English - The Third Book of the Shepherd of Hermas, which is called His Similitudes

1Andhesaiduntome;Yeknowthatyewhoarethe servantsoftheLord,livehereasinapilgrimage;for yourcityisfarofffromthiscity.

2If,therefore,yeknowyourcityinwhichyeareto dwell,whydoyeherebuyestates,andprovide yourselveswithdelicacies,andstatelybuildings,and superfluoushouses?Forhethatprovideshimselfthese thingsinthiscity,doesnotthinkofreturningintohis owncity.

3Ofoolish,anddoubtful,andwretchedman;who understandestnotthatallthesethingsbelongtoother men,andareunderthepowerofanother.FortheLord ofthiscitysaithuntothee;Eitherobeymylaws,or departoutofmycity.

4Whatthereforeshaltthoudowhoartsubjecttoalaw inthineowncity?Canstthouforthyestate,orforanyof thosethingswhichthouhastprovided,denythylaw? Butifthoushaltdenyit,andwiltafterwardsreturninto thyowncity,thoushaltnotbereceived,butshallbe excludedthence

5Seetherefore,thatlikeamaninanothercountry,thou procurenomoretothyselfthanwhatisnecessary,and sufficientforthee?andbeready,thatwhentheGodor Lordofthiscityshalldrivetheeoutofit,thoumayst opposehislaw,andgointothineowncity;wherethou maystwithallcheerfulnessliveaccordingtothineown lawwithnowrong

6TakeheedthereforeyethatserveGod,andhavehim inyourhearts:workyetheworksofGod,beingmindful bothofhiscommandsandofhispromises,whichhehas promised;andbeassuredthathewillmakethemgood untoyou;ifyeshallkeephiscommandments

7Insteadthereforeofthepossessionsthatyewould otherwisepurchase,redeemthosethatareinwantfrom theirnecessities,aseveryoneisable;justifythewidows; judgethecauseofthefatherless;andspendyourriches andyourwealthinsuchworksasthese

8For,forthisendhasGodenrichedyou,thatyemight fulfilthesekindofservicesItismuchbettertodothis, thantobuylandsorhouses;becauseallsuchthingsshall perishwiththispresenttime.

9ButwhatyeshalldoforthenameoftheLord,yeshall findinyourcity,andshallhavejoywithoutsadnessor fear.Whereforecovetnottherichesoftheheathen;for theyaredestructivetotheservantsofGod.

10Buttradewithyourownricheswhichyoupossess, bywhichyemayattainuntoeverlastingjoy.

11Anddonotcommitadultery,nortouchanyother man'swife,nordesireher;butcovetthatwhichisthy ownbusiness,andthoushaltbesaved.

SIMILITUDE2

1AsIwaswalkingintothefield,andconsideredthe elmandthevine,andthoughtwithmyselfoftheirfruits, anangelappeareduntome,andsaiduntome;Whatisit thatthouthinkestuponthuslongwithinthyself?

2AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Ithinkofthisvineandthis elmbecausetheirfruitsarefair.Andhesaiduntome; Thesetwotreesaresetforapatterntotheservantsof God.

3AndIsaiduntohim,Sir,Iwouldknowinwhatthe patternofthesetreeswhichthoumentionest,does consist.Hearken,saithhe;seestthouthisvineandthis elm;Sir,saidI,Iseethem,

4Thisvine,saithhe,isfruitful,buttheelmisatree withoutfruit.Neverthelessthisvineunlessitweresetby thiselm,andsupportedbyit,wouldnotbearmuchfruit; butlyingalongupontheground,wouldbearbutillfruit, becauseitdidnothangupontheelm;whereas,being supportedupontheelm,itbearsfruitbothforitselfand forthat.

5See,therefore,howtheelmgivesnoless,butrather morefruit,thanthevine.How,Sir,saidI,doesitbear morefruitthanthevine?Because,saidhe,thevine beingsupportedupontheelmgivesbothmuchandgood fruit;whereas,ifitlayalongupontheground,itwould bearbutlittle,andthatveryilltoo

6Thissimilitude,therefore,issetforthtotheservantsof God;anditrepresentstherichandpoormanIanswered, Sir,makethismanifestuntomeHear,saidhe;therich manhaswealth;howbeittowardstheLordheispoor; forheistakenupabouthisriches,andpraysbutlittleto theLord;andtheprayerswhichhemakesarelazyand withoutforce

7When,therefore,therichmanreachesouttothepoor thosethingswhichhewants,thepoormanpraysunto theLordfortherich;andGodgrantsuntotherichman allgoodthings,becausethepoormanisrichinprayer; andhisrequestshavegreatpowerwiththeLord

8Thentherichmanministersallthingstothepoor, becauseheperceivesthatheisheardbytheLord:andhe themorewillinglyandwithoutdoubting,affordshim whathewants,andtakescarethatnothingbelackingto him

9AndthepoormangivesthanksuntotheLordforthe rich;becausetheydoboththeirworkfromtheLord

10Withmentherefore,theelmisnotthoughttogive anyfruit;andtheyknownotneitherunderstandthatits companybeingaddedtothevine,thevinebearsa doubleincrease,bothforitselfandfortheelm.

11EvensothepoorprayinguntotheLordfortherich, areheardbyhim;andtheirrichesareincreased,because theyministertothepooroftheirwealth.Theyare thereforebothmadepartakersofeachother'sgood works.

12Whosoever,therefore,shalldothesethings,heshall notbeforsakenbytheLord,butshallbewritteninthe bookoflife.

13Happyaretheywhoarerich,andperceive themselvestobeincreased:forhethatissensibleofthis, willbeabletoministersomewhattoothers.

SIMILITUDE3

1Againheshowedmemanytreeswhoseleaveswere shed,andwhichseemedtometobewithered,forthey

wereallalike.Andhesaiduntome,Seestthouthese trees?Isaid,Sir,Iseethattheylooklikedrytrees.

2Heanswering,saiduntome;Thesetreesarelikeunto themenwholiveinthepresentworld.Ireplied:Sir, whyaretheylikeuntodriedtrees?Because,saidhe, neithertherighteous,norunrighteous,areknownfrom oneanother;butallarealikeinthispresentworld.

3Forthisworldisasthewintertotherighteousmen, becausetheyarenotknown,butdwellamongsinners.

4Asinthewinterallthetreeshavinglosttheirleaves, arelikedrytrees;norcanitbediscernedwhicharedry andwhicharegreen:sointhispresentworldneitherthe righteousnorwickedarediscernedfromeachother;but theyareallalike.

SIMILITUDE4

1Againheshowedmemanyothertrees,ofwhichsome hadleaves,andothersappeareddryandwithered.And hesaiduntome,Seestthouthesetrees?Ianswered,Sir,I seethem;andsomearedry,andothersfullofleaves

2Thesetrees,saithhe,whicharegreen,arethe righteouswhichshallpossesstheworldtocomeForthe worldtocome,isthesummertotherighteous;butto sinnersitisthewinter

3When,therefore,themercyoftheLordshallshine forth,thentheywhoserveGodshallbemademanifest, andplainuntoallForasinthesummerthefruitof everytreeisshownandmademanifest,soalsothe worksoftherighteousshallbedeclaredandmade manifest,andtheyshallberestoredinthatworldmerry andjoyful

4Fortheotherkindofmen,namelythewicked,likethe treeswhichthousawestdry,shallassuchbefounddry andwithoutfruitinthatotherworld;andlikedrywood shallbeburnt;anditshallbemademanifestthatthey havedoneevilallthetimeoftheirlife;

5Andtheyshallbeburntbecausetheyhavesinnedand havenotrepentedoftheirsinsAndalsoalltheother nationsshallbeburnt,becausetheyhavenot acknowledgedGodtheirCreator

6Dothouthereforebringforthgoodfruit,thatinthe summerthyfruitmaybeknown;andkeepthyselffrom muchbusiness,andthoushaltnotoffend.Fortheywho areinvolvedinmuchbusiness,sinmuch;becausethey aretakenupwiththeiraffairs,andservenotGod.

7AndhowcanamanthatdoesnotserveGod,ask anythingofGod,andreceiveit?Buttheywhoservehim, askandreceivewhattheydesire.

8But,ifamanhasonlyonethingtofollow,hemay serve

God,becausehismindisnottakenofffromGodbuthe serveshimwithapuremind.

9If,therefore,thoushaltdothis,thoumayesthavefruit intheworldtocome;andall,asmanyasshalldoinlike manner,shallbringforthfruit.

SIMILITUDE5

1AsIwasfasting,andsittingdowninacertain mountain,andgivingthanksuntoGodforallthethings thathehaddoneuntome;beholdIsawtheshepherd, whowaswonttoconversewithme,sittingbyme,and sayinguntome:Whathasbroughttheehitherthusearly inthemorning?Ianswered,Sir,todayIkeepastation. 2Heanswered,Whatisastation?Ireplied,itisafast. Hesaid,Whatisthatfast?Ianswered,Ifast,asIhave beenwonttodo.Yeknownot,saidhe,whatitistofast untoGod;noristhisafastwhichyefast,profiting nothingwithGod.

3Sir,saidI,whatmakesyouspeakthus?Hereplied,I speakit,becausethisisnotthetruefastwhichyouthink thatyoufast;butIwillshowyouwhatthatiswhichisa completefast,andacceptableuntoGod.

4Hearken,saidhe,TheLorddoesnotdesiresucha needlessfast:forbyfastinginthismanner,thou advancestnothinginrighteousness.

5Butthetruefastisthis:Donothingwickedlyinthy life,butserveGodwithapuremind;andkeephis commandmentsandwalkaccordingtohisprecepts,nor sufferanywickeddesiretoenterintothemind

6ButtrustintheLord,thatifthoudostthesethings,and fearesthim,andabstainethfromeveryevilwork,thou shaltliveuntoGod

7Ifthoushaltdothis,thoushaltperfectagreatfast,and anacceptableoneuntotheLord

8HearkenuntothesimilitudewhichIamaboutto proposeuntothee,astothismatter

9Acertainmanhavingafarm,andmanyservants, plantedavineyardinacertainpartofhisestateforhis posterity:

10Andtakingajourneyintoafarcountry,choseoneof hisservantswhichhethoughtthemostfaithfuland approved,anddeliveredthevineyardintohiscare; commandinghimthatheshouldtakeupthevines Whichifhedid,andfulfilledhiscommand,hepromised togivehimhislibertyNordidhecommandhimtodo anythingmore;andsowentintoafarcountry

11Andafterthatservanthadtakenthatchargeuponhim, hedidwhatsoeverhislordcommandedhim.Andwhen hehadstakedthevineyard,andfoundittobefullof weeds,hebegantothinkwithhimself,saying;

12Ihavedonewhatmylordcommandedme,Iwillnow digthisvineyard,andwhenitisdigged,itwillbemore beautiful;andtheweedsbeingpulledup,itwillbring forthmorefruitandnotbechokedbytheweeds.

13Sosettingaboutthisworkhediggedit,andplucked upalltheweedsthatwereinit;andsothevineyard becameverybeautifulandprosperous,notbeingchoked withweeds.

14Aftersometimethelordofthevineyardcomesand goesintothevineyard,andwhenhesawthatitwas handsomelystakedanddigged,andtheweedsplucked upthatwereinit,andthevinesflourishing,herejoiced greatlyatthecareofhisservant.

15Andcallinghissonwhomheloved,andwhowasto behisheir,andhisfriendswithwhomhewaswontto

consult;hetellsthemwhathehadcommandedhis servanttodo,andwhathisservanthaddonemore;and theyimmediatelycongratulatedthatservant,thathehad receivedsofullatestimonyfromhislord.

16Thenhesaidtothem,Iindeedpromisedthisservant hisliberty,ifheobservedthecommandwhichIgave him;andheobservedit,andbesideshasdoneagood worktomyvineyard,whichhasexceedinglypleasedme.

17Wherefore,forthisworkwhichhehathdone,Iwill makehimmyheirtogetherwithmyson,becausethat whenhesawwhatwasgood,heneglecteditnot,butdid it.

18Thisdesignofthelordbothhissonandhisfriends approved,namely,thathisservantshouldbeheir togetherwithhisson.

19Notlongafterthis,themasterofthefamilycalling togetherhisfriends,sentfromhissupperseveralkinds offoodtothatservant

20Whichwhenhehadreceived,hetooksomuchof themaswassufficientforhimself,anddividedtherest amonghisfellowservants

21Whichwhentheyhadreceived,theyrejoiced;and wishedthathemightfindyetgreaterfavourwithhis lord,forwhathehaddonetothem

22Whenhislordheardallthesethings,hewasagain filledwithgreatjoy;andcallingagainhisfriendsand hissontogether,herelatedtothemwhathisservanthad donewiththemeatswhichhehadsentuntothem

23Theythereforesomuchthemoreassentedtothe masterofthehousehold;andheoughttomakethat servanthisheirtogetherwithhisson

24Isaiduntohim,Sir,Iknownotthesesimilitudes, neithercanIunderstandthem,unlessyouexpoundthem untomeIwill,sayshe,expoundallthingsuntothee whatsoeverIhavetalkedwiththee,orshewnuntothee

25KeepthecommandmentsoftheLordandthoushalt beapproved,andshaltbewritteninthenumberofthose thatkeephiscommandmentsButifbesidesthosethings whichtheLordhathcommanded,thoushaltaddsome goodthing;thoushaltpurchasetothyselfagreater dignity,andbeinmorefavourwiththeLordthanthou shouldstotherwisehavebeen.

26Ifthereforethoushaltkeepthecommandmentsofthe Lord,andshaltaddtothemthesestations,thoushalt rejoice;butespeciallyifthoushaltkeepthemaccording tomycommands.

27Isaiduntohim,Sir,whatsoeverthoushaltcommand me,Iwillobserve;forIknowthatthouwiltbewithme. Iwill,saidhe,bewiththeewhohasttakenupsucha resolution;andIwillbewithallthosewhopurposein likemanner.

28Thisfast,saithhe,whilstthoudostalsoobservethe commandmentsoftheLord,isexceedinggood.Thus shaltthere.forethoukeepit.

29Firstofall,takeheedtothyself,andkeepthyself fromevery1wickedact,andfromeveryfilthyword, andfromeveryhurtfuldesire;andpurifythymindfrom allthevanityofthispresentworld.Ifthoushaltobserve thesethings,thisfastshallberight.

30Thusthereforedo.Havingperformedwhatisbefore written,thatdayonwhichthoufastestthoushalttaste nothingatallbutbreadandwater;andcomputingthe quantityoffoodwhichthouartwonttoeatuponother days,thoushaltlayasidetheexpensewhichthou shouldesthavemadethatday,andgiveituntothe widow,thefatherless,andthepoor.

31Andthusthoushaltperfectthehumiliationofthy soul;thathewhoreceivesofitmaysatisfyhissoul,and hisprayercomeuptotheLordGodforthee.

32Ifthereforethoushaltthusaccomplishthyfast,asI commandthee,thysacrificeshallbeacceptableuntothe Lord,andthyfastshallbewritteninhisbook.

33Thisstation,thusperformed,isgoodandpleasing, andacceptableuntotheLord.Thesethingsifthoushalt observewiththychildrenandwithallthyhouse,thou shaltbehappy.

34Andwhosoeverwhentheyhearthesethings,shalldo them,theyalsoshallbehappy;andwhatsoeverthey shallaskoftheLordtheyshallreceiveit.

35AndIprayedhimthathewouldexpounduntomethe similitudeofthefarm,andtheLord,andofthevineyard, andoftheservantthathadstakedthevineyard;andof theweedsthatwerepluckedoutofthevineyard;andof hissonandhisfriendswhichhetookintocouncilwith himForIunderstandthatthatwasasimilitude

36Hesaiduntome,Thouartveryboldinasking:for thououghtestnottoaskanything;becauseifitbefitting toshewituntothee,itshallbesheweduntothee

37Iansweredhim;Sir,whatsoeverthoushaltshewme, withoutexplainingituntome,Ishallinvainseeit,ifI donotunderstandwhatitisAndifthoushaltpropose anysimilitudes,andnotexpoundthem,Ishallinvain hearthem

38Heansweredmeagain,saying:Whosoeveristhe servantofGod,andhastheLordinhisheart,hedesires understandingofhim,andreceivesit;andheexplains everysimilitude,andunderstandsthewordsoftheLord whichneedaninquiry

39Buttheythatarelazyandslowtopray,doubttoseek fromtheLord;althoughtheLordbeofsuchan extraordinarygoodness,thatwithoutceasinghegiveth allthingstothemthataskofhim.

40Thouthereforewhoartstrengthenedbythat venerablemessenger,andhastreceivedsuchapowerful giftofprayer;seeingthouartnotslothful,whydostthou notnowaskunderstandingoftheLord,andreceiveit?

41Isaiduntohim;seeingIhavetheepresent,itis necessarythatIshouldseekitofthee,andaskthee;for thoushowestallthingsuntome,andspeakesttome whenthouartpresent.

42ButifIshouldseeorhearthesethingswhenthou wertnotpresent,IwouldthenasktheLordthathe wouldshewthemuntome.

43Andhereplied,Isaidalittlebeforethatthouwert subtleandbold,inthatthouaskeththemeaningofthese similitudes.

44Butbecausethoustillpersistest,Iwillunfoldtothee thisparablewhichthoudesirest,thatthoumayestmake itknownuntoallmen

45Heartherefore,saidhe,andunderstand.Thefarm beforementioneddenotesthewholeearth.TheLordof thefarmishewhocreatedandfinishedallthings,and gavevirtueuntothem.

46HissonistheHolySpirit:theservantistheSonof God:thevineyardisthepeoplewhomhesaves.The stakesarethemessengerswhicharesetoverthembythe Lord,tosupporthispeople.Theweedsthatareplucked upoutofthevineyard,arethesinswhichtheservantsof Godhadcommitted.

47Thefoodwhichhesenthimfromhissupper,arethe commandswhichhegavetohispeoplebyhisSon.The friendswhomhecalledtocounselwithhim,aretheholy angelswhomhefirstcreated.Theabsenceofthemaster ofthehousehold,isthetimethatremainsuntohis coming.

48Isaiduntohim,Sir,allthesethingsareveryexcellent, andwonderful,andgoodBut,continuedI,couldIor anyothermanbesidesthoughneversowise,have understoodthesethings?

49Whereforenow,sir,tellme,whatIaskHereplied, askmewhatthouwiltWhy,saidI,istheSonofGodin thisparable,putintheplaceofaservant?

50Hearken,hesaid;theSonofGodisnotputinthe conditionofaservant,butingreatpowerandauthority Isaiduntohim'how,sir?Iunderstanditnot'

51Because,saidhe,theSonsethismessengersover thosewhomtheFatherdelivereduntohim,tokeep everyoneofthem;buthehimselflaboredverymuch, andsufferedmuch,thathemightblotouttheiroffences

52Fornovineyardcanbediggedwithoutmuchlabour andpainsWhereforehavingblottedoutthesinsofhis people,heshewedtothemthepathsoflife,givingthem thelawwhichhehadreceivedoftheFather

53Yousee,saidhe,thatheistheLordofhispeople, havingreceivedallpowerfromhisFatherButwhythe LorddidtakehisSonintocounsel,aboutdividingthe inheritance,andthegoodangels,hearnow 54ThatHolySpirit,whichwascreatedfirstofall,he placedinthebodyinwhichGodshoulddwell;namely, inachosenbody,asitseemedgoodtohimThisbody thereforeintowhichtheHolySpiritwasbrought,served thatSpirit,walkedrightlyandpurelyinmodesty;nor everdefiledthatSpirit.

55Seeingthereforethebodyatalltimesobeyedthe HolySpirit,andlabouredrightlyandchastelywithhim, norfalteredatanytime;thatbodybeingwearied conversedindeedservilely,butbeingmightilyapproved toGodwiththeHolySpirit,wasacceptedbyhim.

56ForsuchastoutcoursepleasedGod,becausehewas notdefiledintheearth,keepingtheHolySpirit.He calledthereforetocounselhisSon,andthegoodangels, thattheremightbesomeplaceofstandinggiventothis bodywhichhadservedtheHolySpiritwithoutblame; lestitshouldseemtohavelosttherewardofitsservice.

57Foreverypurebodyshallreceiveitsreward;thatis foundwithoutspot,inwhichtheHolySpirithasbeen appointedtodwell.Andthusyouhavenowthe expositionofthisparablealso.

58Sir,saidI,Inowunderstandyourmeaning,sinceI haveheardthisexposition.Hearkenfurther,saidhe: keepthisthybodycleanandpure,thattheSpiritwhich shalldwellinitmaybearwitnessuntoit,andbejudged tohavebeenwiththee.

59Alsotakeheedthatitbenotinstilledintothymind thatthisbodyperishes,andthouabuseittoanylust.For ifthoushaltdefilethybody,thoushaltalsoatthesame timedefiletheHolySpirit;andifthoushaltdefilethe HolySpirit,thoushaltnotlive.

60AndIsaid,Whatifthroughignorancethisshould havebeenalreadycommitted,beforeamanheardthese words;Howcanheattainuntosalvation,whohasthus defiledhisbody?

61Hereplied,Asformen'sformeractionswhich throughignorancetheyhavecommitted,Godonlycan affordaremedyuntothem;forallthepowerbelongeth untohim

62Butnowguardthyself;andseeingGodisalmighty andmerciful,hewillgrantaremedytowhatthouhast formerlydoneamiss,ifforthetimetocomethoushalt notdefilethybodyandspirit;

63Fortheyarecompanionstogether,andtheonecannot bedefiledbuttheotherwillbesotooKeeptherefore bothofthempure,andthoushaltliveuntoGod

SIMILITUDE6

1AsIwassittingathome,andpraisingGodforallthe thingswhichIhadseen;andwasthinkingconcerning thecommands,thattheywereexceedinggood,andgreat, andhonest,andpleasant;andsuchaswereabletobring amantosalvation;Isaidthuswithinmyself;Ishallbe happyifIshallwalkaccordingtothesecommands,and whosoevershallwalkinthemshallliveuntoGod

2WhilstIwasspeakingonthiswisewithinmyself,I sawhimwhomIhadbeforebeenwonttosee,sittingby me;andhespakethusuntome:

3WhatdoubtestthouconcerningmycommandswhichI havedelivereduntothee?Theyaregood,doubtnot,but trustintheLord,andthoushaltwalkinthemForIwill givetheestrengthtofulfilthem.

4Thesecommandsareprofitabletothosewhoshall repentofthosesinswhichtheyhaveformerly committed;ifforthetimetocometheyshallnot continueinthem.

5Whosoeverthereforeyebethatrepent,castawayfrom youthenaughtinessofthepresentworld;andputonall virtue,andrighteousness,andsoshallyebeabletokeep thesecommands;andnotsinfromhenceforthanymore.

6Forifyeshallkeepyourselvesfromsinfromthetime tocome,yeshallcutoffagreatdealofyourformersins. Walkinmycommands,andyeshallliveuntoGod: ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou.

7Andwhenhehadsaidthis,headded;letusgointothe field,andIwillshowtheeshepherdsofsheep.Ireplied, sir,letusgo.

8Andwecameintoacertainfield,andthereheshowed meayoungshepherd,finelyarrayed,withhisgarments ofapurplecolourAndhefedlargeflocks;andhis

sheepwerefullofpleasure,andinmuchdelightand cheerfulness;andtheyskipping,ranhereandthere.

9Andtheshepherdtookverygreatsatisfactioninhis flock;andthecountenanceofthatshepherdwascheerful, runningupanddownamonghisflock.

10Thentheangelsaiduntome,Seestthouthisshepherd? Ianswered,sir,Iseehim.Hesaiduntome,thisisthe3 messengerofdelightandpleasure.Hethereforecorrupts themindsoftheservantsofGod,andturnsthemfrom thetruth,delightingthemwithmanypleasures,andthey perish.

11FortheyforgetthecommandsofthelivingGod,and liveinluxuryandinvainpleasures,andarecorruptedby theevilangel,someofthemevenuntodeath;andothers toafallingaway.

12Ireplied;Iunderstandnotwhatyoumean,bysaying untodeath,andtoafallingaway.Hear,sayshe;allthese sheepwhichthousawestexceedingjoyful,aresuchas haveforeverdepartedfromGod,andgiventhemselves uptothelustsofthispresenttime.

13Tothesethereforethereisnoreturn,byrepentance untolife;becausethattotheirothersinstheyhaveadded this,thattheyhaveblasphemedthenameoftheLord Thesekindofmenareordaineduntodeath

14Butthosesheepwhichthousawestnotleaping,but feedinginoneplace,aresuchashaveindeedgiven themselvesuptopleasuresanddelights;buthavenot spokenanythingwickedlyagainsttheLord

15Thesethereforeareonlyfallenofffromthetruth,and sohaveyethopelaidupfortheminrepentanceFor suchafallingoffhathsomehopestillleftofarenewal; buttheythataredead,areutterlygoneforever

16Againwewentalittlefartherforward;andhe showedmeagreatshepherd,whohadasitwerearustic figure,cladwithawhitegoat'sskin,havinghisbagupon hisshoulder,andinhishandastickfullofknots,and veryhard,andawhipinhisotherhand;andhis countenancewassternandsour;enoughtoaffrighta man;suchwashislook

17Hetookfromthatyoungshepherdsuchsheepas livedinpleasures,butdidnotskipupanddown;and drovethemintoacertainsteepcraggyplacefullof thornsandbriars,insomuchthattheycouldnotget themselvesfreefromthem.

18Butbeingentangledinthem,feduponthornsand briars,andweregrievouslytormentedwithhiswhipping. Forhestilldrovethemon,andaffordedthemnotany placeortimetostandstill.

19WhenthereforeIsawthemsocruellywhippedand afflicted,Iwasgrievedforthem;becausetheywere greatlytormented,norhadtheyanyrestaffordedthem.

20AndIsaiduntotheshepherdthatwaswithme;Sir, whoisthiscruelandimplacableshepherd,whois movedwithnocompassiontowardsthesesheep?He answered,Thisshepherdisindeedoneoftheholy angels,butisappointedforthepunishmentofsinners.

21Tohimthereforearedeliveredthosewhohaveerred fromGod,andservedthelustsandpleasuresofthis world.Forthiscausehepunishesthemeveryone

accordingtotheirdeserts,withcruelandvariouskinds ofpains.

22Sir,saidI,Iwouldknow,whatkindofpainstheyare whicheveryoneundergoes?Hearken,saidhe;The severalpainsandtormentsarethosewhichmenevery dayundergointheirpresentlives.Forsomesuffer losses;otherspoverty;othersdiverssicknesses.Some areunsettled;otherssufferinjuriesfromthosethatare unworthy;othersfallundermanyothertrialsand inconveniences.

23Formanywithanunsettleddesignaimatmany things,anditprofiteththemnot;andtheysaythatthey havenotsuccessintheirundertakings.

24Theydonotcalltotheirmindwhattheyhavedone amiss,andtheycomplainoftheLord.Whentherefore theyshallhaveundergoneallkindofvexationand inconvenience;thentheyaredeliveredovertomefor goodinstruction,andareconfirmedinthefaithofthe Lord,andservetheLordalltherestoftheirdayswitha puremind.

25Andwhentheybegintorepentoftheirsins,thenthey calltomindtheirworkswhichtheyhavedoneamiss, andgivehonourtoGod,saying,ThatheisajustJudge, andtheyhavedeservedlysufferedallthingsaccording totheirdeeds

26Thenforwhatremainsoftheirlives,theyserveGod withapuremind;andhavesuccessinalltheir undertakings,andreceivefromtheLordwhateverthey desire

27AndthentheygivethanksuntotheLordthatthey weredelivereduntome;nordotheysufferanymore cruelty

28Isaiduntohim;Sir,Ientreatyoustilltoshowme nowonethingWhat,saidhe,dostthouask?Isaidunto him;AretheywhodepartfromthefearofGod, tormentedforthesametimethattheyenjoyedtheirfalse delightandpleasures?Heansweredme:Theyare tormentedforthesametime

29AndIsaiduntohim;Theyarethentormentedbut little;whereastheywhoenjoytheirpleasuressoasto forgetGod,oughttoendureseventimesasmuch punishment.

30Heansweredme;Thouartfoolish,neither understandestthoutheefficacyofthispunishment.I saiduntohim;Sir,ifIunderstoodit,Iwouldnotdesire youtotellme.

31Hearken,saidhe,andlearnwhattheforceofbothis, bothofthepleasureandofthepunishment.Anhourof pleasureisterminatedwithinitsownspace;butonehour ofpunishmenthastheefficacyofthirtydays. Whosoeverthereforeenjoyshisfalsepleasureforone day,andisonedaytormented;thatonedayof punishmentisequivalenttoawholeyear'sspace.

32Thuslookhowmanydaysanyonepursueshis pleasures,somanyyearsishepunishedforit.Yousee thereforehowthatthetimeofworldlyenjoymentsisbut short;butthatofpainandtormentsagreatdealmore.

33Ireplied;Sir,forasmuchasIdonotunderstandatall thesetimesofpleasureandpain;

Ientreatyouthatyouwouldexplainyourselfmore clearlyconcerningthem.Heansweredme,saying;Thy foolishnessstillsticksuntothee

34Shouldstthounotratherpurifythymind,andserve God?Takeheed,lestwhenthytimeisfulfilled,thoube foundstillunwise.Hearthen,asthoudesirest,thatthou mayestthemoreeasilyunderstand.

35Hethatgiveshimselfuponedaytohispleasuresand delights,anddoeswhatsoeverhissouldesires,isfullof greatfolly,norunderstandswhathedoes,buttheday followingforgetswhathedidthedaybefore.

36Fordelightandworldlypleasurearenotkeptin memory,byreasonofthefollythatisrootedinthem. Butwhenpainandtormentbefalamanaday,heisin effecttroubledthewholeyearafter;becausehis punishmentcontinuesfirminhismemory.

37Whereforeheremembersitwithsorrowthewhole year;andthencallstomindhisvainpleasureanddelight, andperceivesthatforthesakeofthathewaspunished.

38Whosoeverthereforehavedeliveredthemselvesover tosuchpleasures,arethuspunished;becausethatwhen theyhadlife,theyrenderedthemselvesliabletodeath 39Isaiduntohim;Sir,whatpleasuresarehurtful?He answered;Thatispleasuretoeverymanwhichhedoth willingly

40Fortheangryman,gratifyinghispassion,perceives pleasureinit;andsotheadultereranddrunkard;the slandererandliar;thecovetousmanandthedefrauder; andwhosoevercommitsanythinglikeuntothese, becausehefollowethhisevildisposition,hereceivesa satisfactioninthedoingofit

41Allthesepleasuresanddelightsarehurtfultothe servantsofGodForthesethereforetheyaretormented andsufferpunishment

42Therearealsopleasuresthatbringsalvationunto menFormany,whentheydowhatisgood,find pleasureinit,andareattractedbythedelightsofit

43NowthispleasureisprofitabletotheservantsofGod, andbringslifetosuchmen;butthosehurtfulpleasures, whichwerebeforementioned,bringtormentsand punishment

44Andwhosoevershallcontinueinthem,andshallnot repentofwhattheyhavedone,shallbringdeathupon themselves.

SIMILITUDE7

1AfterafewdaysIsawthesamepersonthatbefore talkedwithme,inthesamefield,inwhichIhadseen thoseshepherds.Andhesaiduntome;Whatseekest thou?

2Sir,saidI,Icametoentreatyouthatyouwould commandtheshepherd,whoistheministerof punishment,todepartoutofmyhouse,becausehe greatlyafflictsme.

3Andheanswered,Itisnecessaryfortheetoendure inconveniencesandvexations;forsothatgoodangel hathcommandedconcerningthee,becausehewouldtry thee.

4Sir,saidI;WhatsogreatoffencehaveIcommitted, thatIshouldbedeliveredtothismessenger?Hearken, saidhe:Thouartindeedguiltyofmanysins,yetnotso manythatthoushouldestbedeliveredtothismessenger.

5Butthyhousehathcommittedmanysinsandoffences, andthereforethatgoodmessengerbeinggrievedattheir doingscommandedthatforsometimethoushouldst sufferaffliction;thattheymaybothrepentofwhatthey havedone,andmaywashthemselvesfromallthelusts ofthispresentworld.

6Whenthereforetheyshallhaverepented,andbe purified,thenthatmessengerwhichisappointedover thypunishment,shalldepartfromthee.

7Isaiduntohim;Sir,iftheyhavebehavedthemselves soastoangerthatgoodangel,yetwhathaveIdone?He answered:Theycannototherwisebeafflicted,unless thou,whoarttheheadofthefamily,suffer.

8Forwhatsoeverthoushaltsuffer,theymustneedsfeel it;butaslongasthoushaltstandwellestablished,they cannotexperienceanyvexation.

9Ireplied;But,sir,beholdtheyalsonowrepentwithall theirheartsIknow,sayshe,thattheyrepentwithall theirhearts;butdostthouthereforethinkthattheir offenceswhorepentareimmediatelyblottedout?

10No,theyarenotpresently;buthethatrepentsmust afflicthissoulandshewhimselfhumbleinallhisaffairs, andundergomanyanddiversvexations

11Andwhenheshallhavesufferedallthingsthatwere appointedforhim;thenperhapshethatmadehim,and formedallthingsbesides,willbemovedwith compassiontowardshim,andaffordhimsomeremedy; andespeciallyifheshallperceivehisheart,whorepents, tobepurefromeveryevilwork

12Butatpresentitisexpedientforthee,andforthy house,tobegrieved;anditisneedfulthatthoushouldest enduremuchvexation,astheangeloftheLordwho committedtheeuntome,hascommanded

13RathergivethanksuntotheLord,thatknowingwhat wastocome,hethoughttheeworthytowhomheshould foretellthattroublewascominguponthee,whoartable tobearit

14Isaiduntohim;Sir,bebutthoualsowithme,andI shalleasilyundergoanytrouble.Iwill,saidhe,bewith thee;andIwillentreatthemessengerwhoissetoverthy punishment,thathewouldmoderatehisafflictions towardsthee.

15Andmoreoverthoushaltsufferadversitybutfora littletime;andthenthoushaltagainberestoredtothy formerstate;onlycontinueoninthehumilityofthy mind.

16ObeytheLordwithapureheart;thou,andthyhouse, andthychildren;andwalkinthecommandswhichI havedelivereduntothee;andthenthyrepentancemay befirmandpure.

17Andifthoushaltkeepthesethingswiththyhouse, thyinconveniencesshalldepartfromthee.

18Andallvexationshallinlikemannerdepartfromall those,whosoevershallwalkaccordingtothese commands.

1Againheshewedmealowwhichcoveredthefields andthemountains,underwhoseshadowcameallsuch aswerecalledbythenameoftheLord.

2AndbythatwillowstoodanangeloftheLordvery excellentandlofty;anddidcutdownboughsfromthat willowwithagreathook;andreachedouttothepeople thatwereundertheshadowofthatwillowlittlerods,as itwereaboutafootlong.

3Andwhenallofthemhadtakenthem,helaidasidehis hook,andthetreecontinuedentire,asIhadbeforeseen it.AtwhichIwondered,andmusedwithinmyself.

4Thenthatshepherdsaiduntome;Forbeartowonder thatthattreecontinueswhole,notwithstandingsomany boughshavebeencutofffromit,butstayalittle,for nowitshallbeshewnthee,whatthatangelmeans,who gavethoserodstothepeople

5Soheagaindemandedtherodsofthem,andinthe sameorderthateveryonehadreceivedthem,washe calledtohim,andrestoredhisrod;whichwhenhehad received,heexaminedthem

6Fromsomehereceivedthemdryandrotten,andasit weretouchedwiththemoth;thosehecommandedtobe separatedfromtherestandplacedbythemselvesOthers gaveintheirrodsdryindeed,butnottouchedwiththe moth:thesealsoheorderedtobesetbythemselves

7Othersgaveintheirrodshalfdry;thesealsowereset apartOthersgaveintheirrodshalfdryandcleft;these tooweresetbythemselvesOthersbroughtintheirrods halfdryandhalfgreen,andthesewereinlikemanner placedbythemselves

8Othersdelivereduptheirrodstwopartsgreen,andthe thirddry;andtheytooweresetapartOthersbrought theirrodstwopartsdry,andthethirdgreen;andwere alsoplacedbythemselves

9Othersdelivereduptheirrodslessdry,(fortherewas butaverylittle,towit,theirtopsdry)buttheyhadclefts, andtheseweresetinlikemannerbythemselvesInthe rodsofotherstherewasbutalittlegreen,andtherest dry;andtheseweresetasidebythemselves

10Otherscame,andbroughttheirrodsgreenasthey hadreceivedthem,andthegreatestpartofthepeople broughttheirrodsthus;andthemessengergreatly rejoicedatthese,andtheyalsowereputapartby themselves.

11Othersbroughtintheirrodsnotonlygreen,butfull ofbranches;andtheseweresetaside,beingalso receivedbytheangelwithgreatjoy.Othersbrought theirrodsgreenwithbranches,andthosealsosomefruit uponthem.

12Theywhohadsuchrods,wereverycheerful;andthe angelhimselftookgreatjoyatthem;norwasthe shepherdthatstoodwithme,lesspleasedwiththem.

13ThentheangeloftheLordcommandedcrownstobe brought:andthecrownswerebroughtmadeofpalms; andtheangelcrownedthosemeninwhoserodshe foundtheyoungbrancheswithfruit;andcommanded themtogointothetower.

14Healsosentthoseintothetower,inwhoserodshe foundbrancheswithoutfruit,givingasealuntothem. Fortheyhadthesamegarment,thatis,onewhiteas snow;withwhichhebadethemgointothetower.And sohedidtothosewhoreturnedtheirrodsgreenashe hadreceivedthem;givingthemawhitegarment,andso sentthemawaytogointothetower.

15Havingdonethis,hesaidtotheshepherdthatwas withme,Igomyway;butdothousendthesewithinthe walls,everyoneintotheplaceinwhichbehasdeserved todwell;examiningfirsttheirrods,butexaminethem diligentlythatnoonedeceivethee.Butandifanyone shallescapethee,Iwilltrythemuponthealtar.Having saidthistotheshepherd,hedeparted.

16Afterhewasgone,theshepherdsaiduntome:Letus taketherodsfromthem,andplantthem;ifperchance theymaygrowgreenagain.Isaiduntohim;Sir,how canthosedryrodsevergrowgreenagain?

17Heansweredme;Thattreeisawillow,andalways lovestolive.Ifthereforetheserodsshallbeplanted,and receivealittlemoisture,manyofthemwillrecover themselves

18WhereforeIwilltry,andwillpourwateruponthem, andifanyofthemcanlive,Iwillrejoicewithhim;but ifnot,atleastbythismeansIshallbefoundnottohave neglectedmypart

19Thenhecommandedmetocallthem;andtheyall cameuntohim,everyoneintherankinwhichhestood, andgavehimtheirrods;whichhavingreceived,he plantedeveryoneofthemintheirseveralorders

20Andafterhehadplantedthemall,hepouredmuch wateruponthem,insomuchthattheywerecoveredwith water,anddidnotappearaboveitThenwhenhehad wateredthem,hesaiduntome;Letusdepart,andaftera littletimewewillreturnandvisitthem

21Forhewhocreatedthistree,wouldhaveallthose livethatreceivedrodsfromitAndIhopenowthat theserodsarethuswatered,manyofthemreceivingin themoisture,willrecover

22Isaiduntohim,Sir,tellmewhatthistreedenotes? ForIamgreatlyastonished,thataftersomanybranches havebeencutoff,itseemsstilltobewhole;nordoes thereanythingthelessofitappeartoremain,which greatlyamazesme.

23Heanswered,Hearken.Thisgreattreewhichcovers theplainsandthemountains,andalltheearth,isthelaw ofGod,publishedthroughoutthewholeworld.

24NowthislawistheSonofGod,whoispreachedto alltheendsoftheearth.Thepeoplethatstandunderits shadow,arethosewhichhaveheardhispreaching,and believed.

25Thegreatandvenerableangelwhichyousaw,was Michael,whohasthepoweroverhispeople,and governsthem.Forhehasplantedthelawintheheartsof thosewhohavebelieved;andthereforehevisitsthemto whomhehasgiventhelaw,toseeiftheyhavekeptit.

26Andheexamineseveryone'srod;andofthose,many thatareweakened:forthoserodsarethelawoftheLord. Thenhediscernsallthosewhohavenotkeptthelaw, knowingtheplaceofeveryoneofthem

27Isaiduntohim,Sir,whydidhesendawaysometo thetower,andleftothersheretoyou?Hereplied,those whohavetransgressedthelaw,whichtheyreceived fromhim,areleftinmypower,thattheymayrepentof theirsins:buttheywhofulfilledthelawandkeptit,are underhispower.

28Butwhothen,saidI,arethose,whowentintothe towercrowned?Herepliedallsuchashavingstriven withthedevil,haveovercomehim,arecrowned:and theyarethose,whohavesufferedhardthings,thatthey mightkeepthelaw.

29Buttheywhogaveuptheirrodsgreen,andwith youngbranches,butwithoutfruit,haveindeedendured troubleforthesamelaw,buthavenotsuffereddeath; neitherhavetheydeniedtheirholylaw.

30Theywhodelivereduptheirrodsgreenasthey receivedthem,arethosewhoweremodestandjust,and havelivedwithaverypuremind,andkeptthe commandmentsofGod.

31Therestthoushaltknow,whenIshallhave consideredthoserodswhichIhaveplantedandwatered 32Afterafewdayswereturned,andinthesameplace stoodthatgloriousangel,andIstoodbyhim,Thenhe saiduntome;Girdthyselfwitha1towel,andserveme

33AndIgirdedmyselfwithacleantowel,whichwas madeofcoarseclothAndwhenhesawmegirded,and readytoministeruntohim,hesaid,Callthosemen whoserodshavebeenplanted,everyoneinhisorderas hegavethem

34Andhebroughtmeintothefield,andIcalledthem all,andtheyallstoodreadyintheirseveralranksThen hesaiduntothem;leteveryonepluckuphisrod,and bringituntomeAndfirsttheydeliveredtheirs,whose rodshadbeendryandrotten

35Andthosewhoserodsstillcontinuedso,he commandedtostandapartThentheycamewhoserods hadbeendrybutnotrottenSomeofthesedeliveredin theirrodsgreen;othersdryandrotten,asiftheyhad beentouchedbythemoth

36Thosewhogavethemupgreen,hecommandedto standapart;butthosewhoserodsweredryandrotten,he causedtostandwiththefirstsort.Thencamethey whoserodshadbeenhalfdry,andcleft:manyofthese gaveuptheirrodsgreen,anduncleft.

37Othersdeliveredthemupgreenwithbranches,and fruituponthebranches,likeuntothosewhowent crownedintothetower.Othersdeliveredthemupdry, butnotrotten;andsomegavethemupastheywere before,halfdry,andcleft.

38Everyoneoftheseheorderedtostandapart;someby themselves,othersintheirrespectiveranks.

39Thencametheywhoserodshadbeengreen,butcleft. Thesedeliveredtheirrodsaltogethergreen,andstoodin theirownorder.Andtheshepherdrejoicedatthese, becausetheywereallchanged,andfreefromtheirclefts.

40Thentheygaveintheirrods,whohadthemhalf greenandhalfdry.Ofthesesomewerefoundwholly green,othershalfdry;othersgreen,withyoungshoots. Andalltheseweresentaway,everyonetohisproper rank

41Thentheygaveuptheirrods,whohadthembefore twopartsgreen,andthethirddry.Manyofthosegavein theirrodsgreen;manyhalfdry;therestdrybutnot rotten.Sotheseweresentaway,eachtohisproperplace.

42Thencametheywhohadbeforetheirrodstwoparts dryandthethirdgreen;manyofthesedelivereduptheir rodshalfdry,othersdryandrotten;othershalfdryand cleft;butfewgreen.Andallthesewereseteveryonein hisownrank.

43Thentheyreachedintheirrods,inwhichtherewas beforebutalittlegreen,andtherestdry.Theirrods wereforthemostpartfoundgreen,havinglittleboughs, withfruituponthem,andtherestaltogethergreen.

44Andtheshepherduponsightoftheserejoiced exceedingly,becausehehadfoundthemthus;andthey alsowenttotheirproperorders.

45Nowafterhehadexaminedalltheirrods,hesaid untomeItoldtheethatthistreelovedlife:thouseest howmanyhaverepented,andattaineduntosalvation. Sir,saidI,Iseeit.

46Thatthoumightestknow,saithhe,thatthegoodness andmercyoftheLordisgreat,andtobehadinhonour; whogavehisspirittothemthatwerefoundworthyof repentance

47Ianswered,Sir,whythendidnotallofthemrepent? Hereplied,ThosewhosemindstheLordforesawwould bepure,andthattheywouldservehimwithalltheir hearts,tothemhegaverepentance

48Butforthosewhosedeceitandwickednesshebeheld, andperceivedthattheywouldnottrulyreturnuntohim; tothemhedeniedanyreturnuntorepentance,lestthey shouldagainblasphemehislawwithwickedwords

49Isaiduntohim;Now,Sir,makeknownuntome, whatistheplaceofeveryoneofthose,whohavegiven uptheirrods,andwhattheir2portion;thatwhenthey mayhavenotkepttheirsealentire,buthavewastedthe sealwhichtheyreceived,shallhearandbelievethese things,theymayacknowledgetheirevildeedsand repent;

50Andreceivingagaintheirsealfromyou,maygive glorytoGod,thathewasmovedwithcompassion towardsthem,andsentyoutorenewtheirspirits.

51Hearken,saidhe:theywhoserodshavebeenfound dryandrotten,andasitweretouchedwiththemoth;are thedesertersandthebetrayersofthechurch.

52Whowiththerestoftheircrimes,havealso blasphemedtheLord,anddeniedhisnamewhichhad beencalleduponthem.Thereforeallthesearedeadunto God:andthouseestthatnoneofthemhaverepented, althoughtheyhaveheardmycommandswhichthouhast delivereduntothem.Fromthesementhereforelifeisfar distant.

53Theyalsowhohavedelivereduptheirrodsdry,but notrotten,havenotbeenfarfromthem.Fortheyhave beencounterfeits,andbroughtinevildoctrines;and havepervertedtheservantsofGod:butespeciallythose whohadsinned;notsufferingthemtoreturnunto repentance,butkeepingthembackbytheirfalse doctrines.

54Thesethereforehavehope;andthouseestthatmany ofthemhaverepented,sincethetimethatthouhastlaid mycommandsbeforethem;andmanymorewillyet repent.Buttheythatshallnotrepentshallloseboth repentanceandlife.

55Buttheythathaverepented,theirplaceisbeguntobe withinthefirstwalls,andsomeofthemareevengone intothetower.Thouseesttherefore,saidhe,thatinthe repentanceofsinnersthereislife;butforthosewho repentnot,deathisprepared.

56Hearnowconcerningthosewhogaveintheirrods halfdryandfullofclefts.Thosewhoserodswereonly halfdry,arethedoubtful;fortheyareneitherlivingnor dead.

57Buttheywhodeliveredintheirrods,notonlyhalf drybutalsofullofclefts,arebothdoubtfulandevil speakers;whodetractfromthosewhoareabsent,and haveneverpeaceamongthemselves,andthatenvyone another.

58Howbeittothosealsorepentanceisoffered;forthou seestthatsomeofthesehaverepented

59Nowallthoseofthiskindwhohavequicklyrepented, shallhaveaplaceinthetower;buttheywhohavebeen moreslowintheirrepentance,shalldwellwithinthe walls;buttheythatshallnotrepent,butshallcontinue onintheirwickeddoings,shalldiethedeath 60Asforthosewhohadtheirrodsgreen,butyetcleft; theyaresuchaswerealwaysfaithfulandgood,butthey hadsomeenvyandstrifeamongthemselvesconcerning dignityandpre-eminence

61Nowallsucharevainandwithoutunderstanding,as contendwithoneanotheraboutthesethings

62Nevertheless,seeingtheyareotherwisegood,if whentheyshallhearthesecommandstheyshallamend themselves,andshallatmypersuasionsuddenlyrepent; theyshallatlastdwellinthetower,astheywhohave trulyandworthilyrepented

63Butifanyoneshallagainreturntohisdissension;he shallbeshutoutfromthetower,andshalllosehislife Forthelifeofthosewhokeepthecommandmentsofthe Lordconsistsindoingwhattheyarecommanded;notin principality,orinanyotherdignity.

64Forbyforbearanceandhumilityofmind,menshall attainuntolife;butbyseditionsandcontemptofthelaw, theyshallpurchasedeathuntothemselves.

65Theywhointheirrodshadhalfdryandhalfgreen, arethosewhoareengagedinmanyaffairsoftheworld, andarenotjoinedtothesaints.Forwhichcausehalfof themliveth,andhalfisdead.

66Whereforemanyofthesesincethetimethatthey haveheardmycommands,haverepented,andbegunto dwellinthetower.Butsomeofthemhavewhollyfallen away;tothesethereisnomoreplaceforrepentance.

67Forbyreasonoftheirpresentinterests,theyhave blasphemedanddeniedGod:andforthiswickedness theyhavelostlife.Andofthesemanyarestillindoubt; thesemayyetreturn;andiftheyshallquicklyrepent, theyshallhaveaplaceinthetower;butiftheyshallbe moreslow,theyshalldwellwithinthewalls;butifthey shallnotrepent,theyshalldie

68Asforthosewhohadtwopartsoftheirrodsgreen, andthethirddry;theyhavebymanifoldwaysdenied theLordOfthosemanyhaverepented,andfounda placeinthetower:andmanyhavealtogetherdeparted fromGod.Thesehaveutterlylostlife.

69Andsomebeinginadoubtfulstate,haveraisedup dissensions:thesemayyetreturn,iftheyshallsuddenly repentandnotcontinueintheirlusts;butiftheyshall continueintheirevildoingtheyshalldie.

70Theywhogaveintheirrodstwopartsdry,andthe othergreen;arethosewhohaveindeedbeenfaithful,but withalrichandfullofgoodthings;andthereuponhave desiredtobefamousamongtheheathenwhichare without,andhavetherebyfallenintogreatpride,and beguntoaimathighmatters,andtoforsakethetruth.

71Norweretheyjoinedtothesaints,butlivedwiththe heathen;andthislifeseemedthemorepleasanttothem. HowbeittheyhavenotdepartedfromGod,but continuedinthefaith;onlytheyhavenotwroughtthe worksoffaith.

72Manythereforeofthesehaverepented,andbegunto dwellinthetowerYetothersstilllivingamongthe heathenpeople,andbeingliftedupwiththeirvanities, haveutterlyfallenawayfromGod,andfollowedthe worksandwickednessesoftheheathenThesekindof menthereforearereckonedamongstrangerstothe Gospel

73Othersofthesebegantobedoubtfulintheirminds; despairingbyreasonoftheirwickeddoingseverto attainuntosalvation:Othersbeingthusmadedoubtful, didmoreoverstirupdissensions

74Tothesetherefore,andtothosewhobyreasonof theirdoingsarebecomedoubtful,thereisstillhopeof return;buttheymustrepentquickly,thattheirplacemay beinthetowerButtheythatrepentnot,butcontinue stillintheirpleasures,arenighuntodeath

75Asforthosewhogaveintheirrodsgreen,excepting theirtops,whichonlyweredry,andhadclefts;these werealwaysgood,andfaithful,and2uprightbefore God:neverthelesstheysinnedalittle,byreasonoftheir emptypleasuresandtriflingthoughtswhichtheyhad withinthemselves.

76Whereforemanyofthemwhentheyheardmywords, repentedforthwith,andbegantodwellinthetower. Neverthelesssomegrewdoubtful,andotherstotheir doubtfulmindsaddeddissensions.Tothesetherefore thereisstillhopeofreturn,becausetheywerealways good;buttheyshallnothardlybemoved.

77Asforthose,lastly,whogaveintheirrodsdry,their topsonlyexcepted,whichaloneweregreen:theyare suchashavebelievedindeedinGod,buthavelivedin wickedness;yetwithoutdepartingfromGod:having alwayswillinglybornethenameoftheLord;andreadily receivedintotheirhousestheservantsofGod.

78Whereforehearingthesethingstheyreturned,and withoutdelayrepented,andlivedinallrighteousness. Andsomeofthemsuffereddeath:othersreadily underwentmanytrials,beingmindfuloftheirevil doings.

79Andwhenhehadendedhisexplicationsofallthe rods,hesaiduntome,Go,andsayuntoallmenthatthey repent,aidtheyshallliveuntoGod:becausetheLord beingmovedwithgreatclemencyhathsentmetopreach repentanceuntoall.

80Evenuntothosewhobyreasonoftheirevildoings, deservenottoattainuntosalvation.ButtheLordwillbe patient,andkeeptheinvitationthatwasmadebyhisSon.

81Isaiduntohim,Sir,Ihopethatallwhentheyshall hearthesethings,willrepent.ForItrustthateveryone acknowledginghiscrimes,andtakingupthefearofthe Lord,willreturnuntorepentance.

82Hesaiduntome,Whosoevershallrepentwithall theirhearts,andcleansethemselvesfromalltheevils thatIhavebeforementioned,andnotaddanythingmore totheirsins,shallreceivefromtheLordthecureoftheir formeriniquities,iftheyshallnotmakeanydoubtof thesecommands,andshallliveuntoGod

83Buttheythatshallcontinuetoaddtotheir transgressions,andshallstillconversewiththelustsof thepresentworld,shallcondemnthemselvesuntodeath Butdothouwalkinthesecommands,andwhosoever shallwalkinthese,andexercisethemrightly,shalllive untoGod

84Andhavingshewedmeallthesethings,hesaid;I willshewtheetherestinafewdays

SIMILITUDE9

1AfterIhadwrittentheCommandsandSimilitudesof theShepherd,theAngelofRepentance;hecameunto me,andsaidtome,Iwillshewtheeallthosethings whichtheSpiritspakewiththeeunderthefigureofthe ChurchForthatSpiritistheSonofGod

2Andbecausethouwertweakinbody,itwasnot declareduntotheebytheangel,untilthouwert strengthenedbytheSpirit,andincreasedinforce,that thoumightestalsoseetheangel

3Forthenindeedthebuildingofthetowerwasvery wellandgloriouslyshewnuntotheebythechurch; neverthelessthousawestallthingsshewnuntotheeasit werebyavirgin.

4Butnowthouartenlightenedbytheangel,butyetby thesameSpirit.Butthoumustconsiderallthings diligently;forthereforeamIsentintothyhousebythat venerablemessenger,thatwhenthoushalthaveseenall thingspowerfully,thoumayestnotbeafraidasbefore.

5AndheledmetotheheightofamountaininArcadia, andwesatuponitstop.Andheshowedmeagreatplain, andaboutittwelvemountainsindifferentfigures.

6Thefirstwasblackassoot.Thesecondwassmooth, withoutherbs.Thethirdwasfullofthornsandthistles. Thefourthhadherbshalfdried;ofwhichtheupperpart wasgreen,butthatnexttherootwasdry;andsomeof theherbs,whenthesungrewhot,weredry.

7Thefifthmountainwasveryrugged;butyethadgreen herbs.Thesixthmountainwasfullofclefts,somelesser, andsomegreater;andinthesecleftsgrewgrass,not flourishing,butwhichseemedtobewithering

8Theseventhmountainhaddelightfulpasture,andwas whollyfruitful:andallkindsofcattle,andofthebirds ofheaven,feduponit;andthemoretheyfedofit,the moreandbetterdidthegrassgrow.

9Theeighthmountainwasfulloffountains,andfrom thosefountainswerewateredallkindsofthecreatures ofGod.Theninthmountainhadnowateratall,butwas whollydestituteofit;andnourisheddeadlyserpents, anddestructivetomen.

10Thetenthmountainwasfulloftalltrees,and altogethershady:andundertheshadeofthemlaycattle restingandchewingthecud.

11Theeleventhmountainwasfullofthethickesttrees; andthosetreesseemedtobeloadedwithseveralsortsof fruits;thatwhosoeversawthemcouldnotchoosebut desiretoeatoftheirfruit.

12Thetwelfthmountainwasaltogetherwhite,andofa mostpleasantaspect,anditselfgaveamostexcellent beautytoitself.

13¶Inthemiddleofthe1plainheshowedmeahuge whiterock,whichroseoutoftheplain,andtherockwas higherthanthosemountains,andwassquare;sothatit seemedcapableofsupportingthewholeworld

14Itlookedtometobeold,yetithadinitanewgate, whichseemedtohavebeennewlyhewnoutinitNow thatgatewasbrightbeyondthesunitself;insomuch, thatIgreatlyadmiredatitslight

15Aboutthegatestoodtwelvevirgins;ofwhichfour thatstoodatthecornersofthegate,seemedtometobe thechiefest,althoughtherestwerealsoofworth:and theystoodatthefourpartsofthegate

16Itaddedalsotothegraceofthosevirgins,thatthey stoodinpairs,clothedwithlinengarments,anddecently girded,theirrightarmsbeingatliberty,asiftheywere abouttoliftupsome2burthen;forsotheywere adorned,andwereexceedingcheerfulandready

17WhenIsawthis,Iwonderedwithmyselftoseesuch greatandnoblethingsAndagainIadmireduponthe accountofthosevirgins,thattheyweresohandsome anddelicate;andstoodwithsuchfirmnessand constancy,asiftheywouldcarrythewholeheaven

18AndasIwasthinkingthuswithinmyself,the shepherdsaiduntome:Whatthmkestthouwithin thyself,andartdisquieted,andfillestthyselfwithcare?

19Donotseemtoconsider,asifthouwertwise,what thoudoestnotunderstand,butprayuntotheLord,that thoumayesthaveabilitytounderstandit:whatisto comethoucanstnotunderstand,butthouseestthat whichisbeforethee.

20Benotthereforedisquietedatthosethingswhich thoucanstnotsee;butgettheunderstandingofthose whichthouseest.

21Forbeartobecurious;andIwillshewtheeallthings thatIoughttodeclareuntothee;butfirstconsiderwhat yetremains.

22¶AndwhenhehadsaidthisuntomeIlookedup,and beholdIsawsixtallandvenerablemencoming;their countenanceswereallalike;andtheycalledacertain multitudeofmen;andtheywhocameattheircallwere alsotallandstout

23Andthosesixcommandedthemtobuildacertain toweroverthatgate.Andimmediatelytherebegantobe agreatnoiseofthosemenrunninghereandthereabout thegate,whowerecometogethertobuildthetower.

24Butthosevirginswhichstoodaboutthegate perceivedthatthebuildingofthetowerwastobe hastenedbythem.Andtheystretchedouttheirhands,as iftheyweretoreceivesomewhatfromthemtodo.

25Thenthosesixmencommanded,thattheyshouldlift upstonesoutofacertaindeepplace,andpreparethem forthebuildingofthetower.Andtherewereliftedup tenwhitestones,square,andnotcutround.

26Thenthosesixmencalledthetenvirginstothem, andcommandedthemtocarryallthestonesthatwereto beputintothebuildingandhavingcarriedthemthrough thegatetodeliverthemtothosethatwereabouttobuild thetower.

27Immediatelythevirginsbeganallofthemtogetherto liftupthosestones,thatwerebeforetakenoutofthe deep.

28¶Andtheywhoalsostoodaboutthegatedidcarry stonesinsuchamanner,thatthosestoneswhichseemed tobethestrongestwerelaidatthecorners,therestwere putintothesides

29Andthustheycarriedallthestones,andbringing themthroughthegatedeliveredthemtothebuilders,as theyhadbeencommanded:whoreceivingthemattheir hands,builtwiththem

30Butthisbuildingwasmadeuponthatgreatrock,and overthegate;andbythesethewholetowerwas supportedButthebuildingofthetenstonesfilledthe wholegate,whichbegantobemadeforthefoundation ofthattower

31Afterthosetenstonesdidfiveandtwentyothersrise upoutofthedeep;andthesewereplacedinthebuilding ofthesametower;beingliftedupbythosevirgins,as theothershadbeenbefore

32Afterthesedidfiveandthirtyothersriseup;and thesewerealsoinlikemannerfittedintothesamework Thenfortyotherstoneswerebroughtup,andallthese wereaddeduntothebuildingofthattower

33Sotherebegantobefourranksinthefoundationof thattower;andthestonesceasedtoriseoutofthedeep; andtheyalsowhichbuiltrestedalittle.

34Againthosesixmencommandedthemultitude,that theyshouldbringstonesoutofthosetwelvemountains tothebuildingofthesametower.

35Sotheycutoutofallthemountainsstonesofdivers colours,andbroughtthemandgavethemtothevirgins; whichwhentheyhadreceivedtheycarriedthem,and deliveredthemintothebuildingofthetower, 36Inwhichwhentheywerebuilttheybecamewhite, anddifferentfromwhattheywerebefore;fortheywere allalike,anddidchangetheirformercolours.Andsome werereachedupbythementhemselves,whichwhen theycameintothebuilding,continuedsuchastheywere putin.

37Theseneitherbecamewhite,nordifferentfromwhat theywerebefore;becausetheywerenotcarriedbythe virginsthroughthegateWhereforethesestoneswere

disagreeableinthebuilding:which,whenthosesixmen perceived,theycommandedthemtoberemoved,and putagainintheplacefromwhichtheywerebrought 38Andtheysaidtothosewhobroughtthosestones;Do notyereachuptousanystonesforthisbuilding,butlay themdownbythetower,andthesevirginsmaycarry themandreachthemtous.

39Forunlesstheyshallbecarriedbythesevirgins throughthisgate,theycannotchangetheircolours; thereforedonotlabourinvain.

40¶Sothebuildingthatdaywasdone,howbeitthe towerwasnotfinished;foritwasafterwardstobebuilt, thereforenowalsotherewassomedelaymadeofit.

41Andthesesixmencommandedthosethatbuiltto depart,andasitweretorestforsometime;butthey orderedthosevirginsthattheyshouldnotdepartfrom thetower;nowtheyseemedtometobeleftforthe guardingofit

42Whenallweredeparted,Isaiduntothatshepherd;Sir, whyisnotthebuildingofthetowerfinished?Becauseit cannot,saidhe,befinisheduntilitsLordcomes,and approvesofthebuilding;thatifheshallfindanystones initthatarenotgoodtheymaybechanged;forthis towerisbuiltaccordingtohiswill

43Sir,saidI,Iwouldknowwhatthebuildingofthis towersignifies;asalsoIwouldbeinformedconcerning thisrock,andthisgate

44Andconcerningthemountains,andthevirgins,and thestonesthatdidriseoutofthedeep,andwerenotcut, butputintothebuildingjustastheycameforth;and whythetenstoneswerefirstlaidinthefoundation;then thetwenty-five;thenthirty-five;thenforty?

45Alsoconcerningthesestonesthatwereputintothe building,andagaintakenout,andcarriedbackintotheir place?Fulfil,Ipray,thedesireofmysoulastoallthese thingsandmanifestalluntome

46Andhesaiduntome;Ifthoushaltnotbedull,thou shaltknowall,andshaltseealltheotherthingsthatare abouttohappeninthistower;andshaltunderstand diligentlyallthesesimilitudes

47Andafterafewdayswecameintothesameplace wherewehadsatbefore;andhesaiduntome,Letusgo untothetower;fortheLordofitwillcomeandexamine it.

48Sowecamethither,andfoundnonebutthosevirgins there.AndheaskedthemwhethertheLordofthattower wascomethither?Andtheyreplied,thathewouldbe therepresentlytoexaminethebuilding.

49¶AfteraverylittlewhileIsawagreatmultitudeof mencoming,andinthemiddleofthemamansotall, thathesurpassedthetowerinheight.

50Abouthimwerethosesix,whobeforecommandedin thebuilding,andalltherestofthosewhohadbuiltthat tower,andmanyothersofgreatdignity:andthevirgins thatkeptthetowerrantomeethim,andkissedhim,and begantowalknearuntohim.

51Butheexaminedthebuildingwithsomuchcarethat hehandledeverystone;andstruckeveryonewitharod whichheheldinhishand:

52Ofwhichsomebeingsostruckturnedblackassoot; otherswererough;somelookedasiftheyhadcracksin them;othersseemedmaimed:someneitherblacknor white;somelookedsharp,andagreednotwiththeother stones,andotherswerefullofspots.

53Theseweretheseveralkindsofthosestoneswhich werenotfoundproperinthebuilding;allwhichthe Lordcommandedtobetakenoutofthetower,andlaid nearit,andotherstonestobebroughtandputintheir places.

54Andtheythatbuilt,askedhimfromwhichofthe mountainshewouldhavestonesbroughttoputinthe placeofthosethatwerelaidaside.Butheforbadthem tobringanyfromthemountains,andcommandedthat theyshouldtakeoutofacertainfieldthatwasnear.

55Sotheydiggedinthefield,andfoundmanybright squarestones,andsomealsothatwereround.Howbeit, allthatwerefoundinthatfieldweretakenaway,and carriedthroughthegatebythosevirgins;andthoseof themthatweresquarewerefittedandputintotheplaces ofthosethatwerepulledout

56Buttheroundoneswerenotputintothebuilding, becausetheywerehard,anditwouldhaverequiredtoo muchtimetocutthem;buttheywereplacedaboutthe tower,asiftheyshouldhereafterbecutsquare,andput intothebuilding;fortheywereverywhite

57¶Whenhewhowaschiefindignity,andlordofthe wholetowersawthis,hecalledtohimtheshepherdthat waswithmeandgavehimthestonesthatwererejected andlaidaboutthetowerandsaiduntohim;cleanse thesestoneswithallcare,andfitthemintothebuilding ofthetower,thattheymayagreewiththerest;butthose thatwillnotsuitwiththerest,castawayafarofffrom thetower

58Whenhehadthuscommandedhim,hedeparted,with allthosethatcamewithhimtothetower:butthose virginsstillstoodaboutthetowertokeepit

59AndIsaiduntothatshepherd,Howcanthesestones, seeingtheyhavebeenrejected,returnintothebuilding ofthistower?Hereplied;Iwillcutoffthegreatestpart frontthesestones,andwilladdthemtothebuilding,and theywillagreewiththerest.

60AndIsaid,Sir,howwilltheybeabletofillthesame place,whentheyshallbesomuchcutaway?He answered;Theythatshallbefoundtoolittleshallbeput intothemiddleofthebuilding,andthegreatershallbe placedwithout,andkeepthemin.

61Whenhehadsaidthusuntome,headded;Letusgo, andafterthreedayswewillreturn,andIwillputthese stones,beingcleansed,intothetower.

62Forallthesethatareaboutthetowermustbe cleansed,lestthemasterofthehousechancetocome uponthesudden,andfindthosewhichareaboutthe towerunclean;andbesoexasperated,thatthesestones shouldneverbeputintothebuildingofthistower,andI shallbelookedupontohavebeenunmindfulofmy master'scommands.

63Whenthereforewecameafterthreedaystothetower, hesaiduntome;Letusexamineallthesestones,andlet

usseewhichofthemmaygointothebuilding.I answered,Sir,letussee.

64¶Andfirstofallwebeguntoconsiderthosewhich hadbeenblack;fortheywerefoundjustsuchasthey werewhentheywerepulledoutofthetower:wherefore hecommandedthemtoberemovedfromthetowerand putbythemselves.

65Thenheexaminedthosewhichhadbeenrough;and commandedmanyofthosetobecutround,andtobe fittedbythevirginsintothebuildingofthetower;so theytookthem,andfittedthemintothemiddleofthe building;andhecommandedtheresttobelaidbywith theblackones,fortheyalsowerebecomeblack.

66Nextheconsideredthosewhichwerefullofcracks, andmanyofthosealsoheorderedtobeparedaway,and sotobeaddedtotherestofthebuildingbythesame virgins.

67Thesewereplacedwithoutbecausetheywerefound entire;buttheresiduethroughthemultitudeoftheir crackscouldnotbereformed,andthereforewerecast awayfromthebuildingofthetower

68Thenheconsideredthosethathadbeenmaimed; manyofthesehadcracks,andwerebecomeblack; otherswerelargeclefts;thesehecommandedtobe placedwiththosethatwererejected

69Buttherestbeingcleansedandreformed,he commandedtobeputinthebuildingThesetherefore thosevirginstookup,andfittedintothemiddleofthe building,becausetheywerebutweak

70Aftertheseheexaminedthosewhichwerefoundhalf whiteandhalfblack;andmanyofthosewerenowblack; thesealsoheorderedtobelaidamongthosethatwere castaway

71Therestwerefoundaltogetherwhite;thosewere takenupbythevirgins,andfittedintothesametower: andthesewereputintheoutside,becausetheywere foundentire;thatsotheymightkeepinthosethatwere placedinthemiddle,fornothingwascutofffromthem 72Nexthelookeduponthosewhichhadbeenhardand sharp;butfewoftheseweremadeuseof,becausethey couldnotbecut,fortheywerefoundveryhard:butthe restwereformed,andfittedbythevirginsintothe middleofthebuilding,becausetheyweremoreweak.

73Thenheconsideredthosewhichhadspots;ofthesea fewwerefoundblack,andthesewerecarriedtotheir fellows.Therestwerewhiteandentire;andtheywere fittedbythevirginsintothebuilding,andplacedinthe outside,byreasonoftheirstrength.

74¶Afterthishecametoconsiderthosestoneswhich werewhiteandround:andhesaiduntome,Whatshall wedowiththesestones?Ianswered,Sir,Icannottell.

75Hereplied,Canstthouthinkofnothingthenforthese? Ianswered,Sir,Iunderstandnotthisart;neitheramIa stone-cutter,norcanItellanything.

76Andhesaid,seestthounotthattheyareveryround? Nowtomakethemsquare,Imustcutoffagreatdeal fromthem;howbeit,itisnecessarythatsomeofthese shouldgointothebuildingofthetower.

77Ianswered;Ifitbenecessary,whydoyouperplex yourself,andnotratherchoose,ifyouhaveanychoice amongthem,andfitthemintothebuilding

78Uponthishechoseoutthelargestandbrightest,and squaredthem;whichwhenhehaddonethevirginstook themup,andplacedthemintheoutsideofthebuilding.

79Anddierestthatremainedwerecarriedbackintothe samefieldfromwhichtheyweretaken;howbeit,they werenotcastaway;because,saidhe,thereisnotyeta littlewantingtothistower,whichistobebuilt;and perhapstheLordwillhavethesestonesfittedintothis building,becausetheyareexceedingwhite.

80Thenweretherecalledtwelveverystatelywomen, clothedwithablackgarment,girded,andtheirshoulders free,andtheirhairloose.Theseseemedtometobe countrywomen.

81Andtheshepherdcommandedthemtotakeupthose stoneswhichwerecastoutofthebuilding,andcarry thembacktothemountainsoutofwhichtheywere taken.

82Andtheytookthemallupjoyfully,andcarriedthem backtotheirplacesfromwhencetheyhadbeentaken 83Whennotonestoneremainedaboutthetower,he saiduntome,Letusgoaboutthistower,andsee whetheranythingbewantingtoit

84Webeganthereforetogoroundaboutit;andwhen hesawthatitwashandsomelybuilt,hebegantobevery glad;foritwassobeautifullyframed,thatanyonethat hadseenitmusthavebeeninlovewiththebuilding:

85Foritseemedtobeallbutonestone,nordidajoint anywhereappear;butitlookedasifithadallbeencut outofonerock

86¶AndwhenIdiligentlyconsideredwhatatowerit was,Iwasextremelypleased:andhesaiduntome, Bringhithersomelimeandlittleshells,thatImayfillup thespacesofthosestonesthatweretakenoutofthe building,andputinagain;forallthingsaboutthetower mustbemadeeven

87AndIdidashecommandedme,andhesaiduntome, Bereadytohelpme,andthisworkwillquicklybe finished

88Hethereforefilledupthespacesofthosestones,and commandedtheplaceaboutthetowertobecleansed.

89Thenthosevirginstookbesoms,andcleansedallthe placearoundandtookawayalltherubbish,andthrew wateron;whichbeingdone,theplacebecamedelightful, andthetowerbeauteous.

90Thenhesaiduntome,Allisnowclean:iftheLord shouldcometofinishthetower,hewillfindnothing wherebytocomplainofus.

91Whenhehadsaidthishewouldhavedeparted.ButI laidholdonhisbag,andbegantoentreathimforthe Lord'ssake,thathewouldexplaintomeallthingsthat hehadshownme.

92Hesaiduntome,Ihaveatpresentalittlebusiness; butIwillsuddenlyexplainallthingsuntothee.Tarry hereformetillIcome.

93Isaiduntohim,Sir,whatshallIdoherealone?He answered,Thouartnotalone,seeingallthesevirginsare withthee

94Isaid,Sir,delivermethenuntothem.Thenhecalled themandsaiduntothem,Icommendthismanuntoyou untilIshallcome

95SoIremainedwiththosevirgins:nowtheywere cheerfulandcourteousuntome;especiallythefour, whichseemedtobethechiefestamongthem.

96¶Thenthosevirginssaiduntome,thatshepherdwill notreturnhithertoday.Isaiduntothem,Whatthen shallIdo?Theyanswered,Tarryforhimtilltheevening, ifperhapshemaycomeandspeakwiththee;butifnot, yetthoushaltcontinuewithustillhedoescoma.

97Isaiduntothem,Iwilltarryforhimtillevening;but ifbecomesnotbythattime,Iwillgohome,andreturn hitheragainthenextmorning.

98Theyansweredme,Thouartdelivereduntous,thou mayestnotdepartfromus.Isaid,WhereshallItarry?

99Theyreplied,Thoushaltsleepwithusasabrother, notasahusband:forthouartourbrother,andweare readyfromhenceforthtodwellwiththee;forthouart verydeartous.

100HowbeitIwasashamedtocontinuewiththemBut shethatseemedtobethechiefestamongstthem, embracedme,andbegantokissmeAndtherestwhen theysawthatIwaskissedbyher,beganalsotokissme asabrother;andledmeaboutthetower,andplayed withme

101Someofthemalsosungpsalms,othersmadeupthe choruswiththemButIwalkedaboutthetowerwith them,rejoicingsilently,andseemingtomyselftobe grownyoungagain

102Whentheeveningcameon,Iwouldforthwithhave gonehome,buttheywithheldme,andsufferedmenot todepartWhereforeIcontinuedwiththemthatnight nearthesametower

103Sotheyspreadtheirlinengarmentsupontheground; andplacedmeinthemiddle,nordidtheyanythingelse, onlytheyprayed

104Ialsoprayedwiththemwithoutceasing,norless thantheyWhowhentheysawmeprayinthatmanner, rejoicedgreatly;andIcontinuedtherewiththemtillthe nextday

105AndwhenwehadworshippedGod,thenthe shepherdcameandsaiduntothem:Youhavedoneno injurytothisman.Theyanswered,Askhim.Isaidunto him,Sir,Ihavereceivedagreatdealofsatisfactionin thathaveremainedwiththem.

106Andhesaiduntome,Howthousup?Ianswered, Sir,IfeastedthewholenightuponthewordsoftheLord. Theyreceivedtheewellthen,saidhe;Isaid,Sir,very well.

107Heanswered,Wiltthounowlearnwhatthoudidst desire?Ireplied,Sir,Iwill:andfirstIpraytheethat thoushouldestshewmeallthingsintheorderthatI askedthem.

108Heanswered,Iwilldoallasthouwouldsthaveme, norwillIhideanythingfromthee.

109¶Firstofall,Sir,saidI,tellme,whatthisrock,and thisgatedenote?Hearken,saidhe;thisrock,andthis gate,aretheSonofGod.Ireplied,Sir,howcanthatbe; seeingtherockisold,butthegatenew

110Hear,saidhe,Ofoolishman!andunderstand.The SonofGodisindeedmoreancientthananycreature; insomuchthathewasincouncilwithhisFatheratthe creationofallthings.

111Butthegateisthereforenew,becauseheappeared inthelastdaysinthefulnessoftime;thattheywhoshall attainuntosalvation,maybyitenterintothekingdomof God.

112Youhaveseen,saidhe,thosestoneswhichwere carriedthroughthegate,howtheywereplacedinthe buildingofthetower;butthatthosewhichwerenot carriedthroughthegate,weresentawayintotheirown places?

113Ianswered,Sir,Isawit.Thus,saidhe,nomanshall enterintothekingdomofGod,buthewhoshalltake uponhimthenameoftheSonofGod.

114Forifyouwouldenterintoanycity,andthatcity shouldwbeencompassedwithawall,andhadonlyone gate,couldyounenterintothatcityexceptbythatgate?

115Ianswered,Sir,howcouldIdootherwise?As therefore,saidhe,therewouldbenootherwayof enteringintothatcitybutbyitsgate,soneithercanany oneenterintothekingdomofGod,butonlybythename ofhisSon,whoismostdearuntohim

116Andhesaiduntome,Didstthouseethemultitude ofthosethatbuiltthattower?Sir,saidI,IsawitHe answered,Allthosearetheangels,venerableintheir dignity

117WiththoseistheLordencompassedaswithawall: butthegateistheSonofGod,whoistheonlywayof cominguntoGodFornomanshallgotoGod,butby hisSon

118Thousawestalso,saidhe,thesixmen,andinthe middleofthemthatvenerablegreatman,whowalked aboutthetower,andrejectedthestonesoutofthetower?

119Sir,saidI,IsawthemHeanswered,thattallman wastheSonofGod:andthosesixwerehisangelsof mosteminentdignity,whichstandabouthimonthe righthandandontheleft

120OftheseexcellentangelsnonecomesinuntoGod withouthimHeadded,Whosoeverthereforeshallnot takeuponhimhisname,heshallnotenterintothe kingdomofGod.

121¶ThenIsaid,Whatisthistower?This,saidhe,is thechurch.Andwhat,Sir,arethesevirgins?Hesaid untome,Thesearetheholyspirits,fornomancanenter intothekingdomofGod,excepttheseclothehimwith theirgarment.

122Foritwillavailtheenothingtotakeupthenameof theSonofGod,unlessthoushaltalsoreceivetheir garmentfromthem.Forthesevirginsarethepowersof theSonofGod.Soshallamaninvainbearhisname, unlessheshallbealsoenduedwithhispowers.

123Andhesaiduntome,sawestthouthosestonesthat werecastaway?Theyboreindeedthename,butputnot ontheirgarment.Isaid,Sir,whatistheirgarment?Their verynames,saidhe,aretheirgarment.

124ThereforewhosoeverbeareththenameoftheSonof God,oughttobeartheirnamesalso;fortheSonofGod alsohimselfbeareththeirnames

125Asforthosestones,continuedhe,whichbeing deliveredbytheirhands,thousawestremaininthe building,theywereclothedwiththeirpower;forwhich causethouseestthewholetowerofthesamecolour withtherock,andmadeasitwereofonestone.

126SoalsothosewhohavebelievedinGodbyhisSon, haveputonhisspirit.Beholdthereshallbeonespirit, andonebody,andonecolouroftheirgarments;andall theyshallattainthis,whoshallbearthenamesofthese virgins.

127AndIsaid,Sir,whythenwerethosestonescast awaywhichwererejected,seeingtheyalsowerecarried throughthegate,anddeliveredbythehandsofthese virginsintothebuildingofthistower?

128Seeing,saidhe,thoutakestcaretoinquirediligently intoallthings,hearalsoconcerningthosestoneswhich wererejected.AllthesereceivedthenameoftheSonof God,andwiththatthepowerofthesevirgins

129Havingthereforereceivedthesespirits,theywere perfected,andbroughtintothenumberoftheservantsof God;andtheybegantobeonebody,andtohaveone garment,fortheywere3enduedwiththesame righteousness,whichtheyalikeexercised

130Butafterthattheybeheldthosewomenwhichthou sawestclothedwithablackgarment,withtheir shouldersatlibertyandtheirhairloose;theyfixedtheir desiresuponthem,beingtemptedwiththeirbeauty;and wereclothedwiththeirpower,andcastofftheclothing ofthevirgins:

131ThereforeweretheycastofffromthehouseofGod, anddeliveredtothosewomenButtheythatwerenot corruptedwiththeirbeauty,remainedinthehouseof GodThis,saidhe,isthesignificationofthosestones whichwererejected

132¶AndIsaid,Sir,whatifanyofthesemenshall repent,andcastawaytheirdesireofthosewomen,and beconverted,andreturntothesevirgins,andputon againtheirvirtue;shalltheynotenterintothehouseof God?

133Theyshallenter,saidhe,iftheyshalllayasideall theworksofthosewomen,andshallresumethepower ofthesevirgins,andshallwalkintheirworks.

134Andforthiscausethereisastopinthebuilding, thatiftheyshallrepent,theymaybeaddedtothe buildingofthistower;butiftheyshallnotrepent,that othersmaybebuiltintheirplaces,andsotheymaybe utterlycastaway.

135ForallthesethingsIgavethanksuntotheLord,that beingmovedwithmercytowardsallthoseuponwhom hisnameiscalled,hesenttoustheangelofrepentance topresideoveruswhohavesinnedagainsthim;andthat hehasrefreshedourspiritswhichwerealmostgone,and whohadnohopeofsalvation,butarenowrefreshedto therenewaloflife.

136ThenIsaid,Shewmenow,Sir,whythistoweris notbuiltupontheground,butuponarock,anduponthe gate?Hereplied,thouartfoolish,andwithout understanding,thereforethouaskeththis.

137AndIsaid,Sir,Imustneedsaskallthingsofyou, becauseIunderstandnothingatallForallyouranswers

aregreatandexcellent;andwhichamancanhardly understand.

138Hear,saidhe:ThenameoftheSonofGodisgreat andwithoutbounds,andthewholeworldissupported byit.Iftherefore,saidI,everycreatureofGodbe sustainedbyhisSon,whyshouldhenotsupportthose alsowhohavebeeninvitedbyhim,andwhocarryhis name,andwalkinhiscommandments?

139Seestthounot,saidhe,thathedothsupportthem, whowithalltheirheartbearhis'name?Hethereforeis theirfoundation,andgladlysupportsthosewhodonot denyhisname,butwillinglybearit.

140¶AndIsaid:Sir,tellmethenamesofthesevirgins; andofthosewomenthatwereclothedwiththeblack garment.

141Hear,saidhe,thenamesofthosevirginswhichare themorepowerful,andstandatthecornersofthegate. Thesearetheirnames:

142ThefirstiscalledFaith;thesecondContinence;the third,Power;thefourth,Patience;therestwhichstand beneaththeseare,Simplicity,Innocence,Chastity, Cheerfulness,Truth,Understanding,Concord,Charity 143Whosoeverthereforebearthesenames,andthe namesoftheSonofGod,shallenterintothekingdomof God

144Hearnow,saidhe,thenamesofthosewomen, whichwereclothedwiththeblackgarmentOfthese, fouraretheprincipal:thefirstisPerfidiousness;the second,Incontinence;thethird,Infidelity;thefourth, Pleasure

145Andtherestwhichfollowarecalledthus,Sadness, Malice,Lust,Anger,Lying,Foolishness,Pride,and HatredTheservantofGod,whichcarriesthesespirits, shallseeindeedthekingdomofGod,butheshallnot enterintoit

146But,Sir,whatarethosestoneswhichweretakenout ofthedeepandfittedintothebuilding?Theten,saidhe, whichwereplacedatthefoundation,arethefirstage; thefollowingfive-and-twenty,thesecond,ofrighteous men

147Thenextthirty-five,aretheprophetsandministers oftheLord.Andtheforty,aretheApostlesanddoctors ofthepreachingoftheSonofGod.

148AndIsaid,Sir,whydidthevirginsputeventhose stonesintothebuildingaftertheywerecarriedthrough thegate?Andhesaid,Becausethesefirstcarriedthose spirits,andtheydepartednotonefromtheone,neither themenfromthespirits,northespiritsfromthemen: 149Butthespiritswerejoinedtothosemeneventothe dayoftheirdeath;whoiftheyhadnothadthesespirits withthem,theycouldnothavebeenusefultothe buildingofthistower.

150AndIsaid,Sir,shewmethisfarther.Heanswered, Whatdostthouask?Whydidthesestonescomeoutof thedeep,andwereplacedintothebuildingofthistower, seeingthattheylongagocarriedthoseholyspirits.

151Itwasnecessary,saidhe,forthemtoascendby water,thattheymightbeatrest.Fortheycouldnot otherwiseenterintothekingdomofGod,butbylaying asidethemortalityoftheirformerlife

152Theythereforebeingdead,wereneverthelesssealed withthesealoftheSonofGod,andsoenteredintothe kingdomofGod

153ForbeforeamanreceivesthenameoftheSonof God,heisordaineduntodeath;butwhenhereceives thatseal,heisfreedfromdeath,andassigneduntolife.

154Nowthatsealisthewaterofbaptism,intowhich mengodownundertheobligationuntodeath,butcome upappointeduntolife.

155Whereforetothosealsowasthissealpreached,and theymadeuseofit,thattheymightenterthekingdomof God.

156AndIsaid,Whythen,sir,didthesefortystonesalso ascendwiththemoutofthedeep,havingalready receivedthatseal?

157Heanswered,BecausetheseApostlesandteachers, whopreachedthenameoftheSonofGod,dyingafter theyhadreceivedhisfaithandpower,preachedtothem whoweredeadbefore;andtheygavethissealtothem.

158Theywentdownthereforeintothewaterwiththem, andagaincameupButthesewentdownwhilstthey werealive,andcameupagainalive:whereasthosewho werebeforedead,wentdowndead,butcameupalive;

159Throughthesethereforetheyreceivedlife,and knewtheSonofGod:forwhichcausetheycameup withthem,andwerefittocomeintothebuildingofthe tower;andwerenotcut,butputinentire;becausethey diedinrighteousness,andingreatpurity;onlythisseal waswantingtothem

160Thusyouhavetheexplicationofthesethings

161¶Ianswered:Sir,tellmenowwhatconcernsthose mountains,whyaretheysodifferent;someofoneform, andsomeofanother

162Hear,saidhe;Thesetwelvemountainswhichthou seest,aretwelvenations,whichmakeupthewhole worldWhereforetheSonofGodispreachedtothem, bythosewhomhesentuntothem

163Butwhy,saidI,aretheydifferent,andeveryoneof afigure?Hereplied,HearkenThosetwelvenations whichpossessthewholeworld,aretwelvepeople

164Andasthouhastbeheldthesemountainsdifferent, soarethey.Iwillthereforeopentotheethemeaning andactionsofeverymountain.

165Butfirst,sir,saidI,shewmethis;Seeingthese mountainsaresodifferent,howhavetheyagreedinto thebuildingofthistower;andbeenbroughttoone colour;andarenolessbrightthanthosethatcameoutof thedeep?

166Because,repliedhe,allthenationswhichareunder heaven,haveheardandbelievedinthesameonename oftheSonofGodbywhomtheyarecalled.

167Whereforehavingreceivedhisseal,theyhaveall beenmadepartakersofthesame1understandingand2 knowledge;andtheirfaithandcharityhavebeenthe same;andtheyhavecarriedthespiritsofthesevirgins togetherwithhisname.

168Andthereforethebuildingofthistowerappearedto beofthesamecolour,anddidshinelikethebrightness ofthesun.

169Butafterthattheyhadthusagreedinonemindthere begantobeonebodyofthemall;howbeitsomeofthem pollutedthemselves,andwerecastofffromthekindof therighteous,andagainreturnedtotheirformerstate, andbecameevenworsethantheywerebefore.

170¶How,saidI,sir,weretheyworsewhoknewthe Lord?Heanswered:IfhewhoknowsnottheLordliveth wickedly,thepunishmentofhiswickednessattendshim.

171ButhewhohasknowntheLord,oughttoabstain altogetherfromallwickedness,andmoreandmoretobe theservantofrighteousness.

172Anddoesnothethenseemtotheetosinmorewho oughttofollowgoodness,ifheshallpreferthepartof sin;thanhewhooffendswithoutknowingthepowerof God?

173Whereforetheseareindeedordaineduntodeath;but theywhohaveknowntheLord,andhaveseenhis wonderfulworks,iftheyshalllivewickedly,theyshall bedoublypunished,andshalldieforever.

174Asthereforethouhastseenthatafterthestones werecastoutofthetower,whichhadbeenrejected;they weredeliveredtowickedandcruelspirits;andthou beheldestthetowersocleansed,asifithadallbeen madeofonestone:

175SothechurchofGod,whenitshallbepurified:(the wickedandcounterfeits,themischievousanddoubtful, andallthathavebehavedthemselveswickedlyinit,and committeddiverskindsofsin,beingcastout)shall becomeonebody,andthereshallbeoneunderstanding, oneopinion,onefaith,andthesamecharity

176AndthenshalltheSonofGodrejoiceamongthem, andshallreceivehispeoplewithapurewill

177AndIsaid;Sir,allthesethingsaregreatand honourable;butnowshewuntometheeffectandforce ofeverymountain:thateverysoulwhichtrustethinthe Lord,whenitshallhearthesethingsmayhonourhis great,andwonderful,andholyname

178Hear,saidhe,thevarietyofthesemountains,thatis, ofthetwelvenations

179¶Theywhohavebelievedofthefirstmountain, whichisblack,arethosewhohaverevoltedfromthe faith;andspokenwickedthingsagainsttheLord;and betrayedtheservantsofGod.

180Thesearecondemnedtodeath,thereisno repentanceforthem:andthereforetheyareblack, becausetheirkindiswicked.

181Ofthesecondmountainwhichwassmooth,arethe hypocrites,whohavebelieved,andtheteachersof naughtiness:andthesearenexttotheforegoing,which havenotinthemthefruitofrighteousness.

182Forastheirmountainisbarrenandwithoutfruit;so alsosuchkindofmenhaveindeedthenameof Christians,butareemptyoffaith;noristhereanyfruit ofthetruthinthem.

183Neverthelessthereisroomlefttothemfor repentance,iftheyshallsuddenlypursueit:butifthey shalldelay,theyalsoshallbepartakersofdeathwiththe foregoingkind.

184Isaid,Sir,whyisthereroomlefttothosefor repentance,andnottotheforegoingkind,seeingtheir sinsarewellnighthesame?

185Thereistherefore,saidhetotheseareturnuntolife byrepentance,becausetheyhavenotblasphemed againsttheirLord,norbetrayedtheservantsofGod:but bytheirdesireofgainhavedeceivedmen,leadingthem accordingtothelustsofsinners;whereforetheyshall sufferforthisthing.

186Howbeitthereisstillleftthemroomforrepentance, becausetheyhavenotspokenanythingwickedly againsttheLord.

187¶Theywhoareofthethirdmountainwhichhad thornsandbrambles,arethosewhobelieved,butwere someofthemrich,otherstakenupwithmanyaffairs: thebramblesaretheirriches:thethorns,thoseaffairsin whichtheywereengaged.

188Nowtheywhoareentangledinmuchbusiness,and indiversityofaffairs,joinnotthemselvestotheservants ofGod,butwander,beingcalledawaybythoseaffairs withwhichtheyarechoked

189Andsotheywhicharerich,withdifficultyyield themselvestotheconversationoftheservantsofGod; fearinglestanythingshouldbeaskedofthemThese thereforeshallhardlyenterintothekingdomofGod

190Forasmenwalkwithdifficultybare-footover thorns,evensothesekindofmenshallscarcelyenter intothekingdomofGod

191Neverthelessthereisatfordedtoalltheseareturn untorepentance;ifthattheyshallquicklyreturntoit; thatbecauseintheirformerdaystheyhaveneglectedto work,inthetimethatistocometheymaydosomegood 192Ifthereforehavingrepentedtheyshalldotheworks ofrighteousness,theyshalllive;butiftheyshall continueintheirevilcourses,theyshallbedeliveredto thosewomenthatwilltakeawaytheirlife

193¶Asforthefourthmountain,whichhadmanyherbs, theupperpartofwhichisgreen,buttherootsdry,and someofwhichbeingtouchedwiththeheatofthesun arewithered;

194Itdenotesthedoubtful,whohavebelieved,and someotherswhocarrytheLordintheirtongues,but havehimnotintheirheart:thereforetheirgrassisdry, andwithoutroot;becausetheyliveonlyinwords,but theirworksaredead.

195Thesethereforeareneitherdeadnorliving,and withalaredoubtful.Forthedoubtfulareneithergreen nordry;thatis,neitherdeadnoralive.

196Forastheherbsdryawayatthesightofthesun;so thedoubtfulassoonastheyhearofpersecution,andfear inconveniences,returntotheiridols,andagainserve them,andareashamedtobearthenameoftheirLord.

197Thiskindofmenthenisneitherdeadnoralive; neverthelessthesealsomaylive,iftheyshallpresently repent;butifnot,theyshallbedeliveredtothosewomen, whoshalltakeawaytheirlife.

198¶Asconcerningthefifthmountainthatiscraggy, andyethasgreengrass:theyareofthiskindwhohave believed,andarefaithfulindeed,butbelievewith

difficulty;andarebold,andself-conceited;thatwould bethoughttoknowallthings,butreallyknownothing.

199Wherefore,byreasonofthisconfidence,knowledge isdepartedfromthem;andarashpresumptionisentered intothem.

200Buttheycarrythemselveshigh,andasprudentmen; andthoughtheyarefools,yetwouldseemtobeteachers.

201Nowbyreasonofthisfollymanyofthem,whilst theymagnifythemselves,arebecomevainandempty. Forboldnessandvainconfidenceisaveryevilspirit.

202Whereforemanyofthesearecastaway;butothers acknowledgingtheirerror,haverepented,andsubmitted themselvestothosewhoareknowing.

203Andtoalltherestofthiskindthereisrepentance allowed;forasmuchastheywerenotsomuchwickedas foolish,asvoidofunderstanding.

204Ifthesethereforeshallrepent,theyshallliveunto God;butifnot,theyshalldwellwiththosewomen,who shallexercisetheirwickednessuponthem.

205¶Forwhatconcernsthesixthmountainhaving greaterandlesserclefts,theyaresuchashavebelieved; butthoseinwhichwerelessercleftsaretheywhohave hadcontroversiesamongthemselves;andbyreasonof theirquarrelslanguishinthefaith;

206Neverthelessmanyofthesehaverepented,andso willtherestwhentheyshallhearmycommands;for theircontroversiesarebutsmall,andtheywilleasily returnuntorepentance

207Butthosewhohavethegreaterclefts,willbeasstiff stones,mindfulofgrudgesandoffences,andfullof angeramongthemselvesThesethereforearecastfrom thetower,andrefusedtobeputintoitsbuilding;forthis kindofmenshallhardlylive

208OurGodandLord,whorulethoverallthings,and haspoweroverallhiscreatures,willnotrememberour offences,butiseasilyappeasedbythosewhoconfess theirsins:butmanbeinglanguid,mortal,infirm,and fullofsins,perseveresinhisangeragainstman;asifit wereinhispowertosaveordestroyhim

209ButI,astheangelwhoamsetoveryourrepentance, admonishyou,thatwhosoeveramongyouhasanysuch purposeheshouldlayitaside,andreturnunto repentance;andtheLordwillhealyourformersins,if youshallpurgeyourselvesfromthisevilspirit;butif youshallnotdoit,yeshallbedeliveredtohimunto death.

210¶Asfortheseventhmountaininwhichthegrass wasgreenandflourishing,andthewholemountain faithful;andallkindofcattlefeduponthegrassofit, andthemorethegrasswaseatensomuchthemoreit flourished:

211Theyaresuchasbelieved,andwerealwaysgood andupright;andwithoutanydifferencesamong themselves,butstillrejoicedintheservantsofGod, havingputonthespiritofthesevirgins;andbeen alwaysforwardtoshewmercytoallmen,readilygiving toallmenoftheirlabourswithoutupbraiding,and withoutdeliberation.

212WhereforetheLordseeingtheirsimplicityand innocence,hasincreasedthemintheworksoftheir hands,andgiventhemgraceinalltheirworks

213ButI,whoamtheangelappointedoveryour repentance,exhortyou,thatasmanyasareofthiskind wouldcontinueinthesamepurpose,thatyourseedmay notberootedoutforever.

214FortheLordhathtriedyou,andwrittenyouintoour number;andallyourseedshalldwellwiththeSonof God;foryeareallofhisspirit.

215¶Asconcerningtheeighthmountaininwhichwere agreatmanysprings,bywhicheverykindofallthe creaturesofGodwaswatered;theyaresuchashave believedtheApostleswhichtheLordsentintoallthe worldtopreach;

216Andsomeofthembeingteachershavepreached andtaughtpurelyandsincerely,andhavenotintheleast yieldedtoanyevildesires,buthaveconstantlywalked inrighteousnessandtruth.

217Thesethereforehavetheirconversationsamongthe angels

218¶Again;asforwhatconcernstheninthmountain whichisdesert,andfullofserpents;theyaresuchas havebelieved,buthadmanystains:

219Thesearesuchministersasdischargetheirministry amiss;ravishingawaythegoodsofthewidowsand fatherless;andservethemselves,notothers,outofthose thingswhichtheyhavereceived

220These,iftheycontinueinthiscovetousness,have deliveredthemselvesuntodeath,norshalltherebeany hopeoflifeforthemButiftheyshallbeconverted,and shalldischargetheirministrysincerely,theymaylive

221Asforthosewhichwerefoundrough,theyaresuch ashavedeniedthenameoftheLord,andnotreturned againtotheLord,buthavebecomesavageandwild;not applyingthemselvestotheservantsofGod;butbeing separatedfromthem,haveforalittlecarelessnesslost theirlives

222Forasavinethatisforsakeninahedge,andnever dressed,perishesandischokedbytheweeds,andin timebecomeswild,andceasestobeusefultoitslord;so thiskindofmendespairingofthemselves,andbeing soured,havebeguntobeunprofitabletotheirLord.

223Howbeittothesethereis,afterall,repentance allowed,iftheyshallnotbefoundfromtheirheartsto havedeniedChrist;butifanyoftheseshallbefoundto havedeniedhimfromhisheart,Icannottellwhether suchaonecanattainuntolife.

224Isaythereforethatifanyonehathdenied,heshould inthesedaysreturnuntorepentance;foritcannotbethat anyonewhonowdeniestheLord,canafterwardsattain untosalvation:neverthelessrepentanceisproposedunto themwhohaveformerlydenied.

225Buthewhowillrepentmusthastenonhis repentance,beforethebuildingofthistowerisfinished: otherwiseheshallbedeliveredbythosewomenunto death.

226Buttheythataremaimedarethedeceitful;and thosewhomixwithoneanother,thesearetheserpents thatyousawmingledinthatmountain

227Forasthepoisonofserpentsisdeadlyuntomen;so thewordsofsuchpersonsinfectanddestroymen.They arethereforemaimedintheirfaith,byreasonofthat kindoflifewhichtheylead.

228Howbeitsomeofthem,havingrepented,havebeen saved,andsoshallothersofthesamekindbealsosaved, iftheyshallrepent;butifnot,theyshalldiebythose womenwhosepowerandforcetheypossess.

229¶Forwhatconcernsthetenthmountain,inwhich werethetreescoveringthecattle,theyaresuchashave believed,andsomeofthemhavebeenbishops,thatis, governorsofthechurches.

230Others,aresuchstonesashavenotfeignedly,but withacheerfulmindentertainedtheservantsofGod.

231Thensuchashavebeensetoverinferiorministries; andhaveprotectedthepoorandthewidows;andhave alwayskeptachasteconversation:thereforetheyalso areprotectedbytheLord

232Whosoevershalldoonthiswise,arehonoredwith theLord;andtheirplaceisamongtheangels,ifthey shallcontinuetoobeytheLordevenuntotheend 233¶Astotheeleventhmountaininwhichweretrees loadedwithseveralsortsoffruits,theyaresuchashave believed,andsuffereddeath,forthenameoftheLord; andhaveenduredwithareadymind,andhavegivenup theirliveswithalltheirhearts

234AndIsaid,Whythen,sir,haveallthesefruitindeed, butyetsomefairerthanothers?

235Hearken,saidhe:Whosoeverhavesufferedforthe nameoftheLordareesteemedhonourablebytheLord; andalltheiroffencesareblottedout,becausetheyhave suffereddeathforthenameoftheSonofGod

236Hearnow,whytheirfruitsaredifferent,andsome ofthemexcelothers,theywhobeingbroughtbefore magistrates,andbeingasked,deniednottheLord,but sufferedwithareadymind;thesearemorehonourable withtheLordThefruitsthereforethatarethemostfair arethese

237Buttheywhowerefearfulanddoubtful,andhave deliberatedwiththemselveswhethertheyshouldconfess ordenyChrist,andyethavesuffered;theirfruitsare smaller,becausethatthisthoughtcameintotheirhearts.

238Foritisawickedandevilthoughtforaservantto deliberatewhetherheshoulddenyhismaster.Takeheed thereforeyewhohavesuchthoughts,thatthismind continuenotinyou,andyedieuntoGod.

239Butyewhosufferdeathforhisnamesake,oughtto honourtheLord,thathehasesteemedyouworthyto bearhisname;andthatyoushouldbedeliveredfromall yoursins.

240Andwhythereforedoyounotratheresteem yourselveshappy?Yeathinkverilythatifanyone amongyousuffer,heperformsagreatwork?Forthe Lordgivethyoulife,andyeunderstanditnot.Foryour offencesdidoppressyou;andifyehadnotsufferedfor hisnamesake,yehadnowbeendeaduntotheLord, 241WhereforeIspeakthisuntoyouwhodeliberate whetheryeshouldconfessordenyhim;confessthatye havetheLordforyourGod;lestatanytimedenying him,yebedeliverednotintobonds

242Forallnationspunishtheirservantswhichdeny theirmasters;whatthinkyouthattheLordwilldounto you,whohasthepowerofallthings?

243Removethereforeoutofheartsthesedoubts,thatye mayliveforeveruntoGod.

244Asforthetwelfthmountain,whichwaswhite,they aresuchashavebelievedlikesincerechildren,into whosethoughtstherenevercameanymalice,norhave theyeverknownwhatsinwas,buthavealways continuedintheirintegrity.

245Whereforethiskindofmenshallwithoutalldoubt inheritthekingdomofGod;becausetheyhaveneverin anythingdefiledthecommandmentsofGod,buthave continuedwithsincerityinthesameconditionallthe daysoftheirlife.

246Whosoevertherefore,saidhe,shallcontinueas childrenwithoutmalice;shallbemorehonourablethan allthoseofwhomIhaveyetspoken:forallsuch childrenarehonouredbytheLord,andesteemedthe firstofall.

247Happythereforeareyewhoshallremoveallmalice fromyou,andputoninnocence;becauseyeshallfirst seetheLord

248Andafterhehadthusendedhisexplicationofall themountains,Isaiduntohim,Sir,showmenowalso whatconcernsthestonesthatwerebroughtoutofthe plain,andputintothetowerintheroomofthosethat wererejected:

249Asalsoconcerningthoseroundstoneswhichwere addedintothebuildingofthetower:andalsoofthose whostillcontinuedround

250¶Hearnow,sayshe,concerningthosestoneswhich werebroughtoutoftheplainintothebuildingofthe tower,andplacedintheroomofthosethatwererejected; theyaretherootsofthatwhitemountain

251Whereforebecausethosewhohavebelievedofthat mountainwereveryinnocent;thelordofthistower commandedthattheywhichwereoftherootsofthis mountainshouldbeplacedintothebuilding

252Forheknewthatiftheywereputintothisbuilding theywouldcontinuebright;norwouldanyofthemany morebemadeblack.

253Butifhehadaddedonthismannerfromtherestof themountains,hewouldalmosthaveneededagainto visitthetowerandtocleanseit.

254Nowallthesewhitestonesaretheyoungmenwho havebelieved,orshallbelieve;fortheyareallofthe samekind.Happyisthiskind,becauseitisinnocent.

255Hearnowalsoconcerningthoseroundandbright stones:alltheseareofthiswhitemountain.Buttheyare thereforefoundround,becausetheirricheshavealittle darkenedthemfromthetruthanddazzledtheireyes:

256HowbeittheyhaveneverdepartedfromtheLord, norhasanywickedwordproceededoutoftheirmouths; butallrighteousness,andvirtue,andtruth.

257WhenthereforetheLordsawtheirmind,andthat theymightadornthetruth;hecommandedthatthey shouldcontinuegood,andthattheirrichesshouldbe paredaway:

258Forhewouldnothavethemtakenwhollyaway,to theendtheymightdosomegoodwiththatwhichwas left,andliveuntoGod;becausetheyalsoareofagood kind.

259Thereforewastherealittlecutofffromthem,and sotheywereputintothebuildingofthistower.

260¶Asfortherestwhichcontinuedstillround,and werenotfoundfitforthebuildingofthistower,because theyhavenotyetreceivedtheseal;theywerecarried backtotheirplace,becausetheywerefoundveryround.

261Butthispresentworldmustbecutawayfromthem, andthevanitiesoftheirriches;andthentheywillbefit forthekingdomofGod.Fortheymustenterintothe kingdomofGod,becauseGodhasblessedthisinnocent kind.

262Ofthiskindthereforenoneshallfallaway;for thoughanyofthembeingtemptedbythedevilshould offend,heshallsoonreturntohisLordGod

263Itheangelofrepentanceesteemyouhappy, whosoeverareinnocentaslittlechildren,becauseyour portionisgoodandhonourablewiththeLord

264AndIsayuntoallyouwhohavereceivedthisseal; keepsimplicity,andremembernottheoffenceswhich arecommittedagainstyou,norcontinueinmalice,orin bitterness,throughthememoryofoffences

265Butbecomeonespirit,andprovideremediesfor theseevilrents,andremovethemfromyou;thatthelord ofthesheepmayrejoiceatit;forhewillrejoice,ifhe shallfindallwhole

266Butifanyofthesesheepshallbefoundscattered away,Woshallbetotheshepherds;butandifthe shepherdsthemselvesshallbescattered;whatwillthey answertothelordofthesheepfold?Willtheysaythat theyweretroubledbythesheep?Buttheyshallnotbe believed

267Foritisanincrediblethingthattheshepherdshould sufferbyhisflock;andheshallbethemorepunished forhislie

268NowIamtheshepherd;andespeciallymustgivean accountofyou

269¶Whereforetakecareofyourselveswhilstthe towerisyetbuilding.TheLorddwellsinthosethatlove peace;forpeaceisbeloved;butheisfarofffromthe contentious,andthosewhoarefullofmalice.

270Whereforerestoreuntohimthespiritentire,asye receivedit.Forifthoushaltgiveuntoafulleragarment newandwhole,thouwiltexpecttoreceiveitwhole again;ifthereforethefullershallrestoreituntotheetorn, wouldestthoureceiveit?

271Wouldstthounotpresentlybeangry;andreproach him,saying;Igavemygarmenttotheewhole;whyhast thourentit,andmadeituselesstome?Nowitisofno usetome,byreasonoftherentwhichthouhastmadein it.Wouldstthounotsayallthistoafuller,fortherent whichhemadeinthygarment?

272Ifthereforethouwouldstbeconcernedforthy garment,andcomplainthatthouhadstnotreceivedit whole;whatthinkestthouthattheLordwilldo,who gavehisSpirittotheeentire,andthouhastrenderedhim altogetherunprofitable,sothathecanbeofnouseunto

hisLord?Forbeingcorruptedbythee,heisnolonger profitabletohim.

273WillnotthereforetheLorddothesameconcerning hisSpirit,byreasonofthydeed?Undoubtedly,saidI,he willdothesametoallthosewhomheshallfindto continueintheremembranceofinjuries.

274Treadnotthenunderfoothesaid,hismercy;but ratherhonourhim,becauseheissopatientwithrespect toyouroffences,andnotlikeoneofyou;butrepent,for thatwillbeprofitableforyou.

275¶Allthesethingswhichareabovewritten,Ithe shepherd,theangelofrepentance,haveshownand spokentotheservantsofGod.

276Ifthereforeyeshallbelieveandhearkentothese words,andshallwalkinthem,andshallcorrectyour ways,yeshalllive.Butifyeshallcontinueinmalice, andintheremembranceofinjuries,nosuchsinnersshall liveuntoGod

277AllthesethingswhichweretobespokenbymeI havethusdelivereduntoyou.Thentheshepherdsaid untome,Hastthouaskedallthingsofme?Ianswered, Sir,Ihave

278Why,then,saidhe,hastthounotaskedconcerning thespacesofthesestonesthatwereputinthebuilding, thatImayexplainthatalsountothee?Ianswered,Sir,I forgotitHear,then,saidhe,concerningthesealso

279Theyarethosewhohavenowheardthese commands,andhaverepentedwithalltheirhearts;

280AndwhentheLordsawthattheirrepentancewas goodandpure,andthattheycouldcontinueinit,he commandedtheirformersinstobeblottedoutForthese spacesweretheirsins,andtheyarethereforemadeeven thattheymightnotappear

SIMILITUDE10

1AfterthatIhadwrittenthisbook,theangelwhichhad deliveredmetothatshepherd,cameintothehouse whereIwasandsatuponthebed,andthatshepherd stoodathisrighthand

2Thenhecalledmeandsaiduntome;Ideliveredthee andthyhousetothisshepherd,thatthoumightestbe protectedbyhim.Isaid,Yes,Lord.

3Iftherefore,saidhe,thouwiltbeprotectedfromall vexationsandfromallcruelty,andhavesuccessin everygoodwordandwork;andhaveallvirtueand righteousness;walkinthosecommandswhichhehas giventhee,andthoushalthavedominionoverallsin.

4Forifthoukeepestthosecommands,allthelustand pleasureofthispresentworldshallbesubjecttothee; andsuccessshallfollowtheeineverygoodundertaking.

5Takethereforehisgravityandmodestytowardsthee, andsayuntoall,thatheisingreathonourandrenown withGod,andisaprinceofgreatauthorityandpowerful inhisoffice.

6Tohimonlyisthepowerofrepentancecommitted throughoutthewholeworld.Doeshenotseemtotheeto beofgreatauthority?

7Butyedespisehisgoodness,andthemodestywhich hechewstowardsyou

8¶Isaiduntohim;Sir,askhimsincethetimethathe cameintomyhousewhetherIhavedoneanything disorderly,orhaveoffendedhiminanything?

9Iknow,saidhe,thatthouhastdonenothingdisorderly, neitherwiltthouhereafterdoanysuchthing;and thereforeIspeakthesethingswiththeethatthoumayest persevere;forhehasgivenmeagoodaccount concerningthee,

10Butthoushaltspeakthesethingstoothers,thatthey whoeitherhaverepented,orshallrepent,maybelikemindedwiththee;andhemaygivemeasgoodan accountofthemalso,andImaydothesameuntothe Lord.

11Ianswered;Sir,Ideclaretoallmenthewonderful worksofGod;andIhopethatallwholovethemand havebeforesinned,whentheyshallhearthesethings, willrepent,andrecoverlife.

12Continuetherefore,saidhe,inthisministry,and fulfilit.Andwhosoevershalldoaccordingtothe commandsofthisshepherd,heshalllive;andshallhave greathonourbothhereandwiththeLord

13Buttheythatshallnotkeephiscommands,fleefrom theirlife,andareadversariestoitAndtheythatfollow nothiscommands,shalldeliverthemselvesuntodeath, andshallbeeveryoneguiltyofhisownblood

14ButIsayuntothee,keepthesecommandments,and thoushaltfindacureforallthysins

15¶Moreover,Ihavesentthesevirginstodwellwith thee;forIhaveseenthattheyareverykindtothee Thoushaltthereforehavethemforthyhelpers,thatthou mayestthebetterkeepthecommandswhichhehath giventhee;forthesecommandscannotbekeptwithout thesevirgins

16AndIseehowtheyarewillingtobewiththee;andI willalsocommandthemthattheyshallnotalldepart fromthyhouse

17Onlydothoupurifythyhouse,fortheywillreadily dwellinacleanhouseFortheyarecleanandchaste, andindustrious;andallofthemhavegracewiththe Lord

18Iftherefore,thoushalthavethyhousepure,theywill abidewiththee.Butifitshallbeneversolittlepolluted, theywillimmediatelydepartfromthyhouse:forthese virginscannotendureanymannerofpollution.

19Isaiduntohim;Sir,IhopethatIshallsopleasethem, thattheyshallalwaysdelighttodwellinmyhouse.And ashetowhomyouhavecommittedme,makesno complaintofme;soneithershalltheycomplain.

20Thenhesaidtothatshepherd:Iseethattheservant ofGodwillliveandkeepthesecommandments,and placethesevirginsinapurehabitation.

21Whenhehadsaidthis,hedeliveredmeagaintothat shepherd,andcalledthevirgins,andsaiduntothem; forasmuchasIseethatyewillreadilydwellinthis man'shouse,Icommendhimandhishousetoyou,that yemaynotatalldepartfromhishouse.Andthey willinglyheardthesewords.

22¶Thenhesaiduntome,Goonmanfullyinthy ministry;declaretoallmenthegreatthingsofGod,and thoushaltfindgraceinthisministry

23Andwhosoevershallwalkinthesecommands,shall live,andbehappyinhislife.Buthethatshallneglect them,shallnotlive,andshallbeunhappyinhislife 24Sayuntoallthatwhosoevercandowell,ceasenotto exercisethemselvesingoodworks,foritisprofitable untothem.ForIwouldthatallmenshouldbedelivered fromtheinconveniencestheylieunder.

25Forhethatwants,andsuffersinconveniencesinhis dailylife,isingreattormentandnecessity.Whosoever thereforedeliverssuchasoulfromnecessity,getsgreat joyuntohimself.

26Forhethatisgrievedwithsuchinconveniencesis equallytormented,asifhewereinchains.Andmany upontheaccountofsuchcalamities,beingnotableto bearthem,havechoseneventodestroythemselves.

27Hethereforethatknowsthecalamityofsuchaman, anddoesnotfreehimfromit,commitsagreatsin,and isguiltyofhisblood

28Whereforeexerciseyourselvesingoodworks,as manyashavereceivedabilityfromtheLord;lestwhilst yedelaytodothem,thebuildingofthetowerbe finished;becauseforyoursakesthebuildingisstopped 29Exceptthereforeyeshallmakehastetodowell,the towershallbefinished,andyeshallbeshutoutofit

30Andafterhehadthusspokenwithme,heroseup fromthebedanddeparted,takingtheshepherdand virginswithhim

31Howbeithesaiduntomethathewouldsendbackthe shepherdandvirginsuntomyhouseAmen