The Shepherd of Hermas

I was still[*](The end of the rejected stones) unabashed and asked her whether really all these stones which have been cast away, and do not fit into the building of the tower,—whether repentance is open to them, and they have a place in this tower. Repentance, she said, they have, but they cannot fit into this tower.

But they will fit into another place much less honourable, and even this only after they have been tormented and fulfilled the days of their sins, and for this reason they will be removed,[*](I.e. from their punishment.) because they shared in the righteous Word. And then[*](Apparently the meaning is Then, i.e. if they repent, but the text is obscure, and probably some words have been lost.) it shall befall them to be removed from their torments, because of the wickedness of the deeds which they committed. But if it come not into their hearts they have no salvation, because of the hardness of their hearts.

When, therefore, I ceased asking her all these[*](The vision of the seven women) things, she said to me: Would you like to see something else? I was anxious to see it, and rejoiced greatly at the prospect.

She looked at me and smiled and said to me: Do you see seven women round the tower? Yes, I said; I see them. This tower is being supported by them according to the commandment of the Lord.

Hear now their qualities. The first of them who[*](The explanation) is clasping her hands is called Faith. Through her the chosen of God are saved.

The second, who is girded and looks like a man, is called Continence; she is the daughter of Faith. Whosoever then shall follow her becomes blessed in his life, because he will abstain from all evil deeds, believing that if he refrains from every evil lust he will inherit eternal life.

But who are the others. Lady?They are daughters one of the other, and their names are Simplicity, Knowledge, Innocence, Reverence, and Love. When therefore you perform all the deeds of their mother, you can live.

I would like,[*](The powers of the Virtues) Lady, said I, to know what are their several powers.[*](Here also (cf. Vision III. iv. 3. powers probably is almost equivalent to meaning or signification. ) Listen, she said, to the powers which they have.

Their powers are supported one by the other, and they follow one another according to their birth. From Faith is born Continence, from Continence Simplicity, from Simplicity Innocence,

Whosoever then serves them, and has the strength to lay hold of their works, shall have his dwelling in the tower with the saints of God.

And I began to ask her[*](The end) about the times, if the end were yet. But she cried out with a loud voice saying, Foolish man, do you not see the tower still being built? Whenever therefore the building of the tower has been finished, the end comes. But it will quickly be built up; ask me nothing more. This reminder and the renewal of your spirits is sufficient for you and for the saints.