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The Shepherd of Hermas /
Parables Which He Spake With Me Parable 1 1[50]:1 He saith to me; "Ye know that ye, who are the servants of God, are dwelling in a foreign land; for your city is far from this city. If then ye know your city, in which ye shall dwell, why do ye here prepare fields and expensive displays and buildings and dwelling-chambers which are superfluous? 1[50]:2 He, therefore, that prepareth 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, perceivest thou not that all these things are foreign, and are under the power of another For the lord of this city shall say, "I do not wish thee to dwell in my city; go forth from this city, for thou dost not conform to my laws." 1[50]:4 Thou, therefor who hast fields and dwellings and many other
possessions, when thou art cast out by him, what wilt thou do with
thy field and thy house am all the other things that thou preparedst
for thyself? For the lord of this country saith to thee justly,
"Either conform to my laws, or depart from my country."
1[50]:7 Take heed therefore, ye that serve God and have Him in your
heart: work the "works of God being mindful of His commandments and
of the promises which He made, and believe Him that He will perform
them, if His commandments be kept.
1[50]:8 Therefore, instead of fields buy ye souls that are in
trouble, as each is able, and visit widows and orphans, and neglect
them not; and spend your riches and all your displays, which ye
received from God, on fields and houses of this kind.
1[50]:9 For to this end the Master enriched you, that ye might
perform these ministrations for Him. It is much better to purchase
fields [and possessions] and houses of this kind, which thou wilt
find in thine own city, when thou visitest it.
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 ye; for it is not convenient for you the
servants of God.
1[50]:11 But practice your own expenditure, in which ye can rejoice;
and do not corrupt, neither touch that which is another man's, nor
lust after it for it is wicked to lust after other men's possessions.
But perform thine own task, and thou shalt be saved."
Parable 2
1[51]:1 As I walked in the field, and noticed an elm and a vine,
and was distinguishing them and their fruits, the shepherd appeareth
to me and saith; "What art thou meditating within thyself?" "I am
thinking, [Sir,]" say I, "about the elm and the vine, that they are
excellently suited the one to the other."
1[51]:2 "These two trees," saith he, "are appointed for a type to
the servants of God." "I would fain know, [Sir,]" say I, "the type
contained in these trees, of which thou speakest." "Seest thou," saith
he, "the elm and the vine ?" "I see them, Sir," say I.
1[51]:3 "This vine," saith he, "beareth fruit, but the elm is an
unfruitful stock. Yet this vine, except it climb up the elm, cannot
bear much fruit when it is spread on the ground; and such fruit as
it beareth is rotten, because it is not suspended upon the elm. When
then the vine is attached to the elm, it beareth fruit both from
itself and from the elm.
1[51]:4 Thou seest then that the elm also beareth [much] fruit,
not less than the vine, but rather more." How more, Sir?" say I. "
Because," saith he, "the vine, when hanging upon the elm, bears its
fruit in abundance, and in good condition; but, when spread on the
ground, it beareth little fruit, and that rotten. This parable
therefore is applicable to the servants of God, to poor and to rich
alike."
1[51]:5 "How, Sir?" say I; "instruct me." "Listen," saith he; the
rich man hath much wealth, but in the things of the Lord he is poor,
being distracted about his riches, and his confession and intercession
with the Lord is very scanty; and even that which he giveth is mall
and weak and hath not power above. When then the rich man goeth up to
the poor, and assisteth him in his needs, believing that for what he
doth to the poor man he shall be able to obtain a reward with
God--because the poor man is rich in intercession [and confession],
and his intercession hath great power with God--the rich man then
supplieth all things to the poor man without wavering.
1[51]:8 In the sight of men then the elm seemeth not to bear fruit,
and they know not, neither perceive, that if there cometh a drought
the elm having water nurtureth the vine, and the vine having a
constant supply of water beareth fruit two fold, both for itself and
for the elm. So likewise the poor, by interceding with the Lord for
the rich, establish their riches, and again the rich, supplying their
needs to the poor, establish their souls.
1[51]:9 So then both are made partners in the righteous work. He
then that doeth these things shall not be abandoned of God, but shall
be written in the books of the living.
1[51]:10 Blessed are the rich, who understand also that they are
enriched from the Lord. For they that have this mind shall be able to
do some good work."
Parable 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 saith to me; "Seest thou these trees?" "I see them, Sir," I say,
"they are all alike, and are withered." He answered and said to me;
"These trees that thou seest are they that dwell in this world."
1[52]:2 "Wherefore then, Sir," say I, "are they as if they were
withered, and alike?" "Because," saith he, "neither the righteous are
distinguishable, nor the sinners in this world, but they are alike.
For this world is winter to the righteous, and they are not
distinguishable, as they dwell with the sinners.
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 saith to me; "Seest thou," saith he, "these
trees?" "I see them, Sir," say I, "some of them sprouting, and others
withered."
1[53]:2 "These trees," saith he, "that are sprouting are the
righteous, who shall dwell in the world to come; for the world to come
is summer to the righteous, but winter to the sinners. When then the
mercy of the Lord shall shine forth, then they that serve God shall be
made manifest; yea, and all men shall be made manifest.
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 thou sawest the
trees which were withered, even such shall they be found, withered
and unfruitful in that world, and shall be burnt up as fuel, and shall
be manifest, because their practice in their life hath been evil. For
the sinners shall be burned, because they sinned and repented not; and
the Gentiles shall be burned, because they knew not Him that created
them.
1[53]:5 Do thou therefore bear fruit, that in that summer thy fruit
may be known. But abstain from overmuch business, and thou shalt
never fill into any sin. For they that busy themselves overmuch, sin
much also, being distracted about their business, and in no wise
serving their own Lord.
1[53]:6 How then," saith he, "can such a man ask anything of the
Lord and receive it, seeing that he serveth not the Lord? [For] they
that serve Him, these shall receive their petitions, but they that
serve not the Lord, these shall receive nothing.
1[53]:7 But if any one work one single action, he is able also to
serve the Lord; for his mind shall not be corrupted from (following)
the Lord, but he shall serve Him, because he keepeth his mind pure.
1[53]:8 If therefore thou doest these things, thou shalt be able
to bear fruit unto the world to come; yea, and whosoever shall do
these things, shall bear fruit."
Parable 5
1[54]:1 As I was fasting and seated on a certain mountain, and
giving thanks to the Lord for all that He had done unto me, I see
the shepherd seated by me and saying; "Why hast thou come hither in
the early morn?" "Because, Sir," say I, "I am keeping a station."
1[54]:2 "What," saith he, "is a station?" "I am fasting, Sir," say
I. "And what," saith he, "is this fast [that ye are fasting]?" "As
I was accustomed, Sir," say I, "so I fast."
1[54]:3 "Ye know not," saith he, "how to fast unto the Lord,
neither is this a fast, this unprofitable fast which ye make unto
Him." "wherefore, Sir," say I, "sayest thou this?" "I tell thee,"
saith he, "that this is not a fast, wherein ye think to fast; but
I will teach thee what is a complete fast and acceptable to the Lord.
Listen," saith he;
2[55]:1 "Hear the parable which I shall tell thee 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 saith unto him; "Take this vineyard [which I have
planted], and fence it [till I come], but do nothing else to the
vineyard. Now keep this my commandment, and thou shalt be free in my
house." Then the master of the servant went away to travel abroad.
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 digged; and when it hath no weeds it will yield
more fruit, because not choked by the weeds." He took and digged the
vineyard, and all the weeds that were in the vineyard he plucked up.
And that vineyard became very neat and flourishing, when it had no
weeds to choke it.
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 digged 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 saith to them; "I promised this servant his freedom,
if he should keep the commandment which I commanded him; but he kept
my commandment and did a good work besides to my vineyard, and pleased
me greatly. For this work therefore which he has done, I desire to make
him joint-heir with my son, because, when the good thought struck him,
he did not neglect it, but fulfilled it."
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 thou explain them for me."
3[56]:2 "I will explain everything to thee," saith he; "and will
show thee whatsoever things I shall speak with thee. Keep the
commandments of the Lord, and thou shalt be well-pleasing to God,
and shalt be enrolled among the number of them that keep His
commandments.
3[56]:3 But if thou do any good thing outside the commandment of
God, thou shalt win for thyself more exceeding glory, and shalt be
more glorious in the sight of God than thou wouldest otherwise have
been. If then, while thou keepest the commandments of God, thou add
these services likewise, thou shalt rejoice, if thou observe them
according to my commandment."
3[56]:4 I say to him, "Sir, whatsoever thou commandest me, I will
keep it; for I know that thou art with me." "I will be with thee,"
saith he, "because thou hast so great zeal for doing good; yea, and
I will be with all," saith he, "whosoever have such zeal as this.
3[56]:5 This fasting," saith he, "if the commandments of the Lord
are kept, is very good. This then is the way, that thou shalt keep
this fast which thou art about to observe].
3[56]:6 First of all, keep thyself from every evil word and every
evil desire, and purify thy heart from all the vanities of this world.
If thou keep these things, this fast shall be perfect for thee.
3[56]:7 And thus shalt thou do. Having fulfilled what is written,
on that day on which thou fastest thou shalt taste nothing but bread
and water; and from thy meats, which thou wouldest have eaten, thou
shalt reckon up the amount of that day's expenditure, which thou
wouldest have incurred, and shalt give it to a widow, or an orphan,
or to one in want, and so shalt thou humble thy soul, that he that
hath received from thy humiliation may satisfy his own soul, and may
pray for thee to the Lord.
3[56]:8 If then thou shalt so accomplish this fast, as I have
commanded thee, thy sacrifice shall be acceptable in the sight of
God, and this fasting shall be recorded; and the service so performed
is beautiful and joyous and acceptable to the Lord.
3[56]:9 These things thou shalt so observe, thou and thy children
and thy whole household; and, observing them, thou shalt be blessed;
yea, and all those, who shall hear and observe them, shall be blessed,
and whatsoever things they shall ask of the Lord, they shall receive."
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; "Thou art exceedingly
importunate in enquiries. Thou oughtest not," [saith he,] "to make
any enquiry at all; for if it be right that a thing be explained unto
thee, it shall be explained." I say to him; "Sir, whatsoever things
thou showest unto me and dost not explain, I shall have seen them in
vain, and without understanding what they are. In like manner also,
if thou speak parables to me and interpret them not, I shall have
heard a thing in vain from thee."
4[57]:3 But he again answered, and said unto me; "Whosoever," saith
he, "is a servant of God, and hath his own Lord in his heart, asketh
understanding of Him, and receiveth it, and interpreteth every parable,
and the words of the Lord which are spoken in parables are made known
unto him. But as many as are sluggish and idle in intercession, these
hesitate to ask of the Lord.
4[57]:4 But the Lord is abundant in compassion, and giveth to them
that ask of Him without ceasing. But thou who hast been strengthened
by the holy angel, and hast received from him such (powers of
intercession and art not idle, wherefore dost thou not ask
understanding of the Lord, and obtain it from Him)."
4[57]:5 I say to him, "Sir, I that have thee with me have (but)
need to ask thee and enquire of thee; for thou showest me all things,
and speakest with me; but if I had seen or heard them apart from thee
I should have asked of the Lord, that they might be shown to me."
5[58]:1 "I told thee just now," saith he, "that thou art
unscrupulous and importunate, in enquiring for the interpretations
of the parables. But since thou art so obstinate, I will interpret
to thee the parable of the estate and all the accompaniments thereof,
that thou mayest make them known unto all. Hear now," saith he, "and
understand them.
5[58]:2 The estate is this world, and the lord of the estate is He
that created all things, and set them in order, and endowed them with
power; and the servant is the Son of God, and the vines are this
people whom He Himself planted;
5[58]:3 and the fences are the [holy] angels of the Lord who keep
together His people; and the weeds, which are plucked up from the
vineyard, are the transgressions of the servants of God; and the
dainties which He sent to him from the feast are the commandments
which He gave to His people through His Son; and the friends and
advisers are the holy angels which were first created; and the
absence of the master is the time which remaineth over until His
coming."
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 thee."
5[58]:5 "Say on," he saith, "if thou desirest anything." "Wherefore,
Sir,]" say I, "is the Son of God represented in the parable in the
guise of a servant?"
6[59]:1 "Listen," said he; "the Son of God is not represented in
the guise of a servant, but is represented in great power and
lordship." "How, Sir?" say I; "I comprehend not."
6[59]:2 "Because," saith he, "God planted the vineyard, that is,
He created the people, and delivered them over to His Son. And the
Son placed the angels in charge of them, to watch over them; and the
Son Himself cleansed their sins, by laboring much and enduring many
toils; for no one can dig without toil or labor.
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. Thou seest," saith he, "that He is Himself Lord 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, God made to dwell in flesh that He desired. This flesh,
therefore, in which the Holy Spirit dwelt, was subject unto the
Spirit, walking honorably in holiness and purity, without in any way
defiling the Spirit.
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 [the Lord],
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 thou hast the interpretation of this parable also."
7[60]:1 "I was right glad, Sir," say I, "to hear this
interpretation." "Listen now," saith he, "Keep this thy flesh pure
and undefiled, that the Spirit which dwelleth in it may bear witness
to it, and thy flesh may be justified.
7[60]:2 See that it never enter into thine heart that this flesh
of thine is perishable, and so thou abuse it in some defilement.
[For] if thou defile thy flesh, thou shalt defile the Holy Spirit
also; but if thou defile the flesh, thou shalt not live."
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,"
saith he, "God alone hath power to give healing; for all authority
is His.
7[60]:4 [But now keep thyself, and the Lord Almighty, Who is full
of compassion, will give healing for thy former deeds of ignorance,]
if henceforth thou defile not thy flesh, neither the Spirit; for both
share in common, and the one cannot be defiled without the other.
Therefore keep both pure, and thou shalt live unto God."
Parable 6
1[61]:1 As I sat in my house, and glorified the Lord for all things
that I had seen, and was considering concerning the commandments, how
that they were beautiful and powerful and gladsome and glorious and
able to save a man's soul, I said within myself; "Blessed shall I be,
if I walk in these commandments; yea, and whosoever shall walk in them
shall be blessed."
1[61]:2 As I spake these things within myself, I see him suddenly
seated by me, and saying as follows; "Why art thou of a doubtful mind
concerning the commandments, which I commanded thee? They are
beautiful. Doubt not at all; but clothe thyself in the faith of the
Lord, and thou shalt walk in them. For I will strengthen thee in them.
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 Ye then that repent, cast away the evil doings of this
world which crush you; and, by putting on every excellence of
righteousness, ye shall be able to observe these commandments, and
to add no more to your sins. If then ye add no further sin at all,
ye will depart from your former sins. Walk then in these my
commandments, and ye shall live unto God. These things have [all]
been told you from me."
1[61]:5 And after he had told these things to me, he saith to me,
"Let us go into the country, and I will show thee the shepherds of
the sheep." "Let us go, Sir," say I. And we came to a certain plain,
and he showeth me a young man, a shepherd, clothed in a light cloak,
of saffron color;
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 saith to me; "Seest thou this shepherd?" "I see him
Sir," I say. "This," saith he, "is the angel of self-indulgence and of
deceit. He crusheth the souls of the servants of God, and perverteth
them from the truth, leading them astray with evil desires, wherein
they perish.
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," saith he; "the sheep which thou
sawest gladsome and skipping about, these are they who have been
turned asunder from God utterly, and have delivered themselves over
to the lusts of this world. In these, therefore, there is not
repentance unto life. For the Name of God is being blasphemed through
them. The life of such persons is death.
2[62]:4 But the sheep, which thou sawest not skipping about, but
feeding in one place, these are they that have delivered themselves
over to acts of self-indulgence and deceit, but have not uttered any
blasphemy against the Lord. These then have been corrupted from the
truth. In these there is hope of repentance, wherein they can live.
Corruption then hath hope of a possible renewal, but death hath
eternal destruction."
2[62]:5 Again we went forward a little way, and he showeth me a
great shepherd like a wild man in appearance, with a white goatskin
thrown about him; and he had a kind of wallet on his shoulders, and
a staff very hard and with knots in it, and a great whip. And his
look was very sour, so that I was afraid of him because of his look.
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.
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," saith he, "is the angel
of punishment, and he is one of the just angels, and presides over
punishment.
3[63]:3 So he receiveth those who wander away from God, and walk
after the lusts and deceits of this life, and punisheth them, as they
deserve, with fearful and various punishments."
3[63]:4 "I would fain learn, Sir," said I, "of what sort are these
various punishments." "Listen," saith he; "the various tortures and
punishments are tortures belonging to the present life; for some are
punished with losses, and others with want, and others with divers
maladies, and others with [every kind] of unsettlement, and others
with insults from unworthy persons and with suffering in many other
respects.
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 the
Lord.
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 the Lord, and serve the Lord with a pure
heart the remaining days of their life. But, if they repent, the evil
works which they have done rise up in their hearts, and then they
glorify God, saying that He is a just Judge, and that they suffered
justly each according to his doings. And they serve the Lord
thenceforward with a pure heart, and are prosperous in all their
doings, receiving from the Lord whatsoever things they may ask; and
then they glorify the Lord because they were delivered over unto me,
and they no longer suffer any evil thing."
3[63]:1 I say unto him; "Sir, declare unto me this further matter."
"What enquirest thou yet?" saith he. "Whether, Sir," say I, "they
that live in self-indulgence and are deceived undergo torments during
the same length of time as they live in self-indulgence and are
deceived." He saith to me, "They undergo torments for the same length
of time."
3[63]:2 "Then, Sir," say I, "they undergo very slight torments; for
those who are living thus in self-indulgence and forget God ought to
have been tormented seven-fold."
3[63]:3 He saith to me, "Thou art foolish, and comprehendest not
the power of the torment" "True," say I, "for if I had comprehended
it, I should not have asked thee to declare it to me." "Listen," saith
he, "to the power of both, [of the self-indulgence and of the torment].
3[63]:4 The time of the self-indulgence and deceit is one hour. But
an hour of the torment hath the power of thirty days. If then one
live in self indulgence and be deceived for one day, and be tormented
for one day, the day of the torment is equivalent to a whole year. For
as many days then as a man lives in self-indulgence, for so many
years is he tormented. Thou seest then," saith he, "that the time of
the self-indulgence and deceit is very short, but the time of the
punishment and torment is long."
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; "Thy stupidity cleaveth to
thee; and thou wilt not cleanse thy heart and serve God Take heed,"
[saith he,] "lest haply the time be fulfilled, and thou be found in
thy foolishness. Listen then," [saith he,] "even as thou wishest, that
thou mayest comprehend the matter.
5[65]:3 He that liveth in self-indulgence and is deceived for one
day, and doeth what he wisheth, is clothed in much folly and
comprehendeth not the thing which he doeth; for on the morrow he
forgetteth what he did the day before. For self-indulgence and deceit
have no memories, by reason of the folly, wherewith each is clothed;
but when punishment and torment cling to a man for a single day, he
is punished and tormented for a whole year long; for punishment and
torment have long memories.
5[65]:4 So being tormented and punished for the whole year, the man
remembers at length the self-indulgence and deceit, and perceiveth that
it is on their account that he is suffering these ills. Every man, the
refore, that liveth 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," saith he, "is self-indulgence to a man, which he does
with pleasure; for the irascible man, when he gives the reins to his
passion, is self-indulgent; and the adulterer and the drunkard and the
slanderer and the liar and the miser and the defrauder and he that
doeth things akin to these, giveth the reins to his peculiar passion;
therefore he is self-indulgent in his action.
5[65]:6 All these habits of self-indulgence are harmful to the
servants of God; on account of these deceits therefore they so suffer
who are punished and tormented.
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 God, and bringeth life to a man of
this disposition; but the harmful self-indulgences afore-mentioned
bring to men torments and punishments; and if they continue in them
and repent not, they bring death upon themselves."
Parable 7
1[66]:1 After a few days I saw him on the same plain, where also
I had seen the shepherds, and he saith to me, "What seekest thou?"
"I am here, Sir," say I, "that thou mayest bid the shepherd that
punisheth go out of my house; for he afflicteth me much." "It is
necessary for thee," saith he, "to be afflicted; for so," saith he,
"the glorious angel ordered as concerning thee, for he wisheth thee
to be proved." "Why, what so evil thing have I done, Sir," say I,
"that I should be delivered over to this angel?"
1[66]:2 "Listen," saith he. "Thy sins are many, yet not so many
that thou shouldest be delivered over to this angel; but thy house
has committed great iniquities and sins, and the glorious angel was
embittered at their deeds, and for this cause he bade thee be
afflicted for a certain time, that they also might repent and cleanse
themselves from every lust of this world. When therefore they shall
repent and be cleansed, then shall the angel of punishment depart."
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," saith he, "unless thou, the head of the [whole]
house, be afflicted; for if thou be afflicted, they also of necessity
will be afflicted; but if thou be prosperous, they can suffer no
affliction."
1[66]:4 "But behold, Sir," say I, "they have repented with their
whole heart." "I am quite aware myself," saith he, "that they have
repented with their whole heart; well, thinkest thou that the sins of
those who repent are forgiven forthwith? Certainly not; but the person
who repents must torture his own soul, and must be thoroughly humble
in his every action, and be afflicted with all the divers kinds of
affliction; and if he endure the afflictions which come upon him,
assuredly He Who created all things and endowed them with power will
be moved with compassion and will bestow some remedy.
1[66]:5 And this (will God do), if in any way He perceive the heart
of the penitent pure from every evil thing. But it is expedient for
thee and for thy house that thou shouldest be afflicted now. But why
speak I many words to thee? Thou must be afflicted as the angel of the
Lord commanded, even he that delivered thee unto me; and for this
give thanks to the Lord, in that He deemed thee worthy that I should
reveal unto thee beforehand the affliction, that foreknowing it thou
might endure it with fortitude."
1[66]:6 I say to him; "Sir, be thou with me, and I shall be able
to endure all affliction [easily]." "I will be with thee," saith he;
"and I will ask the angel that punisheth to afflict thee more
lightly; but thou shalt be afflicted for a short time, and thou shalt
be restored again to thy house. Only continue to be humble and to
minister unto the Lord with a pure heart, thou and thy children and
thy house, and walk in my commandments which I command thee, and thus
it will be possible for thy repentance to be strong and pure.
1[66]:7 And if thou keep these commandments with thy household,
all affliction shall hold aloof from thee; yea, and affliction,"
saith he, "shall hold aloof from all whosoever shall walk in these
my commandments."
Parable 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 the Lord,
glorious and very tall, having a great sickle, and he was lopping
branches from the willow, and giving them to the people that sheltered
beneath the willow; and he gave them little rods about a cubit long.
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 marvelled within myself, saying, "How is the tree
sound after so many branches have been lopped off?" The shepherd saith
to me, "Marvel not that the tree remained sound, after so many branches
were lopped off but wait until thou seest all things, and it shall be
shown to thee what it is."
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 the Lord 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]: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.
1[67]:10 And others gave up their rods green and with cracks; these
also stood apart. And others gave up their rods one half withered and
one half green; these also stood apart.
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 of their rods was withered, just the end; but they had
cracks in them; 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.
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 the Lord commanded crowns to be brought.
And crowns were brought, made as it were of palm branches; and he
crowned the men that had given up the rods which had the shoots and
some fruit, and sent them away into the tower.
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 saith to the
shepherd; "I go away; but these thou shalt send away to (their places
within) the walls, according as each deserveth to dwell; but examine
their rods carefully), and so send them away. But be careful in
examining them. Take heed lest any escape thee," saith he. "Still if
any escape thee, I will test them at the altar." When he had thus
spoken to the shepherd, he departed.
2[68]:6 And, after the angel had departed, the shepherd saith to
me; "Let us take the rods of all and plant them, to see whether any
of them shall be able to live." I say unto him, "Sir, these withered
things, how can they live?"
2[68]:7 He answered and said unto me; "This tree is a willow, and
this class of trees clingeth to life. If then the rods shall be
planted and get a little moisture, many of them will live. And
afterwards let us try to pour some water also over them. If any of
them shall be able to live, I will rejoice with it; but if it live
not, I at least shall not be found neglectful."
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 saith to me; "Let us
go now. and after days let us return and inspect all the rods; for He
Who created this tree willeth that all those who have received rods
from this tree should live. And I myself hope that these little rods,
after they have got moisture and been watered, will live the greater
part of them."
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," saith he; "this great tree which overshadows
plains and mountains and all the earth is the law of God which was
given to the whole world; and this law is the Son of Cod preached
unto the ends of the earth. But the people that are under the shadow
are they that have heard the preaching, and believed on Him;
3[69]:3 but the great and glorious angel is Michael, who hath the
power over this people and is their captain. For this is he that
putteth the law into the hearts of the believers; therefore he himself
inspecteth them to whom he gave it, to see whether they have observed
it.
3[69]:4 But thou seest the rods of every one; for the rods are the
law. Thou seest these many rods rendered useless, and thou shalt
notice all those that have not observed the law, and shalt see the
abode of each severally."
3[69]:5 I say unto him; "Sir, wherefore did he send away some into
the tower, and leave others for thee?" "As many," saith he, "as
transgressed the law which they received from him, these he left under
my authority for repentance; but as many as already satisfied the law
and have observed it, these he has under his own authority."
3[69]:6 "Who then, Sir," say I, "are they that have been crowned
and go into the tower?" ["As many," saith he, "as wrestled with the
devil and overcame him in their wrestling, are crowned:] these are
they that suffered for the law.
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 the Lord. But all else thou shalt 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 saith
to me; "Gird thyself with a garment of raw flax, and minister to me."
So I girded myself with a clean garment of raw flax made of coarse
material.
4[70]:2 And when he saw me girded and ready to minister to him
"Call," saith he, "the men whose rods have been planted, according to
the rank as each presented their rods." And I went away to the plain,
and called them all; and they stood all of them according to their
ranks.
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 withered and uneaten, and some such as
they were, half-withered and with cracks. He ordered them to stand
each one apart, some in their proper ranks, and others apart.
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]: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 saith
to me, "I told thee that this tree clingeth to life. Seest thou,"
saith he, "how many repented and were saved?" "I see, Sir," say I.
"It is," saith he, that thou mayest see the abundant compassion of
the Lord, how great and glorious it is, and He hath given (His) Spirit
to those that are worthy of repentance."
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
thee a seal, and may glorify the Lord, that He had compassion upon
them and sent thee to renew their spirits."
6[72]:4 "Listen," saith he; "those whose rods were found withered
and grub-eaten, these are the renegades and traitors to the Church,
that blasphemed the Lord in their sins, and still further were ashamed
of the Name of the Lord, which was invoked upon them. These then
perished altogether unto God. But thou seest how not one of them
repented, although they heard the words which thou spakest to them,
which I commanded thee. From men of this kind life departed.
6[72]:5 But those that gave up the _withered_ and undecayed (rods),
these also are near them; for they were hypocrites, and brought in
strange doctrines, and perverted the servants of God, especially them
that had sinned, not permitting them to repent, but persuading them
with their foolish doctrines. These then have hope of repenting.
6[72]:6 But thou seest that many of them have indeed repented from
the time when thou spakest to them my commandments; yea, and (others)
still will repent. And as many as shall not repent, have lost their
life; but as many of them as repented, became good; and their dwelling
was placed within the first walls, and some of them even ascended into
the tower. Thou seest then," [saith he,] "that repentance from sins
bringeth life, but not to repent bringeth death.
7[73]:3 And as many of them," saith he, "as have repented, have
their abode within the tower; but as many of them as have repented
tardily shall abide within the walls; and as many as repent not, but
continue in their doings, shall die the death.
7[73]:4 But they that have given up their rods green and with
cracks, these were found faithful and good at all times, [but] they
have a certain emulation one with another about first places and about
glory of some kind or other; but all these are foolish in having
(emulation) one with another about first places.
7[73]:5 Yet these also, when they heard my commandments, being
good, purified themselves and repented quickly. They have their
habitation, therefore, within the tower. But if any one shall again
turn to dissension, he shall be cast out from the tower and shall
lose his life.
7[73]:6 Life is for all those that keep the commandments of the
Lord. But in the commandments there is nothing about first places,
or about glory of any kind, but about long-suffering and humility
in man. In such men, therefore, is the life of the Lord, but in
factious and lawless men is death.
8[74]:1 "But they that gave up their rods half green and half
withered, these are they that are mixed up in business and cleave
not to the saints. Therefore the one half of them liveth, but the
other half is dead.
8[74]:2 Many then when they heard my commandments repented. As
many then as repented, have their abode within the tower. But some
of them altogether stood aloof These then have no repentance; for
by reason of their business affairs they blasphemed the Lord and
denied Him. So they lost their life for the wickedness that they
committed.
8[74]:3 But many of them were doubtful-minded. These still have
place for repentance, if they repent quickly, and their dwelling
shall be within the tower; and if they repent tardily, they shall
dwell within the walls; but if they repent not, they too have lost
their life.
8[74]:4 But they that have given up two parts green and the third
part withered, these are they that have denied with manifold denials.
8[74]:5 Many of them therefore repented and departed to dwell
inside the tower; but many utterly rebelled from God; these lost
their life finally. And some of them were double-minded and caused
dissensions. For these then there is repentance, if they repent
speedily and continue not in their pleasures; but if they continue
in their doings, they likewise procure for themselves death.
9[75]:1 "But they that have given up their rods two thirds withered
and one third green, these are men who have been believers, but grew
rich and became renowned among the Gentiles. They clothed themselves
with great pride and became high-minded, and abandoned the truth and
did not cleave to the righteous, but lived together after the manner
of the Gentiles, and this path appeared the more pleasant unto them;
yet they departed not from God, but continued in the faith, though
they wrought not the works of the faith.
9[75]:2 Many of them therefore repented, and they had their
habitation within the tower.
10[76]:3 But they that gave up their rods withered, yet with a very
small part green, these are they that believed, but practiced the
works of lawlessness. Still they never separated from God, but bore
the Name gladly, and gladly received into their houses the servants
of God. So hearing of this repentance they repented without wavering,
and they practice all excellence and righteousness.
11[77]:2 I say to him; "Sir, I hope that all when they hear these
words will repent; for I am persuaded that each one, when he fully
knows his own deeds and fears God, will repent."
11[77]:3 He answered and said unto me; "As many," [saith he,] "as
[shall repent] from their whole heart [and] shall cleanse themselves
from all the evil deeds aforementioned, and shall add nothing further
to their sins, shall receive healing from the Lord for their former
sins, unless they be double-minded concerning these commandments, and
they shall live unto God. [But as many," saith he, "as shall add to
their sins and walk in the lusts of this world, shall condemn
themselves to death.]
11[77]:4 But do thou walk in my commandments, and live [unto God;
yea, and as many as shall walk in them and shall do rightly, shall
live unto God."]
11[77]:5 Having shown me all these things [and told me them] he
saith to me; "Now the rest will I declare (unto thee) after a few
days."
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