The Shepherd of Hermas

[Centered heading:] The Shepherd of Hermas

Vision 1

1:1 The master, who raised me sold me to a lady, Rhoda in Rome. After many years, I met her again, and began to love her as a sister.

1:2 After a period of time I saw her bathing in the river Tiber; and I gave her my hand, and led her out of the river. When I saw her beauty, I thought to myself, 'I would be happy if I had such a one as a wife both because of her beauty and character.' I merely thought about this and nothing more.

1:3 After a while, as I was travelling to Cumae, and praising Yahweh because of his creatures, for their greatness and beauty and power. As I walked I fell asleep. And a Spirit took me, and lifted me away through a land that had no path and through which no man could pass. The place has cliffs, and was broken into clefts by rivers. When I had crossed the river, I came into the level country, and knelt down, and began to pray to Yahweh and to confess my sins.

1:4 Now, while I prayed, heaven was opened, and I saw the lady, whom I had desired, greeting me from heaven, saying, "Good day, Hermas."

1:5 And, looking at her, I said to her, "Lady, what are you doing here?" Then she answered me, "I was taken up, that I might convict you of your sins before Yahweh."

1:6 I said to her, "Dost you now convict me?" "Nay, not so," said she, "but hear the words, that I shall say to you. Yahweh, Who dwelled in the heavens, and created out of nothing the things which are, and increased and multiplied them for His holy Church's sake, is wroth with you, for that you didst sin against me."

1:7 I answered her and said, "Sin against you? In what way? Did I ever speak an unseemly word unto you? Did I not always regard you as a goddess? Did I not always respect you as a sister? How couldst you falsely charge me, lady, with such villainy and uncleanness?"

1:8 "Laughing she said unto me, "The desire after evil entered into your heart. No, think you not that it is an evil deed for a righteous man, if the evil desire should enter into his heart? It is indeed a sin and a great one too," said she; "for the righteous man entertained righteous purposes. While then his purposes are righteous, his repute stands steadfast in the heavens, and he finds Yahweh easily propitiated in all that he does. But they that entertain evil purposes in their hearts, bring upon themselves death an captivity, especially they that claim for themselves this present work and boast in its riches, and hold fast not to the good things that are to come.

1:9 Their souls shall rue it, seeing that they have no hope, but have abandoned themselves and their life. But do you pray unto Yahweh and He shall heal your own sins, and those of thy whole house, and of all the saints."

2:1 As soon as she had spoken these words the heavens were shut and I was given over to horror and grief Then I said within myself "If this sin is recorded against me, how can I be saved? Or how shall I propitiate Yahweh for my sins which are full-blown? Or with which words shall I entreat Yahweh that He may be propitious unto me?"

2:2 While I was advising and discussing these matters in my heart, I see, before me a great white chair of snow-white wool; and there came an aged lady in glistening raiment, having a book in her hands, and she sat down alone, and she saluted me, "Good morrow, Hermas." Then I grieved and weeping, said, "Good morrow, lady."

2:3 And she said to me "Why so gloomy, Hermas, you that art patient and good-tempered and art always smiling? Why so downcast in thy looks, and far from cheerful?" And I said to her, "Because of an excellent lady's saying that I had sinned against her."

2:4 Then she said, "Far be this thing from the servant of Yahweh! Nevertheless the thought did enter into thy heart concerning her. Now to the servants of Yahweh such a purpose brings sin. For it is an evil and mad purpose to overtake a devout spirit that has been already approved, that it should desire an evil deed, and especially if it be Hermas the temperate, who abstained from every evil desire, and is full of all simplicity and of great guilelessness.

3:1 "Yet it is not for this that Yahweh is wroth with you, but that you may convert thy family, that has done wrong against Yahweh and against you their parents. But out of fondness for thy children you didst not admonish thy family, but didst suffer it to become fearfully corrupt. Therefore Yahweh is wroth with you. But He will heal all thy past sins, which have been committed in thy family; for by reason of their sins and iniquities you hast been corrupted by the affairs of this world.

3:2 But the great mercy of Yahweh had pity on you and thy family, and will strengthen you, and establish you in His glory. Only be not you careless, but take courage, and strengthen thy family. For as the smith hammering his work conquers the task which he wills, so also doth righteous discourse repeated daily conquer all evil. Cease not therefore to reprove thy children; for I know that if they shall repent with all their heart, they shall be written in the books of life with the saints."

3:3 After these words of hers had ceased, she said unto me, "Wilt you listen to me as I read?" Then say I, "Yes, lady." She said to me, "Be attentive, and hear the glories of Yahweh." I listened with attention and with wonder to that which I had no power to remember; for all the words were terrible, such as man cannot bear. The last words however I remembered, for they were suitable for us and gentle.

3:4 "Behold, Yahweh of Hosts, Who by His invisible and mighty power and by His great wisdom created the world, and by His glorious purpose clothed His creation with comeliness, and by His strong word fixed the heaven, and founded the earth upon the waters, and by His own wisdom and providence formed His holy Church, which also He blessed-behold, He

[3:4 breaks mid-sentence at the foot of p. 787; it continues on p. 788, unphotographed. NOTE: Grapte and Clement are NOT named on this page — the command to write the two books (Vision 2 §4 in the standard numbering) stands further on, on an unphotographed page.]

[Vision 1's last verse continues from p. 787:]

removed the heavens and the mountains and the hills and the seas, and all things are made level for His elect, that He may fulfill to them the promise which He promised with great glory and rejoicing, if so be that they shall keep the ordinances of Yahweh, which they received, with great faith.

4:1 When then she finished reading and arose from her chair, there came four young men, and they took away the chair, and departed towards the East.

4:2 Then she called me unto her, and she touched my breast, and said to me, "Did my reading please you?" And I say unto her, "Lady, these last words please me, but the former were difficult and hard." Then she spoke to me, saying, "These last words are for the righteous, but the former are for the heathen and the rebellious."

4:3 While she yet spoke with me, two men appeared, and took her by the arms, and they departed, whither the chair also had gone, towards the East. And she smiled as she departed and, as she was going, she said to me, "Play the man, Hermas."

Vision 2

1[5]:1 I was on the way to Cumae, at the same season as last year, and called to mind my last year's vision as I walked; and again a Spirit took me, and carried me away to the same place as last year.

1[5]:2 When then I arrived at the place, I fell upon my knees, and began to pray to Yahweh, and to glorify His name, for that he counted me worthy, and made known unto me my former sins.

1[5]:3 But after I had risen up from prayer, I behold before me the aged lady, whom also I had seen last year, walking and reading a little book. And she said to me, "Canst you report these things to the elect of Yahweh?" I say unto her, "Lady, I cannot recollect so much; but give me the little book, that I may copy it." "Take it," said she, "and be sure and return it to me."

1[5]:4 I took it, and retiring to a certain spot in the country I copied it letter for letter: for I could not make out the syllables. When then I had finished the letters of the book, suddenly the book was snatched out of my hand; but by whom I did not see.

2[6]:1 Now after fifteen days, when I had fasted and entreated Yahweh earnestly, the knowledge of the writing was revealed to me. And this is what was written:—

2[6]:2 "Your seed, Hermas, have sinned against Yahweh, and have blasphemed Yahweh, and have betrayed their parents through great wickedness, yea, they have got the name of betrayers of parents, and yet they did not profit by their betrayal; and they still further added to their sins wanton deeds and reckless wickedness; and so the measure of their transgressions was filled up.

2[6]:3 But make these words known to all thy children, and to thy wife who shall be as thy sister; for she too refrained not from using her tongue, wherewith she doeth evil. But, when she hears these words, she will refrain, and will find mercy.

2[6]:4 After that you hast made known unto them all these words, which the Master commanded me that they should be revealed unto you, then all their sins which they sinned aforetime are forgiven to them; yea, and to all the saints that have sinned unto this day, if they repent with their whole heart, and remove double-mindedness from their heart.

2[6]:5 For the Master swore by His own glory, as concerning His elect; that if, now that this day has been set as a limit, sin shall hereafter be committed, they shall not find salvation; for repentance for the righteous has an end; the days of repentance are accomplished for all the saints; whereas for the Gentiles there is repentance until the last day.

2[6]:6 You shall therefore say unto the elders of the Church, that they direct their paths in righteousness, that they may receive in full the promises with abundant glory.

2[6]:7 you therefore that work righteousness be steadfast, and be not double-minded, that you may have admission with the holy angels. Blessed are you, as many as endure patiently the great tribulation that cometh, and as many as shall not deny their life.

2[6]:8 For Yahweh swear concerning His Son, that those who denied their Lord should be rejected from their life, even they that are now about to deny Him in the coming days; but to those who denied Him aforetime, to them mercy was given of His great loving kindness.

3[7]:1 "But do you, Hermas, no longer bear a grudge against thy children, neither suffer thy sister to have her way, so that they may be purified from their former sins. For they shall be chastised with a righteous chastisement, unless you bear a grudge against them thyself. The bearing of a grudge worked death. But you, Hermas, hast had great tribulations of your own, by reason of the transgressions of thy family, because you had no care for them. For you was neglectful of them, and was mixed up with your evil transactions.

3[7]:2 But herein is thy salvation, in that you didst not depart from the living God, and in thy simplicity and thy great continence. These have saved you, if you abide therein; and they save all who do such things, and walk in guilelessness and simplicity. These men prevail over all wickedness, and continue unto life eternal.

3[7]:3 Blessed are all they that work righteousness. They shall never be destroyed.

3[7]:4 But you shall say to Maximus, 'Behold tribulation cometh (upon you), if you think fit to deny a second time. Yahweh is nigh unto them that turn unto him, as it is written in Eldad and Modat, who prophesied to the people in the wilderness.'

4[8]:1 Now, brethren, a revelation was made unto me in my sleep by a youth of exceeding fair form, who said to me, "Whom think you the aged woman, from whom you received the book, to be?" I say, "The Sibyl." "You art wrong," said he, "she is not." "Who then is she?" I say. "The Church," said he. I said unto him, "Wherefore then is she aged?" "Because," said he, "she was created before all things; therefore is she aged; and for her sake the world was framed."

4[8]:2 And afterwards I saw a vision in my house. The aged woman came, and asked me, if I had already given the book to the elders. I said that I had not given it. "You hast done well," she said, "for I have words to add. When then I shall have

PRINTED p. 789 — Vision 2 tail; Vision 3 (1[9]:1 – 3[11]:1, breaking mid-verse)

finished all the words, it shall be made known by thy means to all the elect.

4[8]:3 You shall therefore write two little books, and shall send one to Clement, and one to Grapte. So Clement shall send to the foreign cities, for this is his duty; while Grapte shall instruct the widows and the orphans. But you shall read (the book) to this city along with the elders that preside over the Church.

Vision 3

1[9]:1 The third vision, which I saw, brethren, was as follows.

1[9]:2 After fasting often, and entreating Yahweh to declare unto me the revelation which He promised to show me by the mouth of the aged woman, that very night the aged woman was seen of me, and she said to me, "Seeing that you art so importunate and eager to know all things, come into the country where you abide, and about the fifth hour I will appear, and will show you what you ought to see."

1[9]:3 I asked her, saying, "Lady, to what part of the country?" "Where you wilt," said she. I selected a beautiful and retired spot; but before I spoke to her and named the spot, she said to me, "I will come, whither you will."

1[9]:4 I went then, brethren, into the country, and I counted up the hours, and came to the place where I appointed her to come, and I see an ivory couch placed there, and on the couch there lay a linen cushion, and on the cushion was spread a coverlet of fine linen of flax.

1[9]:5 When I saw these things so ordered, and no one in the place, I was amazed, and a fit of trembling seized me; and my hair stood on end; and a fit of shuddering came upon me, because I was alone. When then I recovered myself, and remembered the glory of Yahweh, and took courage, I knelt down and confessed my sins to Yahweh once more, as I had done on the former occasion.

1[9]:6 Then she came with six young men, the same whom I had seen before, and she stood by me, and listened attentively to me, as I prayed and confessed my sins to Yahweh. And she touched me, and said: "Hermas, make an end of constantly entreating for thy sins; entreat also for righteousness, that you may take some part forthwith to thy family."

1[9]:7 Then she raised me by the hand, and led me to the couch, and said to the young men, "Go you, and build."

1[9]:8 And after the young men had retired and we were left alone, she said to me, "Sit down here." I say to her, "Lady, let the elders sit down first." "Do as I bid you," said she, "sit down."

1[9]:9 When then I wanted to sit down on the right side, she would not allow me, but beckoned me with her hand that I should sit on the left side. As then I was musing thereon, and was sad because she would not permit me to sit on the right side, she said to me, "Art you sad, Hermas? The place on the right side is for others, even for those who have already been well-pleasing to Yahweh, and have suffered for the Name's sake. But you lack much that you should sit with them; but as you abide in thy simplicity, even so, and you shall sit with them, you and as many as shall have done their deeds, and have suffered what they suffered."

2[10]:1 "What did they suffer?" say I. "Listen," said she. "Stripes, imprisonments, great tribulations, crosses, wild beasts, for the Name's sake. Therefore to them belongs the right side of the Holiness—to them, and to all who shall suffer for the Name. But for the rest is the left side. Howbeit, to both, to them that sit on the right, and to them that sit on the left, are the same gifts, and the same promises, only they sit on the right and have a certain glory.

2[10]:2 You indeed art very desirous to sit on the right with them, but thy shortcomings are many; yet you shall be purified from thy shortcomings; yea, and all that are not double-minded shall be purified from all their sins unto this day."

2[10]:3 When she had said this, she wished to depart; but, falling at her feet, I entreated her by Yahweh that she would show me the vision which she promised.

2[10]:4 Then she again took me by the hand, and raised me, and seated me on the couch at the left hand, while she herself sat on the right. And lifting up a certain glistening rod, she said to me, "See you a great thing?" I say to her, "Lady, I see nothing." She said to me, "Look you; do you not see in front of you a great tower being built upon the waters, of glistening square stones?"

2[10]:5 Now the tower was being built foursquare by the six young men that came with her. And countless other men were bringing stones, some of them from the deep, and others from the land, and were handing them to the six young men. And they took them and built.

2[10]:6 The stones that were dragged from the deep they placed in every case, just as they were, into the building, for they had been shaped, and they fitted in their joining with the other stones; and they adhered so closely one with another that their joining could not possibly be detected; and the building of the tower appeared as if it were built of one stone.

2[10]:7 But of the other stones which were brought from the dry land, some they threw away, and some they put into the building; and others they broke in pieces, and threw to a distance from the tower.

2[10]:8 Now many other stones were lying round the tower, and they did not use them for the building; for some of them were mildewed, and others had cracks in them, and others were too short, and others were white and round, and did not fit into the building.

2[10]:9 And I saw other stones thrown to a distance from the tower, and coming to the way, and yet not staying in the way, but rolling to where there was no way; and others falling into the fire and burning there; and others falling near the waters, and yet not able to roll into the water, although they desired to roll and to come to the water.

3[11]:1 When she had shown me these things, she wished to hurry away. I say to her, "Lady, what advantage is it to me to have seen these things, and yet not to know what the things mean?" She answered and said unto me, "You art an over-

curious fellow, in desiring to know all that concerns the tower." "Yea, lady," I said, "that I may announce it to my brethren, and that they [may be the more gladdened and] when they hear [these things] they may know Yahweh in great glory." Then said she,

3[11]:2 "Many shall hear; but when they hear, some of them shall be glad, and others shall weep. Yet even these latter, if they hear and repent, shall likewise be glad. Hear you therefore the parables of the tower; for I will reveal all things unto you. And trouble me no more about revelation; for these revelations have an end, seeing that they have been completed. Nevertheless you wilt not cease asking for revelations; for you art shameless."

3[11]:3 The tower, which you see building, is myself, the Church, which was seen of you both now and aforetime. Ask, therefore, what you will concerning the tower, and I will reveal it unto you, that you may rejoice with the saints.

3[11]:4 I say unto her, "Lady, since you didst hold me worthy once for all, that you should reveal all things to me, reveal them." Then she said to me, "Whatsoever is possible to be revealed to you, shall be revealed. Only let thy heart be with Yahweh, and doubt not in thy mind about that which you sees."

3[11]:5 I asked her, "Wherefore is the tower built upon waters, lady?" "I told you so before," said she, "and indeed you do enquire diligently. So by thy enquiry you discovered the truth. Hear then why the tower is built upon waters; it is because your life is saved and shall be saved by water. But the tower has been founded by the word of the Almighty and Glorious Name, and is strengthened by the unseen power of the Master."

4[12]:1 I answered and said unto her, "Lady, this thing is great and marvelous. But the six young men that build, who are they, lady?" "These are the holy angels of Yahweh, that were created first of all, unto whom Yahweh delivered all His creation to increase and to build it, and to be masters of all creation. By their hands therefore the building of the tower will be accomplished."

4[12]:2 "And who are the others who are bringing the stones in?" "They also are holy angels of Yahweh; but these six are superior to them. The building of the tower then shall be accomplished, and all alike shall rejoice in the (completed) circle of the tower, and shall glorify Yahweh that the building of the tower was accomplished."

4[12]:3 I enquired of her, saying, "Lady, I could wish to know concerning the end of the stones, and their power, of what kind it is." She answered and said unto me, "It is not that you of all men art especially worthy that it should be revealed to you; for there are others before you, and better than you art, unto whom these visions ought to have been revealed. But that the name of Yahweh may be glorified, it has been revealed to you, all shall be revealed, for the sake of the doubtful-minded, who question in their hearts whether these things are so or not. Tell them that all these things are true, and that there is nothing beside the truth, but that all are steadfast, and valid, and established on a firm foundation."

5[13]:1 "Hear now concerning the stones that go to the building The stones that are squared and white, and that fit together in their joints, these are the apostles and bishops and teachers and deacons, who walked after the holiness of Yahweh, and exercised their office of bishop and teacher and deacon in purity and sanctity for the elect of Yahweh, some of them already fallen on sleep, and others still living. And because they always agreed with one another, they both had peace among themselves and listened one to another. Therefore their joinings fit together in the building of the tower."

5[13]:2 "But they that are dragged from the deep, and placed in the building, and that fit together in their joinings with the other stones that are already built in, who are they?" "These are they that suffered for the name of the Lord."

5[13]:3 "But the other stones that are brought from the dry land, I would fain know who these are, lady." She said, "Those that go to the building, and yet are not hewn, these Yahweh has approved because they walked in the uprightness of Yahweh, and rightly performed His commandments."

5[13]:4 "But they that are brought and placed in the building, who are they?" "They are young in the faith, and faithful; but they are warned by the angels to do good, because wickedness was found in them."

5[13]:5 "But those whom they rejected and threw away, who are they?" "These have sinned, and desire to repent, therefore they were not cast to a great distance from the tower, because they will be useful for the building, if they repent. They then that shall repent, if they repent, will be strong in the faith, if they repent now while the tower is building. But if the building shall be finished, they have no more any place, but shall be castaways. This privilege only they have, that they lie near the tower."

[Second printed 5[13] block begins — refs as printed:]

5[13]:1 But wouldst you know about them that are broken in pieces, and cast away far from the tower? These are the sons of lawlessness. They received the faith in hypocrisy, and no wickedness was absent from them. Therefore they have not salvation, for they are not useful for building by reason of their wickednesses. Therefore they were broken up and thrown far away by reason of the wrath of Yahweh, for they excited Him to wrath.

5[13]:2 But the rest whom you hast seen lying in great numbers, not going to the building, of these they that are mildewed are they that knew the truth, but did not abide in it, nor hold fast to the saints. Therefore they are useless.

5[13]:3 "But they that have the cracks, who are they?" "These are they that have discord in their hearts against one another, and are not at peace among themselves; who have an appearance of peace, but when they depart from one another, their wickednesses abide in their hearts. These are the cracks which the stones have."

5[13]:4 But they that are broken off short, these have believed, and have their greater part in righteousness, but have some parts of lawlessness; therefore they are too short, and are not perfect.

5[13]:5 "But the white and round stones, which did not fit into the building, who are they, lady?" She answered and said to me, "How long art you foolish and stupid, and enquire everything, and understand nothing? These are they that have faith,

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but have also riches of this world. When tribulation cometh, they deny their Lord by reason of their riches and their business affairs."

5[13]:6 And I answered and said unto her, "When then, lady, will they be useful for the building?" "When," she replied, "their wealth, which led their souls astray, shall be cut away, then will they be useful for Yahweh. For just as the round stone, unless it be cut away, and lose some portion of itself, cannot become square, so also they that are rich in this world, unless their riches be cut away, cannot become useful to Yahweh.

5[13]:7 Learn first from thyself When you had riches, you was useless; but now you art useful and profitable unto life. Be you useful unto Yahweh, for you thyself also art taken from the same stones.

7[15]:1 "But the other stones which you saw cast far away from the tower and falling into the way and rolling out of the way into the regions where there is no way, these are they that have believed, but by reason of their double heart they abandon their true way. Thus thinking that they can find a better way, they go astray and are sore distressed, as they walk about in the regions where there is no way.

7[15]:2 But they that fall into the fire and are burned, these are they that finally rebelled from the living God, and it no more entered into their hearts to repent by reason of the lusts of their wantonness and of the wickednesses which they wrought.

7[15]:3 But the others, which are near the waters and yet cannot roll into the water, would you know who are they? These are they that heard the word, and would be baptized unto the name of the Lord. Then, when they call to their remembrance the purity of the truth, they change their minds, and go back again after their evil desires.

7[15]:4 So she finished the explanation of the tower.

7[15]:5 Still importunate, I asked her further, whether for all these stones that were rejected and would not fit into the building of the tower that was repentance, and they had a place in this tower. "They can repent," she said, "but they cannot be fitted into this tower.

7[15]:6 Yet they shall be fitted into another place much more humble, but not until they have undergone torments, and have fulfilled the days of their sins. And they shall be changed for this reason, because they participated in the Righteous Word; and then shall it befall them to be relieved from their torments, if the evil deeds, that they have done, come into their heart; but if these come not into their heart, they are not saved by reason of the hardness of their hearts.

8[16]:1 When then I ceased asking her concerning all these things, she said to me; "Would you see something else?" Being very desirous of beholding, I was greatly rejoiced that I should see it.

8[16]:2 She looked upon me, and smiled, and she said to me, "See you seven women round the tower?" "I see them, lady," say I. "This tower is supported by them by commandment of Yahweh.

8[16]:3 Hear now their employments. The first of them, the woman with the strong hands, is called Faith; through her are saved the elect of Yahweh.

8[16]:4 And the second, that is girded about and looked like a man, is called Continence; she is the daughter of Faith. Whosoever then shall follow her, becomes happy in his life, for he shall refrain from all evil deeds, believing that, if he refrain from every evil desire, he shall inherit eternal life."

8[16]:5 "And the others, lady, who be they?" "They are daughters one of the other. The name of the one is Simplicity, of the next, Knowledge, of the next, Guilelessness, of the next, Reverence, of the next, Love. When then you shall do all the works of their mother, you canst live."

8[16]:6 "I would fain know, lady," I say, "what power each of them possessed." "Listen then," said she, "to the powers which they have.

8[16]:7 Their powers are mastered each by the other, and they follow each other, in the order in which they were born. From Faith is born Continence, from Continence Simplicity, from Simplicity Guilelessness, from Guilelessness Reverence, from Reverence Knowledge, from Knowledge Love. Their works then are pure and reverent and divine.

8[16]:8 Whosoever therefore shall serve these women, and shall have strength to master their works, shall have his dwelling in the tower with the saints of Yahweh.

8[16]:9 Then I asked her concerning the seasons, whether the consummation is even now. But she cried aloud, saying, "Foolish man, see you not that the tower is still a-building? Whenever therefore the tower shall be finished building, the end cometh; but it shall be built up quickly. Ask me no more questions: this reminder is sufficient for you and for the saints, and is the renewal of your spirits.

8[16]:10 But it was not revealed to thyself alone, but in order that you might show these things unto all. After three days—

8[16]:11 for you must understand first, and I charge you, Hermas, first with these words, which I am about to speak to you—(I charge you to) tell all these things into the ears of the saints, that hearing them and doing them they may be purified from their wickednesses, and thyself also with them.

9[17]:1 "Hear me, my children. I brought you up in much simplicity and guilelessness and reverence, through the mercy of Yahweh, Who instilled righteousness into you, that you might be justified and sanctified from all wickedness and all crookedness. But you will not to cease from your wickedness.

9[17]:2 Now then hear me and be at peace among yourselves, and have regard one to another, and assist one another, and do not partake of the creatures of Yahweh alone in abundance, but share them also with those that are in want.

9[17]:3 For some men through their much eating bring weakness on the flesh, and injure their flesh: whereas the flesh of those who have nought to eat is injured by their not having sufficient nourishment, and their body is ruined.

9[17]:4 This exclusiveness therefore is hurtful to you that have and do not share with them that are in want.

9[17]:5 Look you to the judgment that cometh. you then that have more than enough, seek out them that are hungry, while the tower is still unfinished; for after the tower is finished, you will desire to do good, and will find no place for it.

9[17]:6 Look you therefore, you that exult in your wealth, lest they that are in want shall moan, and their moaning shall go up unto Yahweh, and you with your [abundance of] good things be shut outside the door of the tower.

9[17]:7 Now therefore I say unto you that are rulers of the Church, and that occupy the chief seats; be not you like unto the sorcerers. The sorcerers indeed carry their drugs in boxes, but you carry your drug and your poison in your heart.

9[17]:8 you are case-hardened, and you will not cleanse your hearts and mix your wisdom together in a clean heart, that you may obtain mercy from the Great King.

9[17]:9 Look you therefore, children, lest these divisions of yours deprive you of your life.

9[17]:10 How is it that you wish to instruct the elect of Yahweh, while you yourselves have no instruction? Instruct one another therefore, and have peace among yourselves, that I also may stand gladsome before the Father, and give an account concerning you all to your Yahweh.

10[18]:1 When then she ceased speaking with me, the six young men, who were building, came, and took her away to the tower, and other four lifted the couch, and took it also away to the tower. I saw not the face of these, for they were turned away.

10[18]:2 And, as she went, I asked her to reveal to me concerning the three forms, in which she had appeared to me. She answered and said to me; "As concerning these things you must ask another, that they may be revealed to you."

10[18]:3 Now she was seen of me, brethren, in my first vision of last year, as a very aged woman and seated on a chair.

10[18]:4 In the second vision her face was youthful, but her flesh and her hair were aged, and she spoke to me standing; and she was more gladsome than before.

10[18]:5 But in the third vision she was altogether youthful and of exceeding great beauty, and her hair alone was aged, and she was gladsome exceedingly and seated on a couch. Touching these things I was very greatly anxious to learn this revelation.

10[18]:6 And I see the aged woman in a vision of the night, saying to me, "Every enquiry needs humility. Fast therefore, and you shall receive what you ask from Yahweh."

10[18]:7 So I fasted one day; and that very night there appeared unto me a young man, and he said to me, "Seeing that you ask me revelations offhand with entreaty, take heed lest by thy much asking you injure thy flesh.

10[18]:8 Sufficient for you are these revelations. Canst you see mightier revelations than those you hast seen?"

10[18]:9 I say unto him in reply, "Sir, this one thing alone I ask, concerning the three forms of the aged woman, that a complete revelation may be vouchsafed me." He said to me in answer, How long are you without understanding? It is your double-mindedness that made you of no understanding, and because your heart is not set towards Yahweh.

10[18]:10 I answered and said unto him again, "From you, Sir, we shall learn the matters more accurately."

11[19]:1 "Listen," said he, "concerning the three forms, of which you enquire."

11[19]:2 In the first vision wherefore did she appear to you an aged woman and seated on a chair? Because your spirit was aged, and already decayed, and had no power by reason of your infirmities and acts of double-mindedness.

11[19]:3 For as aged people, having no longer hope of renewing their youth, expect nothing else but to fall asleep, so you also, being weakened with the affairs of this world gave yourselves over to repining, and cast not your cares on Yahweh; but your spirit was broken, and you were aged by your sorrows.

11[19]:4 "Wherefore then she was seated on a chair, I would fain know, Sir." "Because every weak person sits on a chair by reason of his weakness, that the weakness of his body may be supported. So you hast the symbolism of the first vision."

12[20]:1 "But in the second vision you saw her standing, and with her countenance more youthful and more gladsome than before; but her flesh and her hair aged. Listen to this parable also," said he.

12[20]:2 "Imagine an old man, who has now lost all hope of himself by reason of his weakness and his poverty, and expected nothing else save the last day of his life. Suddenly an inheritance is left him. He heard the news, rose up and full of joy clothes himself with strength, and no longer lied down, but stood up, and his spirit, which was now broken by reason of his former circumstances, is renewed again, and he no longer sat, but took courage; so also was it with you, when you heard the revelation which Yahweh revealed unto you.

12[20]:3 For He had compassion on you, and renewed your spirits, and you laid aside your maladies, and strength came to you, and you were made powerful in the faith, and Yahweh rejoiced to see you put on your strength. And therefore He showed you the building of the tower; yea, and other things also shall He show you, if with your whole heart you be at peace among yourselves."

13[21]:1 "But in the third vision you saw her younger and fair and gladsome, and her form fair.

13[21]:2 For just as when to some mourner cometh some piece of good tidings, immediately he forgot his former sorrows, and admitted nothing but the tidings which he has heard, and is strengthened thenceforth unto that which is good, and his spirit is renewed by reason of the joy which he has received; so also you have received a renewal of your spirits by seeing these good things.

13[21]:3 And whereas you saw her seated on a couch, the position is a firm on; for the couch has four feet and stood firmly; for the world too Is upheld by means of four elements.

13[21]:4 They then that have fully repented shall be young again, and founded firmly, seeing that they have repented with their whole heart. There you hast the revelation entire and complete. You shall ask nothing more as touching revelation—but if anything be lacking still, it shall be revealed unto you."

PRINTED p. 793 — Vision 4 (1[22]:1 – 3[24]:7, breaking mid-sentence)

Vision 4

1[22]:1 The fourth vision which I saw, brethren, twenty days after the former vision which came unto me, for a type of the impending tribulation.

1[22]:2 I was going into the country by the Companion Way. From the high road, it is about ten stades; and the place is easy for traveling.

1[22]:3 While then I am walking alone, I entreat Yahweh that He will accomplish the revelations and the visions which He showed me through His holy Church, that He may strengthen me and may give repentance to His servants which have stumbled, that His great and glorious Name may be glorified, for that He held me worthy that He should show me His marvels.

1[22]:4 And as I gave glory and thanksgiving to Him, there answered me as it were the sound of a voice, "Be not of doubtful mind, Hermas." I began to question in myself and to say, "How can I be of doubtful mind, seeing that I am so firmly founded by Yahweh, and have seen glorious things?"

1[22]:5 And I went on a little, brethren, and behold, I see a cloud of dust rising as it were to heaven, and I began to say within myself, "Can it be that cattle are coming, and raising a cloud of dust?" for it was just about a stade from me.

1[22]:6 As the cloud of dust waxed greater and greater, I suspected that it was something supernatural. Then the sun shone out a little, and behold, I see a huge beast like some sea-monster, and from its mouth fiery locusts issued forth. And the beast was about a hundred feet in length, and its head was as it were of pottery.

1[22]:7 And I began to weep, and to entreat Yahweh that He would rescue me from it. And I remembered the word which I had heard, "Be not of doubtful mind, Hermas."

1[22]:8 Having therefore, brethren, put on the faith of Yahweh and called to mind the mighty works that He had taught me, I took courage and gave myself up to the beast. Now the beast was coming on with such a rush, that it might have ruined a city.

1[22]:9 I come near it, and, huge monster as it was, it stretched itself on the ground, and merely put forth its tongue, and stirred not at all until I had passed by it.

1[22]:10 And the beast had on its head four colors; black then fire and blood color, then gold, then white.

2[23]:1 Now after I had passed the beast, and had gone forward about thirty feet, behold, there met me a virgin arrayed as if she were going forth from a bridal-chamber all in white and with white sandals, veiled up to her forehead, and her head-covering consisted of a turban, and her hair was white.

2[23]:2 I knew from the former Visions that it was the Church, and I became more cheerful. She saluted me, saying, "Good morrow, my good man"; and I saluted her in turn, "Lady, good morrow."

2[23]:3 She answered and said unto me, "Did nothing meet you?" I say unto her, Lady, such a huge beast, that could have destroyed whole peoples; but, by the power of Yahweh and by His great mercy, I escaped it.

2[23]:4 "You didst escape it well," said she, "because you didst cast thy care upon Yahweh, and didst open thy heart to Yahweh, believing that you can be saved by nothing else but by His great and glorious Name. Therefore Yahweh sent His angel, which is over the beasts, whose name is Segri, and shut his mouth that it might not hurt you. You hast escaped a great tribulation by reason of thy faith, and because, though you saw so huge a beast, you didst not doubt in thy mind.

2[23]:5 Go therefore, and declare to the elect of Yahweh His mighty works, and tell them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation which is to come. If therefore you prepare yourselves beforehand, and repent (and turn) unto Yahweh with your whole heart, you shall be able to escape it, if your heart be made pure and without blemish, and if for the remaining days of your life you serve Yahweh blamelessly. Cast your cares upon Yahweh and He will set them straight.

2[23]:6 Trust you in Yahweh, you men of doubtful mind, for He can do all things, yea, He both turned away His wrath from you, and again He sent forth His plagues upon you that are of doubtful mind. Woe to them that hear these words and are disobedient; it were better for them that they had not been born.

3[24]:1 I asked her concerning the four colors, which the beast had upon its head. Then she answered me and said, "Again you art curious about such matters." "Yes, lady," said I, "make known unto me what these things are."

3[24]:2 "Listen," said she; "the black is this world in which you dwell;

3[24]:3 and the fire and blood color showed that this world must perish by blood and fire;

3[24]:4 and the golden part are you that has escaped from this world. For as the gold is tested by the fire and is made useful, so you also [that dwell in it] are being tested in yourselves. you then that abide and pass through the fire will be purified by it. For as the old loses its dross, so you also shall cast away all sorrow and tribulation, and shall be purified, and shall be useful for the building of the tower.

3[24]:5 But the white portion is the coming age, in which the elect of Yahweh shall dwell; because the elect of Yahweh shall be without spot and pure unto life eternal.

3[24]:6 Wherefore cease not you to speak in the ears of the saints. you have now the symbolism also of the tribulation which is coming in power. But if you be willing, it shall be nothing. Remember you the things that are written beforehand.

3[24]:7 With these words she departed, and I saw not in what direction she departed; for a noise was made; and I turned back

in fear, thinking that the beast was coming.

Vision 5

1[25]:1 As I prayed in the house, and sat on the couch, there entered a man glorious in his visage, in the garb of a shepherd, with a white skin wrapped about him, and with a wallet on his shoulders and a staff in his hand. And he saluted me, and I saluted him in return.

1[25]:2 And he immediately sat down by my side, and he said unto me, "I was sent by the most holy angel, that I might dwell with you the remaining days of thy life."

1[25]:3 I thought he came to tempt me, and I say unto him, "Why, who art you? For I know," say I, "unto whom I was delivered." He said to me, "Dost you not recognize me?" "No," I say. "I," said he, "am the shepherd, unto whom you were delivered."

1[25]:4 While he was still speaking, his form was changed, and I recognized him as being the same, to whom I was delivered; and straightway I was confounded, and fear seized me, and I was altogether overwhelmed with distress that I had answered him so wickedly and senselessly.

1[25]:5 But he answered and said unto me, "Be not confounded, but strengthen thyself in my commandments which I am about to command you. For I was sent," said he, "that I might show you again all the things which you didst see before, merely the heads which are convenient for you. First of all, write down my commandments and my parables; and the other matters you shall write down as I shall show them to you. The reason why," said he, "I command you to write down first the commandments and parables is, that you may read them off-hand, and may be able to keep them."

1[25]:6 So I wrote down the commandments and parables, as he commanded me.

1[25]:7 If then, when you hear them, you keep them and walk in them, and do them with a pure heart, you shall receive from Yahweh all things that He promised you; but if, when you hear them, you do not repent, but still add to your sins, you shall receive from Yahweh the opposite. All these the shepherd, the angel of repentance commanded me to write.

Mandate 1

1[26]:1 "First of all, believe that Yahweh is One, even He who created all things and set them in order, and brought all things from non-existence into being, Who comprehends all things, being alone incomprehensible.

1[26]:2 Believe Him therefore, and fear Him, and in this fear be continent. Keep these things, and you shall cast off all wickedness from thyself, and shall clothe thyself with every excellence of righteousness, and shall live unto Yahweh, if you keep this commandment."

Mandate 2

1[27]:1 He said to me: "Keep simplicity and be guileless, and you shall be as little children, that know not the wickedness which destroyed the life of men.

1[27]:2 First of all, speak evil of no man, neither take pleasure in listening to a slanderer. Otherwise you that hear too shall be responsible for the sin of him that speaks the evil. if you believe the slander, which you hear; for in believing it you thyself also will have a grudge against thy brother. So then shall you be responsible for the sin of him that speaks the evil.

1[27]:3 Slander is evil; it is a restless demon, never at peace, but always having its home among factions. Refrain from it therefore, and you shall have success at all times with all men.

1[27]:4 But clothe thyself in reverence, wherein is no evil stumbling-block, but all things are smooth and gladsome. Work that which is good, and of thy labors, which Yahweh gives you, give to all that are in want freely, not questioning to whom you shall give, and to whom you shall not give. Give to all; for to all Yahweh desires that there should be given of His own bounties.

1[27]:5 They then that receive shall render an account to Yahweh why they received it, and to what end; for they that receive in distress shall not be judged, but they that receive by false pretense shall pay the penalty.

1[27]:6 He then that gives is guiltless; for as he received from Yahweh the ministration to perform it, he has performed it in sincerity, by making no distinction to whom to give or not to give. This ministration then, when sincerely performed, becomes glorious in the sight of Yahweh. He therefore that ministered thus sincerely shall live unto Yahweh.

1[27]:7 Therefore keep this commandment, as I have told you, that your own repentance and that of thy household may be found to be sincere, and [thy] heart pure and undefiled."

Mandate 3

1[28]:1 Again he said to me; "Love truth, and let nothing but truth proceed out of thy mouth, that the Spirit which Yahweh made to dwell in this flesh, may be found true in the sight of all men; and thus shall Yahweh, Who dwells in you, be glorified; for Yahweh is true in every word, and with Him there is no falsehood.

1[28]:2 They therefore that speak lies set Yahweh at nought, and become robbers of Yahweh, for they do not deliver up to Him the deposit which they received. For they received of Him a spirit free from lies. This if they shall return a lying spirit, they have defiled the commandment of Yahweh and have become robbers.

1[28]:3 When then I heard these things, I wept bitterly. But seeing me weep he said, "Why weep you?" "Because, Sir," say I "I knew not if I can be saved." "Why so?" said he. "Because, Sir," I say, "never in my life spoke I a true word, but always lied deceitfully with all men and dressed up my falsehood as truth before all men; and no man ever contradicted me, but confidence was placed in my word. How then, Sir," say I, "can I live, seeing that I have done these things?"

1[28]:4 "Your supposition," he said, "is right and true, for it behooved you as a servant of Yahweh to walk in truth, and no complicity with evil should abide with the Spirit of truth, nor bring grief to the Spirit which is holy and true." "Never, Sir,"

PRINTED p. 795 — Mandate 3 tail; Mandate 4 (1[29]); Mandate 5 (2[30] – 3[31]:6, breaking mid-verse)

say I, "heard I clearly words such as these."

1[28]:5 "Now then," said he, "you heard Guard them, that the former falsehoods also which you spoke in thy business affairs may themselves become credible, now that these are found true; for they too can become trustworthy. If you keep these things, and from henceforward speak nothing but truth, you shall be able to secure life for thyself. And whosoever shall hear this command, and abstain from falsehood, that most pernicious habit, shall live unto Yahweh."

Mandate 4

1[29]:1 "I charge you," said he, "to keep purity, and let not a thought enter into thy heart concerning another's wife, or concerning fornication, or concerning any such like evil deeds; for in so doing you commit a great sin. But remember your own wife always, and you shall never go wrong.

1[29]:2 For should this desire enter into your heart, you will go wrong, and should any other as evil as this, you commit sin. For this desire in a servant of Yahweh is a great sin; and if any man doeth this evil deed, he worked out death for himself.

1[29]:3 Look to it therefore. Abstain from this desire; for, where holiness dwells, there lawlessness ought not to enter into the heart of a righteous man.

1[29]:4 I say to him, "Sir, permit me to ask you a few more questions" "Say on," said he. "Sir," say I, "if a man who has a wife that is faithful in Yahweh detect her in adultery, doth the husband sin in living with her?"

1[29]:5 "So long as he is ignorant," said he, "he sinned not; but if the husband know of her sin, and the wife repent not, but continue in her fornication, and her husband live with her, he makes himself responsible for her sin and an accomplice in her adultery."

1[29]:6 "What then, Sir," say I, "shall the husband do, if the wife continue in this case?" "Let him divorce her," said he, "and let the husband abide alone; but if after divorcing his wife he shall marry another, he likewise commits adultery."

1[29]:7 "If then, Sir," say I, "after the wife is divorced, she repent and desire to return to her own husband, shall she not be received?"

1[29]:8 "Certainly," said he, "if the husband received her not, he sinned and brings great sin upon himself; nay, one who has sinned and repented must be received, yet not often; for there is but one repentance for the servants of Yahweh. For the sake of her repentance therefore the husband ought not to marry. This is the manner of acting enjoined on husband and wife.

1[29]:9 Not only," said he, "is it adultery, if a man pollute his flesh, but whosoever doeth things like unto the heathen commits adultery. If therefore in such deeds as these likewise a man continue and repent not, keep away from him, and live not with him. Otherwise, you also art a partaker of his sin.

1[29]:10 For this cause you were enjoined to remain single, whether husband or wife; for in such cases repentance is possible.

1[29]:11 "I," said he, "am not giving an excuse that this matter should be concluded thus, but to the end that the sinner should sin no more. But as concerning his former sin, there is One Who is able to give healing; it is He Who has authority over all things."

2[30]:1 I asked him again, saying, "Seeing that Yahweh held me worthy that you should always dwell with me, suffer me still to say a few words, since I understand nothing, and my heart has been made dense by my former deeds. Make me to understand, for I am very foolish, and I apprehend absolutely nothing."

2[30]:2 He answered and said unto me, "I," said he, "preside over repentance, and I give understanding to all who repent. No, think you not," said he, "that this very act of repentance is understanding? To repent is great understanding," said he. "For the man that has sinned understands that he has done evil before Yahweh, and the deed which he has done enters into his heart, and he repents, and doeth no more evil, but doeth good lavishly, and humbles his own soul and puts it to torture because it has sinned. You see then that repentance is great understanding."

2[30]:3 "It is on this account therefore, Sir," say I, "that I enquire everything accurately of you; first, because I am a sinner; secondly, because I know not what deeds I must do that I may live, for my sins are many and various."

2[30]:4 "You shall live," said he, "if you keep my commandments and walk in them and whosoever shall hear these commandments and keep them, shall live unto Yahweh."

3[31]:1 "I will still proceed, Sir," say I, "to ask a further question." "Speak on," said he. "I have heard, Sir," say I, "from certain teachers, that there is no other repentance, save that which took place when we went down into the water and obtained remission of our former sins."

3[31]:2 He said to me; "You hast well heard; for so it is. For he that has received remission of sins ought no longer to sin, but to dwell in purity.

3[31]:3 But, since you enquire all things accurately, I will declare unto you this also, so as to give no excuse to those who shall hereafter believe or those who have already believed, on Yahweh. For they that have already believed, or shall hereafter believe, have not repentance for sins, but have only remission of their former sins.

3[31]:4 To those then that were called before these days Yahweh has appointed repentance. For Yahweh, being a discerner of hearts and foreknowing all things, perceived the weakness of men and the manifold wiles of the devil, how that he will be doing some mischief to the servants of Yahweh, and will deal wickedly with them.

3[31]:5 Yahweh then, being very compassionate, had pity on His handiwork, and appointed this (opportunity of) repentance, and to me was given the authority over this repentance.

3[31]:6 But I say unto you," said he, "if after this great and holy calling any one, being tempted of the devil, shall commit sin, he has only one (opportunity of) repentance. But if he sin off-hand and repent, repentance is unprofitable for such a man; for

[The page opens completing 3[31]:6 from p. 795.]

he shall live with difficulty."

3[31]:7 I say unto him, "I was quickened unto life again, when I heard these things from you so precisely. For I know that, if I shall add no more to my sins, I shall be saved." "You shall be saved," he said, "you and all, as many as shall do these things."

4[32]:1 I asked him again, saying, "Sir, since once you do bear with me, declare unto me this matter further also." "Say on," said he. "If a wife, Sir," say I, "or, it may be, a husband fall asleep, and one of them marry, doth the one that marries sin?"

4[32]:2 "He sins not," said he, "but if he remain single, he invests himself with more exceeding honor and with great glory before Yahweh; yet even if he should marry, he sins not.

4[32]:3 Preserve purity and holiness therefore, and you shall live unto Yahweh. All these things, which I speak and shall hereafter speak unto you, guard from this time forward, from the day when you was committed unto me, and I will dwell in thy house.

4[32]:4 But for thy former transgressions there shall be remission, if you keep my commandments. Yea, and all shall have remission, if they keep these my commandments, and walk in this purity."

Mandate 5 1[33]:1 "Be you long-suffering and understanding," he said, "and you shall have the mastery over all evil deeds, and shall work all righteousness.

1[33]:2 For if you art long-suffering, the Holy Spirit that abides in you shall be pure, not being darkened by another evil spirit, but dwelling in a large room shall rejoice and be glad with the vessel in which he dwells, and shall serve Yahweh with much cheerfulness, having prosperity in himself.

1[33]:3 But if any angry temper approach, forthwith the Holy Spirit, being delicate, is straitened, not having [the] place clear, and seeks to retire from the place; for he is being choked by the evil spirit, and has no room to minister unto Yahweh, as he desires, being polluted by angry temper. For Yahweh dwells in long-suffering, but the devil in angry temper.

1[33]:4 Thus that both the spirits then should be dwelling together is inconvenient and evil for that man in whom they dwell.

1[33]:5 For if you take a little wormwood, and pour it into a jar of honey, is not the whole of the honey spoiled, and all that honey ruined by a very small quantity of wormwood? For it destroyed the sweetness of the honey, and it no longer has the same attraction for the owner, because it is rendered bitter and has lost its use. But if the wormwood be not put into the honey, the honey is found sweet and becomes useful to its owner.

1[33]:6 You see [then] that long-suffering is very sweet, beyond the sweetness of honey, and is useful to Yahweh, and He dwells in it. But angry, temper is bitter and useless. If then angry temper be mixed with long-suffering, long-suffering is polluted and the man's intercession is no longer useful to Yahweh."

[1[33]:6: the comma after "angry" ("But angry, temper is bitter") is printed — verified at tight zoom.]

1[33]:7 "I would fain know, Sir," say I, "the working of angry temper, that I may guard myself from it." "Yea, verily," said he, "if you guard not thyself from it--you and thy family--you hast lost all thy hope. But guard thyself from it; for I am with you. Yea, and all men shall hold aloof from it, as many as have repented with their whole heart. For I will be with them and will preserve them; for they all were justified by the most holy angel.

2[34]:1 "Hear now," said he, "the working of angry temper, how evil it is, and how it subverts the servants of Yahweh by its own working, and how it leads them astray from righteousness. But it doth not lead astray them that are full in the faith, nor can it work upon them, because the power of Yahweh is with them; but them that are empty and double-minded it leads astray.

2[34]:2 For when it sees such men in prosperity it insinuates itself into the heart of the man, and for no cause whatever the man or the woman is embittered on account of worldly matters, either about meats, or some triviality, or about some friend, or about giving or receiving, or about follies of this kind. For all these things are foolish and vain and senseless and inexpedient for the servants of Yahweh.

2[34]:3 But long-suffering is great and strong, and has a mighty and vigorous power, and is prosperous in great enlargement, gladsome, exultant, free from care, glorifying Yahweh at every season, having no bitterness in itself, remaining always gentle and tranquil. This long-suffering therefore dwells with those whose faith is perfect.

2[34]:4 But angry temper is in the first place foolish, fickle and senseless; then from foolishness is engendered bitterness, and from bitterness wrath, and from wrath anger, and from anger spite; then spite being composed of all these evil elements becomes a great sin and incurable.

2[34]:5 For when all these spirits dwell in one vessel, where the Holy Spirit also dwells, that vessel cannot contain them, but overflows.

2[34]:6 The delicate spirit therefore, as not being accustomed to dwell with an evil spirit nor with harshness, departs from a man of that kind, and seeks to dwell with gentleness and tranquility.

2[34]:7 Then, when it has removed from that man, in whom it dwells, that man becomes emptied of the righteous spirit, and henceforward, being filled with the evil spirits, he is unstable in all his actions, being dragged about hither and thither by the evil spirits, and is altogether blinded and bereft of his good intent. Thus then it happens to all persons of angry temper.

2[34]:8 Refrain therefore from angry temper, the most evil of evil spirits. But clothe thyself in long-suffering, and resist angry temper and bitterness, and you shall be round in company with the holiness which is beloved of Yahweh. See then that you never neglect this commandment; for if you master this commandment, you shall be able likewise to keep the remaining commandments, which I am about to give you. Be strong in them and endowed with power; and let all be endowed with power, as many as desire to walk in them."

[2[34]:8: "you shall be round in company" stands as printed (for "found").]

Mandate 6

[The heading "Mandate 6" stands alone at the foot of p. 796; its text opens p. 797.]

PRINTED p. 797 — Mandate 6 – Mandate 7 – Mandate 8 opening

Mandate 6 1[35]:1 I charged you," said he, "in my first commandment to guard faith and fear and temperance." "Yes, Sir," say I. "But now," said he, "I wish to show you their powers also, that you mayest understand what is the power and effect of each one of them. For their effects are two fold. Now they are prescribed alike to the righteous and the unrighteous.

[1[35]:1 opens as printed: no opening quotation mark stands before "I charged you,".]

1[35]:2 Do you therefore trust righteousness, but trust not unrighteousness; for the way of righteousness is straight, but the way of unrighteousness is crooked. But walk you in the straight [and level] path, and leave the crooked one alone.

1[35]:3 For the crooked way has no tracks, but only pathlessness and many stumbling stones, and is rough and thorny. So it is therefore harmful to those who walk in it.

1[35]:4 But those who walk in the straight way walk on the level and without stumbling; for it is neither rough nor thorny. You seest then that it is more expedient to walk in this way."

1[35]:5 "I am pleased, Sir," say I, "to walk in this way." "You shall walk," he said, "yea, and whosoever shall turn unto Yahweh with his whole heart shall walk in it.

2[36]:1 "Hear now," said he, "concerning faith. There are two angels with a man, one of righteousness and one of wickedness."

2[36]:2 "How then, Sir," say I, "shall I know their workings, seeing that both angels dwell with me?"

2[36]:3 "Hear," said he, "and understand their workings. The angel of righteousness is delicate and bashful and gentle and tranquil. When then this one enters into thy heart, forthwith he speaketh with you of righteousness, of purity, of holiness, and of contentment, of every righteous deed and of every glorious virtue. When all these things enter into thy heart, know that the angel of righteousness is with you. [These then are the works of the angel of righteousness.] Trust him therefore and his works.

2[36]:4 Now see the works of the angel of wickedness also. First of all, he is quick tempered and bitter and senseless, and his works are evil, overthrowing the servants of Yahweh. Whenever then he entereth into thy heart, know him by his works."

2[36]:5 "How I shall discern him, Sir," I reply, "I know not." Listen," said he. "When a fit of angry temper or bitterness comes upon you, know that he is in you. Then the desire of much business and the costliness of many viands and drinking bouts and of many drunken fits and of various luxuries which are unseemly, and the desire of women, and avarice, and haughtiness and boastfulness, and whatsoever things are akin and like to these--when then these things enter into thy heart, know that the angel of wickedness is with you.

2[36]:6 Do you therefore, recognizing his works, stand aloof from him, and trust him in nothing; for his works are evil and inexpedient for the servants of Yahweh. Here then you hast the workings of both the angels. Understand them, and trust the angel of righteousness.

2[36]:7 But from the angel of wickedness stand aloof, for his teaching is evil in every matter; for though one be a man of faith, and the desire of this angel enter into his heart, that man, or that woman, must commit some sin.

2[36]:8 And if again a man or a woman be exceedingly wicked, and the works of the angel of righteousness come into that man's heart, he must of necessity do something good.

2[36]:9 You see then," said he, "that it is good to follow the angel of righteousness, and to bid farewell to the angel of wickedness.

2[36]:10 This commandment declares what concerns faith, that you may trust the works of the angel of righteousness, and doing them may live unto Yahweh. But believe that the works of the angel of wickedness are difficult; so by not doing them you shall live unto Yahweh."

Mandate 7 1[37]:1 "Fear Yahweh," said he, "and keep His commandments. So keeping the commandments of Yahweh you shall be powerful in every deed, and thy doing shall be incomparable. For whilst you fear Yahweh, you shall do all things well. But this is the fear wherewith you ought to be afraid, and you shall be saved.

1[37]:2 But fear not the devil; for, if you fear Yahweh, you shall be master over the devil, for there is no power in him. [For] in whom is no power, neither is there fear of him; but in whom power is glorious, of him is fear likewise. For every one that has power has fear, whereas he that has no power is despised of all.

1[37]:3 But fear you the works of the devil, for they are evil. While then you fear Yahweh, you wilt fear the works of the devil, and wilt not do them, but abstain from them.

1[37]:4 Fear therefore is of two kinds. If you desire to do evil, fear Yahweh, and you shall not do it. If again you desire to do good, fear Yahweh and you shall do it. Therefore the fear of Yahweh is powerful and great and glorious. Fear Yahweh then, and you shall live unto Him; yea, and as many of them that keep His commandments as shall fear Him, shall live unto Yahweh."

1[37]:5 "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "didst you say concerning those that keep His commandments, 'They shall live unto Yahweh'?" "Because," said he, "every creature fears Yahweh, but not every one keeps His commandments. Those then that fear Him and keep His commandments, they have life unto Yahweh; but they that keep not His commandments have no life in them."

Mandate 8 1[38]:1 "I told you," said he, "that the creatures of Yahweh are twofold; for temperance also is twofold. For in some things it is right to be temperate, but in other things it is not right."

1[38]:2 "Make known unto me, Sir," say I, "in what things it is right to be temperate, and in what things it is not right." "Listen," said he. "Be temperate as to what is evil, and do it not; but be not temperate as to what is good, but do it. For if you be temperate as to what is good, so as not to do it, you commits a great sin; but if you be temperate as to what is evil, so as not to do it, you doest great righteousness. Be temperate therefore in abstaining from all wickedness, and do that which is

[1[38]:2: "you commits a great sin" stands as printed. The verse breaks off mid-sentence at the foot of p. 797; it completes at the head of p. 798.]

[The page opens with the last word of 1[38]:2, completing the verse from p. 797.]

good."

1[38]:3 "What kinds of wickedness, Sir," say I, "are they from which we must be temperate and abstain?" "Listen," said he; "from adultery and fornication, from the lawlessness of drunkenness, from wicked luxury, from many viands and the costliness of riches, and vaunting and haughtiness and pride, and from falsehood and evil speaking and hypocrisy, malice and all blasphemy.

1[38]:4 These works are the most wicked of all in the life of men. From these works therefore the servant of Yahweh must be temperate and abstain; for he that is not temperate so as to abstain from these cannot live unto Yahweh. Listen then to what follows upon these."

1[38]:5 "Why, are there still other evil deeds, Sir?" say I. "Aye, said he, "there are many, from which the servant of Yahweh must be temperate and abstain; theft, falsehood, deprivation, false witness, avarice, evil desire, deceit, vain-glory, boastfulness, and whatsoever things are like unto these.

1[38]:6 Think you not that these things are wrong, yea, very wrong," [said he,] "for the servants of Yahweh? In all these things he that serves Yahweh must exercise temperance. Be you temperate, therefore, and refrain from all these things, that you may live unto Yahweh, and be enrolled among those who exercise self-restraint in them. These then are the things from which you should restrain thyself

1[38]:7 Now hear," said he, "the things, in which you should not exercise self restraint, but do them. Exercise no self-restraint in that which is good, but do it."

[1[38]:7 opens as printed, without an opening quotation mark before "Now hear".]

1[38]:8 "Sir," say I, "show me the power of the good also, that I may walk in them and serve them, that doing them it may be possible for me to be saved." "Hear," said he, "the works of the good likewise, which you must do, and towards which you must exercise no self-restraint.

1[38]:9 First of all, there is faith, fear of Yahweh, love, concord, words of righteousness, truth, patience; nothing is better than these in the life of men. If a man keep these, and exercise not self-restraint from them, he becomes blessed in his life.

1[38]:10 Hear now what follow upon these; to minister to widows, to visit the orphans and the needy, to ransom the servants of Yahweh from their afflictions, to be hospitable (for in hospitality benevolence from time to time has a place), to resist no man, to be tranquil, to show yourself more submissive than all men, to reverence the aged, to practice righteousness, to observe brotherly feeling, to endure injury, to be long-suffering, to bear no grudge, to exhort those who are sick at soul, not to cast away those that have stumbled from the faith, but to convert them and to put courage Into them, to reprove sinners, not to oppress debtors and indigent persons, and whatsoever actions are like these.

[1[38]:10: "to put courage Into them" — the capital I of "Into" stands mid-sentence as printed.]

1[38]:11 Do these things," said he, "seem to you to be good?" "Why, what, Sir," say I, "can be better than these?" "Then walk in them," said he, "and abstain not from them, and you shall live unto Yahweh.

[1[38]:11 opens as printed, without an opening quotation mark before "Do these things".]

1[38]:12 Keep this commandment therefore. If you do good and abstain not from it, you shall live unto Yahweh; yea, and all shall live unto Yahweh who act so. And again if you do not evil, and abstain from it, you shall live unto Yahweh; yea, and all shall live unto Yahweh, who shall keep these commandments, and walk in them."

Mandate 9 1[39]:1 He said to me; "Remove from thyself a doubtful mind and doubt not at all whether to ask of Yahweh, saying within thyself, "How can I ask thing of Yahweh and receive it, seeing that I have committed so many sins against Him?"

[1[39]:1: "How can I ask thing of the Lord" — the word "a" stands absent before "thing" in the print; verified at tight zoom and kept exactly as printed.]

1[39]:2 Reason not thus, but turn to Yahweh with thy whole heart, and ask of Him nothing wavering, and you shall know His exceeding compassion, that He will surely not abandon you, but will fulfill the petition of thy soul.

1[39]:3 For Yahweh is not as men who bear a grudge, but Himself is without malice and has compassion on His creatures.

1[39]:4 Do you therefore cleanse thy heart from all the vanities of this life, and from the things mentioned before; and ask of Yahweh, and you shall receive all things, and shall lack nothing of all thy petitions, if you ask of Yahweh nothing wavering.

1[39]:5 But if you waver in thy heart, you shall surely receive none of thy petitions. For they that waver towards Yahweh, these are the doubtful-minded, and they never obtain any of their petitions.

1[39]:6 But they that are complete in the faith make all their petitions trusting in Yahweh, and they receive, because they ask without wavering, nothing doubting; for every doubtful-minded man, if he repent not, shall hardly be saved.

1[39]:7 Cleanse therefore thy heart from doubtful-mindedness, and put on faith, for it is strong, and trust Yahweh that you wilt receive all thy petitions which you ask; and if after asking anything of Yahweh, you receive thy petition somewhat tardily, be not of doubtful mind because you didst not receive the petition of thy soul at once. For assuredly it is by reason of some temptation or some transgression, of which you art ignorant, that you receive thy petition so tardily.

1[39]:8 Do you therefore cease not to make thy soul's petition, and you shall receive it. But if you grow weary, and doubt as you ask, blame yourself and not Him that gave unto you. See to this doubtful-mindedness; for it is evil and senseless, and uproots many from the faith, yea, even very faithful and strong men. For indeed this doubtful-mindedness is a daughter of the devil, and works great wickedness against the servants of Yahweh.

1[39]:9 Therefore despise doubtful-mindedness and gain the mastery over it in everything, clothing yourself with faith which is strong and powerful. For faith promises all things, accomplishes all things; but doubtful-mindedness, as having no confidence in itself, fails in all the works which it doeth.

1[39]:10 You see then," said he, "that faith is from above from Yahweh, and has great power; but doubtful-mindedness is an earthly spirit from the devil, and has no power.

1[39]:11 Do you therefore serve that faith which has power, and hold aloof from the doubtful-mindedness which has no

[1[39]:11 breaks off mid-sentence at the foot of p. 798; it completes at the head of p. 799.]

PRINTED p. 799 — Mandate 9 (last line) – Mandate 10 – Mandate 11 opening

[The page opens completing 1[39]:11 from p. 798.]

power; and you shall live unto Yahweh; yea, and all those shall live unto Yahweh who are so minded."

Mandate 10 1[40]:1 "Put away sorrow from yourself," said he, "for she is the sister of doubtful-mindedness and of angry temper."

1[40]:2 "How, Sir," say I, "is she the sister of these? For angry temper seems to me to be one thing, doubtful-mindedness another, sorrow another." "You art a foolish fellow," said he, "[and] perceives not that sorrow is more evil than all the spirits, and is most fatal to the servants of Yahweh, and beyond all the spirits destroys a man, and crushes out the Holy Spirit and yet again saves it."

1[40]:3 "I, Sir," say I, "am without understanding, and I understand not these parables. For how it can crush out and again save, I do not comprehend."

1[40]:4 "Listen," said he. "Those who have never investigated concerning the truth, nor enquired concerning the deity, but have merely believed, and have been mixed up in business affairs and riches and heathen friendships, and many other affairs of this world--as many, I say, as devote themselves to these things, comprehend not the parables of the deity; for they are darkened by these actions, and are corrupted and become barren.

1[40]:5 As good vineyards, when they are treated with neglect, are made barren by the thorns and weeds of various kinds, so men who after they have believed fall into these many occupations which were mentioned before, lose their understanding and comprehend nothing at all concerning righteousness; for if they hear concerning the deity and truth, their mind is absorbed in their occupations, and they perceive nothing at all.

1[40]:6 But they that have the fear of Yahweh, and investigate concerning deity and truth, and direct their heart towards Yahweh, perceive and understand everything that is said to them more quickly, because they have the fear of Yahweh in themselves; for where Yahweh dwells, there too is great understanding. Hold fast therefore unto Yahweh, and you shall understand and perceive all things.

2[41]:1 "Hear now, senseless man," said he, "How sorrow crushes out the Holy Spirit, and again saves it.

2[41]:2 When the man of doubtful mind sets his hand to any action, and fails in it owing to his doubtful-mindedness, grief at this enters into the man, and grieves the Holy Spirit, and crushes it out.

2[41]:3 Then again when angry temper cleaves to a man concerning any matter, and he is much embittered, again sorrow enters into the heart of the man that was ill-tempered, and he is grieved at the deed which he has done, and repents that he did evil.

2[41]:4 This sadness therefore seems to bring salvation, because he repented at having done the evil. So both the operations sadden the Spirit; first, the doubtful mind saddens the Spirit, because it succeeded not in its business, and the angry temper again, because it did what was evil. Thus both are saddening to the Holy Spirit, the doubtful mind and the angry temper.

2[41]:5 Put away therefore from yourself sadness, and afflict not the Holy Spirit that dwells in you, lest haply He intercede with Yahweh [against you], and depart from you.

2[41]:6 For the Spirit of Yahweh, that was given unto this flesh, endures not sadness neither constraint.

3[42]:1 "Therefore clothe yourself in cheerfulness, which has favor with Yahweh always, and is acceptable to Him, and rejoice in it. For every cheerful man works good, and thinks good, and despises sadness;

3[42]:2 but the sad man is always committing sin. In the first place he commits sin, because he grieves the Holy Spirit, which was given to the man being a cheerful spirit; and in the second place, by grieving the Holy Spirit he doeth lawlessness, in that he doth not intercede with neither confess unto Yahweh. For the intercession of a sad man has never at any time power to ascend to the altar of Yahweh."

[3[42]:2: "he doth not intercede with neither confess unto God" stands as printed.]

3[42]:3 "Wherefore," say I, "doth not the intercession of him that is saddened ascend to the altar?" "Because," said he, "sadness is seated at his heart. Thus sadness mingled with the intercession doth not suffer the intercession to ascend pure to the altar. For as vinegar when mingled with wine in the same (vessel) has not the same pleasant taste, so likewise sadness mingled with the Holy Spirit has not the same intercession.

3[42]:4 Therefore cleanse yourself from this wicked sadness, and you shall live unto Yahweh; yea, and all they shall live unto Yahweh, who shall cast away sadness from themselves and clothe themselves in all cheerfulness."

Mandate 11 1[43]:1 He showed me men seated on a couch, and another man seated on a chair. And he said to me, "See you those that are seated on the couch?" "I see them, Sir," say I. "These," said he, "are faithful, but he that sits on the chair is a false prophet who destroys the mind of the servants of Yahweh--I mean, of the doubtful-minded, not of the faithful.

1[43]:2 These doubtful-minded ones then come to him as to a soothsayer and enquire of him what shall befall them. And he, the false prophet, having no power of a divine Spirit in himself, speaks with them according to their enquiries [and according to the lusts of their wickedness], and fills their souls as they themselves wish.

1[43]:3 For being empty himself he gives empty answers to empty enquirers; for what-ever enquiry may be made of him, he answers according to the emptiness of the man. But he speaks also some true words; for the devil fills him with his own spirit, if so be he shall be able to break down some of the righteous.

1[43]:4 So many therefore as are strong in the faith of Yahweh, clothed with the truth, hold fast to such spirits, but hold aloof from them; but as many as are doubters and frequently change their minds, practice soothsaying like the Gentiles, and bring upon themselves greater sin by their idolatries. For he that consults a false prophet on any matter is an idolater and emptied of the truth, and senseless.

[1[43]:4 ends at the foot of p. 799, its sentence complete; Mandate 11 continues at the head of p. 800.]

1[43]:5 For no Spirit given of Yahweh needs to be consulted; but, having the power of deity, speaks all things of itself, because it is from above, even from the power of the divine Spirit.

1[43]:6 But the spirit which is consulted, and speaks according to the desires of men, is earthly and fickle, having no power; and it speaks not at all, unless it be consulted."

1[43]:7 "How then, Sir," say I, "shall a man know who of them is a prophet, and who a false prophet?" "Hear," said he, "concerning both the prophets; and, as I shall tell you, so shall you test the prophet and the false prophet. By his life test the man that has the divine Spirit.

1[43]:8 In the first place, he that has the [divine] Spirit, which is from above, is gentle and tranquil and humble-minded, and abstains from all wickedness and vain desire of this present world, and holds himself inferior to all men, and gives no answer to any man when enquired of, nor speaks in solitude (for neither doth the Holy Spirit speak when a man wishes Him to speak); but the man speaks then when Yahweh wishes him to speak.

1[43]:9 When then the man who has the divine Spirit cometh into an assembly of righteous men, who have faith in a divine Spirit, and intercession is made to Yahweh by the gathering of those men, then the angel of the prophetic spirit, who is attached to him, fills the man, and the man, being filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks to the multitude, according as Yahweh wills.

1[43]:10 In this way then the Spirit of the deity shall be manifest. This then is the greatness of the power as touching the Spirit of the deity of Yahweh.

1[43]:11 Hear now," said he, "concerning the earthly and vain spirit, which has no power but is foolish.

1[43]:12 In the first place, that man who seems to have a spirit exalts himself, and desires to have a chief place, and straightway he is impudent and shameless and talkative and conversant in many luxuries and in many other deceits and receives money for his prophesying, and if he receives not, he prophesies not. Now can a divine Spirit receive money and prophesy? It is not possible for a prophet of Yahweh to do this, but the spirit of such prophets is earthly.

1[43]:13 In the next place, it never approaches an assembly of righteous men; but avoids them, and clings to the doubtful-minded and empty, and prophesies to them in corners, and deceives them, speaking all things in emptiness to gratify their desires; for they too are empty whom it answers. For the empty vessel placed together with the empty is not broken, but they agree one with the other.

1[43]:14 But when he comes into an assembly full of righteous men who have a Spirit of deity, and intercession is made from them, that man is emptied, and the earthly spirit flees from him in fear, and that man is struck dumb and is altogether broken in pieces, being unable to utter a word.

1[43]:15 For, if you pack wine or oil into a closet, and place an empty vessel among them, and again desire to unpack the closet, the vessel which you place there empty, empty in like manner you will find it. Thus also the empty prophets, whenever they come unto the spirits of righteous men, are found just such as they came.

1[43]:16 I have given you the life of both kinds of prophets. Therefore test, by his life and his works, the man who says that he is moved by the Spirit.

1[43]:17 But do you trust the Spirit that cometh from Yahweh, and has power; but in the earthly and empty spirit put no trust at all; for in it there is no power, for it cometh from the devil.

1[43]:18 Listen [then] to the parable which I shall tell you. Take a stone, and throw it up to heaven--see if you can reach it; or again, take a squirt of water, and squirt it up to heaven--see if you can bore through the heaven."

1[43]:19 "How, Sir," say I, "can these things be? For both these things which you hast mentioned are beyond our power." "Well then," said he, "just as these things are beyond our power, so likewise the earthly spirits have no power and are feeble.

1[43]:20 Now take the power which cometh from above. The hail is a very, small grain, and yet, when it falls on a man's head, what pain it causes! Or again, take a drop which falls on the ground from the tiles, and bores through the stone.

1[43]:21 You see then that the smallest things from above falling on the earth have great power. So likewise the divine Spirit coming from above is powerful. This Spirit therefore trust, but from the other hold aloof."

Mandate 12 1[44]:1 He said to me; "Remove from yourself all evil desire, and clothe yourself in the desire which is good and holy; for clothed with this desire you shall hate the evil desire, and shall bridle and direct it as you wilt.

1[44]:2 For the evil desire is wild, and only tamed with difficulty; for it is terrible, and by its wildness is very costly to men; more especially if a servant of Yahweh get entangled in it, and have no understanding, he is put to fearful costs by it. But it is costly to such men as are not clothed in the good desire, but are mixed up with this life "These men then it hands over to death."

[1[44]:2: no full stop stands before "These men then it hands over to death" in the print; transcribed as printed.]

1[44]:3 "Of what sort, Sir," say I, "are the works of the evil desire, which hand over men to death? Make them known to me, that I may hold aloof from them." "Listen," [said he,] "through what works the evil desire brings death to the servants of Yahweh.

2[45]:1 "Before all is desire for the wife or husband of another, and for extravagance of wealth, and for many needless dainties, and for drinks and other luxuries, many and foolish. For even luxury is foolish and vain for the servants of Yahweh.

2[45]:2 These desires then are evil, and bring death to the servants of Yahweh. For this evil desire is a daughter of the devil. you must, therefore, abstain from the evil desires, that so abstaining you may live unto Yahweh.

[2[45]:2: "of the devil. you must" — the lowercase "you" after the full stop stands as printed.]

2[45]:3 But as many as are mastered by them, and resist them not, are done to death utterly; for these desires are deadly.

2[45]:4 But do you clothe yourself in the desire of righteousness, and, having armed yourself with the fear of Yahweh, resist them. For the fear of Yahweh dwells in the good desire. If the evil desire shall see you armed with the fear of Yahweh and resisting

[2[45]:4 breaks off mid-sentence at the foot of p. 800; it completes at the head of p. 801, whose first printed word is "itself," — the joined line reads "…and resisting / itself, it shall flee far from you…", exactly as the two pages print it.]

PRINTED p. 801 — Mandate 12 (tail) — THE MANDATES END ON THIS PAGE

[The page opens completing 2[45]:4 from p. 800.]

itself, it shall flee far from you, and shall no more be seen of you, being in fear of your arms.

2[45]:5 Do you therefore, when you art crowned for thy victory over it, come to the desire of righteousness, and deliver to her the victor's prize which you hast received, and serve her, according as she herself desires. If you serve the good desire, and art subject to her, you shall have power to master the evil desire, and to subject her, according as you wilt.

3[46]:1 "I would fain know, Sir," say I, "in what ways I ought to serve the good desire." "Listen," said he; "practice righteousness and virtue, truth and the fear of Yahweh, faith and gentleness, and as many good deeds as are like these. Practicing these you shall be well-pleasing as a servant of Yahweh, and shall live unto Him; yea, and every one who shall serve the good desire shall live unto Yahweh."

3[46]:2 So he completed the twelve commandments, and he said to me; You hast these commandments; walk in them, and exhort thy hearers that their repentance may become pure for the rest of the days of their life.

[3[46]:2: no opening quotation mark stands before "You hast these commandments" in the print.]

3[46]:3 This ministration, which I give you, fulfill you with all diligence to the end, and you shall effect much. For you shall find favor among those who are about to repent, and they shall obey thy words. For I will be with you, and will compel them to obey you."

3[46]:4 I say to him; "Sir, these commandments are great and beautiful and glorious, and are able to gladden the heart of the man who is able to observe them. But I know not whether these commandments can be kept by a man, for they are very hard."

3[46]:5 He answered and said unto me; "If you set it before yourself that they can be kept, you wilt easily keep them, and they will not be hard; but if it once enter into thy heart that they cannot be kept by a man, you wilt not keep them.

3[46]:6 But now I say unto you; if you keep them not, but neglect them you shall not have salvation, neither thy children nor thy household, since you hast already pronounced judgment against yourself that these commandments cannot be kept by a man."

4[47]:1 And these things he said to me very angrily, so that I was confounded, and feared him exceedingly; for his form was changed, so that a man could not endure his anger.

4[47]:2 And when he saw that I was altogether disturbed and confounded, he began to speak more kindly [and cheerfully] to me, and he said; "Foolish fellow, void of understanding and of doubtful mind, perceives you not the glory of Yahweh, how great and mighty and marvelous it is, how that He created the world for man's sake, and subjected all His creation to man, and gave all authority to him, that he should be master over all things under the heaven?

4[47]:3 If then," [he said,] "man is lord of all the creatures of Yahweh and masters all things, cannot he also master these commandments Aye," said he, "the man that has Yahweh in his heart can master [all things and] all these commandments.

[4[47]:3: no question mark stands after "these commandments" in the print; transcribed as printed.]

4[47]:4 But they that have Yahweh on their lips, while their heart is hardened, and are far from Yahweh, to them these commandments are hard and inaccessible.

4[47]:5 Therefore do you, who are empty and fickle in the faith, set your Yahweh in your heart, and you shall perceive that nothing is easier than these commandments, nor sweeter, nor more gentle.

4[47]:6 Be you converted, you that walk after the commandments of the devil, (the commandments which are so) difficult and bitter and wild and riotous; and fear not the devil; for there is no power in him against you.

4[47]:7 For I will be with you, I, the angel of repentance, who have the mastery over him. The devil has fear alone, but his fear has no force. Fear him not therefore; and he will flee from you."

5[48]:1 I say to him, "Sir, listen to a few words from me." "Say what you wilt," said he. "Man, Sir," I say, "is eager to keep the commandments of Yahweh, and there is no one that asks not of Yahweh that he may be strengthened in His commandments, and be subject to them; but the devil is hard and overmasters them."

5[48]:2 "He cannot," said he, "overmaster the servants of Yahweh, who set their hope on Him with their whole heart. The devil can wrestle with them, but he cannot overthrow them. If then you resist him, he will be vanquished and will flee from you disgraced. But as many," said he, "as are utterly empty, fear the devil as if he had power.

5[48]:3 When a man has filled amply sufficient jars with good wine, and among these jars a few are quite empty, he comes to the jars, and does not examine the full ones, for he knows that they are full; but he examines the empty ones, fearing lest they have turned sour. For empty jars soon turn sour, and the taste of the wine is spoilt.

5[48]:4 So also the devil cometh to all the servants of Yahweh tempting them. As many then as are complete in the faith, oppose him mightily, and he departs from them, not having a place where he can find an entrance. So he cometh next to the empty ones, and finding a place goes into them, and further he doeth what he wills in them, and they become submissive slaves to him.

6[49]:1 "But I, the angel of repentance, say unto you; Fear not the devil; for I was sent," said he, "to be with you who repent with your whole heart, and to strengthen you in the faith.

6[49]:2 Believe, therefore, on Yahweh, you who by reason of your sins have despaired of your life, and are adding to your sins, and weighing down your life; for if you turn unto Yahweh with your whole heart, and work righteousness the remaining days of your life, and serve Him rightly according to His will, He will give healing to your former sins, and you shall have power to master the works of the devil. But of the threatening of the devil fear not at all; for he is unstrung, like the sinews of a dead man.

6[49]:3 Hear me therefore, and fear Him, Who is able to do all things, to save and to destroy, and observe these commandments, and you shall live unto Yahweh."

[The Mandates conclude here, at 6[49]:3 on p. 801; the remainder of the page is blank. NOTE, proven by the page itself: NO Parable text stands on p. 801 — the Parables open on p. 802 (held by the continuation3 batch).]

6[49]:4 I say to him, "Sir, now am I strengthened in all the ordinances of Yahweh, because you art with me; and I know that you wilt crush all the power of the devil, and we shall be masters over him, and shall prevail over all his works. And I hope, Sir, that I am now able to keep these commandments which you hast commanded, Yahweh enabling me."

6[49]:5 "You shall keep them," said he, "if thy heart be found pure with Yahweh; yea, and all shall keep them, as many as shall purify their hearts from the vain desires of this world, and shall live unto Yahweh."

Parables Which He spoke With Me

Parable 1

1[50]:1 He said to me; "you know that you, who are the servants of Yahweh, are dwelling in a foreign land; for your city is far from this city. If then you know your city, in which you shall dwell, why do you here prepare fields and expensive displays and buildings and dwelling-chambers which are superfluous?

1[50]:2 He, therefore, that prepares these things for this city does not purpose to return to his own city.

1[50]:3 O foolish and double-minded and miserable man, perceives you not that all these things are foreign, and are under the power of another For the lord of this city shall say, "I do not wish you to dwell in my city; go forth from this city, for you do not conform to my laws."

1[50]:4 You, therefore who hast fields and dwellings and many other possessions, if you are cast out by him, what wilt you do with thy field and thy house am all the other things that you prepared for yourself? For the lord of this country said to you justly, "Either conform to my laws, or depart from my country."

1[50]:5 What then shall you do, who art under law in your own city? For the sake of thy fields and the rest of thy possessions wilt you altogether repudiate thy law, and walk according to the law of this city? Take heed, lest it be inexpedient to repudiate the law; for if you should desire to return again to thy city, you shall surely not be received [because you didst repudiate the law of the city], and shall be shut out from it.

1[50]:6 Take heed therefore; as dwelling in a strange land prepare nothing more for yourself but a competency which is sufficient for you, and make ready that, whenever the master of this city may desire to cast you out for your opposition to his law, you may go forth from his city and depart into your own city and use your own law joyfully, free from all insult.

1[50]:7 Take heed therefore, that you serve Yahweh and have Him in your heart: work the "works of Yahweh being mindful of His commandments and of the promises which He made, and believe Him that He will perform them, if His commandments be kept.

1[50]:8 Therefore, instead of fields buy you souls that are in trouble, as each is able, and visit widows and orphans, and neglect them not; and spend your riches and all your displays, which you received from Yahweh, on fields and houses of this kind.

1[50]:9 For to this end the Master enriched you, that you might perform these ministrations for Him. It is much better to purchase fields [and possessions] and houses of this kind, which you wilt find in your own city, when you visit it.

1[50]:10 This lavish expenditure is beautiful and joyous, not bringing sadness or fear, but bringing joy. The expenditure of the heathen then practice not you; for it is not convenient for you the servants of Yahweh.

1[50]:11 But practice your own expenditure, in which you can rejoice; and do not corrupt, neither touch that which is another man's, nor lust after it for it is wicked to lust after other men's possessions. But perform your own task, and you shall be saved."

Parable 2

1[51]:1 As I walked in the field, and noticed an elm and vine, and was distinguishing them and their fruits, the shepherd appears to me and said; "What art you meditating within yourself?" "I am thinking, [Sir,]" say I, "about the elm and the vine, that they are excellently suited the one to the other."

1[51]:2 "These two trees," said he, "are appointed for a type to the servants of Yahweh." "I would fain know, [Sir,]" say I, "the type contained in these trees, of which you speak." "See you," said he, "the elm and the vine?" "I see them, Sir," say I.

1[51]:3 "This vine," said he, "bears fruit, but the elm is an unfruitful stock. Yet this vine, except it climb up the elm, cannot bear much fruit when it is spread on the ground; and such fruit as it bears is rotten, because it is not suspended upon the elm. When then the vine is attached to the elm, it bears fruit both from itself and from the elm.

1[51]:4 You see then that the elm also bears [much] fruit, not less than the vine, but rather more." "How more, Sir?" say I. "Because," said he, "the vine, when hanging upon the elm, bears its fruit in abundance, and in good condition; but, when spread on the ground, it bears little fruit, and that rotten. This parable therefore is applicable to the servants of Yahweh, to poor and to rich alike."

1[51]:5 "How, Sir?" say I; "instruct me." "Listen," said he; the rich man has much wealth, but in the things of Yahweh he is poor, being distracted about his riches, and his confession and intercession with Yahweh is very scanty; and even that which he gives is mall and weak and has not power above. When then the rich man goes up to the poor, and assists him in his needs, believing that for what he doth to the poor man he shall be able to obtain a reward with Yahweh—because the poor man is rich in intercession [and confession], and his intercession has great power with Yahweh—the rich man then supplies all things to the poor man without wavering.

1[51]:6 But the poor man being supplied by the rich makes intercession for him, thanking Yahweh for him that gave to him. And the other is still more zealous to assist the poor man, that he may be continuous in his life: for he knows that the intercession of the poor man is acceptable and rich before Yahweh.

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1[51]:7 They both then accomplish their work; the poor man makes intercession, wherein he is rich [which he received of Yahweh]; this he renders again to Yahweh Who supplies him with it. The rich man too in like manner furnishes to the poor man, nothing doubting, the riches which he received from Yahweh. And this work great and acceptable with Yahweh, because (the rich man) has understanding concerning his riches, and works for the poor man from the bounties of Yahweh, and accomplishes the ministration of Yahweh rightly.

1[51]:8 In the sight of men then the elm seems not to bear fruit, and they know not, neither perceive, that if there cometh a drought the elm having water nurtures the vine, and the vine having a constant supply of water bears fruit two fold, both for itself and for the elm. So likewise the poor, by interceding with Yahweh for the rich, establish their riches, and again the rich, supplying their needs to the poor, establish their souls.

1[51]:9 So then both are made partners in the righteous work. He then that doeth these things shall not be abandoned of Yahweh, but shall be written in the books of the living.

1[51]:10 Blessed are the rich, who understand also that they are enriched from Yahweh. For they that have this mind shall be able to do some good work."

Parable 3

1[52]:1 He showed me many trees which had no leaves, but they seemed to me to be, as it were, withered; for they were all alike. And he said to me; "See you these trees?" "I see them, Sir," I say, "they are all alike, and are withered." He answered and said to me; "These trees that you see are they that dwell in this world."

1[52]:2 "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "are they as if they were withered, and alike?" "Because," said he, "neither the righteous are distinguishable, nor the sinners in this world, but they are alike. For this world is winter to the righteous, and they are not distinguishable, as they dwell with the sinners."

1[52]:3 For as in the winter the trees, having shed their leaves, are alike, and are not distinguishable, which are withered, and which alive, so also in this world neither the just nor the sinners are distinguishable, but they are all alike."

Parable 4

1[53]:1 He showed me many trees again, some of them sprouting, and others withered, and he said to me; "See you," said he, "these trees?" "I see them, Sir," say I, "some of them sprouting, and others withered."

1[53]:2 "These trees," said he, "that are sprouting are the righteous, who shall dwell in the world to come; for the world to come is summer to the righteous, but winter to the sinners. When then the mercy of Yahweh shall shine forth, then they that serve Yahweh shall be made manifest, yea, and all men shall be made manifest.

1[53]:3 For as in summer the fruits of each several tree are made manifest, and are recognized of what sort they are, so also the fruits of the righteous shall be manifest, and all [even the very smallest] shall be known to be flourishing in that world.

1[53]:4 But the Gentiles and the sinners, just as you saw the trees which were withered, even such shall they be found, withered and unfruitful in that world, and shall be burnt up as fuel, and shall be manifest, because their practice in their life has been evil. For the sinners shall be burned, because they sinned and repented not; and the Gentiles shall be burned, because they knew not Him that created them.

1[53]:5 Do you therefore bear fruit, that in that summer thy fruit may be known. But abstain from overmuch business, and you shall never fill into any sin. For they that busy themselves overmuch, sin much also, being distracted about their business, and in no wise serving their own Yahweh.

1[53]:6 How then," said he, "can such a man ask anything of Yahweh and receive it, seeing that he serves not Yahweh? [For] they that serve Him, these shall receive their petitions, but they that serve not Yahweh, these shall receive nothing.

1[53]:7 But if any one work one single action, he is able also to serve Yahweh; for his mind shall not be corrupted from (following) Yahweh, but he shall serve Him, because he keeps his mind pure.

1[53]:8 If therefore you doest these things, you shall be able to bear fruit unto the world to come; yea, and whosoever shall do these things, shall bear fruit."

Parable 5

1[54]:1 As I was fasting and seated on a certain mountain, and giving thanks to Yahweh for all that He had done unto me, I see the shepherd seated by me and saying; "Why hast you come hither in the early morn?" "Because, Sir," say I, "I am keeping a station."

1[54]:2 "What," said he, "is a station?" "I am fasting, Sir," say I. "And what," said he, "is this fast [that you are fasting]?" "As I was accustomed, Sir," say I, "so I fast."

1[54]:3 "you know not," said he, "how to fast unto Yahweh, neither is this a fast, this unprofitable fast which you make unto Him." "wherefore, Sir," say I, "say you this?" "I tell you," said he, "that this is not a fast, wherein you think to fast; but I will teach you what is a complete fast and acceptable to Yahweh. Listen," said he;

1[54]:4 "Yahweh desires not such a vain fast; for by so fasting unto Yahweh you shall do nothing for righteousness. But fast you [unto Yahweh] such a fast as this;

1[54]:5 do no wickedness in thy life, and serve Yahweh with a pure heart; observe His commandments and walk in His ordinances, and let no evil desire rise up in thy heart; but believe Yahweh. Then, if you shall do these things, and fear Him, and control yourself from every evil deed, you shall live unto Yahweh; and if you do these things, you shall accomplish a great fast, and one acceptable to Yahweh.

2[55]:1 "Hear the parable which I shall tell you relating to fasting.

2[55]:2 A certain man had an estate, and many slaves, and a portion of his estate he planted as a vineyard; and choosing out a certain slave who was trusty and well-pleasing (and) held in honor, he called him to him and said unto him; "Take this vineyard [which I have planted], and fence it [till I come], but do nothing else to the vineyard. Now keep this my commandment, and you shall be free in my house." Then the master of the servant went away to travel abroad.

2[55]:3 When then he had gone away, the servant took and fenced the vineyard; and having finished the fencing of the vineyard, he noticed that the vineyard was full of weeds.

2[55]:4 So he reasoned within himself, saying, "This command of my lord I have carried out I will next dig this vineyard, and it shall be neater when it is dug; and when it has no weeds it will yield more fruit, because not choked by the weeds." He took and dug the vineyard, and all the weeds that were in the vineyard he plucked up. And that vineyard became very neat and flourishing, when it had no weeds to choke it.

2[55]:5 After a time the master of the servant [and of the estate] came, and he went into the vineyard. And seeing the vineyard fenced neatly, and dug as well, and [all] the weeds plucked up, and the vines flourishing, he rejoiced [exceedingly] at what his servant had done.

2[55]: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 how much he had found done. And they rejoiced with the servant at the testimony which his master had borne to him.

2[55]:7 And he said to them; "I promised this servant his freedom, if he should keep the commandment which I commanded him; but he kept my commandment and did a good work besides to my vineyard, and pleased me greatly. For this work therefore which he has done, I desire to make him joint-heir with my son, because, when the good thought struck him, he did not neglect it, but fulfilled it."

2[55]:8 In this purpose the son of the master agreed with him, that the servant should be made joint-heir with the son.

2[55]:9 After some few days, his master made a feast, and sent to him many dainties from the feast. But when the servant received [the dainties sent to him by the master], he took what was sufficient for him, and distributed the rest to his fellow servants.

2[55]:10 And his fellow-servants, when they received the dainties, rejoiced, and began to pray for him, that he might find greater favor with the master, because he had treated them so handsomely.

2[55]:11 All these things which had taken place his master heard, and again rejoiced greatly at his deed. So the master called together again his friends and his son, and announced to them the deed that he had done with regard to his dainties which he had received; and they still more approved of his resolve, that his servant should be made joint-heir with his son."

3[56]:1 I say; "Sir, I understand not these parables, neither can I apprehend them, unless you explain them for me."

3[56]:2 "I will explain everything to you," said he; "and will show you whatsoever things I shall speak with you. Keep the commandments of Yahweh, and you shall be well-pleasing to Yahweh, and shall be enrolled among the number of them that keep His commandments.

3[56]:3 But if you do any good thing outside the commandment of Yahweh, you shall win for yourself more exceeding glory, and shall be more glorious in the sight of Yahweh than you would otherwise have been. If then, while you keep the commandments of Yahweh, you add these services likewise, you shall rejoice, if you observe them according to my commandment."

3[56]:4 I say to him, "Sir, whatsoever you command me, I will keep it; for I know that you art with me." "I will be with you," said he, "because you hast so great zeal for doing good; yea, and I will be with all," said he, "whosoever have such zeal as this.

3[56]:5 This fasting," said he, "if the commandments of Yahweh are kept, is very good. This then is the way, that you shall keep this fast which you art about to observe].

3[56]:6 First of all, keep yourself from every evil word and every evil desire, and purify thy heart from all the vanities of this world. If you keep these things, this fast shall be perfect for you.

3[56]:7 And thus shall you do. Having fulfilled what is written, on that day on which you fastest you shall taste nothing but bread and water; and from thy meats, which you would have eaten, you shall reckon up the amount of that day's expenditure, which you would have incurred, and shall give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to one in want, and so shall you humble thy soul, that he that has received from thy humiliation may satisfy his own soul, and may pray for you to Yahweh.

3[56]:8 If then you shall so accomplish this fast, as I have commanded you, thy sacrifice shall be acceptable in the sight of Yahweh, and this fasting shall be recorded; and the service so performed is beautiful and joyous and acceptable to Yahweh.

3[56]:9 These things you shall so observe, you and thy children and thy whole household; and, observing them, you shall be blessed; yea, and all those, who shall hear and observe them, shall be blessed, and whatsoever things they shall ask of Yahweh, they shall receive."

4[57]:1 I entreated him earnestly, that he would show me the parable of the estate, and of the master, and of the vineyard, and of the servant that fenced the vineyard, [and of the fence,] and of the weeds which were plucked up out of the vineyard, and of the son, and of the friends, the advisers. For I understood that all these things are a parable.

4[57]:2 But he answered and said unto me; "You art exceedingly importunate in enquiries. You ought not," [said he,] "to make any enquiry at all; for if it be right that a thing be explained unto you, it shall be explained." I say to him; "Sir, whatsoever things you show unto me and do not explain, I shall have seen them in vain, and without understanding what they are. In like manner also, if you speak parables to me and interpret them not, I shall have heard a thing in vain from you."

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4[57]:3 But he again answered, and said unto me; "Whosoever," said he, "is a servant of Yahweh, and has his own Yahweh in his heart, asks understanding of Him, and receives it, and interprets every parable, and the words of Yahweh which are spoken in parables are made known unto him. But as many as are sluggish and idle in intercession, these hesitate to ask of Yahweh.

4[57]:4 But Yahweh is abundant in compassion, and gives to them that ask of Him without ceasing. But you who hast been strengthened by the holy angel, and hast received from him such (powers of intercession and art not idle, wherefore do you not ask understanding of Yahweh, and obtain it from Him)."

4[57]:5 I say to him, "Sir, I that have you with me have (but) need to ask you and enquire of you; for you show me all things, and speak with me; but if I had seen or heard them apart from you I should have asked of Yahweh, that they might be shown to me."

5[58]:1 "I told you just now," said he, "that you art unscrupulous and importunate, in enquiring for the interpretations of the parables. But since you art so obstinate, I will interpret to you the parable of the estate and all the accompaniments thereof, that you may make them known unto all. Hear now," said he, "and understand them.

5[58]:2 The estate is this world, and Yahweh of the estate is He that created all things, and set them in order, and endowed them with power; and the servant is the Son of Yahweh, and the vines are this people whom He Himself planted;

5[58]:3 and the fences are the [holy] angels of Yahweh who keep together His people; and the weeds, which are plucked up from the vineyard, are the transgressions of the servants of Yahweh; and the dainties which He sent to him from the feast are the commandments which He gave to His people through His Son; and the friends and advisers are the holy angels which were first created; and the absence of the master is the time which remains over until His coming."

5[58]:4 I say to him; "Sir, great and marvelous are all things and all things are glorious; was it likely then," say I, "that I could have apprehended them?" "Nay, nor can any other man, though he be full of understanding, apprehend them." "Yet again, Sir," say I, "explain to me what I am about to enquire of you."

5[58]:5 "Say on," he said, "if you desire anything." "Wherefore, Sir,]" say I, "is the Son of Yahweh represented in the parable in the guise of a servant?"

6[59]:1 "Listen," said he; "the Son of Yahweh is not represented in the guise of a servant, but is represented in great power and lordship." "How, Sir?" say I; "I comprehend not."

6[59]:2 "Because," said he, "Yahweh planted the vineyard, that is, He created the people, and delivered them over to His Son. And the Son placed the angels in charge of them, to watch over them; and the Son Himself cleansed their sins, by laboring much and enduring many toils; for no one can dig without toil or labor.

6[59]:3 Having Himself then cleansed the sins of His people, He showed them the paths of life, giving them the law which He received from His Father. You see," said he, "that He is Himself Yeshua of the people, having received all power from His Father.

6[59]:4 But how that the lord took his son and the glorious angels as advisers concerning the inheritance of the servant, listen.

6[59]:5 The Holy Pre-existent Spirit. Which created the whole creation, Yahweh made to dwell in flesh that He desired. This flesh, therefore, in which the Holy Spirit dwelt, was subject unto the Spirit, walking honorably in holiness and purity, without in any way defiling the Spirit.

6[59]:6 When then it had lived honorably in chastity, and had labored with the Spirit, and had cooperated with it in everything, behaving itself boldly and bravely, He chose it as a partner with the Holy Spirit; for the career of this flesh pleased [Yahweh], seeing that, as possessing the Holy Spirit, it was not defiled upon the earth.

6[59]:7 He therefore took the son as adviser and the glorious angels also, that this flesh too, having served the Spirit unblamably, might have some place of sojourn, and might not seem to hare lost the reward for its service; for all flesh, which is found undefiled and unspotted, wherein the Holy Spirit dwelt, shall receive a reward.

6[59]:8 Now you hast the interpretation of this parable also."

7[60]:1 "I was right glad, Sir," say I, "to hear this interpretation." "Listen now," said he, "Keep this thy flesh pure and undefiled, that the Spirit which dwells in it may bear witness to it, and thy flesh may be justified.

7[60]:2 See that it never enter into your heart that this flesh of your is perishable, and so you abuse it in some defilement. [For] if you defile thy flesh, you shall defile the Holy Spirit also; but if you defile the flesh, you shall not live."

7[60]:3 "But if, Sir," say I, "there has been any ignorance in times past, before these words were heard, how shall a man who has defiled his flesh be saved?" "For the former deeds of ignorance," said he, "Yahweh alone has power to give healing; for all authority is His.

7[60]:4 [But now keep yourself, and Yahweh, the Almighty Elohim, Who is full of compassion, will give healing for thy former deeds of ignorance,] if henceforth you defile not thy flesh, neither the Spirit; for both share in common, and the one cannot be defiled without the other. Therefore keep both pure, and you shall live unto Yahweh."

Parable 6

1[61]:1 As I sat in my house, and glorified Yahweh for all things that I had seen, and was considering concerning the commandments, how that they were beautiful and powerful and gladsome and glorious and able to save a man's soul, I said within myself; "Blessed shall I be, if I walk in these commandments; yea, and whosoever shall walk in them shall be blessed."

1[61]:2 As I spoke these things within myself, I see him suddenly seated by me, and saying as follows; "Why art you of a doubtful mind concerning the commandments, which I commanded you? They are beautiful. Doubt not at all; but clothe yourself in the faith of Yahweh, and you shall walk in them. For I will strengthen you in them.

1[61]:3 These commandments are suitable for those who meditate repentance; for if they walk not in them, their repentance is in vain.

1[61]:4 you then that repent, cast away the evil doings of this world which crush you; and, by putting on every excellence of righteousness, you shall be able to observe these commandments, and to add no more to your sins. If then you add no further sin at all, you will depart from your former sins. Walk then in these my commandments, and you shall live unto Yahweh. These things have [all] been told you from me."

1[61]:5 And after he had told these things to me, he said to me; "Let us go into the country, and I will show you the shepherds of the sheep." "Let us go, Sir," say I. And we came to a certain plain, and he shows me a young man, a shepherd, clothed in a light cloak, of saffron color;

1[61]:6 and he was feeding a great number of sheep, and these sheep were, as it were, well fed and very frisky, and were gladsome as they skipped about hither and thither; and the shepherd himself was all gladsome over his flock; and the very visage of the shepherd was exceedingly gladsome; and he ran about among the sheep.

2[62]:1 And he said to me; "See you this shepherd?" "I see him Sir," I say. "This," said he, "is the angel of self-indulgence and of deceit. He crushes the souls of the servants of Yahweh, and perverts them from the truth, leading them astray with evil desires, wherein they perish.

2[62]:2 For they forget the commandments of the living God, and walk in vain deceits and acts of self-indulgence, and are destroyed by this angel, some of them unto death, and others unto corruption."

2[62]:3 I say to him, "Sir, I comprehend not what means "unto death," and what "unto corruption"." "Listen," said he; "the sheep which you saw gladsome and skipping about, these are they who have been turned asunder from Yahweh utterly, and have delivered themselves over to the lusts of this world. In these, therefore, there is not repentance unto life. For the Name of Yahweh is being blasphemed through them. The life of such persons is death.

2[62]:4 But the sheep, which you saw not skipping about, but feeding in one place, these are they that have delivered themselves over to acts of self-indulgence and deceit, but have not uttered any blasphemy against Yahweh. These then have been corrupted from the truth. In these there is hope of repentance, wherein they can live. Corruption then has hope of a possible renewal, but death has eternal destruction."

2[62]:5 Again we went forward a little way, and he showed me a great shepherd like a wild man in appearance, with a white goatskin thrown about him; and he had a kind of wallet on his shoulders, and a staff very hard and with knots in it, and a great whip. And his look was very sour, so that I was afraid of him because of his look.

2[62]:6 This shepherd then kept receiving from the young man, the shepherd, those sheep that were frisky and well fed, but not skipping about, and putting them in a certain spot, which was precipitous and covered with thorns and briars, so that the sheep could not disentangle themselves from the thorns and briars, but [became entangled among the thorns and briars and were in great misery with being beaten by him; and he kept driving them about to and fro, and giving them no rest, and all together those sheep had not a happy time.

2[62]:7 And so they] pastured entangled in the thorns and briars, and were in great misery with being beaten by him; and he kept driving them about to and fro, and giving them no rest, and all together those sheep had not a happy time.

3[63]:1 When then I saw them so lashed with the whip and vexed, I was sorry for their sakes, because they were so tortured and had no rest at all.

3[63]:2 I say to the shepherd who was speaking with me; "Sir, who is this shepherd, who is [so] hard-hearted and severe, and has no compassion at all for these sheep?" "This," said he, "is the angel of punishment, and he is one of the just angels, and presides over punishment.

3[63]:3 So he receives those who wander away from Yahweh, and walk after the lusts and deceits of this life, and punishes them, as they deserve, with fearful and various punishments."

3[63]:4 "I would fain learn, Sir," said I, "of what sort are these various punishments." "Listen," said he; "the various tortures and punishments are tortures belonging to the present life; for some are punished with losses, and others with want, and others with divers maladies, and others with [every kind] of unsettlement, and others with insults from unworthy persons and with suffering in many other respects.

3[63]:5 For many, being unsettled in their plans, set their hands to many things, and nothing ever goes forward with them. And then they say that they do not prosper in their doings, and it doth not enter into their hearts that they have done evil deeds, but they blame Yahweh.

3[63]:6 When then they are afflicted with every kind of affliction, then they are delivered over to me for good instruction, and are strengthened in the faith of Yahweh, and serve Yahweh with a pure heart the remaining days of their life. But, if they repent, the evil works which they have done rise up in their hearts, and then they glorify Yahweh, saying that He is a just Judge, and that they suffered justly each according to his doings. And they serve Yahweh thenceforward with a pure heart, and are prosperous in all their doings, receiving from Yahweh whatsoever things they may ask; and then they glorify Yahweh because they were delivered over unto me, and they no longer suffer any evil thing."

3[63]:1 I say unto him; "Sir, declare unto me this further matter." "What enquire you yet?" said he. "Whether, Sir," say I, "they that live in self-indulgence and are deceived undergo torments during the same length of time as they live in self-indulgence and are deceived." He said to me, "They undergo torments for the same length of time."

3[63]:2 "Then, Sir," say I, "they undergo very slight torments; for those who are living thus in self-indulgence and forget Yahweh ought to have been tormented seven-fold."

3[63]:3 He said to me, "You art foolish, and comprehend not the power of the torment." "True," say I, "for if I had

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comprehended it, I should not have asked you to declare it to me." "Listen," said he, "to the power of both, [of the self-indulgence and of the torment].

5[63]:4 The time of the self-indulgence and deceit is one hour. But an hour of the torment has the power of thirty days. If then one live in self indulgence and be deceived for one day, and be tormented for one day, the day of the torment is equivalent to a whole year. For as many days then as a man lives in self-indulgence, for so many years is he tormented. You see then," said he, "that the time of the self-indulgence and deceit is very short, but the time of the punishment and torment is long."

5[65]:1 "Inasmuch, Sir," say I, "as I do not quite comprehend concerning the time of the deceit and self-indulgence and torment, show me more clearly."

5[65]:2 He answered and said unto me; "Your stupidity clings to you; and you wilt not cleanse thy heart and serve Yahweh Take heed," [said he,] ""lest haply the time be fulfilled, and you be found in thy foolishness. Listen then," [said he,] ""even as you wish, that you may comprehend the matter."

5[65]:3 He that lives in self-indulgence and is deceived for one day, and doeth that which he wishes, is clothed in much folly and comprehended not the thing which he doeth; for on the morrow he forgets what he did the day before. For self-indulgence and deceit have no memories, by reason of the folly, wherewith each is clothed; but when punishment and torment cling to a man for a single day, he is punished and tormented for a whole year long; for punishment and torment have long memories.

5[65]:4 So being tormented and punished for the whole year, the man remembers at length the self-indulgence and deceit, and perceives that it is on their account that he is suffering these ills. Every man, therefore, that lives in self-indulgence and is deceived, is tormented in this way because, though possessing lire, they have delivered themselves over unto death."

5[65]:5 "What kinds of self-indulgence, Sir," say I, "are harmful?" "Every action," said he, "is self-indulgence to a man, which he does with pleasure; for the irascible man, when he gives the reins to his passion, is self-indulgent; and the adulterer and the drunkard and the slanderer and the liar and the miser and the defrauder and he that doeth things akin to these, gives the reins to his peculiar passion; therefore he is self-indulgent in his action.

5[65]:6 All these habits of self-indulgence are harmful to the servants of Yahweh; on account of these deceits therefore they so suffer who are punished and tormented.

5[65]:7 But there are habits of self-indulgence like-wise which save men; for many are self-indulgent in doing good, being carried away by the pleasure it gives to themselves. This self-indulgence then is expedient for the servants of Yahweh, and brings life to a man of this disposition; but the harmful self-indulgences afore-mentioned bring to men torments and punishments; and if they continue in them and repent not, they bring death upon themselves."

Parable 7

1[66]:1 After a few days I saw him on the same plain, where also I had seen the shepherds, and he said to me, "What seek you?" "I am here, Sir," say I, "that you may bid the shepherd that punishs go out of my house; for he afflicts me much." "It is necessary for you," said he, "to be afflicted; for so," said he, "the glorious angel ordered as concerning you, for he wishes you to be proved." "Why, what so evil thing have I done, Sir," say I, "that I should be delivered over to this angel?"

1[66]:2 "Listen," said he. "Your sins are many, yet not so many that you should be delivered over to this angel; but thy house has committed great iniquities and sins, and the glorious angel was embittered at their deeds, and for this cause he bade you [be afflicted for a certain time, that they also might repent and cleanse themselves from every lust of this world. When therefore they shall repent and be cleansed, then shall the angel of punishment depart."

1[66]:3 I say to him; "Sir, if they perpetrated such deeds that the glorious angel is embittered, what have I done?" "They cannot be afflicted otherwise," said he, "unless you, the head of the [whole] house, be afflicted; for if you be afflicted, they also of necessity will be afflicted; but if you be prosperous, they can suffer no affliction."

1[66]:4 "But behold, Sir," say I, "they have repented with their whole heart." "I am quite aware myself," said he, "that they have repented with their whole heart; well, think you that the sins of those who repent are forgiven forthwith? Certainly not; but the person who repents must torture his own soul, and must be thoroughly humble in his every action, and be afflicted with all the divers kinds of affliction; and if he endure the afflictions which come upon him, assuredly He Who created all things and endowed them with power will be moved with compassion and will bestow some remedy."

1[66]:5 And this (will Yahweh do), if in any way He perceive the heart of the penitent pure from every evil thing. But it is expedient for you and for thy house that you should be afflicted now. But why speak I many words to you? You must be afflicted as the angel of Yahweh commanded, even he that delivered you unto me; and for this give thanks to Yahweh, in that He deemed you worthy that I should reveal unto you beforehand the affliction, that foreknowing it you might endure it with fortitude."

1[66]:6 I say to him; "Sir, be you with me, and I shall be able to endure all affliction [easily]." "I will be with you," said he; "and I will ask the angel that punishs to afflict you more lightly; but you shall be afflicted for a short time, and you shall be restored again to thy house. Only continue to be humble and to minister unto Yahweh with a pure heart, you and thy children and thy house, and walk in my commandments which I command you, and thus it will be possible for thy repentance to be strong and pure."

1[66]:7 And if you keep these commandments with thy household, all affliction shall hold aloof from you; yea, and affliction," said he, "shall hold aloof from all whosoever shall walk in these my commandments."

Parable 8

1[67]:1 He showed me a [great] willow, overshadowing plains and mountains, and under the shadow of the willow all have

come who are called by the name of the Lord.

1[67]:2 And by the willow there stood an angel of Yahweh, glorious and very tall, having a great sickle, and he was lopping branches from the willow, and giving them to the people that sheltered beneath the willow; and he gave them little rods about a cubit long.

1[67]:3 And after all had taken the rods, the angel laid aside the sickle, and the tree was sound, just as I had seen it.

1[67]:4 Then I marveled within myself, saying, "How is the tree sound after so many branches have been lopped off?" The shepherd said to me, "Marvel not that the tree remained sound, after so many branches were lopped off but wait until you see all things, and it shall be shown to you what it is."

1[67]:5 The angel who gave the rods to the people demanded them back from them again, and according as they had received them, so also they were summoned to him, and each of them returned the several rods. But the angel of Yahweh took them, and examined them.

1[67]:6 From some he received the rods withered and eaten as it were by grubs: the angel ordered those who gave up rods like these to stand apart.

1[67]:7 And others gave them up withered, but not grub-eaten; and these again he ordered to stand apart.

1[67]:7 And others gave them up withered; these also stood apart.

1[67]:8 And others gave them up half-withered; these also stood apart.

1[67]:9 And others gave up their rods half-withered and with cracks; these also stood apart. And others gave up their rods one half withered and one half green; these also stood apart.

1[67]:10 And others gave up their rods green and with cracks; these also stood apart. And others gave up their rods nearly all green, but a very small portion of their rods was withered, just the end, but they had cracks in them; these also stood apart.

1[67]:11 And others brought their rods two parts of the rod green, and the third part withered; these also stood apart. And others gave them up two parts withered, and the third part green; these also stood apart.

1[67]:12 And others gave up their rods nearly all green, but a very small portion green, but the rest of the rods was withered; these also stood apart.

1[67]:13 And in those of others there was a very small portion green, but the rest of the rods was withered; these also stood apart.

1[67]:14 And others came bringing their rods green, as they received them from the angel; and the most part of the multitude gave up their rods in this state; and the angel rejoiced exceedingly at these; these also stood apart; and at these again the angel rejoiced

1[67]:15 And others gave up their rods green and with shoots, these also stood apart; and at these again the angel rejoiced exceedingly.

1[67]:16 And others gave up their rods green and with shoots; and their shoots had, as it were, a kind of fruit. And those men were exceeding gladsome, whose rods were found in this state. And over them the angel exulted, and the shepherd was very gladsome over them.

2[68]:1 And the angel of Yahweh commanded crowns to be brought. And crowns were brought, made as it were of palm branches; and he crowned the men that had given up the rods which had the shoots and some fruit, and sent them away into the tower.

2[68]:2 And the others also he sent into the tower, even those who had given up the rods green and with shoots, but the shoots were without fruit; and he set a seal upon them.

2[68]:3 And all they that went into the tower had the same raiment, white as snow.

2[68]:4 And those that had given up their rods green as they received them, he sent away, giving them a [white] robe, and seals.

2[68]:5 After the angel had finished these things, he said to the shepherd; "I go away; but these you shall send away to (their places within) the walls, according as each deserves to dwell; but examine their rods carefully), and so send them away. But be careful in examining them. Take heed lest any escape you," said he. "Still if any escape you, I will test them at the altar." When he had thus spoken to the shepherd, he departed.

2[68]:6 And, after the angel had departed, the shepherd said to me; "Let us take the rods of all and plant them, to see whether any of them shall be able to live." I say unto him, "Sir, these withered things, how can they live?"

2[68]:7 He answered and said unto me; "This tree is a willow, and this class of trees clings to life. If then the rods shall be planted and get a little moisture, many of them will live. And afterwards let us try to pour some water also over them. If any of them shall be able to live, I will rejoice with it; but if it live not, I at least shall not be found neglectful."

2[68]:8 So the shepherd bade me call them, just as each one of them was stationed. And they came row after row, and they delivered up the rods to the shepherd. And the shepherd took the rods, and planted them in rows, and after he had planted them, he poured much water over them, so that the rods could not be seen for the water.

2[68]:9 And after he had watered the rods, he said to me; "Let us go now, and after days let us return and inspect all the rods, for He Who created this tree wills that all those who have received rods from this tree should live. And I myself hope that these little rods, after they have got moisture and been watered, will live the greater part of them."

3[69]:1 I say to him; "Sir, inform me what this tree is. For I am perplexed herewith, because, though so many branches were cut off, the tree is sound, and nothing appears to have been cut from it; I am therefore perplexed thereat."

3[69]:2 "Listen," said he; "this great tree which overshadows plains and mountains and all the earth is the law of Yahweh which was given to the whole world; and this law is the Son of Yahweh preached unto the ends of the earth. But the people that are under the shadow are they that have heard the preaching, and believed on Him;

PRINTED p. 809 — Parable 8 continued (3[69] tail · 4[70] · 5[71] · 6[72] opening)

3[69]:3 but the great and glorious angel is Michael, who has the power over this people and is their captain. For this is he that puts the law into the hearts of the believers; therefore he himself inspects them to whom he gave it, to see whether they have observed it.

3[69]:4 But you see the rods of every one; for the rods are the law. You see these many rods rendered useless, and you shall notice all those that have not observed the law, and shall see the abode of each severally."

3[69]:5 I say unto him; "Sir, wherefore did he send away some into the tower, and leave others for you?" "As many," said he, "as transgressed the law which they received from him, these he left under my authority for repentance; but as many as already satisfied the law and have observed it, these he has under his own authority."

3[69]:6 "Who then, Sir," say I, "are they that have been crowned and go into the tower?" ["As many," said he, "as wrestled with the devil and overcame him in their wrestling, are crowned.] these are they that suffered for the law.

3[69]:7 But the others, who likewise gave up their rods green and with shoots, though not with fruit, are they that were persecuted for the law, but did not suffer nor yet deny their law.

3[69]:8 But they that gave them up green just as they received them, are sober and righteous men, who walked altogether in a pure heart and have kept the commandments of Yahweh. But all else you shall know, when I have examined these rods that have been planted and watered."

4[70]:1 And after a few days we came to the place, and the shepherd sat down in the place of the angel, while I stood by him. And he said to me; "Gird yourself with a garment of raw flax, and minister to me." So I girded myself with a clean garment of raw flax made of coarse material.

4[70]:2 And when he saw me girded and ready to minister to him "Call," said he, "the men whose rods have been planted, according to the rank as each presented their rods." And I went away to the plain, and called them all; and they stood all of them according to their ranks.

4[70]:3 He said to them; "Let each man pluck out his own rod, and bring it to me." Those gave them up first, who had the withered and chipped rods, and they were found accordingly withered and chipped. He ordered them to stand apart.

4[70]:4 Then those gave them up, who had the withered but not chipped; and some of them gave up the rods green, and others withered and chipped as by grubs. Those then that gave them up green he ordered to stand apart; but those that gave them up withered and chipped he ordered to stand with the first.

4[70]:5 Then those gave them up who had the half-withered and with cracks; and many of them gave them up green and without cracks, and some gave them up green and with shoots, and fruits on the shoots, such as those had who went into the tower crowned; and some gave them up withered and eaten, and some such as they were, half-withered and with cracks. He ordered them to stand each one apart, some in their proper ranks, and others apart.

5[71]:1 Then those gave them up who had their rods green, but with cracks. These all gave them up green, and stood in their own company. And the shepherd rejoiced over these, because they all were changed and had put away their cracks.

5[71]:2 And those gave them up likewise who had the one half green and the other half withered. The rods of some were found entirely green, of some half-withered, of some withered and eaten, and of some green and with shoots. These were all sent away each to his company.

5[71]:3 Then those gave them up who had two parts green and the third withered; many of them gave them up green, and many half-withered, and others withered and eaten. These all stood in their own company.

5[71]:4 Then those gave them up who had two parts withered and the third part green. Many of them gave them up half-withered, but some withered and eaten, others half-withered and with cracks, and a few green. These all stood in their own company.

5[71]:5 Then those gave them up who had their rods green, but a very small part [withered] and with cracks. Of these some gave them up green, and others green and with shoots. These also went away to their own company.

5[71]:6 Then those gave them up who had a very small part green and the other parts withered. The rods of these were found for the most part green and with shoots and fruit on the shoots, and others altogether green. At these rods the shepherd rejoiced very [greatly], because they were found so. And these went away each to his own company.

6[72]:1 After [the shepherd] had examined the rods of all, he said to me, "I told you that this tree clings to life. See you," said he, "how many repented and were saved?" "I see, Sir," say I. "It is," said he, "that you may see the abundant compassion of Yahweh, how great and glorious it is; and He has given (His) Spirit to those that are worthy of repentance."

6[72]:2 "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "did they not all repent?" "To those, whose heart He saw about to become pure and to serve Him with all the heart, to them He gave repentance; but those whose craftiness and wickedness He saw, who intend to repent in hypocrisy, to them He gave not repentance, lest haply they should again profane His name."

6[72]:3 I say unto him; "Sir, now then show me concerning those that have given up their rods, what manner of man each of them is, and their abode, that when they hear this, they that believed and have received the seal and have broken it and did not keep it sound may fully understand what they are doing, and repent, receiving from you a seal, and may glorify Yahweh, that He had compassion upon them and sent you to renew their spirits."

6[72]:4 "Listen," said he; "those whose rods were found withered and grub-eaten, these are the renegades and traitors to the Church, that blasphemed the Lord in their sins, and still further were ashamed of the Name of the Lord, which was invoked upon them. These then perished altogether unto Yahweh. But you see how not one of them repented, although they heard the words which you spoke to them, which I commanded you. From men of this kind life departed.

[Printed pages 810–815 were not photographed; the text resumes at p. 816.]

13[90]:4 "Now, Sir," say I, "show me why the tower is not built upon the ground, but upon the rock and upon the gate." "Because you art senseless," said he, "and without understanding [you ask the question]." "I am obliged, Sir," say I, "to ask all questions of you, because I am absolutely unable to comprehend anything at all; for all are great and glorious and difficult for men to understand."

13[90]:5 "Listen," said he. "The name of the Son of Yahweh is great and incomprehensible, and sustains the whole world. If then all creation is sustained by the Son [of Yahweh], what think you of those that are called by Him, and bear the name of the Son of Yahweh, and walk according to His commandments?

13[90]:6 See you then what manner of men He sustains? Even those that bear His name with their whole heart. He Himself then is become their foundation, and He sustains them gladly, because they are not ashamed to bear His name."

15[92]:1 "Declare to me, Sir," say I, "the names of the virgins, and of the women that are clothed in the black garments." "Hear," said he, "the names of the more powerful virgins, those that are stationed at the corners.

15[92]:2 The first is Faith, and the second, Continence, and the third, Power, and the fourth, Long-suffering. But the others stationed between them have these names—Simplicity, Guilelessness, Purity, Cheerfulness, Truth, Understanding, Concord, Love. He that bears these names and the name of the Son of Yahweh shall be able to enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.

15[92]:3 Hear," said he, "likewise the names of the women that wear the black garments. Of these also four are more powerful than the rest; the first is Unbelief; the second, Intemperance; the third, Disobedience; the fourth, Deceit; and their followers are called, Sadness, Wickedness, Wantonness, Irascibility, Falsehood, Folly, Slander, Hatred. The servant of Yahweh that bears these names shall see the kingdom of Yahweh, but shall not enter into it."

15[92]:4 "But the stones, Sir," say I, "that came from the deep, and were fitted into the building, who are they?" "The first," said he, "even the ten, that were placed in the foundations, are the first generation; the twenty-five are the second generation of righteous men; the thirty-five are Yahweh's prophets and His ministers; the forty are apostles and teachers of the preaching of the Son of Yahweh."

15[92]:5 "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "did the virgins give in these stones also for the building of the tower and carry them through the gate?"

15[92]:6 "Because these first," said he, "bore these spirits, and they never separated the one from the other, neither the spirits from the men nor the men from the spirits, but the spirits abode with them till they fell asleep; and if they had not had these spirits with them, they would not have been found useful for the building of this tower."

15[92]:1 "Show me still further, Sir," say I. "What desire you to know besides?" said he. "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "did the stones come up from the deep, and wherefore were they placed into the building, though they bore these spirits?"

15[92]:2 "It was necessary for them," said he, "to rise up through water, that they might be made alive; for otherwise they could not enter into the kingdom of Yahweh, except they had put aside the deadness of their [former] life.

15[92]:3 So these likewise that had fallen asleep received the seal of the Son of Yahweh and entered into the kingdom of Yahweh. For before a man," said he, "has borne the name of [the Son of] Yahweh, he is dead; but when he has received the seal, he lays aside his deadness, and resumes life.

15[92]:4 The seal then is the water: so they go down into the water dead, and they come up alive. "thus to them also this seal was preached, and they availed themselves of it that they might enter into the kingdom of Yahweh."

15[92]:5 "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "did the forty stones also come up with them from the deep, though they had already received the seal?" "Because," said he, "these, the apostles and the teachers who preached the name of the Son of Yahweh, after they had fallen asleep in the power and faith of the Son of Yahweh, preached also to them that had fallen asleep before them, and themselves gave unto them the seal of the preaching.

15[92]:6 Therefore they went down with them into the water, and came up again. But these went down alive [and again came up alive]; whereas the others that had fallen asleep before them went down dead and came up alive.

15[92]:7 So by their means they were quickened into life, and came to the full knowledge of the name of the Son of Yahweh. For this cause also they came up with them, and were fitted with them into the building of the tower and were built with them, without being shaped; for they fell asleep in righteousness and in great purity. Only they had not this seal. You hast then the interpretation of these things also." "I have, Sir," say I.

17[94]:1 "Now then, Sir, explain to me concerning the mountains. Wherefore are their forms diverse the one from the other, and various?" "Listen," said he. "These twelve mountains are [twelve] tribes that inhabit the whole world. To these (tribes) then the Son of Yahweh was preached by the Apostles."

17[94]:2 But explain to me, Sir, why they are various—these mountains—and each has a different appearance." "Listen," said he. "These twelve tribes which inhabit the whole world are twelve nations; and they are various in understanding and in mind. As various, then, as you saw these mountains to be, such also are the varieties in the mind of these nations, and such their understanding. And I will show unto you the conduct of each."

17[94]:3 "First, Sir," say I, "show me this, why the mountains being so various, yet, when their stones were set into the building, became bright and of one color, just like the stones that had come up from the deep."

17[94]:4 "Because," said he, "all the nations that dwell under heaven, when they heard and believed, were called by the one name of [the Son of] Yahweh. So having received the seal, they had one understanding and one mind, and one faith became theirs and [one] love, and they bore the spirits of the virgins along with the Name; therefore the building of the tower became of one color, even bright as the sun.

PRINTED p. 817 — Parable 9 (interpretation), 17[94]:5 – 22[99]:3

17[94]:5 But after they entered in together, and became one body, some of them defiled themselves, and were cast out from the society of the righteous, and became again such as they were before, or rather even worse."

18[95]:1 "How, Sir," say I, "did they become worse, after they had fully known Yahweh?" "He that knows not Yahweh," said he, "and commits wickedness, has a certain punishment for his wickedness; but he that knows Yahweh fully ought not any longer to commit wickedness, but to do good.

18[95]:2 If then he that ought to do good commits wickedness, does he not seem to do greater wickedness than the man that knows not Yahweh? Therefore they that have not known Yahweh, and commit wickedness, are condemned to death; but they that have known Yahweh and seen His mighty works, and yet commit wickedness, shall receive a double punishment, and shall die eternally. In this way therefore shall the Church of Yahweh be purified.

18[95]:3 And as you saw the stones removed from the tower and delivered over to the evil spirits, they too shall be cast out; and there shall be one body of them that are purified, just as the tower, after it had been purified, became made as it were of one stone. Thus shall it be with the Church of Yahweh also, after she has been purified, and the wicked and hypocrites and blasphemers and double-minded and they that commit various kinds of wickedness have been cast out.

18[95]:4 When these have been cast out, the Church of Yahweh shall be one body, one understanding, one mind, one faith, one love. And then the Son of Yahweh shall rejoice and be glad in them, for that He has received back His people pure." "Great and glorious, Sir," say I, "are all these things.

18[95]:5 Once more, Sir," [say I,] "show me the force and the doings of each one of the mountains, that every soul that trusts in Yahweh, when it hears, may glorify His great and marvelous and glorious name." "Listen," said he, "to the variety of the mountains and of the twelve nations.

19[96]:1 "From the first mountain, which was black, they that have believed are such as these; rebels and blasphemers against Yahweh, and betrayers of the servants of Yahweh. For these there is no repentance, but there is death. For this cause also they are black; for their race is lawless.

19[96]:2 And from the second mountain, the bare one, they that believed are such as these; hypocrites and teachers of wickedness. And these then are like the former in not having the fruit of righteousness. For, even as their mountain is unfruitful, so likewise such men as these have a name indeed, but they are void of the faith, and there is no fruit of truth in them. For these then repentance is offered, if they repent quickly; but if they delay, they will have their death with the former."

19[96]:3 "Wherefore, Sir," say I, "is repentance possible for them, but not for the former? For their doings are almost the same." "On this account," he said, "is repentance offered for them, because they blasphemed not their Lord, nor became betrayers of the servants of Yahweh; yet from desire of gain they played the hypocrite, and taught each other [after] the desires of sinful men. But they shall pay a certain penalty; yet repentance is ordained for them, because they are not become blasphemers or betrayers.

20[97]:1 "And from the third mountain, which had thorns and briars, they that believed are such as these; some of them are wealthy and others are entangled in many business affairs. The briars are the wealthy, and the thorns are they that are mixed up in various business affairs.

20[97]:2 These [then, that are mixed up in many and various business affairs,] hold fast [not] to the servants of Yahweh, but go astray, being choked by their affairs, but the wealthy unwillingly hold fast to the servants of Yahweh, fearing lest they may be asked for something by them. Such men therefore shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.

20[97]:3 For as it is difficult to walk on briars with bare feet, so also it is difficult for such men to enter the kingdom of Yahweh.

20[97]:4 But for all these repentance is possible, but it must be speedy, that in respect to what they omitted to do in the former times, they may now revert to (past) days, and do some good. If then they shall repent and do some good, they shall live unto Yahweh; but if they continue in their doings, they shall be delivered over to those women, the which shall put them to death.

20[97]:1 "And from the fourth mountain, which had much vegetation, the upper part of the grass green and the part towards the roots withered, and some of it dried up by the sun, they that believed are such as these; the double-minded, and they that have Yahweh on their lips, but have Him not in their heart.

20[97]:2 Therefore their foundations are dry and without power, and their words only live, but their works are dead. Such men are neither alive nor dead. They are, therefore, like unto the double-minded; for the double-minded are neither green nor withered; for they are neither alive nor dead.

20[97]:3 For as their grass was withered up when it saw the sun, so also the double-minded, when they hear of tribulation, through their cowardice worship idols and are ashamed of the name of their Lord.

20[97]:4 Such are neither alive nor dead. Yet these also, if they repent quickly, shall be able to live; but if they repent not, they are delivered over already to the women who deprive them of their life.

22[99]:1 "And from the fifth mountain, which had green grass and was rugged, they that believed are such as these; they are faithful, but slow to learn and stubborn and self-pleasers, desiring to know all things, and yet they know nothing at all.

22[99]:2 By reason of this their stubbornness, understanding stood aloof from them, and a foolish senselessness entered into them; and they praise themselves as having understanding, and they desire to be self-appointed teachers, senseless though they are.

22[99]:3 Owing then to this pride of heart many, while they exalted themselves, have been made empty; for a mighty demon is stubbornness and vain confidence. Of these then many were cast away; but some repented and believed, and submitted [the sentence completes on p. 818]

[22[99]:3, sentence completing from p. 817] themselves to those that had understanding, having learnt their own senselessness.

22[99]:4 Yea, and to the rest that belong to this class repentance is offered; for they did not become wicked, but rather foolish and without understanding. If these then shall repent, they shall live unto Yahweh; but if they repent not, they shall have their abode with the women who work evil against them.

23[100]:1 "But they that believed from the sixth mountain, which had clefts great and small, and in the clefts herbage withered, are such as these;

23[100]:2 they that have the small clefts, these are they that have aught against one another, and from their backbitings they are withered in the faith; but many of these repented Yea, and the rest shall repent, when they hear my commandments; for their backbitings are but small, and they shall quickly repent.

23[100]:3 But they that have great clefts, these are persistent in their backbitings and bear grudges, nursing wrath against one another. These then were thrown right away from the tower and rejected from its building. Such persons therefore shall with difficulty live.

23[100]:4 If Yahweh and our Elohim, Who rules over all things and has the authority over all His creation, bears no grudge against them that confess their sins, but is propitiated, doth man, who is mortal and full of sins, bear a grudge against man, as though he were able to destroy or save him?

23[100]:5 I say unto you—I, the angel of repentance—unto as many as hold this heresy, put it away from you and repent, and Yahweh shall heal your former sins, if you shall purify yourselves from this demon; but if not, you shall be delivered unto him to be put to death.

24[101]:1 "And from the seventh mountain, on which was herbage green and smiling, and the whole mountain thriving, and cattle of every kind and the fowls of heaven were feeding on the herbage on that mountain, and the green herbage, on which they fed, only grew the more luxuriant, they that believed are such as these;

24[101]:2 they were ever simple and guileless and blessed, having nothing against one another, but rejoicing always in the servants of Yahweh, and clothed in the Holy Spirit of these virgins, and having compassion always on every man, and out of their labors they supplied every man's need without reproach and without misgiving.

24[101]:3 Yahweh then seeing their simplicity and entire childishness made them to abound in the labors of their hands, and bestowed favor on them in all their doings.

24[101]:4 But I say unto you that are such—I, the angel of repentance—remain to the end such as you are, and your seed shall never be blotted out. For Yahweh has put you to the proof, and enrolled you among our number, and your whole seed shall dwell with the Son of Yahweh; for of His Spirit did you receive.

25[102]:1 "And from the eighth mountain, where were the many springs, and all the creatures of Yahweh did drink of the springs, they that believed are such as these;

25[102]:2 apostles and teachers, who preached unto the whole world, and who taught the word of Yahweh in soberness and purity, and kept back no part at all for evil desire, but walked always in righteousness and truth, even as also they received the Holy Spirit. Such therefore shall have their entrance with the angels.

26[103]:1 "And from the ninth mountain, which was desert, which had [the] reptiles and wild beasts in it which destroy mankind, they that believed are such as these;

26[103]:2 they that have the spots are deacons that exercised their office ill, and plundered the livelihood of widows and orphans, and made gain for themselves from the ministrations which they had received to perform. If then they abide in the same evil desire, they are dead and there is no hope of life for them; but if they turn again and fulfill their ministrations in purity, it shall be possible for them to live.

26[103]:3 But they that are mildewed, these are they that denied and turned not again unto their Lord, but having become barren and desert, because they hold fast not unto the servants of Yahweh but remain alone, they destroy their own souls.

26[103]:4 For as a vine left alone in a hedge, if it meet with neglect, is destroyed and wasted by the weeds, and in time becomes wild and is no longer useful to its owner, so also men of this kind have given themselves up in despair and become useless to their Lord, by growing wild.

26[103]:5 To these then repentance cometh, unless they be found to have denied from the heart; but if a man be found to have denied from the heart, I know not whether it is possible for him to live.

26[103]:6 And this I say not in reference to these days, that a man after denying should receive repentance; for it is impossible for him to be saved who shall now deny his Lord; but for those who denied Him long ago repentance seems to be possible. If a man therefore will repent, let him do so speedily before the tower is completed; but if not, he shall be destroyed by the women and put to death.

26[103]:7 And the stunted, these are the treacherous and backbiters; and the wild beasts which you saw on the mountain are these. For as wild beasts with their venom poison and kill a man, so also do the words of such men poison and kill a man.

26[103]:8 These then are broken off short from their faith through the conduct which they have in themselves; but some of them repented and were saved; and the rest that are of this kind can be saved, if they repent; but if they repent not, they shall meet their death from those women of whose power they are possessed.

27[104]:1 "And from the tenth mountain, where were trees sheltering certain sheep, they that believed are such as these;

27[104]:2 bishops, hospitable persons, who gladly received into their houses at all times the servants of Yahweh without hypocrisy. [These bishops] at all times without ceasing sheltered the needy and the widows in their ministration and [the sentence completes on p. 819]

PRINTED p. 819 — Parable 9 (interpretation), 27[104]:2 (tail) – 27[104]a:4

[27[104]:2, sentence completing from p. 818] conducted themselves in purity at all times.

27[104]:3 These [all] then shall be sheltered by Yahweh for ever. They therefore that have done these things are glorious in the sight of Yahweh, and their place is even now with the angels, if they shall continue unto the end serving Yahweh.

27[104]:1 "And from the eleventh mountain, where were trees full of fruit, decked with divers kinds of fruits, they that believed are such as these;

27[104]:2 they that suffered for the Name [of the Son of Yahweh], who also suffered readily with their whole heart, and yielded up their lives."

27[104]:3 "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "have all the trees fruits, but some of their fruits are more beautiful than others?" "Listen," said he; "all as many as ever suffered for the Name's sake are glorious in the sight of Yahweh, and the sins of all these are taken away, because they suffered for the name of the Son of Yahweh. Now here why their fruits are various, and some surpassing others.

27[104]:4 "As many," said he, "as were tortured and denied not, when brought before the magistracy, but suffered readily, these are the more glorious in the sight of Yahweh; their fruit is that which surpasses. But as many as become cowards, and were lost in uncertainty, and considered in their hearts whether they should deny or confess, and yet suffered, their fruits are less, because this design entered into their heart; for this design is evil, that a servant should deny his own lord.

27[104]:5 See to it, therefore, you who entertain this idea, lest this design remain in your hearts, and you die unto Yahweh. But you that suffer for the Name's sake ought to glorify Yahweh, because Yahweh deemed you worthy that you should bear this name, and that all your sins should be healed.

27[104]:6 Reckon yourselves blessed therefore; yea, rather think that you have done a great work, if any of you shall suffer for Yahweh's sake. Yahweh bestowed life upon you, and you perceived it not; for your sins weighed you down, and if you had not suffered for the Name [of the Lord], you had died unto Yahweh by reason of your sins.

27[104]:7 These things I say unto you that waver as touching denial and confession. Confess that you have the Lord, lest denying Him you be delivered into prison.

27[104]:8 If the Gentiles punish their slaves, if any one deny his lord, what think you Yahweh will do unto you, He who has authority over all things? Away with these designs from your hearts, that you may live forever unto Yahweh."

27[104]:1 "And from the twelfth mountain, which was white, they that believed are such as these; they that are as very babes, into whose heart no guile entered, neither learned they what wickedness is, but they remained as babes forever.

27[104]:2 Such as these then dwell without doubt in the kingdom of Yahweh, because they defiled the commandments of Yahweh in nothing, but continued as babes all the days of their life in the same mind.

27[104]:3 As many of you therefore as shall continue," said he, "and shall be as infants not having guile, shall be glorious [even] than all them that have been mentioned before; for all infants are glorious in the sight of Yahweh, and stand first in His sight. Blessed then are you, as many as have put away wickedness from you, and have clothed yourselves in guilelessness: you shall live unto Yahweh cheifest of all."

27[104]:4 After he had finished the parables of the mountains, I say unto him, "Sir, now explain to me concerning the stones that were taken from the plain and placed in the building in the room of the stones that were taken from the tower, and concerning the round (stones) which were placed in the building, and concerning those that were still round".

27[104]:1 "Hear," said he, "likewise concerning all these things. The stones which were taken from the plain and placed in the building of the tower in the room of those that were rejected, are the roots of this white mountain.

27[104]:2 When then they that believed from this mountain were all found guileless, the lord of the tower ordered these from the roots of the mountain to be put into the building of the tower. For He knew that if these stones should go into the building [of the tower], they would remain bright and not one of them would turn black.

27[104]:3 But if he added (stones) from other mountains, he would have been obliged to visit the tower again, and to purify it. Now all these have been found white, who have believed and who shall believe; for they are of the same kind. Blessed is this kind, for it is innocent!

27[104]:4 Hear now likewise concerning those round and bright stones. All these are from the white mountain. Now here wherefore they have been found round. Their riches have darkened and obscured them a little from the truth.

27[104]:5 When therefore Yahweh perceived their mind, "that they could favor the truth," and likewise remain good, He commanded their possessions to be cut off from them, yet not to be taken away altogether, so that they might be able to do some good with that which has been left to them, and might live unto Yahweh for that they come of a good kind. So therefore they have been cut away a little, and placed in the building of this tower".

27[104]:1 "But the other (stones), which have remained round and have not been fitted into the building, because they have not yet received the seal, have been replaced in their own possession; for they were found very round.

27[104]:2 For this world and the vanities of their possessions must be cut off from them, and then they will fit into the kingdom of Yahweh. For it is necessary that they should enter into the kingdom of Yahweh; because Yahweh has blessed this innocent kind. Of this kind then not one shall perish. Yea, even though any one of them being tempted by the most wicked devil have committed any fault, he shall return speedily unto his Yahweh.

27[104]:3 Blessed I pronounced you all to be—I the angel of repentance—whoever of you are guileless as infants, because your part is good and honorable in the sight of Yahweh.

27[104]a:4 Moreover I bid all of you, whoever have received this seal, keep guilelessness, and bear no grudge, and continue [the sentence completes on p. 820]

[27[104a]:4, sentence completing from p. 819] not in your wickedness nor in the memory of the offenses of bitterness; but become of one spirit, and heal these evil clefts and take them away from among you, that the owner of the flocks may rejoice concerning them.

27[104a]:5 For he will rejoice, if he find all things whole. But if he find any part of the flock scattered, woe unto the shepherds.

27[104a]:6 For if the shepherds themselves shall have been found scattered, how will they answer for the flocks? Will they say that they were harassed by the flock? No credence will be given them. For it is an incredible thing that a shepherd should be injured by his flock; and he will be punished the more because of his falsehood. And I am the shepherd, and it behooved me most strongly to render an account for you.

32[109]:1 "Amend yourselves therefore, while the tower is still in course of building.

32[109]:2 Yahweh dwells in men that love peace; for to Him peace is dear; but from the contentious and them that are given up to wickedness He kept afar off. Restore therefore to Him your spirit whole as you received it.

32[109]:3 For suppose you hast given to a fuller a new garment whole, and desired to receive it back again whole, but the fuller give it back to you torn, wilt you receive it thus? Wilt you not at once blaze out and attack him with reproaches, saying, "The garment which I gave you was whole; wherefore hast you rent it and made it useless? See, by reason of the rent, which you hast made in it, it cannot be of use." Wilt you not then say all this to a fuller even about a rent which he has made in thy garment?

32[109]:4 If therefore you art thus vexed in the matter of thy garment, and complained because you received it not back whole, what think you Yahweh will do to you, He, Who gave you the spirit whole, and you hast made it absolutely useless, so that it cannot be of any use at all to its Yahweh? For its use began to be useless, when it was corrupted by you. Will not therefore Yahweh of this spirit for this thy deed punish [you with death]?"

32[109]:5 "Certainly," I said, "all those, whomsoever He shall find continuing to bear malice, He will punish." "Trample not," said he, "upon His mercy, but rather glorify Him, because He is so long-suffering with your sins, and is not like unto you. Practice then repentance which is expedient for you.

33[110]:1 "All these things which are written above I, the shepherd, the angel of repentance, have declared and spoken to the servants of Yahweh. If then you shall believe and hear my words, and walk in them, and amend your ways, you shall be able to live. But if you continue in wickedness and in bearing malice, no one of this kind shall live unto Yahweh. All things which were to be spoken by me have (now) been spoken to you."

33[110]:2 The shepherd said to me, "Hast you asked me all thy questions?" And I said, "Yes, Sir." "Why then hast you not enquired of me concerning the shape of the stones placed in the building, in that we filled up their shapes?" And I said, "I forgot, Sir."

33[110]:3 "Listen now," said he, "concerning them. These are they that have heard my commandments now, and have practiced repentance with their whole heart. So when Yahweh saw that their repentance was good and pure, and that they could continue therein, he ordered their former sins to be blotted out. These shapes then were their former sins, and they have been chiseled away that they might not appear."

Parable 10

1[111]:1 After I had written out this book completely, the angel who had delivered me to the shepherd came to the house where I was, and sat upon a couch, and the shepherd stood at his right hand. Then he called me, and spoke thus unto me;

1[111]:2 "I delivered you," said he, "and thy house to this shepherd, that you might be protected by him." "True, Sir," I said. "If therefore," said he, "you desire to be protected from all annoyance and all cruelty, to have also success in every good work and word, and all the power of righteousness, walk in his commandments, which I have given you, and you shall be able to get the mastery over all wickedness.

1[111]:3 For if you keep his commandments, all evil desire and the sweetness of this world shall be subject unto you; moreover success shall attend you in every good undertaking. Embrace his gravity and self-restraint, and tell it out unto all men that he is held in great honor and dignity with Yahweh, and is a ruler of great authority, and powerful in his office. To him alone in the whole world has authority over repentance been assigned. Seemed he to you to be powerful? Yet you despise the gravity and moderation which he used towards you."

2[112]:1 I say unto him; "Ask him, Sir, himself, whether from the time that he has been in my house, I have done ought out of order, whereby I have offended him."

2[112]:2 "I myself know," said he, "that you hast done nothing out of order, nor art about to do so. And so I speak these things unto you, that you may persevere. For he has given a good account of you unto me. You therefore shall speak these words to others, that they too who have practiced or shall practice repentance may be of the same mind as you art; and he may give a good report of them to me, and I unto Yahweh."

2[112]:3 "I too, Sir," I say, "declare to every man the mighty works of Yahweh; for I hope that all who have sinned in the past, if they hear these things, will gladly repent and recover life."

2[112]:4 "Continue therefore," said he, "in this ministry, and complete it unto the end. For whosoever fulfill his commandments shall have life; yea such a man (shall have) great honor with Yahweh. But whosoever keep not his commandments, fly from their life, and oppose him, and follow not his commandments, but deliver themselves over to death; and each one becomes guilty of his own blood. But I bid you obey these commandments, and you shall have a remedy for thy sins.

3[113]:1 "Moreover, I have sent these virgins unto you, that they may dwell with you; for I have seen that they are friendly [the sentence completes on p. 821]

PRINTED p. 821 — PARABLE 10, 3[113]:1 (tail) – 4[114]:5 — THE WORK ENDS

[3[113]:1, sentence completing from p. 820] towards you. You hast them therefore as helpers, that you may be the better able to keep his commandments; for it is impossible that these commandments be kept without the help of these virgins. I see too that they are glad to be with you. But I will charge them that they depart not at all from thy house.

3[113]:2 Only do you purify thy house; for in a clean house they will gladly dwell. For they are clean and chaste and industrious, and have favor in the sight of Yahweh. If, therefore, they shall find thy house pure, they will continue with you; but if the slightest pollution arise, they will depart from thy house at once. For these virgins love not pollution in any form."

3[113]:3 I said unto him, "I hope, Sir, that I shall please them, so that they may gladly dwell in my house for ever; and just as he to whom you didst deliver me makes no complaint against me, so they likewise shall make no complaint."

3[113]:4 He said unto the shepherd, "I perceive," said he, "that he wishes to live as the servant of Yahweh, and that he will keep these commandments, and will place these virgins in a clean habitation."

3[113]:5 With these words he again delivered me over to the shepherd, and called the virgins, and said to them; "Inasmuch as I see that you are glad to dwell in this man's house, I commend to you him and his house, that you depart not at all from his house." But they heard these words gladly.

4[114]:1 He said then to me, "Quit you like a man in this ministry; declare to every man the mighty works of Yahweh, and you shall have favor in this ministry. Whosoever therefore shall walk in these commandments, shall live and be happy in his life; but whosoever shall neglect them, shall not live, and shall be unhappy in his life.

4[114]:2 Charge all men who are able to do right, that they cease not to practice good works; for it is useful for them. I say moreover that every man ought to be rescued from misfortune; for he that has need, and suffered misfortune in his daily life, is in great torment and want.

4[114]:3 Whosoever therefore rescued from penury a life of this kind, wins great joy for himself. For he who is harassed by misfortune of this sort is afflicted and tortured with equal torment as one who is in chains. For many men on account of calamity of this kind, because they can bear them no longer, lay violent hands on themselves. He then who knows the calamity of a man of this kind and rescues him not, commits great sin, and becomes guilty of the man's blood.

4[114]:4 Do therefore good works, whoever of you have received (benefits) from Yahweh, lest, while you delay to do them, the building of the tower be completed. For it is on your account that the work of the building has been interrupted. Unless then you hasten to do right, the tower will be completed, and you shut out."

4[114]:5 When then he had finished speaking with me, he rose from the couch and departed, taking with him the shepherd and the virgins. He said however unto me, that he would send the shepherd and the virgins back again to my house...

[The work ends here, partway down printed p. 821; the remainder of the page is blank. The Shepherd of Hermas in this Encyclopedia witness is COMPLETE: Visions 1–5, Mandates 1–12, Parables 1–10, printed pp. 787–821 — subject to the one unphotographed interior span, pp. 810–815, recorded in ENCYCLOPEDIA_HERMAS_CONTINUATION4_RECORD.md.]