some time later I saw her bathing in the river Tiber;⁠a and I gave her my hand, and led her out of the river. Seeing her beauty, I said to myself, “How happy I would be if I had a wife like her in beauty and in character.” I merely reflected on this and nothing more. 3 Some time later, as I was traveling 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 carried me away through a pathless place where no one could walk, for the ground was steep and broken into clefts by the waters. When I had crossed the river, I came to level ground, and knelt down, and began to pray to the Lord and to confess my sins. 4 While I was praying, heaven opened, and I saw the woman I had desired greeting me from heaven, saying, “Good morning, Hermas.” 5 And, looking at her, I said to her, “Lady, what are you doing here?” Then she answered me, “I was taken up, so that I might convict you of your sins before the Lord.” 6 I said to her, “Are you convicting me now?” “No,” she said, “but listen to the words that I will say to you. God, who lives in the heavens, and created out of nothing the things that are, and increased and multiplied them for the sake of His holy Church, is angry with you, for you sinned against me.” 7 I answered her, “Sin against you? In what way? Did I ever speak an improper word to you? Did I not always regard you as a goddess? Did I not always respect you as a sister? How can you falsely accuse me, lady, of such wickedness and impurity?” 8 Laughing, she said to me, “The desire for evil entered your heart. Do you not think it is an evil thing for a righteous person if an evil desire enters their heart? It is indeed a sin, and a great one too,” she said. “For the righteous person has righteous intentions. As long as their intentions remain righteous, their reputation stands firm in heaven, and they find the Lord easily reconciled in all they do. But those who harbor evil intentions in their hearts bring death and captivity on themselves, especially those who cling to this present world and boast in its riches, and do not hold on to the good things to come. 9 Their souls will regret it, since they have no hope but have abandoned themselves and their life. But pray to God and He will heal your sins, and those of your whole household, and of all the saints.”

1 As soon as she had spoken these words the heavens were shut and I was given over to horror and grief. Then I said to myself, “If this sin is recorded against me, how can I be saved? How can I make atonement to God for my sins, which are fully grown? What words can I use to plead with the Lord to be merciful to me? 2 While I was considering and discussing these matters in my heart, I saw before me a great white chair made of snow-white wool; and an elderly woman came in shining clothing, holding a book in her hands, and she sat down alone, and she greeted me, “Good morning, Hermas.” Grieving and weeping, I said, “Good morning, lady.” 3 And she said to me, “Why so gloomy, Hermas, you who are patient and good-tempered and are always smiling? Why so downcast in your looks, and so far from cheerful?” And I said to her, “Because an excellent woman says I sinned against her.” 4 Then she said, “A servant of God should never do such a thing! Still, the thought about her did enter your heart. For the servants of God, such an intention brings sin. For it is an evil and outrageous intention when a devout spirit, already approved, desires an evil deed—especially if it is Hermas the temperate, who abstains from every evil desire, and is full of all simplicity and great innocence.

1 “But this is not why God is angry with you. He is angry so that you will convert your family, which has wronged the Lord and you, its parents. Because you love your children, you did not correct your family, but let it become terribly corrupt. Therefore, the Lord is angry with you. But He will heal all your past sins, which have been committed in your family; for because of their sins and iniquities you have been corrupted by the affairs of this world. 2 But the great mercy of the Lord had pity on you and your family, and will strengthen you, and establish you in His glory. Only do not be careless, but take courage, and strengthen your family. For as the blacksmith, by hammering his work, masters the task he wants, so also righteous speech, repeated daily, overcomes all evil. So do not stop correcting your children; for I know that if they repent with all their heart, they will be written in the books of life with the saints.” 3 When she had finished these words, she said to me, “Will you listen to me as I read?” I said, “Yes, lady.” She said to me, “Pay attention, and hear the glories of God.” I listened attentively and in amazement to things I was unable to remember, for all the words were terrifying, more than anyone can bear. But I remembered the final words, for they were helpful to us and gentle. 4 “See, the God of Hosts, who by His invisible and mighty power and by His great wisdom created the world, and by His glorious plan clothed His creation with beauty, and by His strong word fixed the heaven, and founded the earth upon the waters,⁠a and by His own wisdom and providence formed His holy Church, which He also blessed—see, He is removing the heavens and the mountains and the hills and the seas, and all things are made level for His chosen, so that He may fulfill to them the promise that He promised with great glory and rejoicing, if they keep the ordinances of God that they received with great faith.”

1 When she finished reading and rose from her chair, four young men came, and they took away the chair, and went off toward the East. 2 Then she called me to her, touched my chest, and said to me, “Did my reading please you?” And I said to her, “Lady, these last words please me, but the earlier ones were difficult and hard.” Then she spoke to me, saying, “These last words are for the righteous, but the earlier ones are for the Gentiles and the rebellious.” 3 While she was still speaking with me, two men appeared, and took her by the arms, and they went off toward the East, to where the chair had also gone. She smiled as she left, and as she was going she said to me, “Be strong, Hermas.”

The Second Vision of the Elderly Woman and Her Book

1 I was on the way to Cumae, at the same season as the previous year, and remembered my vision from last year as I walked; and again a Spirit carried me off, and took me to the same place as last year. 2 When I arrived at the place, I fell on my knees, and began to pray to the Lord, and to glorify His name, because He had counted me worthy, and made known to me my former sins. 3 But after I had risen from prayer, I saw before me the elderly woman I had also seen the year before, walking and reading a little book. And she said to me, “Can you report these things to God’s chosen?” I said to her, “Lady, I cannot recall so much; but give me the little book, so that I may copy it.” “Take it,” she said, “and be sure to return it to me.” 4 I took it, and withdrawing to a spot in the country, I copied it letter for letter, for I could not make out the syllables. When I had finished the letters of the book, suddenly the book was snatched out of my hand; but I did not see by whom.

1 After fifteen days, when I had fasted and earnestly begged the Lord, the knowledge of the writing was revealed to me. This is what was written: 2 “Your children, Hermas, have sinned against God, and have blasphemed the Lord, and have betrayed their parents through great wickedness—they have even been called betrayers of parents, yet they did not profit from their betrayal; and they added still more to their sins: debauchery and reckless wickedness; and so the measure of their transgressions was filled up. 3 But make these words known to all your children, and to your wife, who will be like a sister to you; for she too does not hold back her tongue, with which she does evil. But when she hears these words, she will refrain, and will find mercy. 4 After you have made known to them all these words, which the Master commanded me to reveal to you, then all the sins they previously committed will be forgiven them, as will the sins of all the saints who have sinned up to this day, if they repent with their whole heart, and remove double-mindedness from their heart. 5 For the Master swore by His own glory, concerning His chosen, that if anyone sins after this day, which has now been set as a limit, they will not find salvation; for repentance for the righteous has an end; the days of repentance have been fulfilled for all the saints; while for the Gentiles there is repentance until the last day. 6 So you shall tell the elders of the Church to direct their ways in righteousness, so that they may receive in full the promises with abundant glory. 7 Therefore you who do righteousness, stand firm, and do not be double-minded, so that you may be accepted among the holy angels. Blessed are all of you who patiently endure the great tribulation that is coming, and all who will not deny their life. 8 For the Lord swore concerning His Son, that those who denied their Lord would be cut off from their life, even those who are now about to deny Him in the coming days; but those who denied Him before were granted mercy because of His great loving kindness.

1 “But you, Hermas, must no longer bear a grudge against your children, or let your sister have her way, so that they may be purified from their former sins. For they will receive just discipline, unless you yourself hold a grudge against them. Bearing a grudge leads to death. But you, Hermas, have had great tribulations of your own, because of the transgressions of your family, since you had no concern for them. For you were neglectful of them, and got entangled in your evil business affairs. 2 But here is your salvation: that you did not depart from the living God, and that in your simplicity and your great self-control you have been saved, if you remain in these virtues; and they save all who do such things, and walk in guilelessness and simplicity. These people prevail over all wickedness, and continue on to eternal life. 3 Blessed are all who do righteousness. They will never be destroyed. 4 But you shall say to Maximus, “Look, tribulation is coming upon you, if you decide to deny a second time. The Lord is near those who turn to Him, as it is written in Eldad and Modat,⁠a who prophesied to the people in the wilderness.”

1 Then, brothers, a revelation was given to me in my sleep by a very handsome young man, who said to me, “Who do you think the elderly woman you received the book from is?” I said, “The Sibyl.” “You are wrong,” he said, “she is not.” “Then who is she?” I said. “The Church,”⁠a he said. I said to him, “Then why is she old?” “Because,” he said, “she was created before all things; that is why she is old; and for her sake the world was formed.”⁠b 2 And afterwards I saw a vision in my house. The elderly woman came, and asked me if I had already given the book to the elders. I said that I had not given it. “You have done well,” she said, “for I have words to add. When I have finished all the words, you will make it known to all the chosen. 3 You shall therefore write two little books, and shall send one to Clement, and one to Grapte. Clement will send it to the cities abroad, for this is his duty, and Grapte will instruct the widows and the orphans. But you shall read the book to this city along with the elders who preside over the Church.

The Third Vision of the Tower

1 The third vision, which I saw, brothers, was as follows. 2 After I had fasted often and pleaded with the Lord to show me the revelation He had promised to reveal to me through the mouth of the elderly woman, that very night the elderly woman appeared to me, and she said to me, “Since you are so persistent and eager to know all things, go into the country where you stay, and around the fifth hour I will appear, and will show you what you ought to see.” 3 I asked her, “Lady, to which part of the country?” “Wherever you wish,” she said. I selected a beautiful and secluded place; but before I spoke to her and named the place, she said to me, “I will come wherever you want.” 4 So I went into the country, brothers, and counted the hours, and came to the place where I had arranged for her to come, and I saw an ivory couch placed there, and on the couch a linen cushion, and spread over the cushion a cover of fine linen. 5 When I saw these things so arranged, and no one at the place, I was amazed, and a fit of trembling seized me, and my hair stood on end; and a fit of shuddering came over me, because I was alone. When I regained my composure, and remembered the glory of God, and gathered courage, I knelt down and confessed my sins to the Lord once more, as I had done before. 6 Then she came with six young men, the same ones I had seen earlier, 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, stop constantly pleading for your sins; also plead for righteousness, so that you may immediately share it with your family.” 7 Then she raised me by the hand, and led me to the couch, and said to the young men, “Go, and build.” 8 And after the young men had left and we were alone, she said to me, “Sit here.” I said to her, “Lady, let the elders sit first.” “Do as I tell you,” she said, “sit down.” 9 When I tried to sit down on the right side, she did not permit me, but motioned with her hand for me to sit on the left side. As I was thinking about this, and felt sad because she would not let me sit on the right side, she said to me, “Are you sad, Hermas? The place on the right side is for others, those who have already been pleasing to God, and have suffered for the sake of the Name. But you still fall far short of sitting with them; yet, if you remain in your simplicity, then you also will sit with them, you and all who do what they did and suffer what they suffered.”

1 “What did they suffer?” I said. “Listen,” she said. “Floggings, imprisonments, great tribulations, crosses, wild beasts, for the sake of the Name. That is why the right side of the Holiness belongs to them, and to all who will suffer for the Name. The left side is for the rest. Yet those on the right and those on the left have the same gifts and the same promises; only those on the right sit on the right and have a certain glory. 2 You are very eager to sit on the right with them, but your shortcomings are many; still, you will be cleansed from your shortcomings; yes, and all who are not double-minded will be cleansed from all their sins up to this day.” 3 When she had said this, she wanted to leave; but, falling at her feet, I begged her by the Lord to show me the vision she had promised. 4 Then she again took me by the hand, and raised me, and seated me on the couch to the left, while she herself sat on the right. Lifting a shining rod, she said to me, “Do you see something great?” I said to her, “Lady, I see nothing.” She said to me, “Look; do you not see in front of you a great tower being built on the waters out of shining square stones?” 5 The tower was being built square by the six young men who 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 built. 6 The stones dragged from the deep they always placed into the building just as they were, for they had been shaped and fit at their joints with the other stones; and they held together so closely to one another that their joining could not be detected; and the building of the tower looked as if it were built of one stone. 7 Of the other stones brought from the dry land, they threw some away and put some into the building; others they broke in pieces and threw some distance from the tower. 8 Many other stones were lying around the tower, and they did not use them for the building; for some 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. 9 And I saw other stones thrown some distance from the tower, and falling into the road, yet not remaining in the road, but rolling to where there was no road; and others falling into the fire and burning there; and others falling near the waters, yet not able to roll into the water, though they wanted to roll and come to the water.

1 When she had shown me these things, she wanted to leave quickly. I said to her, “Lady, what good is it for me to have seen these things, and yet not to know what they mean?” She answered me, “You are a very curious man, wanting to know all about the tower.” “Yes, lady,” I said, “so that I may tell my brothers and sisters, and they may be more joyful, and when they hear these things they may know the Lord in great glory.” Then she said, 2 “Many will hear; but when they hear, some of them will be glad, and others will weep. Yet even these, if they hear and repent, will also be glad. So listen to the parables of the tower; for I will reveal everything to you. And do not trouble me any further about revelation; for these revelations have an end, since they are complete. Even so, you will not stop asking for revelations; for you are shameless.” 3 “The tower that you see being built is me, the Church,⁠a which you have seen both now and previously. So ask whatever you want about the tower, and I will reveal it to you, so that you may rejoice with the saints.” 4 I said to her, “Lady, since you have once and for all considered me worthy to have everything revealed to me, reveal it.” Then she said to me, “Whatever can be revealed to you will be revealed. Only let your heart be with God, and do not doubt in your mind about what you see.” 5 I asked her, “Why is the tower built on water, lady?” “I told you before,” she said, “and you certainly ask diligently. By asking you discover the truth. Listen, then, to why the tower is built on water: it is because your life is saved and will be saved by water.⁠b 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.”

1 I answered her, “Lady, this thing is great and marvelous. But the six young men who are building—who are they, lady?” “These are the holy angels of God, created first of all, to whom the Lord entrusted all His creation to develop and build it, and to be masters of all creation. By their hands, therefore, the tower will be completed.” 2 “And who are the others who bring in the stones?” “They too are holy angels of God; but these six are superior to them. So the building of the tower will be completed, and everyone will rejoice together in the completed circle of the tower, and glorify God because the construction of the tower was finished.” 3 I asked her, “Lady, I would like to know the outcome of the stones, and what their power is.” She answered me, “It is not that you are worthier than everyone else to have this revealed to you; for there are others before you, and better than you, to whom these visions ought to have been revealed. But so that God’s name may be glorified, it has been revealed to you, and all will be revealed, for the sake of the doubters, who question in their hearts whether these things are so or not. Tell them that all these things are true, and there is nothing apart from the truth; all of it is steadfast, valid, and established on a firm foundation.

1 “Listen now to what the stones mean that go into the construction: 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 lived in keeping with the holiness of God, and performed their office of bishop and teacher and deacon in purity and holiness for God’s chosen, some of whom have already fallen asleep, while others are still living. Because they always agreed with each other, they both had peace among themselves and listened to each other. That is why their joints fit together in the building of the tower.” 2 “But those dragged from the deep, and placed in the building, fitting together in their joints with the other stones already built in—who are they?” “These are those who suffered for the name of the Lord.” 3 “But I’d like to know who the other stones are that are brought from the dry land, lady.” She said, “Those that go into the building yet are not hewn—the Lord approved them because they walked in the uprightness of the Lord, and rightly carried out His commandments.” 4 “But those that are brought and placed in the building—who are they?” “They are new in the faith, and faithful; but they are warned by the angels to do good, because wickedness was found in them.” 5 “But those whom they rejected and threw away—who are they?” “These have sinned, and want to repent, so they were not thrown far from the tower, because they will be useful for the building, if they repent. Then those who do repent, if they repent now while the tower is being built, will be strong in the faith. But once construction is completed, they will have no more place and will be outcasts. They have only this: they lie near the tower.

1 But do you want to know about those that are broken in pieces, and thrown far from the tower? These are the children of lawlessness. They received the faith in hypocrisy, and no evil was absent from them. That is why they have no salvation, for they are not useful for building due to their wickedness. Therefore they were broken up and thrown far away because of the Lord’s anger, for they provoked Him. 2 But the rest that you saw lying in great numbers, not going into the building—those that are mildewed are the people who knew the truth, but did not remain in it or join with the saints. So they are useless.” 3 “But those that have cracks—who are they?” “They are those who have discord in their hearts against one another, and are not at peace among themselves; they have the appearance of peace, but when they leave each other, their wickedness remains in their hearts. These are the cracks that the stones have. 4 But those that are broken off short—these have believed, and are mostly righteous, but have some lawlessness in them; so they are incomplete, and are not perfect.” 5 “But the white and round stones, which did not fit into the building—who are they, lady?” She answered me, “How long will you be foolish and slow-witted, always asking about everything and understanding nothing? These are those who have faith, but also have the riches of this world. When tribulation comes, they deny their Lord because of their riches and their business affairs.” 6 And I answered her, “Then when, lady, will they be useful for building?” “When,” she replied, “their wealth, which leads their souls astray, is cut away, then they will be useful to God. For just as a round stone, unless it is cut away and loses some portion of itself, cannot become square, so also those who are rich in this world, unless their riches are cut away, cannot become useful to the Lord. 7 Learn first from yourself. When you had riches, you were useless; but now you are useful and profitable for life.⁠a Be useful to God, for you yourself were also taken from the same stones.

1 “But the other stones that you saw thrown far away from the tower and falling into the road, then rolling out of the road into places where there is no road—these are those who have believed, but because of their double mind abandon the true road. Thinking that they can find a better road, they go astray and are in much distress, wandering in places where there is no road. 2 But those that fall into the fire and are burned—these are those who finally rebelled against the living God, and no longer let repentance enter their hearts, because of the lusts of their immorality and of the wicked deeds they committed. 3 But the others, which are near the waters yet cannot roll into the water—do you want to know who they are? These are those who heard the word, and wanted to be baptized into the name of the Lord. Then, when they remember the purity of the truth, they change their minds, and go back again to their evil desires.” 4 So she finished explaining the tower. 5 Still persistent, I asked her further whether there was repentance for all the stones that were rejected and would not fit into the building of the tower, and whether they had a place in this tower. “They can repent,” she said, “but they cannot be fitted into this tower. 6 Yet they will fit into another, much humbler place, but not until they have undergone torments, and have fulfilled the days of their sins. And they will be changed for this reason: because they shared in the Righteous Word; and then they will be released from their torments, if they take to heart the evil deeds they have done. But if they do not take these to heart, they are not saved, because of the hardness of their hearts.”

1 When I stopped asking her about all these things, she said to me, “Do you want to see something else?” Being very eager to see, I was overjoyed at the chance to see it. 2 She looked at me and smiled, and she said to me, “Do you see the seven women around the tower?” “I see them, lady,” I said. “By the Lord’s command, this tower is supported by them. 3 Listen now to the tasks they perform. The first of them, the woman with strong hands, is called Faith; through her God’s chosen are saved. 4 And the second, who is belted and looks like a man, is called Self-control; she is the daughter of Faith. Whoever then follows her becomes happy in life, for they will refrain from all evil deeds, believing that, if they restrain themselves from every evil desire, they will inherit eternal life.” 5 “And the others, lady, who are they?” “They are daughters of each other. One is named Simplicity, the next Knowledge, the next Innocence, the next Reverence, the next Love. When you do all the works of their mother, you can live.” 6 “I would like to know, lady,” I said, “what power each of them has.” “Listen then,” she said, “to the powers they have. 7 Their powers rule over each other, and they follow each other, in the order in which they were born. From Faith is born Self-control, from Self-control Simplicity, from Simplicity Innocence, from Innocence Reverence, from Reverence Knowledge, from Knowledge Love. Their works then are pure, reverent and divine. 8 So whoever serves these women and has the strength to master their works, will have their dwelling in the tower with the saints of God.” 9 Then I asked her about the times, whether the end had already come. But she cried out, “Foolish one, do you not see that the tower is still being built? When the tower has been finished, the end will come; but it will be built quickly. Ask me no more questions: this reminder is enough for you and for the saints, and it renews your spirits. 10 But it was not revealed for you alone, but so that you might show these things to everyone. After three days— 11 for you must understand first. And I command you, Hermas, first with these words I am about to speak: tell all these things to the saints, so that by hearing and doing them they may be cleansed from their wickedness, and you also along with them.”

1 “Listen to me, my children. I brought you up in much simplicity and innocence and reverence, through the mercy of the Lord, who instilled righteousness into you, so that you might be justified and sanctified from all wickedness and all crookedness. But you refuse to give up your wickedness. 2 So now listen to me and be at peace among yourselves, and look after one another, and help each other, and do not enjoy the abundance of God’s creatures by yourselves, but share them with those in need too. 3 For some people through eating too much bring weakness on their bodies, and harm their flesh; while the bodies of those who have nothing to eat are harmed by not having enough food, and their bodies are ruined.⁠a 4 So this failure to share is harmful to you who have and do not share with those who are in need. 5 Look toward the judgment that is coming. You who have more than enough, search out those who are hungry while the tower is still unfinished; for after the tower is finished, you will want to do good, and will find no opportunity for it. 6 So take care, you who revel in your wealth, that those in need do not groan, and their groaning rise up to the Lord, and you with your abundance of good things be shut outside the door of the tower. 7 So now I say to you leaders of the Church, who occupy the seats of honor: do not be like the magicians. The magicians carry their potions in boxes, but you carry your potion and your poison in your heart. 8 You are stubborn, and you will not cleanse your hearts and mix your wisdom together in a clean heart, so that you may receive mercy from the Great King. 9 Take care, children, that these divisions of yours do not rob you of your life. 10 How is it that you want to instruct God’s chosen, while you yourselves lack instruction? So instruct one another, and have peace among yourselves, so that I also may stand with joy before the Father, and give an account of all of you to your Lord.”

1 When she stopped speaking with me, the six young men, who were building, came and took her away to the tower, and four others lifted the couch and took it away to the tower too. I did not see their faces, for they were turned away. 2 As she went, I asked her to explain the three forms in which she had appeared to me. She answered me, “You must ask someone else about these things for them to be revealed to you.” 3 In my first vision last year, brothers, she appeared to me as a very old woman, seated on a chair. 4 In the second vision her face was younger, though her skin and her hair were old, and she spoke to me standing; and she was more cheerful than before. 5 But in the third vision she was completely young and extremely beautiful, and only her hair was old; and she was very cheerful and seated on a couch. I very much wanted to learn what this meant. 6 Then I saw the elderly woman in a vision at night, saying to me, “Every inquiry requires humility. So fast, and you will receive what you ask from the Lord.” 7 So I fasted one day; and that very night a young man appeared to me, and he said to me, “Since you constantly ask me questions with pleading, be careful that you do not harm your body by your many questions. 8 The revelations you have are enough. Can you see greater revelations than those you have seen?” 9 I replied, “Sir, I ask only this: that I may have a complete explanation of the three forms of the elderly woman.” He answered me, “How long will you lack understanding? It is your double-mindedness that keeps you from understanding, and the fact that your heart is not turned toward the Lord.” 10 I answered him again, “From you, Sir, we will learn these matters more accurately.”

1 “Listen,” he said, “about the three forms you are asking about. 2 In the first vision, why did she appear to you as an old woman, seated on a chair? Because your spirit was old, and already decayed, and had no strength because of your weaknesses and your double-mindedness. 3 For just as older people, having no more hope of renewing their youth, expect nothing but to fall asleep, so you too, being weakened by the affairs of this world, became resigned, and did not cast your cares on the Lord; but your spirit was broken, and your sorrows made you old.” 4 “Then why was she seated on a chair? I would like to know, Sir.” “Because every weak person sits on a chair because of their weakness, so that the weakness of their body may be supported. That is the meaning of the first vision.”

1 “But in the second vision you saw her standing, and with her face younger and more cheerful than before, though her skin and her hair were old. Listen to this parable as well,” he said. 2 “Imagine an old man, who has now lost all hope for himself because of his weakness and his poverty, and expects nothing but the last day of his life. Suddenly, an inheritance is left to him. He hears the news, stands up full of joy, clothes himself with strength, and no longer lies down, but stands up, and his spirit, which was once broken by his former circumstances, is renewed again, and he no longer sits, but takes courage. So it was with you, when you heard the revelation that the Lord revealed to you. 3 For He had compassion on you, and renewed your spirits, and you put aside your illnesses, and strength came to you, and you became powerful in the faith, and the Lord was glad to see you put on strength. Therefore, He showed you the building of the tower; yes, and He will show you other things as well, if you remain at peace among yourselves with all your heart.

1 But in the third vision you saw her younger, beautiful and cheerful, and lovely in appearance. 2 For just as, when someone in mourning receives good news, they immediately forget their former sorrows and think of nothing but the news they have heard, and are renewed for what is good, and their spirit is revived because of the joy received, so you have received a renewal of your spirits by seeing these good things. 3 And since you saw her seated on a couch, that position is secure; for a couch has four feet and stands firm; for the world, too, is held together by four elements. 4 Those who have fully repented will be young again, and firmly established, for they have repented with their whole heart. You have the complete revelation. Ask nothing more about revelation—but if anything is still missing, it will be revealed to you.”

The Fourth Vision of the Beast

1 The fourth vision that I saw, brothers, twenty days after the previous vision, came to me as a foreshadowing of the coming tribulation. 2 I was going into the country by the Campanian Way. It is about ten stades from the main road, and the place is easy to travel. 3 While I was walking alone, I begged the Lord to complete the revelations and the visions He had shown me through His holy Church, so that He would strengthen me and give repentance to His servants who have stumbled, so that His great and glorious Name might be glorified, for He considered me worthy to show me His wonders. 4 As I gave glory and thanks to Him, something like a voice answered me, “Do not be of two minds, Hermas.” I began to ask myself, “How can I be of two minds, since I am so firmly established by the Lord, and have seen glorious things?” 5 I went on a little further, brothers, and suddenly I saw a cloud of dust rising as if up to heaven, and I began to say to myself, “Could it be that cattle are coming, raising a cloud of dust?” for it was about a stade away from me. 6 As the cloud of dust grew bigger and bigger, I suspected it was something supernatural. Then the sun shone out a little, and suddenly I saw a huge beast like a sea monster, and fiery locusts were pouring out of its mouth. The beast was about a hundred feet long, and its head was like pottery. 7 And I began to weep, and to beg the Lord to rescue me from it. And I remembered the word I had heard, “Do not be of two minds, Hermas.” 8 Therefore, brothers, putting on the Lord’s faith and recalling the great deeds He had taught me, I took courage and handed myself over to the beast. The beast came on with such a rush that it could have destroyed a city. 9 I came near it, and, although it was a giant monster, it stretched itself on the ground, and merely put out its tongue, and did not move until I had passed it. 10 And the beast had on its head four colors: black, then the color of fire and blood, then gold, then white.

1 After I had passed the beast and gone on about thirty feet, suddenly a young woman met me, dressed as if coming out of a bridal chamber, all in white and wearing white sandals, veiled up to her forehead, with a turban as a head covering, and her hair was white. 2 I recognized from the earlier visions that it was the Church, and I became more cheerful. She greeted me, saying, “Good morning, my good man”; and I greeted her in return, “Good morning, lady.” 3 She answered me, “Did you meet nothing on the way?” I said to her, “Lady, I met a monstrous beast, able to destroy whole peoples; but, by the power of the Lord and by His great mercy, I escaped it.” 4 “You escaped it well,” she said, “because you cast your care on God,⁠a and opened your heart to the Lord, believing that nothing else could save you except His great and glorious Name. Therefore the Lord sent His angel, the one over the beasts, whose name is Segri, and shut its mouth so that it would not harm you.⁠b You have escaped a great tribulation because of your faith, and because, though you saw such a huge beast, you did not doubt in your mind. 5 So go and declare His mighty works to God’s chosen, and tell them that this beast is an image of the great tribulation to come. So if you prepare yourselves in advance, and repent and turn to the Lord with your whole heart, you will be able to escape it, if your heart is made pure and without fault, and if for the rest of your days you serve the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares on the Lord and He will set them right. 6 Trust in the Lord, you who are of two minds, for He can do all things—yes, He turns His anger away from you, and again He sends His plagues on you who are double-minded. Woe to those who hear these words and disobey; it would have been better for them if they had not been born.”⁠c

1 I asked her about the four colors that the beast had on its head. She answered me, “You are curious about such things again.” “Yes, lady,” I said, “explain what these things are.” 2 “Listen,” she said, “the black is this world in which you live; 3 and the fire and blood color shows that this world must perish by blood and fire; 4 and the golden part represents you who have escaped from this world. For just as gold is tested by fire and becomes useful, so you, who live in it, are being tested in yourselves.⁠a So you who endure and pass through the fire will be purified by it. For just as gold casts off its dross, so you also will cast away all sadness and tribulation, and will be purified, and will be useful for the construction of the tower. 5 But the white part is the coming age, in which the chosen of God will dwell; because the chosen of God will be spotless and pure for eternal life. 6 So do not stop speaking to the saints. You also now have the image of the tribulation that is coming in power. But if you are willing, it will be nothing. Remember the things that were written before.” 7 With these words she left, and I did not see which way she went; for there was a noise, and I turned back in fear, thinking the beast was coming.

The Fifth Vision of the Shepherd

1 As I was praying in the house, and sitting on the couch, a man glorious in appearance came in,⁠a dressed as a shepherd, with a white skin wrapped around him, and with a bag on his shoulders and a staff in his hand.⁠b And he greeted me, and I greeted him in return. 2 He immediately sat down beside me and said to me, “I was sent by the most holy angel, so that I might stay with you for the rest of your days.” 3 I thought he had come to test me, and I said to him, “Who are you? For I know,” I said, “the one I was entrusted to.” He said to me, “Do you not recognize me?” “No,” I said. “I,” he said, “am the shepherd to whom you were entrusted.” 4 While he was still speaking, his form changed, and I recognized him as the one to whom I was entrusted; and at once I was confused, and fear seized me, and I was completely overwhelmed with distress that I had answered him so wickedly and senselessly. 5 But he answered me, “Do not be confused, but be strengthened by my commandments, which I am about to give you. For I was sent,” he said, “to show you again all the things you saw before, only the main points that are helpful to you. First of all, write down my commandments and my parables; and the other matters you will write down as I show them to you. The reason why,” he said, “I tell you to write down first the commandments and parables is so that you can read them at any time, and be able to keep them.” 6 So I wrote down the commandments and parables, as he commanded me. 7 If then, when you hear them, you keep them and walk in them, and do them with a pure heart, you will receive from the Lord all the things He promised you; but if, when you hear them, you do not repent, but keep adding to your sins, you will receive from the Lord the opposite. All these things the shepherd, the angel of repentance, commanded me to write.

The First Mandate, on Faith in God

1 “First of all, believe that God is One, the One who created all things and set them in order, and brought all things from non-existence into being,⁠a who contains all things, but alone is not contained. 2 Therefore believe Him, and fear Him, and in this fear be self-controlled. Keep these things, and you will cast off all wickedness from yourself, and will clothe yourself in every virtue of righteousness, and will live for God, if you keep this commandment.”

The Second Mandate, on Simplicity

1 He said to me: “Keep simplicity and be innocent, and you will be like little children, who do not know the wickedness that destroys the life of people. 2 First of all, do not speak evil of anyone, nor take pleasure in listening to a slanderer. Otherwise you who listen are also responsible for the sin of the one who speaks evil, if you believe the slander you hear; for in believing it, you yourself will have resentment toward your brother or sister. So then you become responsible for the sin of the one who speaks evil. 3 Slander is evil; it is a restless demon, never at peace, but always having its home among divisions. So avoid it, and you will succeed at all times with everyone. 4 But clothe yourself in reverence, where there is no evil stumbling-block, but all things are smooth and joyful. Do good works, and from your labors, which God gives you, give freely to all who are in need, not asking to whom you should give or not give. Give to everyone; for God wants everyone to have a share in His own gifts.⁠a 5 Those who receive will give an account to God of why they received it, and for what purpose; for those who receive because they are in distress will not be judged, but those who receive under false pretenses will pay the penalty. 6 The one who gives is innocent; for they received this service from the Lord to perform, and have carried it out in sincerity, making no distinction to whom to give or not to give. So this service, performed sincerely, is glorious in God’s sight. Whoever serves sincerely in this way will live for God. 7 Therefore keep this commandment, as I have told you, so that your own repentance and that of your household may be found to be sincere, and your heart pure and undefiled.”

The Third Mandate, on Truth

1 Again he said to me: “Love truth, and let nothing but truth come out of your mouth, so that the Spirit which God made to dwell in this flesh⁠a may be found true in the sight of all people; and so the Lord who dwells in you will be glorified; for the Lord is true in every word, and with Him there is no falsehood. 2 So those who lie treat the Lord with contempt, and rob the Lord, for they do not return to Him the deposit they received. For they received from Him a spirit free from lies. If they return a lying spirit, they have defiled the Lord’s command and have become thieves.” 3 When I heard these things, I wept bitterly. But seeing me weep, he said, “Why do you weep?” I said, “Because, Sir, I do not know if I can be saved.” “Why so?” he said. “Because, Sir,” I said, “I have never spoken a true word in my life, but I always lied deceitfully with everyone and dressed up my falsehood as truth before everyone; and no one ever contradicted me, but everyone trusted my word. How then, Sir,” I said, “can I live, since I have done these things?” 4 “You are right to think so,” he said, “for you, as a servant of God, ought to have walked in truth; and no alliance with evil should live with the Spirit of truth, nor grieve the Spirit that is holy and true.” “Sir,” I said, “I have never heard words as plain as these.” 5 “Now then,” he said, “you hear them. Keep them, so that even the lies you told in your past dealings might become believable, now that these are found true; for they too can become trustworthy. If you keep these things, and from now on speak nothing but truth, you will be able to secure life for yourself. And whoever hears this command and abstains from falsehood—that most harmful habit—will live for God.”

The Fourth Mandate, on Purity and Repentance

1 “I command you,” he said, “to stay pure, and not to let a thought enter your heart about another man’s wife or about immorality or any similar evil deeds, for in doing so you commit a great sin. But remember your own wife always, and you will never go wrong. 2 For if this desire enters your heart, you will go wrong; and if any other evil desire like this arises, you commit sin. For this desire in a servant of God is a great sin; and if a person does this evil, they bring about their own death. 3 So pay attention. Abstain from this desire; for where holiness lives, lawlessness ought not to enter the heart of a righteous person.” 4 I said to him, “Sir, allow me to ask you a few more questions.” “Go ahead,” he said. “Sir,” I said, “if a man who has a wife who is faithful in the Lord finds her in adultery, does the husband sin by living with her?” 5 “As long as he does not know,” he said, “he does not sin; but if the husband knows about her sin, and the wife does not repent but continues in her immorality, and her husband lives with her, he becomes responsible for her sin and an accomplice in her adultery.” 6 “Then what, Sir,” I said, “must the husband do if the wife remains like this?” “Let him divorce her,” he said, “and let the husband remain alone; but if after divorcing his wife he marries another, he also commits adultery.”⁠a 7 “If then, Sir,” I said, “after the wife is divorced, she repents and wants to return to her own husband, should she not be taken back?” 8 “Certainly,” he said, “if the husband does not take her back, he sins and brings great sin on himself; indeed, the one who has sinned and has repented must be taken back, but not many times;⁠b for there is only one repentance for the servants of God. So, because of her repentance, the husband ought not to marry someone else. This is how husband and wife ought to act. 9 It is not only adultery if a person defiles their flesh, but whoever does things like the Gentiles also commits adultery. So if someone continues in such deeds and does not repent, keep away from them, and do not live with them. Otherwise, you too share in their sin. 10 For this reason you were commanded to remain single, whether husband or wife, for in such cases repentance can happen. 11 I,” he said, “am not giving an excuse for the matter to end like this, but saying this so that the sinner may sin no more. But as for their former sin, there is One who can grant healing—He who has authority over all things.”

1 I asked him again, saying, “Since the Lord has judged me worthy to have you always stay with me, let me say a few more words, since I understand nothing, and my heart is dulled by my former actions. Make me understand, for I am very foolish and grasp nothing.” 2 He answered me, “I am in charge of repentance, and I give understanding to all who repent. Do you not think,” he said, “that this very act of repentance itself is understanding? Repentance is great understanding,” he said. “For the one who has sinned understands that they have done evil before the Lord, and they take to heart the deed they have done, and they repent, and do no more evil, but do good abundantly, and humble their own soul and afflict it because it sinned. You see then that repentance is great understanding.” 3 “That is why, Sir,” I said, “I ask you about everything so carefully: first, because I am a sinner; second, because I do not know what I must do so that I can live, for my sins are many and varied.” 4 “You will live,” he said, “if you keep my commandments and walk in them, and carry them out with a pure heart; and whoever hears these commandments and keeps them will live for God.”

1 “Sir,” I said, “I want to ask another question.” “Go ahead,” he said. “I have heard, Sir,” I said, “from some teachers, that there is no other repentance, except the one that took place when we went down into the water and received forgiveness of our former sins.”⁠a 2 He said to me: “You have heard correctly, for that is how it is. For anyone who has received forgiveness of sins ought not to sin anymore, but to live in purity. 3 But, since you ask about everything so precisely, I will tell you this also, so that those who will believe now or who have already believed in the Lord may have no excuse. For those who have already believed or who will believe in the future have no repentance for sins, but only forgiveness of their previous sins. 4 So for those who were called before these days, the Lord has appointed repentance. For the Lord, who knows hearts and foreknows all things, saw the weakness of people and the many schemes of the devil—how he would harm the servants of God and deal wickedly with them. 5 Then the Lord, being very compassionate, took pity on His creation, and appointed this opportunity for repentance, and gave me authority over this repentance. 6 Yet I say to you,” he said, “that if, after this great and holy calling, anyone is tempted by the devil and sins, they have only one opportunity for repentance. But if they keep sinning and repenting, repentance is of no use to such a person, for they will hardly live.” 7 I said to him, “I came to life again when I heard these things so precisely from you. For I know that if I add nothing further to my sins, I will be saved.” “You will be saved,” he said, “you and all who do these things.”

1 I asked him again, saying, “Sir, since you are being patient with me once again, explain this to me as well.” “Go ahead,” he said. “If a wife,” I said, “or perhaps a husband falls asleep, and the other remarries, does the one who remarries sin?” 2 “They do not sin,” he said, “but if they stay single, they gain far greater honor for themselves and with great glory before the Lord;⁠a yet even if they do marry, they do not sin. 3 So keep purity and holiness, and you will live for God. Keep all the things I am telling you now and will tell you later, from now on, from the day you were entrusted to me, and I will live in your house. 4 But for your former transgressions, there will be forgiveness if you keep my commandments. Indeed, everyone will have forgiveness if they keep these commandments of mine and live in purity.”

The Fifth Mandate, on Patience and Anger

1 “Be patient and understanding,” he said, “and you will prevail over all evil deeds, and will practice all righteousness. 2 For if you are patient, the Holy Spirit who dwells in you will be pure, not darkened by another, evil spirit; living in a spacious place, He will rejoice and be glad with the vessel in which He lives, and will serve God with great cheerfulness, at ease in Himself. 3 But if any anger or bitterness comes near, the Holy Spirit, who is gentle, is at once cramped, having no free space, and seeks to leave the place; for He is being choked by the evil spirit, and has no room to serve the Lord as He desires, being polluted by anger. For the Lord lives in patience, but the devil in anger. 4 So it is not possible for both these spirits to live together, and it is bad for the person in whom they live together. 5 For if you take a little wormwood, and pour it into a jar of honey, is not all the honey spoiled, and all of it ruined by a very small amount of wormwood? For it destroys the sweetness of the honey, and it no longer pleases its owner, because it becomes bitter and becomes useless. But if you do not put the wormwood into the honey, the honey remains sweet and is found useful to its owner. 6 You see then that patience is sweeter than honey, and is useful to the Lord, and He dwells in it. But anger is bitter and useless. If then anger is mixed with patience, patience is polluted, and the person’s intercession is no longer useful to God.” 7 “I would like to know, Sir,” I said, “how anger works, so that I may guard myself from it.” “Yes, indeed,” he said, “for if you do not guard yourself from it—you and your family—you have lost all hope. But guard yourself from it; for I am with you. Indeed, all those who have repented with all their heart will keep away from it. For I will be with them and will preserve them; for they were all justified by the most holy angel.

1 “Now listen,” he said, “to how anger works, how evil it is, how it ruins the servants of God by its own actions, and how it leads them away from righteousness. But it does not mislead those who are complete in the faith, nor can it act on them, because the power of the Lord is with them; but it misleads those who are empty and double-minded.⁠a 2 For when it sees such people in prosperity, it sneaks into the person’s heart, and for no reason at all the man or the woman is embittered about worldly affairs—maybe about food, or some small matter, or about some friend, or about giving or receiving, or about trivial things like that. For all these things are foolish and pointless and senseless and not useful for the servants of God. 3 But patience is great and strong, and has steady and vigorous power, and thrives in a spacious place, happy, joyful, free from worry, glorifying the Lord at every moment, having no bitterness in it, staying always gentle and calm. This patience lives with those whose faith is perfect. 4 But anger is, first of all, foolish, fickle, and senseless; from foolishness comes bitterness, from bitterness comes fury, from fury comes rage, from rage comes spite; then spite, made up of all these evil elements, becomes a great and incurable sin. 5 For when all these spirits dwell in one vessel, where the Holy Spirit also dwells, that vessel cannot contain them, but overflows. 6 So the gentle Spirit, since He is not used to living with an evil spirit or with harshness, leaves such a person, and seeks to live with gentleness and peace. 7 Then, when He has left the one in whom He lived, that person is emptied of the righteous Spirit, and from then on, filled with evil spirits, becomes unstable in all actions, dragged back and forth by the evil spirits, and is blinded and robbed of good intention. That is how it happens to all who are angry. 8 So stay away from anger—this most evil of evil spirits. But clothe yourself in patience, and stand against anger and bitterness, and you will be found in fellowship with the holiness that the Lord loves. Be sure never to neglect this commandment; for if you master this commandment, you will also be able to keep the other commandments I am about to give you. Stand firm in them and be empowered; and may all be empowered who wish to walk in them.”

The Sixth Mandate, on the Two Angels

1 “I told you,” he said, “in my first commandment to keep faith and fear and self-control.” “Yes, Sir,” I said. “But now,” he said, “I want to show you their powers also, so that you may understand each one’s power and effect. For their effects are twofold; and they are ordered the same way both for the righteous and for the unrighteous. 2 So you should serve righteousness, but do not serve unrighteousness. For the way of righteousness is straight, but the way of unrighteousness is crooked. Walk in the straight and level path, and leave the crooked alone. 3 For the crooked way has no paths, only trackless ground and many stumbling stones, and is rough and filled with thorns. So it is dangerous for those who walk on it. 4 But those who walk on the straight road walk on it smoothly and without stumbling, for it is neither rough nor thorny. You see, then, that it is better to walk in this way.” 5 “I would be glad, Sir,” I said, “to walk in this way.” “You will walk in it,” he said, “yes, and whoever turns with their whole heart to the Lord will walk in it.

1 “Listen now,” he said, “about faith. There are two angels with a person, one of righteousness and one of wickedness.”⁠a 2 “Then how, Sir,” I said, “will I recognize their actions, since both angels live with me?” 3 “Listen,” he said, “and understand their workings. The angel of righteousness is delicate and shy and gentle and calm. When this one enters your heart, at once he speaks to you of righteousness, purity, holiness, and contentment, of every righteous deed and every glorious virtue. When all these things enter your heart, know that the angel of righteousness is with you. These, then, are the actions of the angel of righteousness. Trust him and his works. 4 Now look at the actions of the angel of wickedness as well. First of all, he is quick-tempered and bitter and senseless, and his works are evil, bringing down the servants of God. Whenever he enters your heart, recognize him by his works.” 5 “How will I recognize him, Sir?” I replied. “I do not know how.” “Listen,” he said. “When an outburst of anger or bitterness arises in you, know that he is in you. Then there is the desire for much business and the extravagance of many feasts and drinking bouts and various improper indulgences, and the desire for sexual immorality, and greed, and arrogance and boasting, and everything like them—when these things enter your heart, know that the angel of wickedness is in you. 6 So when you recognize his works, keep away from him, and do not trust him in anything, for his works are evil and not beneficial for the servants of God. Here, then, you have the workings of both angels. Understand them, and trust the angel of righteousness. 7 But keep away from the angel of wickedness, for his instruction is evil in every way; for even if someone is faithful, and this angel’s desire enters their heart, that person, man or woman, must commit some sin. 8 And if again a man or woman is very wicked, and the works of the angel of righteousness come into that person’s heart, they must inevitably do something good. 9 You see, then,” he said, “that it is good to follow the angel of righteousness, and to turn your back on the angel of wickedness. 10 This commandment explains faith, so that you may trust the works of the angel of righteousness, and in doing them live for God. But believe that the works of the angel of wickedness are difficult; so by not doing them you will live for God.”

The Seventh Mandate, on the Fear of the Lord

1 “Fear the Lord,” he said, “and keep His commandments. By keeping God’s commandments you will be powerful in every deed, and what you do will be incomparable. For as long as you fear the Lord, you will do everything well. But this is the kind of fear you should have, and you will be saved. 2 Do not fear the devil; for if you fear the Lord, you will be master over the devil, for he has no power. Where there is no power, there is no fear of him; but where power is glorious, so is fear as well. For everyone who has power has fear, but the one who lacks power is despised by everyone. 3 So fear the works of the devil, for they are evil. As long as you fear the Lord, you will fear the works of the devil, and you will not do them, but refrain from them. 4 So fear is of two kinds. If you want to do evil, fear the Lord, and you will not do it. If you want to do good, fear the Lord, and you will do it. Therefore the fear of the Lord is great and glorious. Fear the Lord, then, and you will live for Him; yes, and all who keep His commandments and fear Him will live for God.” 5 “Why, Sir,” I said, “did you say of those who keep His commandments, ‘They will live for God’?” “Because,” he said, “every creature fears the Lord, but not everyone keeps His commandments. Those who fear Him and keep His commandments have life before God; but those who do not keep His commandments have no life in them.”

The Eighth Mandate, on Self-Control

1 “I told you,” he said, “that God’s creatures are twofold; for self-control also is twofold. For in some things it is right to be self-controlled, but in others it is not.” 2 “Explain to me, Sir,” I said, “in which things it is right to be self-controlled, and in which it is not.” “Listen,” he said. “Be self-controlled in what is evil, and do not do it; but do not be self-controlled in what is good—do it. For if you hold back from doing what is good, you commit a great sin; but if you are self-controlled so as not to do what is evil, you do great righteousness. So be self-controlled by avoiding every kind of evil, and do what is good.” 3 “What kinds of evil, Sir,” I said, “must we be self-controlled in avoiding?” “Listen,” he said. “Avoid adultery and immorality, avoid the excesses of drunkenness, avoid wicked luxury, avoid gluttony and the wealth that leads to it, and arrogance and conceit and pride, and avoid falsehood and evil speech and hypocrisy, malice, and all blasphemy. 4 These works are the worst in people’s lives. From these works the servant of God must be self-controlled and abstain; for whoever does not control themselves and abstain from these cannot live for God. Listen then to what follows these.” 5 “What, Sir, are there more evil deeds?” I said. “Yes,” he said, “there are many, from which the servant of God must be self-controlled and abstain—stealing, lying, cheating, false witness, greed, evil desire, deceit, vanity, boasting, and whatever is like these. 6 Do you not think these things are wrong—yes, very wrong—for the servants of God? From all these things the servant of God must be self-controlled. So be self-controlled and refrain from all these things, so that you may live for God, and be enrolled among those who practice this self-restraint. These, then, are the things from which you should restrain yourself. 7 Now listen,” he said, “to the things in which you should not be self-controlled, but should do them. Do not hold back in doing what is good, but do it.” 8 “Sir,” I said, “also show me the power of what is good, so that I may walk in them and serve them, and by doing them, be saved.” “Listen,” he said, “to the works of the good as well, which you must do, and in which you must not hold back. 9 First of all, there is faith, fear of the Lord, love, harmony, words of righteousness, truth, patience; nothing is better than these in a person’s life. If anyone keeps these, and does not hold back from them, that person becomes blessed in life. 10 Now listen to what follows these: to serve widows, to visit orphans and the needy, to ransom the servants of God from their troubles, to be hospitable (for in hospitality kindness has a place from time to time), to refuse no one, to be calm, to show yourself more humble than everyone, to honor the elderly, to practice righteousness, to keep brotherly affection, to endure insult, to be long-suffering, to bear no grudge, to encourage those who are troubled in spirit, not to cast out those who have fallen from the faith, but to convert them and give them courage, to rebuke sinners, not to oppress debtors and those in need, and anything else like these works. 11 Do these things,” he said, “seem good to you?” “Sir,” I said, “what could be better than these?” “Then do them,” he said, “and do not hold back, and you will live for God. 12 So keep this commandment. If you do good and do not hold back from it, you will live for God; yes, and all who do so will live for God. And again if you do not do evil, and hold back from it, you will live for God; yes, and all who keep these commandments and walk in them will live for God.”

The Ninth Mandate, on Doubt

1 He said to me: “Rid yourself of a doubting mind, and do not be of two minds at all about asking God for anything,⁠a saying to yourself, ‘How can I ask anything of the Lord and receive it, since I have committed so many sins against Him?’ 2 Do not think this way, but turn to the Lord with your whole heart, and ask Him without hesitation, and you will know His great compassion, that He will certainly not abandon you, but will fulfill the desire of your soul. 3 For God is not like people who hold grudges, but He Himself is without malice and has compassion on His creation. 4 So cleanse your heart from all the vanities of this life and from the things mentioned before; and ask the Lord, and you will receive all things, and will lack none of your requests if you ask the Lord without doubting. 5 But if you hesitate in your heart, you will certainly receive none of your requests. For those who waver before God—these are the doubters, and they never get any of their requests. 6 But those who are complete in the faith present all their requests trusting in the Lord, and they receive, because they ask without doubting, being sure; for every doubting person, if they do not repent, will hardly be saved. 7 So cleanse your heart from doubt, and put on faith, for it is strong, and trust God to grant all the requests you ask for. And if, after asking something of the Lord, you receive your desire a little late, do not be of two minds just because you did not receive the request of your soul at once. For certainly it is because of some temptation or some offense you are unaware of that you receive your request late. 8 So do not stop making your soul’s request, and you will receive it. But if you grow weary and begin to doubt as you ask, blame yourself and not the One who gives to you. Beware of this doubting, for it is evil and foolish, and uproots many from the faith—yes, even some who are very faithful and strong. For this doubt really is a daughter of the devil, and does much harm to the servants of God. 9 So despise doubt, and gain mastery over it in everything, clothing yourself with faith, which is strong and powerful. For faith promises all things and completes all things; but doubt, since it does not trust itself, fails in every work it undertakes. 10 You see, then,” he said, “that faith is from above, from the Lord, and has great power, but doubt is an earthly spirit from the devil and has no power. 11 So serve the faith that has power, and keep away from the doubt that has no power; and you will live for God—yes, and all who think this way will live for God.”

The Tenth Mandate, on Sadness

1 “Put sadness away from you,” he said, “for she is the sister of double-mindedness and anger.” 2 “How, Sir,” I said, “is she the sister of these? For anger seems one thing to me, double-mindedness another, and sadness still another.” “You are a foolish person,” he said, “and do not realize that sadness is more evil than all the spirits, and is the most destructive to God’s servants, and more than all the spirits it ruins a person, and yet it can also save.” 3 “I, Sir,” I said, “lack understanding, and do not grasp these parables. For how can sadness both ruin and also save?” 4 “Listen,” he said. “Those who have never searched for the truth, nor inquired about God, but have merely believed, and have got caught up in business and riches and friendships with pagans, and many other activities of this world—everyone, I say, who devotes themselves to these things does not understand the parables about God; for they are darkened by these practices, and are ruined and become barren. 5 Just as good vineyards, when neglected, become overgrown with thorns and various weeds and end up fruitless, so people who, after they have believed, fall into the many activities I mentioned, lose their understanding and grasp nothing of righteousness; for if they hear anything about God and truth, their mind is absorbed in their business, and they perceive nothing. 6 But those who fear God, and inquire into God and truth, and direct their heart toward the Lord, perceive and understand immediately all that is said to them, for they have the fear of the Lord in them; for where the Lord dwells, there is also great understanding. So cling to the Lord, and you will understand and perceive everything.

1 “Now listen, foolish one,” he said, “to how sadness crushes the Holy Spirit, yet can also save. 2 When a double-minded person begins some action, and fails in it because of their double-mindedness, grief enters that person, and grieves the Holy Spirit and crushes Him.⁠a 3 Again, when anger takes hold of a person over something, and that person is greatly embittered, sadness enters the heart of the one who was angry, and they are distressed at the evil they have done, and repent of doing what is wrong. 4 So this sadness seems to bring salvation, because they regretted having done the evil. Both actions grieve the Spirit: the double mind grieves the Spirit, because it did not succeed in its task, and anger again grieves Him, because it did something evil. So both are painful to the Holy Spirit—the double mind and anger. 5 So rid yourself of sadness, and do not distress the Holy Spirit who dwells in you, or He may plead against you with God and leave you. 6 For the Spirit of God, given to this flesh, does not endure sadness or constraint.

1 “So clothe yourself in cheerfulness, which is always pleasing to God and acceptable to Him, and rejoice in it. For everyone who is cheerful does good and thinks good, and despises sadness; 2 but the sad person is always doing wrong. First, they sin because they grieve the Holy Spirit who was given to them—a⁠a cheerful Spirit. Next, by grieving the Holy Spirit, they act lawlessly by not pleading with or confessing to God. For the plea of a sad person never has power to ascend to God’s altar.” 3 “Why,” I said, “does the plea of a sad person not ascend to the altar?” “Because,” he said, “sadness sits in that person’s heart. So sadness mixed with the plea does not allow the plea to go up pure to the altar. For just as vinegar mixed with wine in the same vessel does not have the same pleasant taste, so also sadness mixed with the Holy Spirit does not have the same effect in pleading. 4 So cleanse yourself of this evil sadness, and you will live for God; yes, and all who cast away sadness from themselves and clothe themselves in complete cheerfulness will live for God.”

The Eleventh Mandate, on True and False Prophets

1 He showed me people seated on a couch, and another person seated on a chair. And he said to me, “Do you see those seated on the couch?” “I see them, Sir,” I said. “These,” he said, “are faithful, but the one seated on the chair is a false prophet who destroys the minds of the servants of God—that is, of the double-minded, not of the faithful. 2 These double-minded ones, then, come to him as if to a fortune-teller and ask him what will happen to them. And he, the false prophet, having no power of a divine Spirit in himself, speaks to them according to their questions and the lusts of their wickedness, and fills their souls as they desire. 3 For being empty himself, he gives empty answers to empty questioners; for whatever is asked of him, he answers according to the emptiness of the person. But he does sometimes speak true words, for the devil fills him with his own spirit, to see if he can break down any of the righteous. 4 So all who are strong in the faith of the Lord and clothed in truth do not cling to such spirits, but stay away from them; but all who are doubters and often change their minds practice fortune-telling like the pagans, and heap more sin on themselves through their idolatries. For whoever consults a false prophet on anything is an idolater and devoid of truth and acts senselessly. 5 For no Spirit given by God needs to be consulted; but, having divine power, it speaks all things on its own, because it is from above, from the power of the divine Spirit. 6 But the spirit that is consulted, and speaks according to the desires of people, is earthly and fickle, having no power, and it does not speak at all unless it is consulted.” 7 “Then how, Sir,” I said, “will anyone know who is a prophet and who is a false prophet?” “Listen,” he said, “to what I say about both kinds of prophets, and test the prophet and the false prophet in the way I tell you. Test the person who has the divine Spirit by their life.⁠a 8 First, the one who has the divine Spirit, which is from above, is gentle and calm and humble-minded, refraining from all wickedness and pointless desire of this present world, and considers themself lower than all others, and never answers anyone when asked, and does not speak on their own—for the Holy Spirit does not speak when a person wants Him to speak—but the person speaks only when God wants them to speak. 9 So when the person who has the divine Spirit enters a gathering of righteous people who have faith in a divine Spirit, and they pray to God in that assembly, then the angel of the prophetic spirit, who is assigned to that person, fills them, and being filled with the Holy Spirit, the person speaks to the crowd, as the Lord wills. 10 This, then, is how the Spirit of God is recognized. Such is the great power of the Spirit of God. 11 Now learn,” he said, “about the earthly and empty spirit, which has no power but is foolish. 12 First, the one who seems to have a spirit exalts themself and wants to have the seat of honor, and is immediately bold and shameless and talkative, and indulges in many luxuries and in many other deceits, and takes money for prophesying, and if they do not get paid, they do not prophesy. Now can a divine Spirit take money and prophesy? A prophet of God could never do this; rather, the spirit of such people is earthly. 13 Moreover, it never comes near a gathering of righteous people, but avoids them, and joins with the double-minded and the empty, and prophesies to them in corners, deceiving them, speaking all things in emptiness to please their desires; for the people it answers are empty too. For an empty jar placed among empty jars does not break, but they match each other. 14 But when it comes into an assembly full of righteous people who have a Spirit of God, and they pray, that person is emptied, and the earthly spirit flees from them in fear, and that person is left speechless and completely shattered, being unable to say a word. 15 For if you put wine or oil into a storeroom and place an empty jar among them, and later want to empty the storeroom, you will find the jar you put there empty still empty. So also with the empty prophets—whenever they come in among righteous spirits, they are found as empty as when they arrived. 16 I have described the way of life of both kinds of prophets. So test the person who says they are moved by the Spirit by their life and their deeds.⁠b 17 Trust the Spirit that comes from God and has power; but do not trust at all the earthly and empty spirit, for it has no power, since it comes from the devil. 18 Listen then to the parable I will tell you. Take a stone and throw it up to heaven—see if you can reach it. Or again, take a water squirt and squirt it up to heaven—see if you can pierce heaven.” 19 “How, Sir,” I said, “can these things be? Both the things you said are impossible for us.” “Well then,” he said, “just as these things are impossible, so also the earthly spirits have no power and are feeble. 20 Now take the power that comes from above. Hail is a very small grain, yet when it falls on a person’s head, how much pain it causes! Or again, take a drop that falls from the roof onto the ground, and it pierces stone. 21 You see then that the smallest things from above falling on the earth have great power. So too the divine Spirit coming from above is powerful. Trust this Spirit, but stay away from the other.”

The Twelfth Mandate, on Good and Evil Desire

1 He said to me: “Rid yourself of every evil desire, and clothe yourself in the desire that is good and holy; for when you are clothed with this good desire, you will hate the evil desire, and will curb and direct it as you wish. 2 For the evil desire is wild and is only tamed with difficulty; for it is terrible, and through its wildness it devours people, especially if a servant of God gets entangled in it and lacks understanding; it devours that person terribly. It devours those who are not clothed in the good desire, but are caught up in this life. These it hands over to death.” 3 “What kind of deeds, Sir,” I said, “does the evil desire produce that hand people over to death? Make them known to me, so I can stay clear of them.” “Listen,” he said, “to the deeds through which the evil desire brings death to God’s servants.

1 “First of all is the desire for someone else’s wife or husband, for extravagance of wealth, for many needless delicacies, for drunkenness and other foolish luxuries. For even luxury is pointless and futile for the servants of God. 2 These desires then are evil, and bring death on God’s servants. For this evil desire is a daughter of the devil. So you must abstain from evil desires, so that in abstaining you may live for God. 3 But all who are overpowered by them, and do not resist them, are utterly destroyed; for these desires are deadly. 4 But you—clothe yourself in the desire for righteousness, and, having armed yourself with the fear of the Lord, resist them. For the fear of God lives in the good desire. If the evil desire sees you armed with the fear of God, resisting it, it will flee far from you, and will never appear to you again, for fear of your armor.⁠a 5 So when you are crowned for your victory over it, go to the desire for righteousness and give it the victor’s crown that you have received, and serve it as it desires. If you serve the good desire and submit to it, you will have power to master and subdue the evil desire as you please.”

1 “I would like to know, Sir,” I said, “in what ways I ought to serve the good desire.” “Listen,” he said, “practice righteousness and virtue, truth and the fear of the Lord, faith and gentleness, and all good deeds like these. By practicing these, you will be pleasing as a servant of God, and will live for Him; yes, and all who serve the good desire will live for God.” 2 So he finished the twelve commandments, and he said to me: “You have these commandments; walk in them, and encourage those who hear you, so that their repentance may be pure for the rest of the days of their life. 3 Fulfill with all diligence to the end this ministry I am giving you, and you will accomplish much. For you will find favor among those who are about to repent, and they will obey your words. For I will be with you, and will compel them to obey you.” 4 I said to him: “Sir, these commandments are great and beautiful and glorious, and they can delight the heart of anyone who can keep them. But I do not know whether these commandments can be kept by any person, for they are very hard.” 5 He answered me: “If you decide that they can be kept, you will easily keep them, and they will not be hard;⁠a but if you get it into your heart that no one can keep them, you will not keep them. 6 But now I say to you: if you do not keep them, but neglect them, you will not have salvation—neither you nor your children nor your household, since you have already condemned yourself by saying that no one can keep these commandments.”

1 He said these things to me very angrily, so that I was confused and very afraid of him, for his appearance had changed so that no one could endure his anger. 2 And when he saw that I was completely disturbed and confused, he started to speak more kindly and cheerfully to me, and he said: “Foolish and dull and double-minded, do you not see the glory of God, how great and mighty and marvelous it is—that He created the world for the sake of humankind, and subjected all His creation to them,⁠a and gave them all authority, so that they would be masters over everything under heaven? 3 If then,” he said, “humankind is lord over all God’s creation and rules over everything, can they not also rule over these commandments? Indeed,” he said, “the one who has the Lord in their heart can master all things and all these commandments. 4 But to those who have the Lord on their lips, while their heart is hardened and far from the Lord, these commandments are difficult and out of reach. 5 So you who are empty and fickle in the faith—set your Lord in your heart, and you will realize that nothing is easier than these commandments, nor sweeter, nor more gentle. 6 Turn back, you who follow the commandments of the devil—those that are difficult, bitter, wild, and reckless. Do not fear the devil, for he has no power against you. 7 For I will be with you—I, the angel of repentance, who rules over him. The devil can only threaten, but his threats have no force. So do not fear him; and he will flee from you.”

1 I said to him, “Sir, listen to a few words from me.” “Say what you wish,” he said. “People, Sir,” I said, “want to keep the commandments of God, and there is no one who does not ask the Lord to be strengthened in His commandments and to obey them; but the devil is hard and overpowers them.” 2 “He cannot,” he said, “overpower the servants of God who put their hope in Him with their whole heart. The devil can wrestle with them, but he cannot defeat them. If, then, you resist him, he will be defeated and will flee from you humiliated.⁠a But many,” he said, “are completely empty, and fear the devil as if he had power. 3 Suppose someone fills jars with good wine, and among these jars a few are completely empty. That person comes to the jars, but does not examine the full ones, for they know they are full; instead, they check the empty ones, fearing they might have turned sour. For empty jars soon turn sour, and the taste of the wine is spoiled. 4 So the devil also comes to all the servants of God to test them. So those who are complete in the faith resist him strongly, and he leaves them, not finding a place where he can enter. Then he goes on to the empty ones, and, finding a place, he enters, and does what he wants in them, and they become his slaves.

1 “But I, the angel of repentance, say to you: Do not fear the devil; for I was sent,” he said, “to be with you who repent with your whole heart, and to strengthen you in the faith. 2 So believe in God, you who because of your sins have despaired of your life and keep adding to your sins, weighing down your life; for if you turn to the Lord with your whole heart and do righteousness the rest of your days, and serve Him rightly according to His will, He will heal your former sins, and you will have power to master the works of the devil. But do not fear the devil’s threats at all, for he is powerless, like the sinews of a dead man’s arm. 3 So listen to me, and fear the One who is able to do all things—to save and to destroy—and keep these commandments, and you will live for God.” 4 I said to him, “Sir, now I am strengthened in all the ordinances of the Lord, because you are with me; and I know that you will crush all the devil’s power, and we will have mastery over him, and triumph over all his works. And I hope, Sir, that I am now able to keep these commandments you have given, with the Lord’s help.” 5 “You will keep them,” he said, “if your heart is found pure before the Lord; yes, and all who purify their hearts from the useless desires of this world will keep them and live for God.”

The First Parable of the Two Cities

1 He said to me: “You know that you, who are the servants of God, are living in a foreign land; for your city is far from this city.⁠a If you know your city, where you are going to live, why do you acquire fields and costly furnishings and buildings and extra rooms here, which are unnecessary? 2 So whoever acquires these things in this city does not intend to return to their own city. 3 You foolish, double-minded, miserable person, do you not see that all these things are foreign, and are under the power of someone else? For the lord of this city will say, ‘I do not want you to live in my city; go away from this city, for you do not follow my laws.’ 4 So you who have fields and houses and many other possessions—when you are driven out by him, what will you do with your field and your house and all the other things you prepared for yourself? For the master of this place is right to say to you, ‘Either conform to my laws, or leave my land.’ 5 Then what will you do, you who are under law in your own city? For the sake of your fields and the rest of your possessions, will you altogether renounce your law and follow the law of this city? Watch out: renouncing your law may be disastrous; for if you want to return again to your city, you certainly will not be welcomed, because you rejected the law of your city, and you will be shut out from it. 6 So take care: as you live in a foreign land, prepare nothing for yourself except enough to get by, and be ready so that whenever the master of this city wants to drive you out for resisting his law, you may leave his city and go to your own city, and keep your own law joyfully, free from insults. 7 Pay attention, then, you who serve God and have Him in your heart: do the works of God, remembering His commandments and the promises He made, and trust Him to fulfill them if you keep His commandments. 8 So instead of fields, buy souls in distress, as each of you is able; and visit widows and orphans, and do not neglect them; and spend your riches and all your furnishings, which you received from God, on fields and houses of this kind. 9 For this is why the Master enriched you, so that you might fulfill these ministries for Him. It is far better to buy fields and possessions and houses of this sort, which you will find in your own city when you visit it. 10 This kind of generous spending is beautiful and brings joy, causing neither sorrow nor fear, but happiness. Do not practice the spending of the pagans, for it does not suit you, servants of God. 11 But practice your own good spending, in which you can rejoice. Do not ruin or even touch what belongs to someone else, nor desire it, for it is wicked to desire other people’s things. But do your own task, and you will be saved.”

The Second Parable of the Elm and the Vine

1 As I was walking in the field, I noticed an elm and a vine, and I was considering them and their fruits, and the shepherd appeared to me and said, “What are you thinking about?” “I’m thinking, Sir,” I said, “about the elm and the vine, that they are extremely well suited to each other.” 2 “These two trees,” he said, “are given as a parable for the servants of God.” “I would like to know, Sir,” I said, “the parable in these trees you are talking about.” “Do you see,” he said, “the elm and the vine?” “I see them, Sir,” I said. 3 “This vine,” he said, “bears fruit, but the elm is a fruitless trunk. However, the vine cannot bear much fruit if it is spread on the ground, and what fruit it does bear is spoiled, because it is not hanging on the elm. But when the vine is attached to the elm, it bears fruit both from itself and from the elm. 4 You see then that the elm also bears much fruit, not less than the vine, but actually more.” “How is it more, Sir?” I said. “Because,” he said, “the vine, when hanging on the elm, yields fruit abundantly, and in good condition; but when spread on the ground, it yields little fruit, and that is spoiled. So this parable applies to God’s servants, to poor and to rich alike.” 5 “How, Sir?” I said. “Explain it to me.” “Listen,” he said, “the rich person has much wealth, but in the things of the Lord that person is poor, being distracted by riches, and their confession and prayer to the Lord are very meager; even what they do give is small and weak and has no power above. But when the rich person goes to the poor, and helps them in their needs, believing that for what they do for the poor they can obtain a reward from God—because the poor person is rich in prayer and confession, and their prayer has great power with God—the rich person then gladly supplies the poor with everything they need, not doubting. 6 But the poor person, being supplied by the rich, prays for them, thanking God for the one who gave. And the other is even more eager to assist the poor, so that the poor person may be provided for throughout their life: for they know that the poor person’s prayer is acceptable and rich before God. 7 So both complete their work: the poor person offers prayer, the wealth they received from the Lord, and returns it to the Lord who provides for them. The rich person likewise supplies the poor from the riches they received from the Lord, without doubt. And this action is great and acceptable to God, because the rich person understands what their riches are for, and serves the poor with the Lord’s gifts, and carries out the service of the Lord rightly. 8 In people’s eyes, the elm seems unfruitful, and they do not see or realize that if a drought comes, the elm, having water, nourishes the vine, and the vine, having a constant supply of water, bears twice as much fruit, both for itself and for the elm. So also the poor, by praying to the Lord for the rich, establish their riches, and again the rich, helping the poor in their needs, establish their souls. 9 So both become partners in the righteous work. Whoever does these things will never be abandoned by God but will be written in the book of the living. 10 Blessed are the rich who realize they are enriched by the Lord. For those who understand this will be able to do some good deed.”

The Third Parable of the Winter Trees

1 He showed me many trees that had no leaves, but they seemed to me to be withered; for they were all alike. And he said to me, “Do you see these trees?” “I see them, Sir,” I said; “they are all alike, and are withered.” He answered me, “These trees that you see are those who live in this world.” 2 “Then why, Sir,” I said, “do they look withered, and all alike?” “Because,” he said, “the righteous and the sinners cannot be told apart in this world, but they are alike. For this world is winter for the righteous, and they cannot be told apart, since they live with the sinners. 3 For just as in winter the trees, having shed their leaves, all look alike, and no one can tell which are withered and which are alive, so also in this world the righteous and the sinners cannot be told apart, but they all look alike.”

The Fourth Parable of the Summer Trees

1 He showed me many trees again, some of them sprouting, and others withered, and he said to me, “Do you see these trees?” “I see them, Sir,” I said; “some of them sprouting, and others withered.” 2 “These trees,” he said, “that are sprouting are the righteous, who will live in the world to come; for the world to come is summer for the righteous, but winter for sinners. So when the mercy of the Lord appears, then those who serve God will be revealed, yes, and all people will be revealed.⁠a 3 For just as in summer the fruit of each tree is revealed and recognized for what kind it is, so also the fruit of the righteous will be revealed, and everyone, even the smallest, will be known to be flourishing in that world. 4 But the pagans and the sinners, just as you saw the trees that were withered, will likewise be found withered and fruitless in that world, and will be burned as firewood, and will be seen for what they are, because their conduct in their life was evil. For the sinners will be burned, because they sinned and did not repent; and the pagans will be burned, because they did not know the One who created them. 5 So bear fruit, so that in that summer your fruit may be recognized. But avoid too much business, and you will never fall into any sin. For those who busy themselves excessively also sin excessively, being distracted by their work, and not serving their own Lord at all. 6 Then how,” he said, “can such a person ask anything from the Lord and receive it, if they do not serve the Lord? For those who serve Him will receive their requests, but those who do not serve the Lord will receive nothing. 7 But if anyone is occupied with only one business, they can also serve the Lord; for their mind will not be corrupted and drawn away from the Lord, but they will serve Him, because they keep their mind pure. 8 So if you do these things, you will be able to bear fruit for the world to come; yes, and whoever does these things will bear fruit.”

The Fifth Parable of True Fasting and the Vineyard

1 As I was fasting and seated on a mountain, and giving thanks to the Lord for all that He had done for me, I saw the shepherd sitting beside me, saying, “Why have you come here so early in the morning?” “Because, Sir,” I said, “I am keeping a station.” 2 “What,” he said, “is a station?” “I am fasting, Sir,” I said. “And what,” he said, “is this fast you are keeping?” “I am fasting the way I always have, Sir,” I said. 3 “You do not know,” he said, “how to fast for the Lord, and this is not a fast, this unprofitable fast that you observe for Him.”⁠a “Why do you say this, Sir?” I said. “I tell you,” he said, “the fast you think you are keeping is not a fast; but I will teach you what a complete fast is, one acceptable to the Lord. Listen,” he said. 4 “God does not want such a worthless fast; for by fasting like this for God you will do nothing for righteousness. But fast for God in this way: 5 do no wickedness in your life, and serve the Lord with a pure heart;⁠b observe His commandments and walk in His ordinances, and let no evil desire rise up in your heart; instead believe God. Then, if you do these things and fear Him and keep yourself from every evil deed, you will live for God; and if you do these things, you will accomplish a great fast, and one acceptable to God.”

1 “Listen to the parable I will tell you about fasting. 2 A man had an estate, and many servants, and on part of his estate he planted a vineyard.⁠a Choosing a trustworthy servant who pleased him and was held in honor, he called him and said to him, ‘Take this vineyard that I planted, and fence it until I come, but do nothing else to the vineyard.⁠b Keep this command of mine, and you will be set free in my house.’ Then the servant’s master went away on a journey. 3 After he left, the servant fenced the vineyard; and when he finished fencing the vineyard, he noticed it was full of weeds. 4 So he thought to himself, ‘I have carried out my master’s command. I will next dig this vineyard, and it will look better when it is dug; and with no weeds it will yield more fruit, as it will not be choked by weeds.’ So he dug the vineyard, and pulled up all the weeds that were in it. And that vineyard became very neat and flourishing, once it had no weeds to choke it. 5 After some time the master of the servant and of the estate came back, and went into the vineyard. Seeing it fenced neatly, and dug as well, and all the weeds pulled up, and the vines flourishing, he was delighted with what his servant had done. 6 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 everything he had found done. And they were happy for the servant because of the testimony his master gave him. 7 And he said to them, ‘I promised this servant his freedom, if he kept my command that I gave him; but he not only kept my command but also did a good work for my vineyard, and pleased me greatly. Because of this work he has done, I want to make him joint-heir with my son, because when the good thought occurred to him, he did not neglect it, but carried it out.’ 8 The master’s son agreed to this plan, that the servant should be made joint-heir with the son. 9 After a few days, his master gave a feast, and sent many delicacies from the feast to him. But when the servant received the delicacies sent by his master, he took what he needed, and gave the rest to his fellow servants. 10 His fellow servants, when they received the delicacies, were delighted, and began to pray for him, that he might find greater favor with the master, because he had treated them so kindly. 11 His master heard about all these things, and was delighted again with what he had done. So the master once more gathered together his friends and his son, and told them what the servant had done with the delicacies he had received; and they approved even more strongly of his plan that his servant should be made joint-heir with his son.”

1 I said, “Sir, I do not understand these parables, nor can I grasp them, unless you explain them to me.” 2 “I will explain everything to you,” he said, “and I will make clear to you whatever I tell you. Keep the commandments of the Lord, and you will be well-pleasing to God, and will be enrolled among those who keep His commandments. 3 But if you do any good thing beyond God’s command, you will gain for yourself greater glory, and you will be more honored in God’s sight than you would have otherwise been. So if, while keeping the commandments of God, you add these services as well, you will rejoice if you observe them according to my command.” 4 I said to him, “Sir, I will keep whatever you command me; for I know that you are with me.” “I will be with you,” he said, “because you have such great zeal for doing good; yes, and I will be with everyone,” he said, “who has such zeal. 5 This fasting,” he said, “is very good if the commandments of the Lord are kept. This is the way you will keep this fast that you are about to observe. 6 First of all, keep yourself from every evil word and every evil desire, and cleanse your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you keep these things, this fast will be perfect for you. 7 And this is how you will do it. Having fulfilled what is written, on the day you fast you will taste nothing but bread and water, and from the food that you would have eaten that day, you will calculate the amount you would have spent, and will give it to a widow, or an orphan, or someone in need;⁠a and so you will humble your soul, so that the one who has received from your humility may be satisfied, and may pray for you to the Lord. 8 If then you accomplish this fast as I have commanded you, your sacrifice will be acceptable in God’s sight, and this fasting will be recorded; and this service performed in this way is beautiful and joyful and acceptable to the Lord. 9 You and your children and your whole household will observe these things; and by observing them, you will be blessed; yes, and all those who hear and observe them will be blessed, and whatever they ask of the Lord, they will receive.”

1 I begged him earnestly to explain to me the parable about the estate, and about the master, and the vineyard, and the servant who fenced the vineyard, and the fence, and the weeds that were pulled out of the vineyard, and the son, and the friends, the advisers. For I understood that all these things are a parable. 2 But he answered me, “You are extremely persistent in your questions. You ought not,” he said, “to ask any questions at all; for if it is right for something to be explained to you, it will be explained.” I said to him, “Sir, anything you show me but do not explain, I will have seen in vain, not understanding what it is. In the same way, if you speak parables to me and do not interpret them, I will have heard them from you in vain.” 3 But he answered me again, “Whoever,” he said, “is a servant of God, and has his own Lord in his heart, asks Him for understanding, and receives it, and interprets every parable, and the words of the Lord spoken in parables are made known to him. But many are sluggish and idle in prayer; these hesitate to ask the Lord. 4 But the Lord is rich in compassion, and gives to those who ask Him constantly. But you, who have been strengthened by the holy angel, and have received from him such abilities for prayer, and are not idle—why do you not ask the Lord for understanding, and receive it from Him?” 5 I said to him, “Sir, since I have you with me, I need to ask and inquire of you; for you show me all things, and speak with me; but if I had seen or heard them apart from you, I would have asked the Lord to show them to me.”

1 “I told you just now,” he said, “that you are indiscreet and persistent in asking for the interpretations of parables. But since you are so stubborn, I will interpret the parable of the estate and all its details, so that you may make them known to everyone. Listen now,” he said, “and understand them. 2 The estate is this world, and the lord of the estate is He who created all things and set them in order, and gave them power; and the servant is the Son of God, and the vines are the people whom He Himself planted, 3 and the fences are the holy angels of the Lord who hold His people together; and the weeds, which are pulled out of the vineyard, are the transgressions of God’s servants; and the delicacies that He sent to him from the feast are the commandments that He gave to His people through His Son; and the friends and advisers are the holy angels who were first created;⁠a and the absence of the master is the time still remaining until His coming.” 4 I said to him, “Sir, all these things are great and marvelous and glorious; could I possibly have understood them?” “No, nor could anyone understand them, however discerning they are.” “Still, Sir,” I said, “explain to me what I am about to ask you.” 5 “Ask,” he said, “if you want anything.” “Why, Sir,” I said, “is the Son of God represented in the parable like a servant?”

1 “Listen,” he said. “The Son of God is not represented as a servant, but is shown in great power and authority.” “How, Sir?” I said. “I do not understand.” 2 “Because,” he said, “God planted the vineyard, that is, He created the people, and handed them over to His Son. And the Son placed angels in charge of them, to watch over them; and the Son Himself took away their sins by working hard and enduring many labors; for no one can dig without toil or labor. 3 After cleansing the sins of His people, He showed them the paths of life, giving them the law He received from His Father.⁠a You see,” he said, “He Himself is Lord of the people, having received all power from His Father. 4 Now listen to why the lord took his son and the glorious angels as advisers about the servant’s inheritance. 5 God caused the Holy Preexistent Spirit, who created the entire creation, to dwell in flesh that He chose. So this flesh, in which the Holy Spirit lived, was subject to the Spirit, walking with honor in holiness and purity, without defiling the Spirit in any way. 6 When it had lived honorably in chastity, and worked with the Spirit, and cooperated with it in everything, acting boldly and courageously, He chose it as a partner with the Holy Spirit, for the conduct of this flesh pleased the Lord, since it was not defiled on earth while it possessed the Holy Spirit. 7 So He took the son as adviser and also the glorious angels, so that this flesh too, having served the Spirit blamelessly, might find a place of rest and not seem to have lost the reward for its service. For all flesh found undefiled and spotless, in which the Holy Spirit lived, will receive a reward. 8 Now you have the interpretation of this parable as well.”

1 “I was very glad, Sir,” I said, “to hear this interpretation.” “Listen now,” he said, “Keep this flesh of yours pure and undefiled, so that the Spirit living in it may bear witness to it, and your flesh may be justified. 2 See that you never think in your heart that this flesh of yours is mortal, and so misuse it in some defilement. For if you defile your flesh, you will also defile the Holy Spirit; and if you defile your flesh, you will not live.”⁠a 3 “But if, Sir,” I said, “there was any ignorance in the past, before these words were heard, how can someone who has defiled his flesh be saved?” “For former deeds of ignorance,” he said, “God alone has the power to give healing, for all authority is His. 4 But now guard yourself, and the Almighty Lord, who is full of compassion, will grant healing for your past deeds of ignorance, if from now on you do not defile your flesh or the Spirit; for the two share in common, and one cannot be defiled without the other. So keep both pure, and you will live for God.”

The Sixth Parable of the Two Shepherds

1 While I was sitting in my house, glorifying the Lord for all the things I had seen, and reflecting on the commandments—how they were beautiful and powerful and joyous and glorious and able to save a person’s soul—I said to myself, “I will be blessed if I walk in these commandments; yes, and whoever walks in them will be blessed.” 2 As I was saying these things to myself, suddenly I saw him sitting beside me, saying, “Why are you doubting about the commandments I gave you? They are beautiful. Do not doubt at all, but clothe yourself in the faith of the Lord, and you will walk in them. For I will strengthen you in them. 3 These commandments are fitting for those who practice repentance; for if they do not walk in them, their repentance is worthless. 4 So you who repent, cast away the evil deeds of this world that oppress you; and, by putting on every virtue of righteousness, you will be able to observe these commandments, and add no more to your sins. If then you add no further sin at all, you will leave behind your former sins. Walk, then, in these commandments of mine, and you will live for God. I have told you all these things.” 5 After telling me these things, he said to me, “Let us go into the country, and I will show you the shepherds of the sheep.” “Let us go, Sir,” I said. We came to a plain, and he showed me a young man, a shepherd, clothed in a light cloak of saffron color;⁠a 6 he was feeding a great number of sheep, and these sheep were well fed and very lively, and were joyful as they jumped around here and there; and the shepherd himself was also joyful over his flock; and the shepherd’s face was very glad; and he ran about among the sheep.

1 And he said to me, “Do you see this shepherd?” “I see him, Sir,” I said. “This,” he said, “is the angel of indulgence and deceit.⁠a He crushes the souls of God’s servants, and turns them away from the truth, leading them astray with evil desires, in which they perish. 2 For they forget the commandments of the living God, and walk in vain deceptions and acts of indulgence, and are destroyed by this angel—some to death, and others to corruption.” 3 I said to him, “Sir, I do not understand what ‘to death’ and what ‘to corruption’ mean.” “Listen,” he said, “the sheep you saw that were joyful and leaping about are those who have been completely cut off from God, and have given themselves over to the desires of this world. So in these there is no repentance leading to life. For the name of God is blasphemed through them. The life of such people is death. 4 But the sheep you saw not leaping about but feeding in one place are those who have given themselves over to acts of indulgence and deceit, but have not spoken any blasphemy against the Lord. These have been corrupted and turned from the truth. For them there is hope of repentance and of life. Corruption holds out hope of renewal, but death has eternal destruction.” 5 Again we walked on a little way, and he showed me a tall shepherd who looked like a wild man, with a white goatskin thrown around him, and he carried something like a bag on his shoulders, and a very hard, knotted staff, and a large whip. His expression was very sour, so that I was afraid of him because of how he looked. 6 This shepherd kept receiving from the young shepherd those sheep that were lively and well fed but not leaping about, and put them in a place that was steep and covered with thorns and briars, so that the sheep could not untangle themselves from the thorns and briars, but became entangled in them. 7 And so they grazed entangled in the thorns and briars, and were in great pain from being beaten by him; he kept driving them around, giving them no rest, and altogether those sheep had a hard time.

1 When I saw them whipped and distressed like that, I felt sorry for them, because they were being tortured and had no rest at all. 2 I said to the shepherd who was talking with me, “Sir, who is this shepherd, so hard-hearted and severe, and showing no compassion at all for these sheep?” “This,” he said, “is the angel of punishment, and he is one of the just angels; he is in charge of punishment. 3 So he receives those who stray from God, and follow the desires and deceptions of this life, and punishes them as they deserve, with fearful and varied punishments.” 4 “I would like to know, Sir,” I said, “what these various punishments are.” “Listen,” he said. “The various tortures and punishments are those that belong to this present life; for some are punished with losses, and others with deprivation, and others with different illnesses, and others with every kind of turmoil, and others with insults from unworthy people and with suffering in many other ways. 5 For many, becoming unsteady in their plans, undertake many tasks, and nothing succeeds for them. Then they say that they do not prosper in their affairs, and it does not occur to them that they have done evil deeds, but they blame the Lord. 6 So when they are afflicted with every kind of suffering, they are handed over to me for good training and are strengthened in the faith of the Lord, and serve the Lord with a pure heart for the rest of their days. But if they repent, they remember the evil deeds they have done, and then they glorify God, saying that He is a just Judge, and that they suffered justly for what they had done. And they serve the Lord from then on with a pure heart, and prosper in everything they do, receiving from the Lord whatever they ask; and then they glorify the Lord because they were handed over to me, and they no longer suffer any evil thing.”

1 I said to him, “Sir, explain one more thing to me.” “What are you asking now?” he said. “Sir,” I said, “are those who live in self-indulgence and are deceived punished for as long as they lived in self-indulgence and deception?” He said to me, “They are punished for the same length of time.” 2 “Then, Sir,” I said, “they undergo very mild punishments; for those who live like that, forgetting God, ought to be punished sevenfold.” 3 He said to me, “You are foolish, and do not understand the power of the punishment.” “True,” I said, “for if I had understood, I would not have asked you to tell me.” “Listen,” he said, “to the power of both self-indulgence and the punishment. 4 The time of self-indulgence and deceit is one hour. But one hour of punishment has the power of thirty days. So if someone lives in self-indulgence and is deceived for one day, and is punished for one day, the day of punishment is equal to a whole year. For every day a person lives in self-indulgence, he is punished for a year.⁠a You see then,” he said, “that the time of self-indulgence and deceit is very short, but the time of punishment and torment is long.”

1 “Since, Sir,” I said, “I do not fully understand about the time of deceit and self-indulgence and torment, show me more clearly.” 2 He answered me, “Your foolishness clings to you; and you will not cleanse your heart and serve God. Take care,” he said, “that the time is not fulfilled and you are found still in your foolishness. Listen then,” he said, “as you wish, so that you may understand. 3 The one who lives in self-indulgence and is deceived for one day, and does what he wishes, is clothed in much foolishness and does not understand what he does; for on the next day he forgets what he did before. For self-indulgence and deceit have no memory, because of the foolishness with which each is clothed. But when punishment and torment stay with a person for a single day, he is punished and tormented for a whole year, for punishment and torment have long memories. 4 So, being tormented and punished for the whole year, the person finally remembers the self-indulgence and deceit, and realizes that because of them he is suffering these evils. So everyone who lives in self-indulgence and is deceived is tormented in this way, because, though they have life, they have handed themselves over to death.” 5 “What kinds of self-indulgence, Sir,” I said, “are harmful?” “Every act,” he said, “is self-indulgence to a person if it is done with pleasure; for the quick-tempered person, when he gives way to his anger, is self-indulgent; and the adulterer and the drunkard and the slanderer and the liar and the miser and the cheater and whoever does things like these is carried away by his particular passion; so he is self-indulgent in what he does. 6 All these forms of self-indulgence are harmful to God’s servants; because of these deceits, those who are punished and tormented suffer. 7 But there are also self-indulgent habits that save people; for many indulge themselves in doing good, being carried away by the pleasure it gives them. This self-indulgence then is beneficial for God’s servants, and brings life to such a person; but the harmful self-indulgences mentioned earlier bring torments and punishments on people; and if they continue in them and do not repent, they bring death on themselves.”

The Seventh Parable of the Punishing Angel

1 After a few days I saw him on the same plain where I had also seen the shepherds, and he said to me, “What are you looking for?” “I am here, Sir,” I said, “so that you will order the punishing shepherd to leave my house, for he is afflicting me terribly.” “You must be afflicted,” he said, “for that is what the glorious angel ordered concerning you, because he wants you to be tested.” “Why, Sir, what evil have I done,” I said, “that I should be handed over to this angel?” 2 “Listen,” he said. “Your sins are many, yet not so many that you should be handed over to this angel; but your household has committed great crimes and sins, and the glorious angel was angered by their deeds, and for this reason he told you to be afflicted for a time, so that they too might repent and cleanse themselves from every lust of this world. So when they repent and are cleansed, the angel of punishment will leave.” 3 I said to him, “Sir, if they did such deeds that the glorious angel was angered, what did I do?” “They cannot be afflicted otherwise,” he said, “unless you, the head of the whole household, are afflicted. For if you are afflicted, they will necessarily be afflicted too; but if you prosper, they cannot suffer affliction.” 4 “But look, Sir,” I said, “they have repented with all their heart.” “I know very well,” he said, “that they have repented with all their heart; but do you think the sins of those who repent are immediately forgiven? Certainly not; the one who repents must torment his own soul, and must be very humble in everything, and be afflicted with all sorts of trials; if he endures the sufferings that come on him, then surely He who created all things and gave them power will be moved with compassion and will grant some healing. 5 And God will do this if He sees that the penitent’s heart is pure from all evil. But it is good for you and your household to be afflicted now. But why say more? You must be afflicted as the angel of the Lord who handed you over to me commanded; so thank the Lord that He considered you worthy to have the affliction revealed to you in advance, so that knowing it beforehand, you can endure it bravely.” 6 I said to him, “Sir, if you stay with me, I can easily endure all affliction.” “I will stay with you,” he said, “and I will ask the punishing angel to afflict you less; but you will be afflicted for a short time, and then you will be restored to your household. Only continue to be humble and to serve the Lord with a pure heart, you and your children and your household, and walk in the commandments I give you, so that your repentance may be strong and pure. 7 And if you keep these commandments with your household, all affliction will keep away from you; yes, and affliction,” he said, “will keep away from all who walk in my commandments.”

The Eighth Parable of the Willow Tree

1 He showed me a great willow, overshadowing plains and mountains, and all who are called by the name of the Lord have come under the shadow of the willow.⁠a 2 By the willow stood an angel of the Lord, glorious and very tall, holding a large sickle, and he was cutting branches from the willow,⁠b and giving them to the people who found shelter beneath the willow; and he gave them small rods about a cubit long. 3 After everyone had taken the rods, the angel laid the sickle aside, and the tree was left intact, just as I had seen it. 4 Then I wondered, saying to myself, “How is the tree intact after so many branches have been lopped off?” The shepherd said to me, “Do not be amazed that the tree remained intact after so many branches were cut off, but wait until you see all things, and what it means will be shown to you.” 5 The angel who had given out the rods asked the people for them back, and they were summoned to him in the same order in which they had received them, and each returned his own rod. The angel of the Lord took them and examined them. 6 Some returned rods that were withered and seemingly eaten by grubs. The angel ordered those who handed in rods like that to stand apart. 7 Others returned them withered, but not grub-eaten; these also he ordered to stand apart. 8 Others handed theirs in half-withered; these too stood apart. 9 Others returned their rods half-withered and cracked; these also stood apart. 10 Others returned their rods green but cracked; they too stood apart. And others returned rods with one half withered and the other half green; they also stood apart. 11 Others returned rods two parts green, and the third part withered; these too stood apart. And others handed them in two parts withered, and the third part green; these too stood apart. 12 Others returned their rods almost all green, with just a tiny portion of the rod withered at the tip; but they had cracks in them; these too stood apart. 13 Others had a very small portion green, but the rest of the rod was withered; these also stood apart. 14 Still others came bringing their rods green, just as they had received them from the angel; and most of the crowd returned their rods in this condition; and the angel was overjoyed at these; these also stood apart. 15 Others returned their rods green and with shoots; these too stood apart; and the angel was again overjoyed at these. 16 And others returned their rods green and with shoots; and their shoots had, in a way, some fruit. And those people whose rods were found in this condition were extremely glad. The angel was delighted with them, and the shepherd was very happy with them.

1 The angel of the Lord ordered crowns to be brought, which were made like palm branches; and he crowned the people who had returned the rods that had shoots and some fruit, and sent them away into the tower.⁠a 2 And he also sent the others into the tower, those who had handed in the rods that were green and had shoots, though without fruit; and he set a seal on them. 3 And all who went into the tower had the same clothing, white as snow. 4 And those who had returned their rods green as they received them, he sent away, giving them a white robe and seals. 5 After the angel finished these things, he said to the shepherd, “I am going away; but you will send these people away to their places within the walls, according to how each deserves to live; but carefully examine their rods, and then send them away. Be careful in examining them. Take care that none escape you,” he said. “Still, if any escape you, I will test them at the altar.” Having said this to the shepherd, he left. 6 After the angel left, the shepherd said to me, “Let us take everyone’s rods and plant them, to see if any of them can live.” I said to him, “Sir, how can these withered rods live?” 7 He answered me, “This tree is a willow, and this type of tree clings to life. If the rods are planted and receive a little moisture, many of them will live. After that, let’s try to pour some water over them, too. If any of them can live, I will be glad; but if it does not live, I at least will not be found negligent.” 8 So the shepherd told me to call them, in the order in which each one stood. And they came row by row, and handed the rods to the shepherd. The shepherd took the rods and planted them in rows, and after planting them, he poured a lot of water on them, so much that the rods could not be seen for the water. 9 After watering the rods, he said to me, “Let us go now, and after some days we will return and inspect all the rods; for He who created this tree wants all those who have received rods from this tree to live. And I myself hope that after they have received moisture and been watered, most of these little rods will live.”

1 I said to him, “Sir, tell me what this tree is. I am puzzled about it, because, although so many branches were cut off, the tree is sound, and nothing appears to have been cut from it; so I am perplexed about it.” 2 “Listen,” he said, “this great tree that overshadows plains and mountains and all the earth is the law of God given to the whole world; and this law is the Son of God proclaimed to the ends of the earth. But the people who are under its shadow are those who heard the preaching and believed in Him. 3 And the great and glorious angel is Michael, who has power over these people and is their leader. For he is the one who places the law in the hearts of believers; that is why he examines those to whom he gave it, to see if they have followed it.⁠a 4 But you see each person’s rods; for the rods are the law. You see many rods made useless, and you will recognize all those who have not followed the law, and you will see each person’s place in turn.” 5 I said to him, “Then why, Sir, did he send some into the tower, and leave others for you?” “Those who violated the law they received from him,” he said, “he left under my authority for repentance; but those who satisfied the law and kept it he keeps under his own authority.” 6 “Then who,” I said, “are those who have been crowned and gone into the tower?” “All who fought the devil and overcame him in their struggle,” he said, “are crowned: these are the ones who suffered for the law. 7 But the others, who likewise returned their rods green and with shoots, though not bearing fruit, are those who were persecuted for the law, but did not suffer to the point of death, and did not deny their law. 8 But those who returned them green just as they received them are upright and righteous people, who always walked with a pure heart and have kept the Lord’s commandments. You will learn everything else when I have examined the rods that were planted and watered.”

1 And after a few days we came back to the place, and the shepherd sat in the place of the angel, while I stood by him. And he said to me, “Clothe yourself with a garment of raw flax, and help me.” So I put on a clean garment of coarse raw flax. 2 And when he saw me dressed and ready to help him, “Call,” he said, “the people whose rods have been planted, each in the order in which they presented their rods.” I went to the plain and called them all; and they all stood in ranks. 3 He said to them, “Let each person pull out his own rod and bring it to me.” Those who had the withered and worm-eaten rods handed theirs in first, and they were found to be withered and worm-eaten, as before. He ordered them to stand aside. 4 Next those who had withered but not worm-eaten rods; some of them turned in green rods, and others withered and eaten by grubs. Those who handed them in green he ordered to stand apart; but those who handed them in withered and worm-eaten he told to stand with the first. 5 Next came those who had half-withered rods with cracks; many of them turned them in green and uncracked; and some turned them in green and with shoots, and even with fruit on the shoots, like those who went into the tower crowned; and some turned in rods withered and eaten, and some withered but not eaten, and some exactly as they were, half-withered and cracked. He ordered each to stand in separate groups, some in their proper ranks, and others apart.

1 Then those who had rods green but cracked handed them in. They all turned them in green, and stood in their own group. And the shepherd was delighted with these, because they had all changed and put away their cracks. 2 And those who had the rods half green and half withered turned theirs in. The rods of some were now entirely green, some were half-withered, some were withered and eaten, and some were green and with shoots. These all went back to their own ranks. 3 Then those who had two parts green and one part withered turned theirs in; many of them turned them in entirely green, and many half-withered, and others withered and eaten. All these stood in their own group. 4 Then those who had two parts withered and the third green turned theirs in; many of them turned them in half-withered, but some withered and eaten, others half-withered and cracked, and a few green. They all stood in their own group. 5 Then those who had rods green, but with a very small part withered and cracked, turned them in. Some were now found green, and others green and with shoots. These too went back to their own group. 6 Then those who had a very small part green and the rest withered turned them in. The rods of most of these were found green and with shoots and with fruit on the shoots, and others entirely green. The shepherd was overjoyed at these rods, because they were found like this. And each of these went away to their own group.

1 After the shepherd had examined everyone’s rods, he said to me, “I told you this tree clings to life. Do you see,” he said, “how many repented and were saved?” “I see, Sir,” I said. “This,” he said, “is so that you may see how great and glorious the abundant compassion of the Lord is, for He has given His Spirit to those who are worthy of repentance.” 2 “Then why, Sir,” I said, “did they not all repent?” “To those whose hearts He saw were about to be purified and serve Him with all their heart, He granted repentance; but those whose cunning and wickedness He saw, who plan to repent deceitfully, He did not grant repentance, so that they would not profane His name again.” 3 I said to him, “Sir, then show me what kind of people each of those who returned their rods are, and where they live, so that when they hear this, those who believed and received the seal but broke it and did not keep it intact may fully understand what they have done and repent, receiving again from you a seal, and may glorify the Lord because He had mercy on them and sent you to restore their spirits.” 4 “Listen,” he said. “Those whose rods were found withered and eaten by grubs are apostates and traitors to the Church, who blasphemed the Lord in their sins, and who were even ashamed of the Name of the Lord that was invoked over them. So these perished completely as far as God is concerned. But you see how none of them repented, though they heard the words you spoke to them, which I commanded you. Life has left such people. 5 Those who returned their rods withered but not decayed are close to them too; for they were hypocrites, and introduced strange doctrines, and misled God’s servants, especially those who had sinned, not allowing them to repent, but persuading them with their foolish doctrines. These too still have hope of repentance. 6 But you see that many of them have indeed repented since the time you spoke my commandments to them; yes, and still more will repent. Those who do not repent have lost their life; but those of them who repented have become good, and their dwelling was placed within the first walls, and some of them even went up into the tower. You see then,” he said, “that repentance from sins brings life, but refusing to repent brings death.”

1 “Now learn about those who returned rods half-withered and with cracks in them as well. Those whose rods were half-withered all over are the double-minded, for they are neither alive nor dead. 2 But those who had them half-withered and cracked are both double-minded and slanderers, never at peace with themselves, always causing discord. Yet even for them,” he said, “repentance is granted. You see,” he said, “that some of them have repented, and there is,” he said, “still hope for repentance among them. 3 And those who have repented,” he said, “already live in the tower; but those who repented late will live within the walls; and those who do not repent at all, but persist in their actions, will die. 4 But those who returned their rods green and cracked were found faithful and good at all times, but there is some rivalry among them about first places and about some kind of glory; yet all of these are foolish, competing with one another for first places. 5 However, when they heard my commandments, being good, they quickly purified themselves and repented. So they live in the tower. But if anyone goes back to creating discord, he will be cast out of the tower and lose his life. 6 Life is for everyone who keeps the Lord’s commandments. But in the commandments there is nothing about first places or any sort of glory, but about patience and humility. So the Lord’s life is in such people, but in factious and lawless people is death.

1 “But those who returned their rods half green and half withered are those who are involved in business and do not cling to the saints. That is why one half of them lives, but the other half is dead. 2 Many of them repented when they heard my commandments, and those who repented live in the tower. But some of them have stayed away altogether. These have no repentance, for because of their business affairs they blasphemed the Lord and denied Him, so they lost their life because of the wickedness they committed. 3 But many of them were in doubt. These still have time for repentance if they repent quickly, and they will live in the tower; and if they repent late, they will live within the walls; but if they do not repent, they too have lost their life. 4 But those who returned two parts green and the third part withered are those who have denied repeatedly in many ways. 5 So many of them repented and went to live inside the tower; but many have completely rebelled against God, and they lost their life forever. And some of them are double-minded and cause divisions. For these there is repentance if they repent quickly and do not remain in their pleasures; but if they continue in their deeds, they too bring death on themselves.

1 “But those who returned their rods two thirds withered and one third green are people who have believed, but who became rich and gained a reputation among the Gentiles. They clothed themselves in great pride and became arrogant, and left the truth, not remaining with the righteous, but lived like the Gentiles; and that lifestyle seemed more pleasant to them. Yet they did not leave God, but continued in the faith, though they did not do the works of the faith. 2 So many of them repented, and they have their home within the tower. 3 But others, living with the Gentiles to the end, and being corrupted by the empty opinions of the Gentiles, have abandoned God and done the works of the Gentiles. So these have been counted among the Gentiles. 4 Others of them were in doubt, not hoping to be saved because of the things they had done; and others were double-minded and created division among themselves. For those who were double-minded because of what they have done, there is still repentance if they repent quickly, so that they can live in the tower; but for those who do not repent and continue in their pleasures, death is at hand.

1 “But those who returned their rods green, yet whose tips were withered and cracked, were found at all times good and faithful and glorious in God’s sight, yet they sinned to a small extent because of minor desires and because they had something against one another. But when they heard my words, most of them quickly repented, and their home was assigned inside the tower. 2 But some were double-minded, and some, being double-minded, caused more division. Even for them there is still hope of repentance, since they were found to be good overall; and hardly any of them will die. 3 But those who returned their rods withered, with just a very small part green, are those who believed, but practiced lawless deeds. Still, they never left God, but happily bore His Name, and happily welcomed God’s servants into their homes. So, hearing of this repentance, they repented wholeheartedly, and they practice all virtue and righteousness. 4 Some of them even suffer persecution willingly, recognizing the deeds they committed. All of these will live in the tower.”

1 After he finished the interpretations of all the rods, he said to me, “Go and tell everyone to repent, and they will live for God; for the Lord in His compassion sent me to give repentance to all, though some of them do not deserve it because of their deeds; yet in His patience the Lord wants those who were called through His Son to be saved.” 2 I said to him, “Sir, I hope that everyone who hears these words will repent; for I am convinced that if a person fully understands his own deeds and fears God, he will repent.” 3 He answered me, “All who repent with their whole heart,” he said, “and cleanse themselves from all the evil deeds mentioned, and add nothing more to their sins, will receive healing from the Lord for their past sins, unless they are double-minded concerning these commandments, and they will live for God. But all who continue in their sins,” he said, “and walk in the desires of this world condemn themselves to death. 4 But you walk in my commandments, and live for God; yes, and all who walk in them and do what is right will live for God.” 5 After he had shown me all these things and told me about them, he said to me, “Now I will tell you the rest after a few days.”

The Ninth Parable of the Twelve Mountains and the Tower

1 After I wrote down the commandments and parables of the shepherd, the angel of repentance, he came to me and said, “I want to show you all the things that the Holy Spirit, who spoke with you in the form of the Church, revealed to you. For that Spirit is the Son of God. 2 For when you were weaker in the flesh, it was not revealed to you by an angel. But when you were empowered by the Spirit, and grew strong enough to see an angel, then the building of the tower was revealed to you through the Church. You saw all things in a fitting and proper way, as if taught by a young woman. But now you see them, being taught by an angel, though by the same Spirit. 3 Still you must learn everything more precisely from me. For this reason I was assigned by the glorious angel to remain in your house, so that you might see everything with strength, and not be afraid as you were before.” 4 And he took me away into Arcadia, to a rounded mountain, and set me on the top of the mountain, and showed me a great plain, and around the plain twelve mountains, each mountain having 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 half its vegetation withered, with the top of the grass green but the part near the roots withered, and some of the grass became withered whenever the sun scorched it, 7 the fifth mountain had green grass but was rugged, the sixth mountain was full of cracks large and small, and the cracks had vegetation, but the grass was not very lush, but rather withered, 8 the seventh mountain had cheerful vegetation, and the whole mountain was flourishing, and cattle and birds of every kind were feeding on that mountain; and the more the cattle and birds fed, the more the vegetation of that mountain thrived. The eighth mountain was full of springs, and every kind of creature of the Lord drank from the springs on that mountain, 9 the ninth mountain had no water at all and was completely barren; it had wild beasts and deadly reptiles that destroy humankind. The tenth mountain had very large trees and was shady all over, and beneath the shade lay sheep, resting and feeding, 10 the eleventh mountain was thickly wooded, and the trees there produced much fruit, adorned with various kinds of fruit, so that anyone who saw them would want to eat them. The twelfth mountain was entirely white and had a pleasant appearance; and the mountain itself was very beautiful.

1 And in the middle of the plain he showed me a large white rock rising above the plain. The rock was higher than the mountains, square, so that it could hold the entire world. 2 This rock was ancient and had a gate cut out of it; yet the gate looked like it had been cut out quite recently. And the gate shone more brightly than the sun, so that I was amazed at its brightness. 3 Around the gate stood twelve virgins. The four that stood at the corners seemed to me more glorious than the others, but the others were also glorious; they stood at the four sides of the gate, and virgins stood in pairs between them. 4 They were clothed in linen tunics, neatly belted, with their right shoulders free, as if ready to carry something. So they were ready, and they were very cheerful and eager. 5 After seeing these things, I was amazed at how great and glorious they were. I was also puzzled about the virgins, because, delicate as they were, they stood like men, as if ready to carry the entire heavens. 6 The shepherd said to me, “Why are you questioning in your mind and feeling puzzled, creating sadness for yourself? For whatever you cannot understand, do not attempt if you are wise; but ask the Lord so that you may receive understanding of it. 7 You cannot see what is behind you, but you see what is in front of you. So leave alone the things you cannot see, and do not trouble yourself about them. I will explain to you everything I show you. So pay attention to what remains.”

1 I saw six men come, tall and glorious and alike in appearance, and they summoned a large crowd of men. The others who came were also tall, handsome, and strong. The six men ordered them to build a tower above the gate. A great commotion arose among the men who came to build the tower, as they ran around the gate. 2 For the virgins standing around the gate told the men to hurry in building the tower. The virgins had spread out their hands, as if to receive something from the men. 3 And the six men ordered stones to come up from a deep place, to be used in building the tower. Ten stones came up, square and polished, not hewn from a quarry. 4 The six men called the virgins, and told them to carry all the stones that would go into the building of the tower, and to pass them through the gate and hand them to the men who were to build the tower. 5 And the virgins took the first ten stones that rose up from the deep, one by one, and carried them in. They carried them right through the gate, as commanded, and gave them to the men for the tower; and those men took the stones and built.

1 And just as they stood together around the gate, in that same order they carried them—those who seemed strong enough stooped under the corners of the stone, while the others stooped along the sides. So they carried all the stones. They carried them through the gate, as commanded, and handed them to the men building the tower, and these took the stones and kept building. 2 The tower was built on the great rock and above the gate. Those ten stones were joined together and covered the whole rock. These formed the foundation for the tower. The rock and the gate supported the entire tower. 3 After the ten stones, another twenty-five stones came up from the deep, and they too were fitted into the building of the tower, being carried by the virgins, like the earlier ones. Then thirty-five more stones came up, and these likewise were fitted into the tower. Then forty stones came up, and all were put into the tower. So four rows were made in the foundations of the tower. 4 Then stones stopped coming up from the deep, and the builders also stopped for a little while. Then the six men again ordered the crowd of people to bring stones from the mountains to build the tower. 5 So they were brought from all the mountains, of different colors, shaped by the men, and handed to the virgins; and the virgins carried them through the gate and handed them to the builders of the tower. When these various stones were placed into the building, they all turned white, losing their different colors. 6 But some stones were handed in by the men for the building, and these did not become bright; they remained just as they were placed, because they had not been handed in by the virgins, nor carried in through the gate. These stones were unattractive in the building of the tower. 7 Then the six men, seeing these unattractive stones in the building, ordered them to be removed and taken back to the place they came from. 8 And they said to the men who were bringing in the stones, “Do not bring stones into the building yourselves; put them beside the tower, so the virgins may carry them through the gate, handing them in for the building. For if,” they said, “they are not carried in through the gate by these virgins’ hands, they cannot change their color. Do not labor in vain,” they said.

1 The building was completed on that day, but the tower was not yet finished, for it was going to be built higher still; and there was a pause in the construction. The six men told all the builders to withdraw for a short time and rest; but they told the virgins not to leave the tower. It seemed to me the virgins stayed to guard the tower. 2 After everyone had withdrawn to rest, I said to the shepherd, “Sir, why was the tower not finished?” “The tower,” he said, “cannot be finished until its master comes and tests this building, to see if any stones are crumbling, so that he can replace them; for the tower is being built according to his will.” 3 “I want to know, Sir,” I said, “what this building of the tower is, and about the rock and the gate, and the mountains, and the virgins, and the stones that came up from the deep, unshaped, but were put into the building as they were, 4 and why ten stones were first placed in the foundations, then twenty-five, then thirty-five, then forty, and about the stones that went into the building and were removed again and put back in their own place—about all these things, put my mind at ease, Sir, and explain them to me.” 5 “If you are not found to be idly curious,” he said, “you will know everything. For after a few days we will come here, and you will see what happens next to this tower and will understand all the parables in detail.” 6 And after a few days we came to the place where we had been, and he said to me, “Let us go to the tower, for the owner of the tower is coming to inspect it.” We came to the tower, and there was no one there at all except the virgins. 7 The shepherd asked the virgins whether the master of the tower had arrived. They said he would be here soon to inspect the building.

1 After a little while I saw a large crowd of people coming, and among them a man so tall that he rose above the tower. 2 The six men who supervised the building walked with him on his right and left, and all those who worked on the building were with him, and many other glorious attendants around him. The virgins who guarded the tower ran up and kissed him, and they walked by his side around the tower. 3 That man inspected the building so carefully that he felt each individual stone. He held a rod in his hand and struck each stone that was built in. 4 When he struck, some of the stones became black as soot, others became mildewed, others cracked, others broke off at the ends, others turned neither white nor black, others became rough and did not fit with the rest, and others had many spots. These were all the ways the stones were found unsuitable for the building. 5 So he ordered all these to be removed from the tower, and to be set down beside the tower, and other stones to be brought and placed in their place. 6 The builders asked him from which mountain he wanted stones to be brought to replace them. He did not want them from the mountains, but ordered them to be brought from a plain that was nearby. 7 The plain was dug, and stones were found there that were bright and square, but some of them were also round. Every stone found in that plain was brought, and they were carried through the gate by the virgins. 8 The square stones were trimmed, and placed where the removed stones had been. The round ones, however, were not placed in the building, because they were too hard to shape, and shaping them took time. So they were set beside the tower, as if to be shaped and used in the building later, for they were very bright.

1 After completing these tasks, the glorious man who was lord of the entire tower summoned the shepherd to him, and handed over to him all the stones lying beside the tower that had been rejected from the building, saying: 2 “Clean these stones carefully, and fit into the tower the ones that can go with the others; but those that will not fit, throw far away from the tower.” 3 After giving these orders to the shepherd, he left the tower with all those he had come with. The virgins stayed around the tower, guarding it. 4 I said to the shepherd, “How can these stones go back into the tower’s building, since they were rejected?” He answered, “Do you see these stones?” “I see them, Sir,” I said. “I myself,” he said, “will shape most of these stones and place them in the building; they will fit with the rest.” 5 “How, Sir,” I said, “can they fill the same space once they are shaped?” He answered me, “Those that are found small will be put in the middle of the building; but those that are bigger will be placed near the outside, and they will hold them together.” 6 With these words he said to me, “Let us leave now, and come back after two days to clean these stones and fit them into the building. For everything around the tower must be made clean, so that the master does not come suddenly, find the area around the tower dirty, and become angry, and these stones do not go into the tower, and I do not look careless in my master’s sight.” 7 After two days we came to the tower, and he said to me, “Let us examine all the stones and see which can go into the building.” I said to him, “Sir, let us examine them.”

1 So we began by inspecting the black stones, and they were found exactly as they were when they were set aside from the building. The shepherd ordered them to be removed from the tower and set aside. 2 Then he inspected those that were mildewed; many were taken and trimmed, and he ordered the virgins to lift them and put them into the tower’s building. The virgins lifted them and set them in the building of the tower in the middle. But the rest he ordered to be placed with the black ones, for these also were found to be black. 3 Then he began to inspect the cracked ones; many of these he trimmed, and he ordered the virgins to carry them into the building. They were placed on the outside, because they were found stronger. But the rest could not be shaped because of the large number of cracks. That is why they were cast aside from the tower. 4 Next he inspected the short ones, and many of these were found black, and some had large cracks; so he ordered these to be placed with those that had been set aside. The rest he cleaned and trimmed, and ordered them placed in the building. So the virgins lifted them and fitted them in the central part of the tower’s building, for they were somewhat weak. 5 Then he began to inspect those that were half white and half black; many of them were found black; and these too he ordered to be taken away with those that were set aside. All the rest were found white, and the virgins lifted them; because they were white, the virgins themselves fitted them into the building. They were placed on the outside, because they were found sound, so that they could hold together the ones in the middle; for not a single one was too small. 6 Then he began to inspect the hard and rough ones; a few of them were thrown away because they were too hard to shape. The rest were trimmed and lifted by the virgins and fitted into the tower’s center, for they were somewhat weak. 7 Next he examined those that had spots; a few of them had turned black and were placed with the others set aside, but the rest were found bright and sound, and the virgins placed them in the building; they were placed on the outside because of their strength.

1 Then he came to look at the white and round stones, and he said to me, “What should we do with these stones?” “How would I know, Sir?” I said. He said to me, “Do you not notice anything about them?” 2 “Sir,” I said, “I do not have that skill, and I am not a mason, and I cannot understand.” “Do you not see,” he said, “that they are very round, and if I want to make them square, a lot must be chiseled from them? Yet some of them must certainly be put into the building.” 3 “If that is so, Sir,” I said, “why worry? Just choose those you wish for the building, and fit them in.” He chose from among them the large and bright ones, and shaped them; and the virgins lifted them up and placed them on the outer parts of the building. 4 The rest were gathered up and returned to the plain from which they were taken; they were not, however, thrown away, “Because,” he said, “a little remains to be built in the tower, and the master of the tower very much wants these stones to be fitted into the building, for they are extremely bright.” 5 Then twelve women were called, very beautiful, dressed in black, belted, with bare shoulders and their hair loose. These women seemed to me to have a fierce expression. The shepherd ordered them to pick up the stones that had been removed from the building and carry them back to the mountains from which they had been brought; 6 they picked them up joyfully, and carried away all the stones and set them in the place from which they were taken. And after all the stones had been removed, and not one stone remained around the tower, the shepherd said to me, “Let us circle the tower and see if there is any flaw.” I went around it with him. 7 When the shepherd saw that the tower was excellently built, he was overjoyed; for the tower was so well constructed that when I saw it I admired its construction, for it was built as though of a single stone, having one uniform appearance. The stonework looked as though it was cut out of the rock, for it seemed to me a single solid stone.

1 And as I walked with him, I was happy to see such a fine sight. The shepherd said to me, “Go and bring plaster and fine clay so that I can fill in the outlines of the stones that have been taken up and placed in the building, for the entire circumference of the tower must be made level.” 2 I did as he asked and brought them to him. “Help me,” he said, “and we will quickly finish the job.” So he filled in the outlines of the stones that went into the building, and instructed that the area around the tower be swept and cleaned. 3 The virgins took brooms and swept, removing all trash from the tower, and sprinkled water, and the site of the tower became bright and very pleasant. 4 The shepherd said to me, “Everything is now clean. If the lord comes to inspect the tower, he has nothing to blame us for.” Saying this, he wanted to leave. 5 But I grabbed his bag, and began to beg him by the Lord to explain to me everything he had shown me. He said to me, “I have to go away for a short time, then I will explain everything to you. Wait here until I come.” 6 I said to him, “Sir, when I am here alone, what should I do?” “You are not alone,” he said, “for these virgins are here with you.” “Then entrust me to them,” I said. The shepherd called them to him and said, “I entrust this man to you until I come,” and he left. 7 So I was left alone with the virgins; and they were most cheerful, and very kind to me, especially the four of them that were more glorious in appearance.

1 The virgins said to me, “The shepherd will not come today.” “Then what should I do?” I said. “Wait for him,” they said, “until evening; if he comes, he will speak with you; but if he does not come, you will stay here with us until he does come.” 2 I said to them, “I will wait for him until evening, and if he does not come, I will go home and return early in the morning.” But they answered, “You were entrusted to us; you cannot leave us.” 3 “Then where,” I said, “will I stay?” “You will spend the night with us,” they said, “as a brother, not as a husband; for you are our brother, and from now on we will live with you; we love you very much.” But I was embarrassed to stay with them. 4 The one who seemed to be their leader started to kiss and embrace me; and the others, seeing her embrace me, also began to kiss me, and playfully led me around the tower. 5 I had become like a younger man, and I myself began to play with them, for some started to dance, others to skip, others to sing. But I kept silent, walking with them around the tower, rejoicing with them. 6 When evening came, I wanted to go back home, but they would not let me go; they kept me there. So I spent the night with them, sleeping by the tower. 7 For the virgins laid their linen tunics on the ground, and made me lie down in the middle of them, and they did nothing but pray; and I prayed with them without ceasing, no less than they did. The virgins were glad that I prayed so much. And I stayed there with them until the second hour of the morning. 8 Then the shepherd arrived and said to the virgins, “Have you done him any harm?” “Ask him,” they said. I said to him, “Sir, I was happy to stay with them.” “What did you have for supper?” he said. “I dined, Sir,” I said, “on the Lord’s words all night long.” “Did they treat you well?” he said. “Yes, Sir,” I said. 9 “Now,” he said, “what would you like to hear first?” “In the order you showed me things, Sir,” I said, “from the beginning. I ask you, Sir, to explain to me precisely in that order.” “I will interpret for you as you wish,” he said, “and I will hide nothing from you.”

1 “First of all, Sir,” I said, “explain this to me: what are the rock and the gate?” “This rock and gate,” he said, “are the Son of God.” “How, Sir,” I said, “is the rock ancient, but the gate new?” “Listen,” he said, “and understand, foolish one. 2 The Son of God is older than all His creation, so that He was the Father’s adviser in creation. That is why He is ancient.”⁠a “But why is the gate new, Sir?” I said. 3 “Because,” he said, “He was revealed in the last days of the fulfillment; that is why the gate was made new, so that those who are to be saved can enter through it into the kingdom of God.⁠b 4 Did you see,” he said, “that the stones that came through the gate went into the building of the tower, but those that did not come through it were thrown back to their own place?” “I saw, Sir,” I said. “So,” he said, “no one will enter God’s kingdom unless he receives the name of His Son. 5 For if you want to enter a city that is walled and has only one gate, can you enter that city except through its gate?” “How, Sir,” I said, “could it be done any other way?” “Just as you cannot enter a city except through its gate,” he said, “so no one can enter the kingdom of God except through the name of His beloved Son. 6 Did you see,” he said, “the crowd that is building the tower?” “I saw it, Sir,” I said. “They,” he said, “are all glorious angels. The Lord is walled all around with these. But the gate is the Son of God; there is only one entrance to the Lord. No one will come in to Him except through His Son. 7 Did you see,” he said, “the six men, and among them the glorious and mighty man who walked around the tower and rejected stones from the building?” “I saw him, Sir,” I said. 8 “That glorious man,” he said, “is the Son of God, and those six are the glorious angels who guard Him on the right hand and on the left. No one,” he said, “will go in to God without Him; whoever does not receive His name will not enter God’s kingdom.”

1 “But what is the tower?” I said. “The tower,” he said, “is the Church. 2 “And these virgins, who are they?” “They,” he said, “are holy spirits; and no one can be found in the kingdom of God in any other way unless these spirits clothe him with their garment. For if you only receive the name, but do not receive the garment from them, you gain nothing. For these virgins are the powers of the Son of God. If you bear only the Name, without His power, you will bear His Name to no effect. 3 And the stones,” he said, “that you saw thrown away, these had the Name, but did not clothe themselves with the virgins’ garment.” “What is their garment, Sir?” I said. “Their very names,” he said, “are their garment. Whoever bears the Name of the Son of God must also bear the names of these virgins. 4 Even the Son Himself,” he said, “bears the names of these virgins. 5 So all those stones,” he said, “that you saw go into the tower’s building, carried in by their hands and waiting to be built in, have been clothed in the power of these virgins. 6 That is why you see the tower made one stone with the rock. So also those who have believed in the Lord through His Son and are clothed in these spirits will become one spirit and one body,⁠a and all their garments will be of one color. Those who have the names of the virgins live in the tower.” 7 “Then, Sir,” I said, “why were the stones thrown aside, since they passed through the gate and were put into the building of the tower by the virgins’ hands?” “Since you are so interested,” he said, “and ask about everything so diligently, listen to what I say about the stones that were thrown aside. 8 They all,” he said, “received the name of the Son of God, and also received the power of these virgins. When they received these spirits, they were strengthened and were with the servants of God, having one spirit and one body and one garment, for they were of one mind and did righteous deeds. 9 After a while, they were persuaded by the women you saw dressed in black with bare shoulders and loose hair, who were beautiful in appearance. When they saw them, they desired them, and they put on their power, but stripped off the power of the virgins. 10 Then they were cast out from God’s house and handed over to those women. But those who were not deceived by the beauty of these women remained in God’s house. So,” he said, “you have the explanation of those that were cast aside.”

1 “Then what, Sir,” I said, “if these people, such as they are, repent and give up their desire for these women, and return to the virgins, walking in their power and works? Will they not enter God’s house?” 2 “They will enter,” he said, “if they put away the works of those women and take up the power of the virgins again, and walk in their deeds. This is why there was also a pause in the building, so that if they repent, they can enter into the tower’s building; but if they do not repent, others will, and these will be cast out for good.” 3 For all these things I gave thanks to the Lord, because He had compassion on all who call on His name, and sent the angel of repentance to us who had sinned against Him, and restored our spirit, and when we were about to be ruined and had no hope of life, He revived us. 4 “Now, Sir,” I said, “show me why the tower is built not on the ground, but on the rock and on the gate.” “You ask this,” he said, “because you are senseless and lack understanding.” “I must ask you everything, Sir,” I said, “because I am absolutely unable to grasp anything; for everything is great and glorious and difficult for people to understand.” 5 “Listen,” he said. “The name of the Son of God is great and incomprehensible; it sustains the whole world. So if the entire creation is supported by the Son of God, what do you think of those who are called by Him and bear the name of the Son of God and follow His commandments? 6 Do you see then what kind of people He sustains? Those who bear His name with their whole heart. So He Himself has become their foundation, and He sustains them joyfully, because they are not ashamed to bear His name.”

1 “Tell me, Sir,” I said, “the names of the virgins and of the women wearing the black garments.” “Listen,” he said, “to the names of the more powerful virgins, those stationed at the corners. 2 The first is Faith, and the second is Self-Control, and the third is Power, and the fourth is Patience. But the others standing between them have these names—Simplicity, Innocence, Purity, Cheerfulness, Truth, Understanding, Harmony, Love. Whoever bears these names and the name of the Son of God can enter God’s kingdom. 3 Listen,” he said, “also to the names of the women wearing black garments. Four of these are more powerful than the rest: the first is Unbelief, the second is Overindulgence, the third is Disobedience, and the fourth is Deceit; their followers are called Sadness, Wickedness, Lust, Anger, Falsehood, Foolishness, Slander, Hatred. God’s servant who bears these names can see the kingdom of God but will not enter it.” 4 “But the stones, Sir,” I said, “that came from the deep and were fitted into the building—who are they?” “The first ten,” he said, “that were placed in the foundations, are the first generation; the twenty-five are the second generation of righteous people; the thirty-five are God’s prophets and His ministers; the forty are apostles and teachers who preach the Son of God.”⁠a 5 “Then why, Sir,” I said, “did the virgins also offer these stones for the building of the tower and carry them through the gate?” 6 “Because those first ones,” he said, “bore these spirits, and they never separated from each other—neither the spirits from the people nor the people from the spirits—these spirits stayed with them until they fell asleep; and if they had not had these spirits with them, they would not have been found useful for building this tower.”

1 “Show me more, Sir,” I said. “What else do you want to know?” he said. “Why,” I said, “did the stones come up from the deep, and why were they placed into the building, even though they bore these spirits?” 2 “They had to rise up through water,” he said, “so that they might be made alive; otherwise they could not enter God’s kingdom, unless they had put away the deadness of their former life. 3 So these, too, who had fallen asleep received the seal of the Son of God and entered the kingdom of God. For before a person,” he said, “bears the name of the Son of God, he is dead; but when he receives the seal, he sets aside his deadness and takes up life. 4 The seal is the water; so they go down into the water dead, and come up alive.⁠a This seal was proclaimed to them too, and they used it to enter God’s kingdom.” 5 “Why, Sir,” I said, “did the forty stones also come up with them from the deep, though they already had the seal?” “Because,” he said, “those—namely, the apostles and teachers who preached the name of the Son of God—after they fell asleep in the power and faith of the Son of God, also preached to those who had fallen asleep earlier, and themselves gave them the seal of the preaching.⁠b 6 So they went down with them into the water and came up again. But these others, who had fallen asleep before, went down dead and came up alive; 7 so through them they were made alive and came to know fully the name of the Son of God. That is why they also came up with them and were fitted with them into the building of the tower and were built in with them, though they had not been shaped, for they had fallen asleep in righteousness and great purity, but they did not have this seal. Now you have the interpretation of these things as well.” “I do, Sir,” I said.

1 “Now then, Sir,” I said, “explain to me about the mountains. Why are their forms different from one another, and why are they varied?” “Listen,” he said. “These twelve mountains are the twelve tribes that inhabit the entire world. The Son of God was preached to those tribes by the apostles.” 2 “But show me, Sir, why these mountains are varied and each has a different look.” “Listen,” he said. “Those twelve tribes throughout the entire world are twelve nations, and they differ in understanding and thought. Just as the mountains looked different to you, so too do the minds and the understanding of these nations vary. I will show you the deeds of each.” 3 “First, Sir,” I said, “show me this: why did the mountains, being so varied, become bright and of one color, like the stones that came from the deep, once they were placed in the building?” 4 “Because,” he said, “all the nations under heaven, after hearing and believing, were called by the one name of the Son of God. So, having received the seal, they had a single thought and a single mind; they had one faith and one love, and they carried the spirits of the virgins together with the Name. That is why the building of the tower became of one color, bright as the sun. 5 But after they entered together and became one body, some of them defiled themselves and were cast out from the company of the righteous, becoming again what they were before, or even worse.”

1 “How, Sir,” I said, “did they become worse once they had fully known God?” “Whoever does not know God,” he said, “and commits wickedness, is punished for his wrongdoing. But whoever fully knows God ought not to commit wickedness any longer, but to do good. 2 So if the one who should do good commits evil, does he not seem to do more wickedness than the person who does not know God? That is why those who have not known God and commit wickedness are condemned to death; but those who have known God and have seen His mighty works, yet still do evil, will receive double punishment and will die eternally.⁠a In this way the Church of God will be purified. 3 Just as you saw the stones removed from the tower and handed over to evil spirits, these too will be thrown out; then there will be one body of those who are purified, just as the tower, after being cleansed, was as though of a single stone. So it will be with the Church of God too, after she is purified and the wicked and hypocrites and blasphemers and double-minded and those who commit various sins are cast out. 4 When these are cast out, the Church of God will be one body, one mind, one judgment, one faith, one love. Then the Son of God will rejoice and be glad in them, because He has received back His people pure.” “Sir,” I said, “all these things are great and glorious. 5 Once more, Sir,” I said, “show me the meaning and effect of each of the mountains, so that every soul who trusts in the Lord, hearing these things, may glorify His great and marvelous and glorious name.” “Listen,” he said, “to what I say about the variety of the mountains and the twelve nations.

1 “From the first mountain, which was black, those who believed are like this: rebels and blasphemers against the Lord, and betrayers of God’s servants. For them there is no repentance, but death. That is why they are black, for their race is lawless. 2 And from the second mountain, the bare one, those who believed are people like this: hypocrites and teachers of evil. They are like the former in that they do not produce the fruit of righteousness. For, just as their mountain is fruitless, so also these people have only a name but are empty of faith, and there is no fruit of truth in them. Still, repentance is offered for these if they repent quickly; but if they delay, they will die with the former.” 3 “Why, Sir,” I said, “is repentance available for them, but not for the former? For their deeds seem almost the same.” “That is why,” he said, “repentance is offered to them: they did not blaspheme their Lord or become betrayers of God’s servants; but out of a craving for money, they acted hypocritically, teaching each other according to the desires of sinful people. They will pay a penalty, but repentance has been appointed for them, because they have not become blasphemers or betrayers.

1 “And from the third mountain, which had thorns and briars, those who believed are like this: some of them are wealthy, and others are tangled in many business dealings. The briars represent the wealthy, and the thorns those who are caught up in various business matters.⁠a 2 These, then, who are involved in many and varied affairs, do not cling to God’s servants but go astray, choked by their affairs; and the wealthy are reluctant to associate with God’s servants, for fear that they will ask them for something. Such people will have difficulty entering the kingdom of God. 3 For just as it is difficult to walk barefoot over briars, so also it is difficult for these people to enter God’s kingdom.⁠b 4 But for all these, repentance is possible, though it must be quick, so that in the days that remain they may now make up for what they neglected to do in the past, and do some good. If they repent and do some good, they will live for God; but if they remain in their practices, they will be given over to those women who will put them to death.

1 “And from the fourth mountain, which had abundant vegetation—its top part green and the part near the roots withered, and some of it dried up by the sun—those who believed are like this: the double-minded, and those who have the Lord on their lips but not in their heart. 2 That is why their foundations are dry and without power, while only their words seem alive, but their works are dead. People like these are neither alive nor dead. So they are like the double-minded; for the double-minded are not green or withered; they are neither alive nor dead. 3 For just as their grass was withered when the sun’s heat struck it, so the double-minded, when they hear of hardship, serve idols out of cowardice and are ashamed of the Lord’s name.⁠a 4 Such people are neither alive nor dead. Yet these too, if they repent quickly, can live; but if they do not repent, they are already handed over to the women who will take away their life.

1 “From the fifth mountain, which had green grass but was rugged, those who believed are like this: they are faithful, but slow to learn and obstinate and self-satisfied, wanting to know everything yet knowing nothing. 2 Because of their obstinacy, understanding kept its distance from them, and a dull foolishness entered them; they claim to be discerning, and they want to be self-appointed teachers, though they are senseless. 3 Through this arrogance of heart many have exalted themselves and become empty; for stubbornness and conceit is a powerful demon. Many of these were cast away, but some repented and believed, and submitted to those who had understanding, once they recognized their own folly. 4 And repentance is offered to the rest of this group; for they did not become wicked, but rather foolish and without understanding. If they repent, they will live for God; but if they do not repent, they will live with those women who bring evil on them.

1 “Those who believed from the sixth mountain, which had large and small cracks, and whose vegetation in the cracks was withered, are like this: 2 those who have small cracks are those who harbor small grudges against one another and, through their slander, become withered in the faith; but many of these repented, yes, and the rest will repent when they hear my commandments, for their slander is minor, and they will soon repent. 3 But those who have large cracks cling to their slander and hold grudges, nursing anger against each other. So they were thrown away from the tower and rejected from its building. People like these will hardly live. 4 If God and our Lord, who rules over all things and has authority over all creation, does not hold a grudge against those who confess their sins, but is reconciled to them, can a mortal person, himself full of sins, hold a grudge against someone else, as if he can destroy or save him? 5 I, the angel of repentance, say to all of you who hold this mistaken view: rid yourselves of it and repent, and the Lord will heal your past sins if you rid yourselves of this demon; but if not, you will be turned over to him for destruction.

1 “From the seventh mountain, which had green, cheerful vegetation, and was thriving, and on which all kinds of cattle and birds of the sky fed—and the more they fed, the more its grass grew—those who believed are people like this: 2 they are always simple and innocent and blessed, having nothing against each other, but always rejoicing with God’s servants, clothed in the Holy Spirit from these virgins, always compassionate to everyone, and from their work providing what each person needs without reproach or hesitation. 3 The Lord, seeing their simplicity and complete childlikeness, blessed their labors and gave them favor in everything they do. 4 I, the angel of repentance, say to you who are like this: stay like this to the end, and your descendants will never be erased. For the Lord has tested you, and enrolled you among our number, and your whole line of descendants will dwell with the Son of God, for you received His Spirit.

1 “And from the eighth mountain, where there were many springs and all the Lord’s creatures drank from them, those who believed are these: 2 apostles and teachers who have preached to the whole world, and who taught the word of the Lord with purity and self-control, embezzling nothing at all for evil desires, but always living in righteousness and truth, just as they received the Holy Spirit. So people like this will enter in with the angels.

1 “And from the ninth mountain, which was barren and had reptiles and wild beasts that destroy humankind, those who believed are these: 2 those who have the spots are deacons who performed their office badly, stealing the livelihood of widows and orphans, and making a profit for themselves from the ministries they received to carry out. If they stay in the same evil desire, they are dead and have no hope of life; but if they turn back and carry out their ministries in purity, it is possible for them to live. 3 But those who are mildewed are those who denied and did not turn back to their Lord, but became dry and barren, because they do not cling to God’s servants but remain alone, destroying themselves.⁠a 4 For just as a vine left alone inside a fence, if neglected, is choked by weeds, and in time goes wild and is no longer useful to its owner, so too such people give themselves over to hopelessness and become useless to their Lord by becoming wild. 5 Repentance is still open to these, unless they are found to have denied in their hearts; but if someone is found to have denied in his heart, I do not know if it is possible for him to live. 6 I am not saying, in these present days, that a person can deny his Lord and then receive repentance. It is impossible for anyone who denies his Lord now to be saved. But for those who denied Him long ago, repentance may be possible. If someone is willing to repent, let him do so quickly before the tower is finished; otherwise, he will be destroyed by the women and put to death. 7 And the short ones are the treacherous and slanderers; and the wild beasts you saw on the mountain are these. For just as wild beasts with their poison kill a person, so do the words of such people poison and kill someone. 8 So these are cut short in their faith by their own conduct; but some have repented and have been saved; and the rest like this can be saved if they repent, but if they do not repent, they will meet their death at the hands of those women whose power they have.

1 “And from the tenth mountain, where there were trees that sheltered some sheep, those who believed are like this: 2 bishops, hospitable people, who at all times cheerfully welcomed God’s servants into their homes without pretense. These bishops constantly sheltered the needy and the widows by their ministry, always conducting themselves in purity. 3 All these will be sheltered by the Lord forever. So those who have done these things are glorious in God’s sight, and even now their place is with the angels, if they continue to serve the Lord to the end.

1 “And from the eleventh mountain, which was full of trees loaded with different kinds of fruit, those who believed are like this: 2 those who suffered for the Name of the Son of God, who also suffered willingly with their whole heart, offering up their lives.” 3 “Then why, Sir,” I said, “do all the trees have fruit, yet some fruits are more beautiful than others?” “Listen,” he said. “All who ever suffered for the sake of the Name are glorious in God’s sight, and the sins of all these were taken away, because they suffered for the name of the Son of God. Now listen to why some of their fruits are more beautiful than others. 4 “All who were tortured,” he said, “and did not deny when brought before the authorities, but suffered willingly, are more glorious in the Lord’s sight; their fruit is the finest. But those who wavered, hesitating in their hearts whether to deny or confess, and yet suffered, have smaller fruits, because they harbored that thought. For a servant to think of denying his own Lord is evil. 5 So take care, those of you who entertain this idea, that it does not remain in your hearts, causing you to die to God. But you who suffer for the sake of the Name should glorify God, because God considered you worthy to bear this name, and to have all your sins healed. 6 So count yourselves blessed; indeed, realize that you have accomplished a great work if any of you suffer for God’s sake. The Lord grants you life, and you do not realize it; for your sins weighed you down, and if you had not suffered for the Name of the Lord, you would have died to God because of your sins. 7 I say these things to you who waver about denial and confession. Confess that you have the Lord, so you are not handed over to prison by denying Him. 8 If the Gentiles punish a servant who denies his master, what do you think the Lord, who has authority over all things, will do to you? Banish these ideas from your hearts, so you may live forever with God.”

1 “And from the twelfth mountain, which was white, those who believed are people like this: they are like infants into whose hearts no deceit enters,⁠a and they have not learned what wickedness is, but have always remained like infants. 2 People like this live in God’s kingdom without question, because they did not defile the commandments of God in any way, but continued as children all their days with the same mind. 3 So all of you,” he said, “who remain like infants, without deceit, will be more glorious than all those mentioned before; for all infants are glorious in God’s sight, and come first in His sight. So blessed are all of you who have rid yourselves of wickedness and have clothed yourselves in innocence; you will live for God first of all.” 4 When he finished the parables of the mountains, I said to him, “Sir, now explain to me about the stones that were taken from the plain and placed in the building in place of the ones taken from the tower, and about the round stones that were placed in the building, and about those that still remain round.”

1 “Listen,” he said, “to the explanation of all these things too. The stones taken from the plain and placed in the tower’s building in place of those that were removed are the roots of this white mountain. 2 When those who believed from this mountain were found blameless, the lord of the tower ordered these from the roots of the mountain to be put into the tower’s building. For He knew that if these stones went into the tower’s building, they would remain bright, and not one of them would become black. 3 But if He had added stones from other mountains, He would have had to visit the tower again and cleanse it. Now all these who have believed and who will believe are found white, because they are of the same kind. Blessed is this kind, for it is innocent! 4 Now learn about the round, bright stones. All these are from the white mountain. Now understand why they were found round. Their riches had darkened them and hidden the truth from them a little. 5 When the Lord saw their mind—that they are fit for the truth, and can remain good—He ordered their possessions to be cut away from them, but not completely taken away, so that they could do some good with what remained, and so live for God, for they come from a good kind. So they were trimmed a little, and placed in the building of this tower.”

1 “But the other stones that remained round and were not fitted into the building, because they had not yet received the seal, were returned to where they belonged, for they were found very round. 2 For this world and the vanity of their possessions must be trimmed away from them; then they will fit into the kingdom of God. They must enter God’s kingdom, because the Lord has blessed this innocent kind. None of this kind will perish. Even if someone among them is tempted by the most wicked devil and commits some fault, he will quickly return to his Lord. 3 I, the angel of repentance, declare all of you blessed who are as innocent as infants, because your lot is good and honorable before God. 4 I also command all of you who have received this seal: keep your innocence, bear no grudges, and do not remain in wrongdoing or in the memory of bitter offenses. Instead, become of one spirit, and heal these evil divisions, and remove them from among you, so that the owner of the flock may rejoice over them. 5 For he will rejoice if he finds everything complete. But if he finds part of the flock scattered, woe to the shepherds. 6 For if the shepherds themselves are found scattered, how will they answer for the flock? Will they say they were harassed by the flock? That will not be believed, for it is not credible that a shepherd is hurt by his flock; he will be punished more severely because of his lie. And I am the shepherd, and I above all must answer for you.”

1 “So correct yourselves while the tower is still being built. 2 The Lord is close to those who love peace; for peace is dear to Him; but He has nothing to do with the argumentative and those devoted to wrongdoing. Give your spirit back to Him whole, just as you received it. 3 Suppose you give a new, whole garment to a laundry worker, and want to get it back whole, but the laundry worker returns it torn—will you accept it? Will you not immediately get angry and rebuke him, saying, ‘The garment I gave you was whole; why did you tear it and make it useless? Look, because of the tear, it is unusable’? Will you not say all this to the laundry worker over a tear that he made in your garment? 4 So if you are so upset about your garment and complain that you did not receive it back in good shape, how do you think the Lord will treat you? He gave you the spirit whole, and you have made it completely useless, so that its owner cannot use it at all. For once it was corrupted by you, it became useless. Will not the Lord of this spirit punish you with death for this deed of yours?” 5 “Certainly,” I said, “He will punish all who are found persisting in resentment.” “Do not trample,” he said, “on His mercy, but instead glorify Him, for He is so patient with your sins and is not like you. So practice the repentance that benefits you.

1 “I, the shepherd, the angel of repentance, have proclaimed and spoken everything written above to the servants of God. If you believe and listen to my words, and walk in them, and change your ways, you will be able to live. But if you remain in wickedness and keep harboring malice, no one like that will live for God. All that had to be spoken by me has now been spoken to you.” 2 The shepherd said to me, “Have you asked me all your questions?” And I said, “Yes, Sir.” “Then why did you not ask me about the outlines of the stones placed in the building, and how we filled them in?” I said, “I forgot, Sir.” 3 “Listen now,” he said, “to what they mean. These are those who have heard my commandments now, and have repented with their whole heart. When the Lord saw that their repentance was good and pure, and that they could continue in it, He ordered their former sins to be erased. So these outlines were their former sins, and they have been smoothed over so that they would not show.”

The Tenth Parable of the Last Instructions to Hermas

1 After I had finished writing this book, the angel who had handed me over to the shepherd came to the house where I was, and sat on a couch, with the shepherd standing at his right hand. Then he called me, and spoke to me like this: 2 “I handed you and your household over to this shepherd, so that you might be guarded by him.” “That is true, Sir,” I said. “If, then,” he said, “you want to be protected from all trouble and cruelty, and to succeed in every good deed and word, and have complete righteousness, walk in his commandments that I have given you, and you will be able to master all wickedness. 3 For if you keep his commandments, all evil desire and the allure of this world will be subject to you; moreover, you will prosper in every good work. Embrace his seriousness and self-control, and make it known to everyone that he is held in great honor and dignity with the Lord, and is a ruler of great authority and power in his position. He alone in the whole world has been given authority over repentance. Does he seem powerful to you? Yet you despise the gravity and moderation he shows toward you.”

1 I said to him, “Ask him yourself, Sir, whether I have done anything wrong to offend him since he has been in my house.” 2 “I myself know,” he said, “that you have done nothing wrong, and will not do so. And I say these things to you so that you will remain that way. For he has given me a good report about you. So you must speak these words to others too, so that they too, who have repented or will repent, may have the same mindset that you do; then he can give them a good report to me, and I to the Lord.” 3 “I too, Sir,” I said, “proclaim God’s mighty works to all people, for I hope that everyone who has sinned in the past, if they hear these things, will gladly repent and regain life.” 4 “So continue in this ministry,” he said, “and bring it to completion. For whoever keeps his commandments will have life; yes, such a person will have great honor with the Lord. But whoever does not keep his commandments flees from his own life, opposes him, and refuses to keep his commands, handing himself over to death; and each person becomes responsible for his own blood. But I command you to obey these commandments, and you will have a remedy for your sins.

1 “Furthermore, I have sent these virgins to you, so that they may live with you, for I saw that they are friendly toward you. So you have them as helpers, so that you may be better able to keep his commandments, for it is impossible to keep these commandments without the help of these virgins. I also see that they are glad to be with you. But I will instruct them not to leave your house at all. 2 Only purify your house, for they will gladly stay in a clean house. For they are pure, chaste, and diligent, and they have favor in the Lord’s sight. So if they find your house clean, they will remain with you; but if the smallest pollution appears, they will leave your house immediately. For these virgins do not love any kind of impurity.” 3 I said to him, “I hope, Sir, I will please them so that they will be glad to stay in my house forever; and just as the one you entrusted me to has no complaint against me, so they too will find no cause for complaint.” 4 He said to the shepherd, “I see that he wants to be God’s servant, that he will keep these commandments, and will place these virgins in a clean place to live.” 5 With these words he again entrusted me to the shepherd, and summoned the virgins, and said to them, “Since I see that you are glad to live in this man’s house, I entrust him and his household to you, so that you will never leave his house.” They were glad to hear these words.

1 He said to me, “Carry on courageously in this ministry; proclaim God’s mighty works to everyone, and you will have favor in this service. So whoever walks in these commandments will live and be happy in this life; but whoever neglects them will not live, and will be unhappy in this life. 2 Instruct everyone who is able to do right to keep doing good works, for this is beneficial for them. I also say that every person ought to be rescued from adversity, because someone in need, who is troubled in daily life, is in great torment and want. 3 So whoever rescues someone from this kind of hardship gains great joy for himself. For one who is harassed by that sort of trouble is afflicted and tortured as though by chains; many, because of such misfortunes, when they cannot endure them, harm themselves. Whoever sees someone in such misfortune and fails to rescue him commits a great sin, and becomes guilty of that person’s blood. 4 So do good works, all of you who have received blessings from the Lord, so that the building of the tower is not completed while you delay. For it is on your account that the work of the building is delayed. Unless you hurry to do what is right, the tower will be completed, and you will be left outside.” 5 When he finished speaking to me, he got up from the couch and left, taking the shepherd and the virgins with him. But he told me that he would send the shepherd and the virgins back again to my house.