The First VISION. Against filthy and proud Thoughts: also the Correction of Hermas for his Neglect of his Sons.

I. HE who had bred me up Sold a certain young Maid at Rome: whom when I saw many Years after, I remembred her, and began to love her as a Sister. It happen'd some time afterwards, Page  322 that I saw her wash'd in the River Tyber; and I reach'd out my hand unto her, and help'd her out of the River. And when I saw her, I thought with my self, saying, That I should be happy had I fortun'd to have met with a Wife like unto her both for her Beauty and Manners. This I thought with my self; nor did I think any thing more. But not long after, as I was walking and musing on these Thoughts, I began to honor the Creature of God, think∣ing with my self how noble and beautiful it is. And when I had walk'd a little, I fell asleep. And the Spirit caught me away, and car∣ried me through a certain Place to∣wards the Right-hand, through which no Man could pass. It was a Place among Rocks, very steep, and unpassable for Water. When I was past this Place I came into a Plain; and there falling down upon my Knees, I began to pray unto the LORD, and to confess my Sins. And as I was praying, the Heaven was opened, and I saw the Woman which I had coveted, saluting me from Hea∣ven, Page  323 and saying, HERMAS, hail! And I looking upon her, answered, Lady, What dost thou do here? She answered me, I am taken up hither to convince thee of Sin unto the LORD. Lady, said I, Wilt thou con∣vince me? No, said she: but hear the Words which I am about to speak unto thee. God who dwelleth in Heaven, and hath made All things out of Nothing, and has multiplied them for his Holy Churches sake, is angry with thee, because thou hast sinned against me. And I answering said unto her, Lady, If I have sinned against thee, tell me where, or in what Place, or when did I ever speak an unseemly or dishonest Word unto thee? Have I not always esteemed thee as a Lady? Have I not always reverenced thee as a Sister? Why then dost thou imagine these wicked things against me? Then she, smi∣ling upon me, said, The desire of Naughtiness has risen up in thy heart. Does it not seem to thee * to be an ill thing for a Righteous Man to have an evil desire rise up in his heart? It is indeed a Sin, and that a Page  324 very great one, to such a Man: for a righteous Man thinketh what is righteous. And whilst he does so, and walketh uprightly, he shall have the LORD in Heaven favourable unto him in all his Works. But as for those who think wickedly in their hearts, they take to themselves Death and Captivity: and especially those who love this present World, and glory in their Riches, and regard not the good things that are to come; their Souls wander up and down, and know not where to fix. Now this is the Case of such as are Doubtful, who trust not in the LORD, and de∣spise and neglect their own life. But do thou pray unto the LORD, and he will heal thy Sins, and the Sins of thy whole House, and of all his Saints.

II. AS soon as she had spoken these Words the Heavens were shut, and I remained utterly swallowed up in Sadness and Fear; and said within my self, If this be laid against me for Sin, how can I ever be saved? or how shall I ever be able to intreat Page  325 the LORD for my many and great Sins? With what Words shall I be∣seech him to be merciful unto me? As I was thinking over these things, and meditating in my self upon them, behold a Chair set over against me of the whitest Wool, as bright as Snow. And there came an old Woman in a bright Garment, having a Book in her hand, and sate alone,* and salu∣ted me, saying, HERMAS, hail! And I being full of Sorrow, and weeping, answered, Hail, Lady! and she said unto me, Why art thou sad, Hermas, who wert wont to be pati∣ent, and modest, and always cheer∣ful? I answered, and said to her, Lady, a Reproach has been objected to me by an excellent Woman, who tells me that I have sinned against her. She replied, Far be any such thing from the Servant of God. But it may be the desire of her has risen up in thy Heart? For indeed there is such a Thought even in the Servants of God, leading unto Sin. Nor ought such a detestable Thought to be in the Servant of God; nor should a Spirit that is approved desire that Page  326 which is evil; nor especially HER∣MAS, who contains himself from all wicked Appetites, and is full of all Simplicity, and of great Innocence.

III. NEVERTHELESS the LORD is not angry with thee for thine own sake, but upon the account of thy House, which has committed Wick∣edness against the LORD, and against their Parents. And that Act of thy Fondness towards thy Sons; in that thou hast not admonished them, but hast permitted them to live wickedly; and for this Cause the LORD is angry with thee: But he will heal all the Evils that are done before thee in thy House. For through their Sins and Iniquities, thou art wholly consumed in secular Affairs. But now the Mer∣cy of God hath taken Compassion upon thee, and upon thine House, and hath * greatly comforted thee; only as for thee, do not wander, but be of an even Mind, and comfort thy House. As the Workman bring∣ing forth his Work, offers it to whom∣soever he pleases; so shalt thou by teaching every day what is just, cut Page  327 off a great sin. Wherefore cease not to admonish thy Sons, for the LORD knows that they will repent with all their heart, and he will write thee in the Book of Life. And when she had said this, she added unto me; Wilt thou hear me Read? I answer'd her, Lady, I will. Hear then, said she; And opening the Book she read, glo∣riously, greatly, and wonderfully, such things as I could not keep in my Memory. For they were terri∣ble Words, such as no Man could bear. Howbeit I committed her last Words to my Remembrance; for they were but few, and of great use.

IV. AND when she had made an end of Reading, she rose out of the Chair; and behold four Young∣men came, and carried the Chair to the East. And she called me unto her, and touch'd my Breast, and said unto me, Did my Reading please thee? I answered, Lady, These last things please me; but what went be∣fore was severe and hard. She said unto me, These last things are for † the Righteous, but the foregoing for the Revolters and Heathen. And as she was talking with me, Two more appeared, and took her up on their shoulders, and went to the East, where the Chair was. And she went chearfully away; and as she was go∣ing, said unto me, HERMAS, be of good chear.

VISION II. Again, of his Neglect in Cor∣recting his Talkative Wife; and of his Lewd Sons; and of his Own Manners.

I. AS I was on the Way to Cumae, about the same time that I had been the last Year, I began to call to mind the Vision I formerly had. And again the Spirit carried me away, and brought me into the same Place, in which I had been the Year before. And when I was come into the Place, I fell down upon my Knees, and began to Pray unto the LORD, and to Honour his Name, that he had esteemed me worthy, and had manifested unto me my former Sins. And when I arose from Prayer, behold I saw over against me the Old Woman whom I had seen the last Year, walking and reading in a cer∣tain Book. And she said unto me, Can'st thou tell these things to the Page  330 Elect of God? I answered and said unto her, Lady, I cannot retain such great things in my Memory, but give me the Book, and I will write them down. Take it, says she, and see that thou restore it again to me. As soon as I had receiv'd it, I went aside into a certain Place of the Field, and transcribed every Letter, for I found no Syllables.* And as soon as I had finished what was written in the Book, the Book was suddenly caught out of my hands, but by whom I saw not.

II. AFTER fifteen days, when I had fasted, and intreated the LORD with all earnestness, the Knowledge of the Writing was revealed unto me. Now the Writing was this: Thy Seed, O HERMAS! hath sin∣ned against the LORD, and have be∣trayed their Parents, through their great Wickedness. And they have been called the Betrayers of their Pa∣rents, and have gone on in their Treachery. And now have they added Lewdness to their other Sins, and the Pollutions of Naughtiness; Page  331 Thus have they fill'd up the Mea∣sure of their Iniquities. But do thou upbraid thy Sons with all these Words; and thy Wife, which shall be thy Sister. And let her learn to refrain her Tongue, with which she calumniates. For when she shall hear these things, she will refrain her self, and shall obtain Mercy. And ‖ they shall be instructed, when thou shalt have reproach'd them with these Words, which the LORD has commanded to be revealed unto thee. Then shall their Sins be for∣given which they have heretofore committed, and the Sins of all the Saints, who have sinned even unto this day; if they shall repent with all their Hearts, and remove all Doubts out of their Hearts. For the LORD hath sworn by his Glory concerning his Elect, having determined the certain Day, that if any one shall even now sin, he shall not be saved. For the Repentance of the Righte∣ous has its End. The Days of Repen∣tance are fulfilled to all the Saints; but to the Heathen, there is Repen∣tance even unto the Last Day. Thou Page  332 shalt therefore say to those who are over the Church, that they order their Ways in Righteousness; that they may fully receive the Promise with much Glory. Stand fast there∣fore ye that work Righteousness; and continue to do it, that your De∣parture may be with the Holy An∣gels. Happy are ye, as many as shall endure the Great Tryal that is at hand, and whosoever shall not deny his Life. For the LORD hath sworn by his Son, that who so de∣nieth his Son and him, being afraid of his Life; he will also deny him in the ‖ World that is to come. But those who shall never deny him, he will of his exceeding great Mercy be favourable unto them.

III. BUT thou, O Hermas! re∣member not the Evils which thy Sons have done, neither neglect thy Sister, but take care that they amend of their former Sins. For they will be instructed by this Doctrine, if thou shalt not be mindful of what they have done wickedly. For the Re∣membrance of Evils worketh Death; Page  333 but the Forgetting of them, Life Eter∣nal. But thou, O HERMAS! hast under∣gone a great many Wordly Trou∣bles for the Offences of thy House; because thou hast neglected them, as things that did not belong unto thee; and thou art wholly taken up with thy great Business. Never∣theless, for this cause shalt thou be saved, that thou hast not departed from the Living God; And thy Sim∣plicity, and singular Continency shall preserve thee, if thou shalt continue in them. Yea, they shall save All such as do such things; and walk in Innocence and Simplicity. They who are of this kind, shall prevail against all Impiety, and continue unto Life Eternal. Happy are all they that do Righteousness, they shall not be consumed for ever. But thou wilt say; Behold there is a great Tryal coming. If it seems good to thee, Deny him again. The LORD is nigh to them that turn to him, as it is written in the Books of Heldam and Modal, who prophecy'd to the Israelites in the Wilderness.*

Page  334IV. MOREOVER, Brethren, it was reavealed to me, as I was sleeping, by a very goodly young Man, saying unto me; What thinkest thou of that old Woman from whom thou receivedst the Book; Who is she? I answered, a Sybil. Thou art mistaken, said he, she is not. I reply'd, who is she then, Sir? He an∣swered me, it is the Church of God. And I said unto him, Why then do's she appear Old? She is there∣fore, said he, an Old Woman, be∣cause she was the first of all the Creation, and the World was made for her. After this I saw a Vision at home in my own House, and the Old Woman whom I had seen be∣fore, came to me and ask'd me, whe∣ther I had yet deliver'd the Book which she had given me to the Elders of the Church? And I answered, that I had not yet. She reply'd, Thou hast well done, for I have cer∣tain Words more to tell thee. But when I shall have finished all the Words, they shall be clearly under∣stood by the Elect.* And thou shalt write two Books, and send one to Page  335 Clement, and one to Grapté. For Clement shall send it to the foreign Cities, because it is permitted to him so to do. But Grapté shall admonish the Widows and Orphans. But thou shalt read it to the Elders that are over the Church.

VISION III. Of the Building of the Church-Triumphant; and of the se∣veral Orders of Reprobates.

I. THE Vision which I saw, Brethren, was this. When I had often fasted and pray'd unto the LORD, that he would manifest unto me the Revelation which he had promised by the Old Woman to shew unto me: The same Night she appear'd unto me, and said unto me; because thou dost thus afflict thy self, and art so desirous to know All things, come into the Field, where thou wilt, and about the sixth Hour, I will appear unto Page  336 thee, and shew thee what thou must see. I ask'd her, saying; Lady, in∣to what part of the Field? She an∣swered, wherever thou wilt, only chuse a good and a private place. And before I could begin to speak and tell her the place, she said unto me; I will come where thou wilt. I was therefore, Brethren, in the Field, and I observed the Hours, and came into the place where I had ap∣pointed to go. And I beheld a Bench placed; it was a linnen Pillow, and over it spread a Covering of fine Linnen. When I saw these things or∣der'd in this Manner, and that there was no Body in the place, I began to be astonish'd, and my Hair stood on end, and a kind of Horror seiz'd me, for I was alone. But being come to my self, and calling to mind the Glory of God, and taking Courage, I fell down upon my Knees, and be∣gan again to confess my Sins as be∣fore. And whilst I was doing this, the Old Woman came thither with the six young Men whom I had seen before, and stood behind me as I was praying and confessing my Page  337 Sins unto the LORD. And touching me, she said; leave off now to pray only for thy Sins; pray also for Righteousness, that thou maist re∣ceive a part from her in thy House. And she lifted me up from the place, and took me by the Hand, and brought me to the Seat; and said to the young Men, Go, and Build. As soon as they were departed, and we were alone, she said unto me; sit here. I answered her; Lady, let those who are Elder sit first. She reply'd, sit down as I bid you. And when I would have sate on the right side, she suffered me not, but made a sign to me with her Hand, that I should sit on the left. As I was therefore musing, and full of Sorrow, that she would not suffer me to sit on the right side, she said unto me, HERMAS, why art thou sad? The place which is on the right Hand is theirs who have already attain'd unto God, and have suffered for his Name sake. But there is yet a great deal remaining unto thee, before thou canst sit with them. But con∣tinue, as thou dost in thy Sincerity, Page  338 and thou shalt sit with them; as all others shall that do their Works, and shall bear what they have born.

II. I said unto her; Lady, I would know what it is that they have suf∣fered? Hear then, said she: Wild Beasts, Scourgings, Imprisonments, and Crosses for his Name sake. For this cause the right Hand of Holi∣ness belongs to them, and to all o∣thers as many as shall suffer for the Name of God; but the left belongs to the rest. Howbeit the Gifts and the Promises belong to both; to them, and to those on the left Hand; only that sitting on the right Hand they have some Glory above the others. But thou art desirous to sit on the right Hand with them; and thy De∣fects are many. But thou shalt be purg'd from thy Defects: As also all who doubt not, shall be cleansed from all the Sins which they have commit∣ted unto this Day. And when she had said this she would have departed; Wherefore falling down before her Feet, I began to intreat her, for the LORD'S sake, that she would shew Page  339 me the Vision which she had pro∣mised. Then she again took me by the Hand, and lifted me up, and made me sit upon the Seat on the left side; and holding up a certain bright Wand, said unto me; seest thou that great thing? I reply'd; Lady, I see nothing. She answered; Dost thou not see over against thee a great Tower, which is built upon the Water with bright square Stones? For the Tower was built upon a square by those six young Men that came with her. And thousands of other Men brought Stones: Some drew them out of the Deep; Others carried them from the Ground, and gave them to the six young Men. And they took them, and built. As for those Stones which were drawn out of the Deep, they put them all into the Building; for they were polish'd, and their Squares exactly answered one another, and so one was joyn'd in such wise to the other, that there was no space to be seen where they joyn'd. Insomuch that the whole Tower appear'd to be built as it were of one Stone. But Page  340 as for the other Stones that were taken off from the Ground, some of them they rejected, others they fitted into the Building. Others they cut out, and cast at a distance from the Tower. Moreover there were many other Stones, which lay round about the Tower, which they made no use of in the Building. Some of these were rough, others had Clefts in them; others were white and round, not proper for the build∣ing of the Tower. Besides these, I saw other Stones cast afar off from the Tower, and falling into the High-Way, but not continuing in the Way, but were rolled from the Way into a desert Place. Others I saw falling into the Fire and burn∣ing: Others were glowing hot just by the Water, yet could not roll themselves into it, though very de∣sirous to fall into the Water.

III. AND when she had shew'd me these things she would have de∣parted. But I said unto her, Lady, What do's it profit me to see these things, and not understand what they Page  341 mean? She answer'd and said unto me, you are very cunning, in that you are desirous to know those things which ‖ relate to the Tower. Yea, said I, Lady, that I may declare them unto the Brethren; and they may rejoyce, and hearing these things may glorifie God with great Honour. Then she said; Many indeed shall hear them, and when they shall have heard them, some shall rejoyce, and others weep. And yet even these, if they shall repent, shall rejoyce too. Hear therefore what I shall say con∣cerning the Parable of the Tower, and after this be no longer importu∣nate with me about the Revelation. For these Revelations have an end, seeing they are fulfilled. But thou dost not leave off to desire Revela∣tions; for thou art very † urgent. As for the Tower which thou seest built, it is I my self, namely the Church, which have appeared to thee both now, and heretofore. Wherefore ask what thou wilt con∣cerning the Tower, and I will reveal it unto thee, that thou mayst re∣joyce with the Saints. I said unto Page  342 her, Lady, Because thou hast thought me once worthy to receive from thee the Revelation of all these things, declare them unto me. She answer'd me; whatsoever is fit to be revealed unto thee, shall be revealed: * Only let thy Heart be with the LORD, and doubt not, whatsoever thou shalt see. I ask'd her, Lady, why is the Tower built upon the Water? She replied; I said before to thee that thou wert very Wise to enquire di∣ligently concerning the Building! therefore thou shalt find the Truth. Hear therefore why the Tower is built upon the Water:* Because your Life is and shall be saved by Water. For it is founded by the Word of the Almighty and Honourable Name; and is supported by the Invisible Power and Virtue of God.

IV. AND I answering said unto her; These things are very admira∣ble: But Lady, who are those six young Men that build? They are, said she, the Angels of God, which were first appointed, and to whom the LORD has deliver'd all his Crea∣tures, Page  343 to build them up, and to rule over. For by these the Building of the Tower shall be finish'd. And who are the rest who bring them Stones? They also are the Holy Angels of the LORD; but the other are more excellent than these. Where∣fore when the whole Building of the Tower shall be finished, they shall all feast together besides the Tower, and shall glorifie God, because the Structure of the Tower is finish'd. I ask'd her, saying; I would know the Condition of the Stones, and the meaning of them, what it is? She answering said unto me; Art thou better than all others, that this should be revealed unto thee? For others are both before thee, and better than thou art, to whom these Visions should be made manifest: Never∣theless that the Name of God may be honour'd, it has been, and shall be reveal'd unto thee, for the sake of those who are doubtful, and think in their Hearts whether these things are so or not? Tell them that all these things are true; and that there is nothing in them that Page  344 is not true; but all are firm, and truly established.

V. HEAR now then concern∣ing the Stones that are in the Build∣ing. The square and white Stones, which agree exactly in their joynts; are the Apostles, and Bishops, and Doctors, and Ministers who through the Mercy of God have come in, and govern'd, and taught, and mi∣nistred holily and modestly to the Elect of God, both that are fallen asleep, and which yet remain; and have always agreed with them, and have had peace within themselves and with each other. For which cause their Joints exactly meet together in the Building of the Tower. They which are drawn out of the Deep and put into the Building, and whose Joynts agree with the other Stones which are already built, are those which are already fallen asleep, and have suffered for the sake of the LORD'S Name. And what are the other Stones, Lady, that are brought from the Earth; I would know what they are? She answer'd, They which Page  345 lie upon the Ground and are not po∣lished, are those which God has ap∣proved because they have walked in the Law of the LORD, and directed their ways in his Commandments. They which are put in the Building of the Tower, are the young in Faith and the Faithful. And these are ad∣monish'd by the Angels to do well, because that Iniquity is not found in them. But who are those whom they rejected, and laid besides the Tower? They are such as have sinn'd, and are willing to repent; for which cause they are not cast far from the Tower, because they will be useful in the Building if they shall repent. They therefore that are yet to repent, if they shall repent shall become strong in the Faith; that is, if they repent now, whilst the Tower is building. For if the Building shall be finish'd, there will then be no place for them to be put in, but they shall be rejected; For he only has this Priviledge, who shall now be put to the Tower.

Page  346VI. BUT would you know who they are that were cut out and cast afar off from the Tower? ‖ Lady, said I, I desire it. They are the Children of Iniquity, who believed only in Hypocrisie, and departed not from their Evil Ways: For this cause they are not saved, because they are not of any Use in the Building by reason of their Sins. Wherefore they are cut out, and cast afar off, because of the Anger of the LORD, and be∣cause they have provoked him to an∣ger against them. As for the great Number of other Stones which thou hast seen placed about the Tower, but not put into the Building; those which are rugged, are they who have known the Truth, but have not continued in it, nor been joyn'd to the Saints; and therefore are un∣profitable. Those that have Clefts in them, are they who keep up Dis∣cord in their Hearts against each o∣ther, and live not in Peace; that are friendly when present with their Brethren, but as soon as they are departed from one another, their Page  347 Wickedness still continues in their Hearts. These are the Clefts which are seen in those Stones. Those that are maim'd and short are they who have believed indeed; but still are in great measure full of Wickedness; for this cause are they maim'd and not whole. But what are the white and round Stones, Lady, and which are not proper for the Building of the Tower? She answering said un∣to me; How long wilt thou continue Foolish and without Understanding; asking every thing and discerning nothing? They are such as have Faith indeed; but have withal the Riches of this present World. When therefore any Troubles arise, for the sake of their Riches they deny the LORD. I answering said unto her; when therefore will they be Profita∣ble to the LORD? When their Riches shall be cut away, says she, in which they take delight, then they will be profitable unto the LORD for his Building. For as a round Stone, un∣less he be cut away, and cast some∣what oft of its Bulk cannot be made square; so they who are rich in this Page  348 World, unless their Riches be pared off, cannot be made profitable unto the LORD. Learn this from thy own Experience: When thou wert Rich, thou wast unprofitable; but now thou art profitable, and fit for the Life which thou hast under∣taken; for thou also once wast one of those Stones.

VII. AS for the rest of the Stones which thou sawest cast afar off from the Tower, and running in the Way; and tumbled out of the Way into Desert places; they are such as have believed indeed, but through their doubting have forsaken their true Way, thinking that they could find a better. But they wander and are miserable; going into desolate Ways. Then for those Stones which fell into the Fire, and were burnt; They are those who have for ever departed from the Living God; nor has it e∣ver come into their Hearts to repent, by reason of the Affection which they bear to their Lusts and Wicked∣nesses which they commit. And what are the rest which fell by the Wa∣ter, Page  349 and could not roll into the Wa∣ter? They are such as have heard the Word; and were willing to be baptized in the Name of the LORD; but considering the great Holiness which the Truth requires, have with∣drawn themselves, and walk'd again after their wicked Lusts. Thus she finish'd the Explication of the Tower. But I being still urgent, ask'd her: Is there Repentance allow'd to all those Stones which are thus cast away and were not suitable to the Building of the Tower; and shall they find place in this Tower? They may repent, said she, but they cannot come into this Tower; but they shall be placed in a much lower Rank; and this after that they shall have been afflicted, and fulfill'd the Days of their Sins. And for this cause they shall be removed, because they have received the Word of Righteousness. And then they shall be translated from their Afflictions, if they shall have a true sense in their Hearts of what they have done amiss. But if they shall not have this Sense in their Hearts, they shall not be Page  350 saved, by reason of the Hardness of their Hearts.

VIII. WHEN therefore I had done asking her concerning all these things, she said unto me; Wilt thou see somewhat else? And I being desi∣rous of seeing it, I became very chear∣ful of Countenance. She therefore looing back upon me, and smiling a little, said unto me: Seest thou se∣ven Women about the Tower? La∣dy, said I, I see them. This Tower, replied she, is supported by them, according to the Command of the LORD: Hear therefore the Effects of them. The first of them which holds her Hand fast, is called Faith; by her the Elect shall be saved. The next which is girt up, and looks Manly, is named Abstinence: She is the Daughter of Faith. Whoso∣ever therefore shall follow her shall be happy in all his Life; because he shall abstain from all evil Works, be∣lieving that if he shall contain him∣self from all Concupiscence, he shall be the Heir of Eternal Life. And what Lady, said I, are the other five? Page  351 They are, reply'd she, the Daugh∣ters of One another. One of them is called Simplicity; the next Inno∣cence; the third Modesty; then Discipline, and the last of all is Cha∣rity. When therefore thou shalt have observed the Works of their Mo∣ther, thou shalt be able to observe all things. Lady, said I, I would know what particular Virtue every one of these has. Hear then, replied she; They have equal Vertues; and their Vertues are knit together, and follow one another as they were born. From Faith proceeds Abstinence; from Abstinence, Simplicity; from Simplicity, Innocence; from Inno∣cence, Modesty; from Modesty, Discipline and Charity. Therefore the Works of these are Holy and Chast, and Right. Whosoever there∣fore shall serve these, and hold fast to their Works, he shall have his Dwelling in the Tower with the Saints of God. Then I ask'd her con∣cerning the Times, whether the End were now at Hand? But she cry'd out with a loud Voice, saying; O foolish Man! Dost thou not see the Page  352 Tower that it is always building? When therefore the Tower shall be finish'd, and built, it shall have an End; and indeed it shall soon be ac∣complished. But do not ask me any more Questions. What has been said may suffice for thee and for all the Saints; with the renewal of your Spirits. For these things have not been revealed to thee only, but that thou mayst make them manifest un∣to all. For therefore, O HERMAS, after three Days thou must under∣stand these Words which I begin to speak unto thee, that thou mayst speak them in the Ears of the Saints; that when they shall have heard and done them, they may be cleansed from their Iniquities, and thou to∣gether with them.

IX. HEAR me therefore, O my Sons! I have bred you up in much Simplicity, and Modesty, and In∣nocency; for the Mercy of God, which has dropp'd down upon you in Righteousness; that you should be sanctified, and justified from all Sin and Wickedness: But ye will not Page  353 cease from your evil Doings. Now therefore hearken unto me, and have Peace one with another, and visit one another, and receive one ano∣ther, and do not enjoy the Creatures of God alone. Give freely to them that are in need. For some by too free feeding contract an Infirmity in their Flesh, and do Injury to their Bodies; whilst the Flesh of others, who have not Food, withers away, because they want sufficient Nourish∣ment, and their Bodies are consum'd. Wherefore this Intemperance is hurt∣ful to you, who have, and do not communicate to them that want. Prepare for the Judgment that is a∣bout to come upon you. Ye that are the more Eminent search out them that are Hungry, whilst the Tower is yet unfinish'd. For when the Tower shall be finish'd, ye shall be willing to do good, and shall not find any place for it. See therefore, ye that glory in your Riches, least perhaps they groan who are in want; and their Sighing come up unto God, and ye be shut out with your Goods without the Gate of the Tower. Page  354 Behold I now warn you who are set over the Church, and love the highest Seats; be not ye like unto those that work Mischief. And they indeed carry about their Poison in Boxes; but ye contain your Poison and Me∣dicines in your Hearts; and will not purge them, and mix your Sense with a Pure Heart, that ye may find Mercy with the Great King. Take heed, my Children, that your Dissen∣tions deprive you not of your Lives. How will ye instruct the Elect of God, when ye your selves want Correction? Wherefore admonish one another, and be at Peace among your selves; that I standing before your Father, may give an Account for you unto the LORD.

X. AND when she had made an end of talking with me, the six young Men that built came and carried her to the Tower; and four others took up the Seat on which she sate, and went away again, they also, to the Tower. I saw not the Faces of these, for their Backs were towards me. As she was going along Page  355 I asked her, that she would reveal to me what concern'd the three Forms in which she had appear'd unto me. But she answering said unto me; concerning these things thou must ask some other, that they may be revealed unto thee. Now, Brethren, in the First Vision the last Year, she appeared unto me exceed∣ing old, and sitting in a Chair. In another Vision, she had indeed a youthful Face, but her Flesh and Hair were old; and she talked with me standing, and was more chearful than the first time. In the third Vi∣sion, she was in all respects much younger, and comely to the Eye; only she had the Hair of an Aged Person: Yet she looked chearful, and sate upon a Seat. I was therefore very sad concerning these things, un∣til I might understand the Vision. Wherefore I saw the same Old Wo∣man in a Vision of the Night saying unto me; All Prayer needeth Hu∣mility. Fast therefore, and thou shalt learn from the LORD that which thou dost ask. I fasted therefore one Day. The same Night a young Man Page  356 appear'd to me and said; Why dost thou thus often desire Revelations in thy Prayers? Take heed that by asking many things, thou hurt not thy Body. Let these Revelations suffice thee; Canst thou see more notable Revela∣tions than those which thou hast al∣ready received? I answered and said unto him; Sir, I only ask this one thing upon the account of the three Figures of the Old Woman that ap∣peared to me, that the Revelation may be compleat. He answer'd me; You are not without Understanding, but your Doubts make you so; for∣asmuch as you have not your Heart with the LORD. I replyed and said; But I shall learn these things more carefully from you.

XI. HEAR then, says he, con∣cerning the Figures, about which you enquire. And first, in the first Vision she appear'd to thee in the Shape of an Old Woman; because your ancient Spirit was decay'd, and without Strength, by reason of your Infirmities, and the Doubtfulness of your Heart. For as they who are Page  357 Old have no hope of renewing them∣selves, nor expect any thing but their Departure: So you being weakned through your worldly Affairs gave your self up to Sloath, and cast not away your Sollicitude from your self upon the LORD; and your Sense was confused, and you grew Old in your Sadness. But Sir, I would know why she sate upon a Chair? He answered; Because every one that is weak sitteth upon a Chair by reason of his Infirmity; that his Weakness may be upheld: See therefore the Figure of the first Vi∣sion.

XII. IN the second Vision you saw her standing, and having a youthful Face, and more chearful than her former; but her Flesh and her Hair were ancient. Hear, said he, this Parable also. When any one grows Old, He despairs of himself by reason of his Infirmity and Po∣verty; and expects nothing but the last Day of his Life. But on the suddain an Inheritance is left to him; and he hears of it, and rises; and Page  358 being become chearful, he puts on new Strength; And now he no longer lies along, but stands; and is de∣liver'd from his former Sorrow; and sits not, but acts manfully. So you, having heard the Revelation which God revealed unto you; because God had Compassion upon you, and renew'd your Spirit; both laid a∣side your Infirmities, and Strength came to you, and you grew strong in the Faith; and God seeing your Strength rejoyced. For this cause he shewed you the Building of the Tower; and will shew other things unto you, if you shall have Peace with all your Heart among each o∣ther.

XIII. BUT in the third Vision you saw her yet younger; fair and chearful, and of a serene Counte∣nance. For as if some good News comes to one that is sad, he straight∣way forgets his Sadness, and regards nothing else but the good News which he has heard; and for the rest he is comforted, and his Spirit is renew'd through the Joy which Page  359 he has received: Even so you have been renew'd in your Spirit, by see∣ing these good things. And for that you saw her sitting upon a Bench, it denotes a strong Position; because a Bench has four Feet, and stands strongly. And even the World its self is kept up by the four Elements. They therefore that repent perfect∣ly, shall be young; and they that turn from their Sins with their whole Heart, shall be establish'd. And now you have the Revelation fully; ask no more to have any thing farther revealed unto you. But if any thing be to be revealed, it shall be made manifest unto you.

VISION IV. Of the Tryal and Tribulation that is about to come upon Men.

I. I Saw a Vision, Brethren, twenty Days after the former Vision; a Figure of the Tribulation that is at hand. I was walking in the Field Page  360 Way: Now from the publick Way to the Mannour whither I went is about ten Furlongs. It is a Way very little frequented: And as I was walk∣ing alone, I entreated the LORD that he would confirm the Revelations which he had shew'd unto me by his Holy Church: and would grant Repentance to all his Servants, who had been offended, that his great and honourable Name might be glorified; and because he thought me Worthy to whom he might shew his Won∣ders; and that I might honour him, and give thanks unto him. And be∣hold somewhat like a Voice answer'd me; Doubt not, HERMAS. Where∣fore I began to think, and say with∣in my self; why should I doubt, seeing I am thus setled by the LORD, and have seen such glorious things? I had gone but a little far∣ther, Brethren, when behold I saw a Dust rise up to Heaven. I began to say within my self; Is there a Drove of Cattle coming, that raises such a Dust? It was about a Fur∣long off from me. And behold I saw the Dust rise more and more, inso∣much Page  361 that I began to suspect that there was somewhat extraordinary in it. And the Sun shone a little; and be∣hold I saw a great Beast, as it were a Whale; and fiery Locusts came out of his Mouth. The Heigth of the Beast was about a hundred Feet; and he had a Head like a ‖ large Earthen Vessel. I began to weep, and to pray unto the LORD, that he would deliver me from it. Then I call'd to mind the Word which I had heard; Doubt not, HERMAS. Wherefore, Brethren, put∣ting on the Faith of God, and remem∣bring who it was that had taught me great things, I deliver'd my self bold∣ly unto the Beast. Now the Beast came on in such a manner, as if it could with one Blast have devour'd a City. I came near unto it; and the Beast extended its whole Bulk upon the Ground; and put forth nothing but its Tongue, nor once moved its self, till I had quite pass'd by it. Now the Beast had upon its Head four Colours, first Black, then a Red, and Bloudy Colour, then a Golden; and then a White.

Page  362II. AFTER that I had pass'd by it, and was gon forward about thirty Foot; behold there met me a certain Virgin well-adorn'd, as if she had been just come out of her Bride-Chamber, all in white, having on white Shoes, and a Vail down her Face; and cover'd with shining Hair. Now I know by my former Visions that it was the Church; and thereupon grew the more chearful. And she saluted me saying, Hail O Man! I re∣turn'd the Salutation, saying, Lady, Hail! She answering said unto me, Did nothing meet you, O Man! I re∣plyed; Lady, There met me such a Beast, as seem'd able to devour a whole People: But by the Power of God, and through his singular Mercy I escap'd it. Thou didst escape it well, said she; because thou didst cast thy whole Care upon God; and open'dst thy Heart unto him; believing that thou couldst be safe by no other, than by his Great and Honourable Name. For this cause the LORD sent his Angel, who is over the Beasts, whose Name is HEGRIN, and stopp'd his Page  363 Mouth, that he should not devour thee. Thou hast escap'd a great Tryal by means of thy Faith; and because thou, didst not doubt for such a terrible Beast. Go therefore, and relate to the Elect of God, the great things that he hath done for thee. And thou shalt say unto them, that this Beast is the Figure of the Tryal that is about to come. If therefore ye shall have prepared your selves, ye may escape it, if your Heart be pure and without Spot; and if ye shall serve God all the rest of your Days without complaint. Cast all your Cares upon the LORD, and he will direct them. Believe in God, ye doubtful, because he can do all things; He can both turn a∣way his Wrath from you, and send you Help and Security. Wo to the double-minded, to those who shall hear these Words, and shall despise them; It had been better for them that they had not been born.

III. THEN I ask'd her concern∣ing the four Colours which the Beast had upon its Head. But she answer'd me, saying; Again art thou curious Page  364 in that thou askest concerning these things. And I said unto her, La∣dy; Shew me what they are? Hear, said she: The Black which thou sawest, denotes the World in which you dwell. The Fiery and Bloudy Colour, signifies, that this Age must be destroyed by Fire and Bloud. The Golden Part are ye, who have escaped out of it. For as Gold is try'd by the Fire, and is made Pro∣fitable; so are ye also in like man∣ner try'd who dwell among the Men of this World. They therefore that shall endure to the end, and be proved by them, shall be purged. And as Gold, by this Tryal is cleansed and loses it Dross; so shall ye also cast away all Sorrow, and Trouble; and be made pure for the Building of the Tower. But the White Colour, de∣notes the time of the World which is to come, in which the Elect of God shall inhabit: Because the Elect of God shall be pure and without Spot unto Life Eternal. Wherefore do not thou cease to speake these things in the Ears of the Saints. Here ye have the Figure of the great Tri∣bulation Page  365 that is about to come; which if you please, shall be nothing to you. Keep therefore in mind the things which I have said unto you. When she had spoken thus much, she departed: But I saw not whither she went. But suddainly I heard a Noise, and I turn'd back, being a∣fraid; for I thought that the Beast was coming toward me.