LUX VERITAS

Library of Sacred Texts

Apocrypha · Chapter 107 of 114

The Shepherd of Hermas 107

Visions and Mandates

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“Hear,” he answered, “about all these also. The stones taken out of the plain and put into the building of the tower instead of those that were rejected, are the roots of this white mountain.

2When, therefore, they who believed from the white mountain were all found guileless, the Lord of the tower commanded those from the roots of this mountain to be cast into the building of the tower; for he knew that if these stones were to go to the building of the tower, they would remain bright, and not one of them become black. But if he had so resolved with respect to the other mountains, it would have been necessary for him to visit that tower again, and to cleanse it.

3Now all these persons were found white who believed, and who will yet believe, for they are of the same race. This is a happy race, because it is innocent. Hear now, further, about these round and shining stones. All these also are from the white mountain. Hear, moreover, why they were found round: because their riches had obscured and darkened them a little from the truth, although they never departed from God; nor did any evil word proceed out of their mouth, but all justice, virtue, and truth.

4When the Lord, therefore, saw the mind of these persons, that they were born good, and could be good, He ordered their riches to be cut down, not to be taken away for ever, that they might be able to do some good with what was left them; and they will live unto God, because they are of a good race. Therefore were they rounded a little by the chisel, and put in the building of the tower.”

Words in this chapter

What these words meant in the original — and where else they appear.

About The Shepherd of Hermas

Visions, commandments and parables received by a former slave in Rome, debating whether there is a second chance after grave sin. It was read as Scripture in several ancient churches. English text: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2, Shepherd of Hermas, F. Crombie, 1885 (public domain). Portuguese and Spanish: Lux Veritas translations from this edition.

Source: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2, Shepherd of Hermas, F. Crombie (1885) · public domain