Broken,

Contusus.

and thou shalt learn from the Lord that which thou dost ask. I fasted, therefore, one day.

113 The same night a young man appeared to me, and said, Why dost thou thus often desire revelations in thy prayers? Take heed that by asking many things, thou hurt not thy body. Let these revelations suffice thec.

114 Canst thou see more notable revelations than those which thou hast already received?

115 I answered and said unto him, Sir, I only ask this one thing upon the account of the three figures of the old woman that appeared to me, that the revelation may be complete.

116 He answered me, You are not without understanding, but your doubts make you so; forasmuch as you have not your heart with the Lord.

117 I replied, and said, But we shall learn these things more carefully from you.

118 Hear, then, says he, concerning the figures, about which you inquire.

119 And first, in the first vision she appeared to thec in the shape of on old woman sitting in a chair; because your old spirit was decayed, and without strength, by reason of your infirmities, and the doubtfulness of your heart.

120 For as they who are old have no hope of renewing themselves, nor expect any thing but their departure; so you, being weakened through your worldly affairs, give yourself up to sloth, and cast not away your solicitude from yourself upon the Lord; and your sense was confused, and you grew old in your sadness.

121 But, sir, I would know why she sat upon a chair?

122 He answered, because every one that is weak, sitteth upon a chair by reason of his infirmity, that his weakness may be upheld : Behold therefore the figure of the first vision.

123 In the second vision you saw her standing, and having a youthful face, and more cheerful than her former; but her flesh and hair were ancient. Hear, said he, this para

ble also.

124 When any one grows old, he despairs of himself by reason of his infirmity and poverty; and expects nothing but the last day of his life.

125 But on a sudden an inheritance is left to him; and he hears of it, and rises; and being become cheerful, he puts on new strength. And now he no longer sits down, but stands; and is delivered from his former sorrow; and sits not, but acts manfully.

126 So you, having heard the revelation which God revealed unto you, because God had compassion upon you, and renewed your spirit, both laid aside your infirmities, and strength came to you, and you grew strong in the faith; and God, seeing your strength, rejoiced.

127 For this cause he showed you the building of the tower; and will show other things unto you, if you shall have peace with all your heart among each other.

128 But in the third vision you saw her yet younger; 'fair and cheerful, and of a se-"

rene countenance.

129 For as if some good news comes to one that is sad, he straightway forgets his sadness, and regards nothing else but the good news which he has heard; and for the rest he is comforted, and his spirit is renewed through'

Honestam

the joy which he has received; even so you have been refreshed in your spirit, by seeing these good things.

130 And for that you saw her sitting upon a bench, it denotes a strong position; because a bench has four feet, and stands strongly. And even the world itself is upheld by the four elements.

131 They, therefore, that repent perfectly, shall be young; and they that turn from their sins with their whole heart, shall be established.

132 And now you have the revelation fully; ask no more to have any thing further revealed unto you.

133 But if any thing be to be revealed, it shall be made manifest unto you.

VISION IV.

Of the trial and tribulation that is about to come upon men.

I SAW a vision, brethren, twenty days after the former vision; a representation of the tribulation that is at hand. I was walking in the field away.

2 Now from the public way to the place whither I went is about ten furlongs; it is a way very little frequented:

3 And as I walked alone, I entreated the Lord that he would confirm the revelations which he had showed unto me by his holy church;

4 And would grant repentance to all his servants, who had been offended, that his great and honourable name might be glorified; and Would show because he thought me worthy to whom he

That he

might show his wonders; and that I mi honour him, and give thanks unto him.

5 And behold somewhat like a voice answered me: Doubt not, Hermas.

Wherefore I began to think, and say within myself, Why should I doubt, seeing I am thus settled by the Lord, and have seen such glorious things?

6 I had gone but a little farther, brethren, when behold I saw a dust rise up to heaven. I began to say within myself, Is there a drove of cattle coming, that raises such a dust?

7 It was about a furlong off from me. And behold I saw the dust rise more and more, insomuch that I began to suspect that there was 'somewhat extraordinary in it.

Aliquod divinitus.

8 And the sun shone a little; and behold I saw a great beast, as it were a whale; and fiery locusts came out of his mouth. The height of the beast was about a hundred feet; and he had a head like a large earthen ves- ¿Vas urnale. sel.

9 I began to weep, and to pray unto the Lord, that he would deliver me from it. Then I called to mind the word which I had heard: Doubt not, Hermas.

10 Wherefore, brethren, putting on a divine faith, and remembering who it was that had taught me great things, I delivered myself boldly unto the beast.

i

11 Now the beast came on in such a manner, as if it could at once have devoured a In Ictu city.

12 I came near unto it; and the beast extended its whole bulk upon the ground; and put forth nothing but its tongue, nor once moved itself, till I had quite passed by it.

13 Now the beast had upon its head four

colours, first black, then a red and bloody colour, then a golden, and then a white.

14 ¶ After that I had passed by it, and was gone forward about thirty feet, behold there met me a certain virgin well adorned, as if she had been just come out of her bride-chamber; all in white, having on white shoes, and a veil down her face, and covered with shining hair.

15 Now I knew by my former visions that it was the church; and thereupon grew the more cheerful. She saluted me, saying, Hail, O man! I returned the salutation, saying, Lady, hail!

16 She answering, said unto me, Did nothing meet you, O man? I replied, Lady, there met me such a beast, as seemed able to devour a whole people; but by the power of God, and through his singular mercy, I escaped it.

17 Thou didst escape it well, said she; because thou didst cast thy whole care upon God; and openedst thy heart unto him; believing that thou couldst be safe by no other, than by his great and honourable name.

18 For this cause the Lord sent his angel, who is over the beast, whose name is Hegrin, and stopped his mouth that he should not devour thee. Thou hast escaped a great trial. through thy faith, and because thou didst not doubt for such a terrible beast.

19 Go, therefore, and relate to the elect of God, the great things that he hath done for thee. And thou shalt say unto them, that this beast is the figure of the trial that is about to

come.

20 If, therefore, ye shall have prepared yourselves, ye may escape it, if your heart be pure and without spot; and if ye shall serve