25 And when they begin to repent
of their sins, then they call to
mind their works which they have
done amiss, and give honour to
God, saying, that he is a just
Judge, and they have deservedly
suffered all things according to
their deeds.

26 Then for what remains of
their lives, they serve God with a
pure mind; and have success in
all their undertakings, and receive
from the Lord whatever they desire.

27 And then they give thanks
unto the Lord that they were
delivered unto me; nor do they
suffer any more cruelty.

28 I said unto him; Sir, I entreat
you still to show me now one thing.
What, said he, dost thou ask?
I said unto him; Are they who
depart from the fear of God,
tormented for the same time that
they enjoyed their false delight
and pleasures? He answered me;
they are tormented for the same
time.

29 And I said unto him; They
are then tormented but little;
whereas they who enjoy their
pleasures so as to forget God,
ought to endure seven times as
much punishment.

30 He answered me; Thou art
foolish, neither understandest thou
the efficacy of this punishment.
I said unto him; Sir, if I understood
it, I would not desire you to tell me.

31 Hearken, said he, and learn
what the force of both is, both of
the pleasure and of the punishment.
An hour of pleasure is terminated
within its own space: but one hour
of punishment has the efficacy of
thirty days. Whosoever therefore
enjoys his false pleasure for one day,
and is one day, tormented; that one
day of punishment is equivalent to
a whole year's space.

32 Thus look how many days
any one pursues his pleasures, so
many years is he punished for it.
You see therefore how that the
time of worldly enjoyments is but
short; but that of pain and torments,
a great deal more.

33 I replied; Sir, forasmuch as
I do not understand at all these
times of pleasure and pain; I
entreat you that you would explain
yourself more clearly concerning
them. He answered me, saying;
Thy foolishness still sticks unto
thee.

34. Shouldst thou not rather
purify thy mind, and serve God?
Take heed, lest when thy time is
fulfilled, thou be found still
unwise. Hear then, as thou desirest,
that thou mayest the more easily
understand.

35 He that gives himself up one
day to his pleasures and delights,
and does whatsoever his soul desires,
is full of great folly, nor understands
what he does, but the day following
forgets what he did the day before.

36 For delight and worldly
pleasure are not kept in memory,
by reason of the folly that is rooted
in them. But when pain and torment
befall a man a day, he is in effect
troubled the whole year after;
because his punishment continues
firm in his memory.

37 Wherefore he remembers it
with sorrow the whole year; and
then calls to mind his vain pleasure
and delight, and perceives that for
the sake of that he was punished.

38 Whosoever therefore have
delivered themselves over to such
pleasures, are thus punished; because
that when they had life, they rendered
themselves liable to death.

39 I said unto him; Sir, what
pleasures are hurtful? He answered;
That is pleasure to every man
which he doth willingly.

40 For the angry man, gratifying
his passion, perceives pleasure
in it; and so the adulterer, and
drunkard; the slanderer and liar;
the covetous man and the defrauder;
and whosoever commits anything like
unto these, he followeth his evil
disposition, because he receives
a satisfaction in the doing of it.

41 All these pleasures and delights
are hurtful to the servants of God.
For these therefore they are tormented
and suffer punishment.

42 There are also pleasures that
bring salvation unto men. For many,
when they do what is good, find
pleasure in it, and are attracted
by the delights of it.

43 Now this pleasure is profitable
to the servants of God, and brings
life to such men; but those hurtful
pleasures, which were before mentioned,
bring torments and punishment.

44 And whosoever shall continue
in them, and shall not repent of
what they have done, shall bring
death upon themselves.

SIMILITUDE VII.

That they who repent, must bring forth,
fruits worthy of repent once.

AFTER a few days I saw the
same person that before talked
with me, in the same field, in
which I had seen those shepherds,
And he said unto me; What seekest
thou? Sir, said I, I came to entreat
you that You would command the
shepherd, who is the minister of
punishment, to depart out of my
house, because he greatly afflicts
me.

3 And he answered, It is necessary
for thee to endure inconveniencies
and vexations; for so that good angel
hath commanded concerning thee,
because he would try thee.

4 Sir, said I; What so great
offence have I committed, that I
should be delivered to this messenger?
Hearken, said he: Thou art indeed
guilty of many sins, yet not so
many that thou shouldest be
delivered to this messenger.

5 But thy house hath committed
many sins and offences, and therefore
that good messenger being grieved
at their doings commanded that for
some time thou shouldst suffer
affliction; that they may both
repent of what they have done, and
may wash themselves from all the
lusts of this present world.

6 When therefore they shall have
repented, and be purified, then that
messenger which is appointed over
thy punishment, shall depart from
thee.

7 I said unto him; Sir, if they
have behaved themselves so as to
anger that good angel, yet what
have I done? He answered: They
cannot otherwise be afflicted,
unless thou, who art the head
of the family, suffer.

8 For whatsoever thou shalt
suffer, they must needs feel it
but as long as thou shalt stand
well established, they cannot
experience any vexation.

9 I replied; But, sir, behold
they also now repent with all their
hearts. I know, says he, that they
repent with all their hearts; but
dost thou therefore think that their
offences who repent, are immediately
blotted out.

10 No, they are not presently;
but he that repents must afflict his
soul and show himself humble in
all his affairs, and undergo many
and divers vexations.

11 And when he shall have suffered
all things that were appointed for him;
then perhaps HE that made him, and
formed all things besides, will be
moved with compassion towards him,
and afford him some remedy; and
especially if HE shall perceive
his heart who repents, to be free
from every evil work.

12 But at present it is expedient
for thee, and for thy house, to be
grieved; and it is needful that
thou shouldst endure much vexation,
as the angel of the Lord who committed
thee unto me, has commanded.

13 Rather give thanks unto the
Lord, that knowing what was to
come he thought thee worthy, to
whom he should foretell that trouble
was coming upon thee, who art able
to bear it.

14 I said unto him; Sir, but be
thou also with me, and I shall
easily undergo any trouble. I will,
said he, be with thee; and I will
entreat the messenger who is set
over thy punishment, that he
would moderate his afflictions
towards thee.

15 And moreover thou shalt
suffer adversity but for a little
time; and then thou shalt again
be restored to thy former state;
only continue on in the humility
of thy mind.

16 Obey the Lord with a pure
heart; thou, and thy house, and
thy children; and walk in the
commands which I have delivered
unto thee; and then thy repentance
may be firm and pure.

17 And if thou shalt keep
these things with thy house, thy
inconveniencies shall depart from thee.

18 And all vexation shall in like
manner depart from those, whosoever
shall walk according to these commands.

SIMILITUDE VIII.

That there are many kinds of elect, and of
repenting sinners: and how all of these shall
receive a reward proportionable to the measure
of their repentance and good works.

AGAIN he showed me a willow
which covered the fields and
the mountains, under whose shadow
came all such as were called by
the name of the Lord.

2 And by that willow stood an.
angel of the Lord very excellent
and lofty, and did cut down bows
from the willow with a great
hook; and reached out to the people
that were under the shadow of the
willow, little rods, as it were
about a foot long.

3 And when all of them had
taken them, he laid aside his hook,
and the tree continued entire, as I
had before seen it; at which I
wondered, and mused within myself.

4 Then that shepherd said unto
me; Forbear to wonder that the
tree continues whole,
not-with-standing so many boughs have
been cut off from it: but stay a
little, for now it shall be shown
thee, what that angel means, who
gave those rods to the people.

5 So he again demanded the
rods of them; and in the same
order that every one had received
them, was he called to him, and
restored his rod; which when he
had received, he examined them.

6 From some he received them
dry and rotten, and as it were
touched with the moth; those he
commanded to be separated from
the rest, and placed by themselves.
Others gave in their rods dry
indeed, but not touched with the
moth: these also he ordered to be
set by themselves.

7 Others gave in their rods half
dry; these also were set apart,
Others gave in their rods half dry
and cleft; these too were set by
themselves. Others brought in
their rods half dry and half green,
and these were in like manner
placed by themselves.

8 Others delivered up their rods
two parts green, and the third
dry; and they too were set apart.
Others brought their rods two
parts dry, and the third green;
and were also placed by themselves.

9 Others delivered up their rods
less dry (for there was but a very
little, to wit, their tops dry), but
they had clefts, and these were set
in like manner by themselves. In
the rods of others there was but a
little green, and the rest dry; and
these were set aside by themselves.

10 Others came, and brought
their rods green as they had
received them, and the greatest
part of the people brought their
rods thus; and the messenger
greatly rejoiced at these, and they
also were put apart by themselves.

11 Others brought in their rods
not only green, but full of branches;
and these were set aside, being
also received by the angel
with great joy. Others brought
their rods green with branches,
and those also some fruit upon
them.

12 They who had such rods,
were very cheerful; and the angel
himself took great joy at them;
nor was the shepherd that stood
with me, less pleased with them.

13 Then the angel of the Lord
commanded crowns to be brought,
and the crowns were brought made
of palms; and the angel crowned
those men in whose rods he found
the young branches with fruit, and
commanded them to go into the
tower.

14 He also sent those into the
tower, in whose hands he found
branches without fruit, giving a
seal unto them. For they had the
same garment, that is, one white
as snow; with which he bade them
go into the tower And so he did
to those who returned their rods
green as they had received them;
giving them a white garment, and
so sent them away to go into the
tower.

15 Having done this, he said to
the shepherd that was with me,
I go my way; but do thou send
these within the walls, every one
into the place in which he has
deserved to dwell; examining first
their rods, but examine them
diligently that no one deceive thee;
and if any one shall escape thee,
I will try them upon the altar.
Having said this to the shepherd,
he departed.

16 After he was gone, the shepherd
said unto me; Let us take the rods
from them, and plant them; if
perchance they may grow green again.
I said unto him; Sir, how can those
dry rods ever grow green again?

17 He answered me; That tree.
is a willow, and always loves to
live. If therefore these rods shall
be planted, and receive a little
moisture, many of them will
recover themselves.

18 Wherefore I will try, and
will pour water upon them, and if
any of them can live, I will rejoice
with them; but if not, at least by
this means I shall be found not
to have neglected my part.

19 Then he commanded me to
call them; and they all came
unto him, every one in the rank
in which he stood, and gave him
their rods; which having received
he planted every one of them in
their several orders.

20 And after he had planted
them all, he poured much water
upon them, insomuch that they
were covered with water, and did
not appear above it. Then when
he had watered them, he said unto
me; Let us depart, and after a
little time we will return and visit
them.

21 For he who created this tree,
would have all those live that
received rods from it. And I hope
now that these rods are thus
watered, many of them receiving
in the moisture, will recover:

22 I said unto him, Sir, tell
me what this tree denotes? For I
am greatly astonished, that after
so many branches have been cut
off, it seems still to be whole:
nor does there any thing the less
of it appear to remain, which
greatly amazes me.

23 He answered, Hearken. This
great tree which covers the plains
and the mountains, and all the
earth, is the law of God, published
throughout the whole world.

24 Now this law is the Son of
God, who is preached to all the
ends of the earth. The people
that stand under its shadow, are
those which have heard his preaching,
and believed.

25 The great and venerable
angel which you saw, was Michael
who had the power over his people,
and governs them. For he has
planted the law in the hearts
of those who have believed: and
therefore he visits them to whom
lie has given the law, to see if
they have kept it.

26 And he examines every
one's rod; and of those, many that
are weakened: for those rods are
the law of the Lord. Then he discerns
all those who have not kept the law,
knowing the place of every one of them.

27 I said unto him, Sir, why
did he send away some to the
tower, and left others here to you?
He replied, those who have
transgressed the law, which they
received from him, are left in my
power, that they may repent of
their sins: but they who fulfilled
this law and kept it, are under his
power.

28 But who then, said I, are
those, who went into the tower
crowned? He replied, all such as
having striven with the devil, have
overcome him, are crowned: and
they are those, who have suffered
hard things, that they might keep
the law.

29 But they who gave up their
rods green, and with young
branches, but without fruit, have
indeed endured trouble for the
same law, but have not suffered
death; neither have they denied
their holy law.

30 They who delivered up their
rods green as they received them,
are those who were modest and
just, and have lived with a
very pure mind, and kept the
commandments of God.

31 The rest thou shalt know,
when I shall have considered those
rods which I have planted and
watered.

32 After a few days we returned,
and in the same place stood that
glorious angel, and I stood by him.
Then he said unto me; Gird thyself
with a towel, and serve me.

33 And I girded myself with
a clean towel, which was made of
coarse cloth. And when he saw
me girded, and ready to minister
unto him, he said, Call those men
whose rods have been planted,
every one in his order as he
gave them.

34 And he brought me into the
field, and I called them all,
and they all stood ready in their
several ranks. Then he said unto
them; let every one pluck up his
rod, and bring it unto me. And
first they delivered theirs, whose
rods had been dry and rotten.

35 And those whose rods still
continued so, he commanded to
stand apart. Then they came
whose rods had been dry but not
rotten. Some of these delivered.
in their rods green; others dry
and rotten, as if they had been
touched by the moth.

36 Those who gave them up
green, he commanded to stand
apart: but those whose rods were
dry and rotten, he caused to stand
with the first sort. Then came
they whose rods had been half
dry, and cleft: many of these
gave up their rods green, and
uncleft.

37 Others delivered them up
green with branches, like unto
theirs who went crowned into the
tower. Others delivered them
up dry, but not rotten; and some
gave them up as they were before,
all dry, and cleft.

38 Every one of these he ordered
to stand apart; some by themselves,
others in their respective ranks.

32 Then came they whose rods
had been green, but cleft. These
delivered their rods altogether
green, and stood in their own
order. And the shepherd rejoiced
at these, because they were all
changed, and free from their
clefts.

40 Then they gave in their rods,
who had them half green and
half dry. Of these some were
found wholly green, others half
dry: others green, with young
shoots. And all these were sent
away, every one to his proper
rank.

41 Then they gave up their
rods, who had them before two
parts green, and the third dry.
Many of those gave in their rods
green; many half dry; the rest
dry but not rotten. So these were
sent away, each to his proper
place.

42 Then came they who before
had their rods two parts dry and
the third green; many of these
delivered up their rods half dry,
others dry and rotten; others half
dry and cleft: but few green. And
all these were set every one in his
own rank.

43 Then they reached in their
rods, in which there was before
but a little green, and the rest
dry. Their rods were for the
most part found green, having
little boughs, with fruit upon
them; and the rest altogether
green.

44 And the shepherd upon sight
of these rejoiced exceedingly,
because he had found them thus;
and they also went to their
proper orders.

45 Now after he had examined
all their rods, he said unto me,
I told thee that this tree loved
life thou seest how many have
repented, and attained unto
salvation. Sir, said I, I see it.

46 That thou mightest know
saith he, that the goodness and
mercy of the Lord is great, and
to be had in honour; who gave
his spirit to them that were found
worthy of repentance.

47 I answered, Sir, why then
did not all of them repent? He
replied, Those whose minds the
Lords foresaw would be pure, and
that they would serve him with
all their hearts, to them he gave
repentance.

48 But for those whose deceit
and wickedness he beheld, and
perceived that they would not
truly return unto him; to them
he denied any return unto
repentance, lest they should again
blaspheme his law with wicked
words.

49 I said unto him; Now, Sir,
make known unto me, what is the
place of every one of those, who
have given up their rods, and
what their portion; that when
they may have not kept their seal
entire, but have wasted the seal
which they received, shall hear
and believe these thins, and may
acknowledge their evil deeds and
repent;

50 And receiving again their
seal from you, may give glory to
God, that he was moved with
compassion towards them, and sent
you to renew their spirits.

51 Hearken, said he; they
whose rods have been found
and rotten, and as it were touched
with the moth; are the deserters
and the betrayers of the church;

52 Who with the rest of their
crimes, have also blasphemed the
Lord, and denied his name when
he had called upon them. Therefore
all these are dead unto God
and thou seest that none of them
have repented, although they
have heard my commands which
thou hast delivered unto them.
From these men therefore life is
far distant.

53 They also who have delivered
up their rods dry, but not rotten,
have not been far from them. For
they have been counterfeits,
and brought in evil doctrines,
and have perverted the servants
of God, especially those
who had sinned; not suffering
them to return unto repentance,
but keeping them back by their
false doctrines.

54 These therefore have hope;
and thou seest that many of them
have repented, since the time
that thou hast laid my commands
before them; and many more
will yet repent. But they, that
shall not repent; shall lose both
repentance and life.

55 But they that have repented,
their place is begun to be within
the first walls, and some of them
are even gone into the tower.
Thou seest therefore, said he, that
in the repentance of sinners there
is life; but for those who repent
not, death is prepared.

56 Hear now concerning
those who gave in their rods half
dry and full of clefts. Those whose
rods were only half dry, are the
doubtful; for they are neither
living nor dead.

57 But they who delivered in
their rods, not only half dry but
also full of clefts, are both doubtful
and evil speakers; who detract from
those that are absent, and have
never peace among themselves,
and who envy one another.

58 Howbeit, to those also
repentance is offered; for thou
seest that some of these have
repented.

59 Now all those of this kind
who have quickly repented, shall
have a place in the tower; and
they who have been more slow in
their repentance, shall dwell within
the walls: but they that shall
not repent, and shall continue on
in their wicked doings, shall die
the death.

60 As for those who had their
rods green, but yet cleft; they
are such as were always faithful
and good, but they had some envy
and strife among themselves
concerning dignity and pre-eminence.

61 Now all such as are vain, and
without understanding, contend
with one another about these
things.

62 Nevertheless, seeing they
are otherwise good, if when they
shall hear these commands they
shall amend themselves, and shall
at my persuasion suddenly repent;
they shall at last dwell in the
tower, like those who have truly
and worthily repented.

63 But if any one shall again
return to his dissension; he shall
be shut out from the tower, and
shall lose his life. For the life
of those who keep the commandments
of the Lord, consists in doing
what they are commanded; not in
principality, or in any other
dignity.

64 For by forbearance and humility
of mind, men shall attain unto life;
but by seditions and contempt of the
law, they shall purchase death unto
themselves.

65 They who in their rods
had half dry and half green, are
those who are engaged in many
affairs of the world, and are not
joined to the saints. For which
cause half of them liveth, and
half is dead.

66 Wherefore many of these
since the time that they have
heard my commands, have repented,
and begun to dwell in the tower.
But some of them have
wholly fallen away; to these there
is no more place for repentance.

67 For by reason of their present
interests, they have blasphemed
and denied God: and for this
wickedness they have lost life.
And of these many are still in
doubt, yet these may return; and
if they shall quickly repent, they
shall have a place in the tower;
but if they shall be more slow,
they shall dwell within the walls;
but if they shall not repent, they
shall die.

68 As for those who had two
parts of their rods green, and the
third dry; they have by manifold
ways denied the Lord. Of these
many have repented, and found
a place in the tower: and many
have altogether departed from
God. These have utterly lost life.

69 And some being in a doubtful
state, have raise up dissensions:
these may yet return, if they
shall suddenly repent and not
continue in their lusts; but if
they shall continue in their
evil-doing they shall die.

70 They who gave in their
rods two parts dry, and the other
been, are those who have indeed
been faithful, but withal rich and
full of good things; and thereupon
upon have desired to be famous
among the heathen which are
without, and have thereby fallen
into great pride, and begun to
aim at high matters, and to
forsake the truth.

71 Nor were they joined to the
saints, but lived with the heathen;
and this life seemed the more pleasant
to them. Howbeit they have not
departed from God, but continued
in the faith; only they have
not wrought the works of faith.

72 Many therefore of these have
repented; and begun to dwell in
the tower. Yet others still living
among the heathen people, and
being lifted up with their vanities,
have utterly fallen away from
God, and followed the works and
wickedness of the heathen.
These kind of men therefore are
reckoned among strangers to the
Gospel.

73 Others of these began to be
doubtful in their minds; despairing
by reason of their wicked doings
ever to attain unto salvation
Others being thus made doubtful,
did moreover stir up dissensions.

74 To these therefore, and to
those who by reason of their doings
are become doubtful, there is still
hope of return; but they must repent
quickly, that their place may be in
the tower. But they that repent not,
and continue still in their pleasures,
are nigh unto death.

75 As for those who gave in
their rods green, excepting their
tops, which only were dry, and
had clefts; these were always
good, and faithful, and upright
before God: nevertheless they
sinned a little, by reason of their
empty pleasures and trifling
thoughts which they had within
themselves.

76 Wherefore many of them
when they heard my words,
repented forthwith, and began to
dwell in the tower. Nevertheless
some grew doubtful, and others
to their doubtful minds added
dissensions. To these therefore
there is still hope of return,
because they were always good;
but they shall not hardly be moved.

77 As for those, lastly, who
gave in their rods dry, their tops
only excepted, which alone were
green; they are such as have
believed indeed in God, but have
lived in wickedness; yet without
departing from God: having always
willingly borne the name of the
Lord, and readily received into
their houses the servants of God.

78 Wherefore hearing these
things they returned, and without
delay repented, and lived in all
righteousness. And some of them
suffered death: others readily
underwent many trials, being
mindful of their evil doings.

79 If And when he had ended
his explications of all the rods,
he said unto me, Go, and say unto
all men that they repent, and they
shall live unto God; because the
Lord being moved with great
clemency hath sent me to preach
repentance unto all:

80 Even unto those who by
reason of their evil doings, deserve
not to attain unto salvation. But
the Lord will by patient, and keep
the invitation that was made by
his Son.

81 I said unto him, sir, I hope
that all when they shall hear these
things, will repent. For I trust
that everyone acknowledging his
crimes, and taking up the fear
of the Lord, will return unto
repentance.

82 He said unto me, Whosoever
shall repent with all their
hearts, and cleanse themselves
from all the evils that I have
before mentioned, and not add
anything more to their sins,
shall receive from the Lord cure
of their former iniquities, if they do
not make any doubt of these commands,
and shall live unto God.

83 But they that shall continue
to add to their transgressions, and
still converse with the lusts of
the present world, shall condemn
themselves unto death. But do
thou walk in these commands, and
whosoever shall Walk in these, and
exercise them rightly, shall live
unto God.

84 And having showed me all
these things, he said; I will show
thee the rest in a few days.

SIMILITUDE IX.

The greatest mysteries of the militant and
triumphant Church which is to be built.

AFTER I had Written the Commands
and similitudes of the Shepherd,
the Angel of Repentance came unto
me, and said to me, I will show
thee all those things which the
Spirit spake with thee under
the figure of the church. For
that Spirit is the Son of God.

2 And because thou wert weak
in body, it was not declared unto
thee by the angel, until thou wert
strengthened by the Spirit, and
increased in force, that thou
mightest also see the angel:

3 For then indeed the building
of the tower was very well and
gloriously shown unto thee by the
church; nevertheless thou sawest
all things shown unto thee as it
were by a virgin.

4 But now thou art enlightened
by the angel, and yet by the same
Spirit. But thou must consider
all things diligently; for therefore
am I sent into thy house by that
venerable messenger, that when
thou shalt have seen all things
powerfully, thou mayest not be
afraid as before.

5 And he led me to the height
of a mountain in Arcadia, and we
sat upon its top. And he showed
me a great plain, and about it
twelve mountains in different
figures.

6 The first was black as soot.
The second was smooth, without
herbs. The third was full of
thorns and thistles. The fourth
had herbs half dried; of which
the upper part was green, but that
next the root was dry; and some
of the herbs, when the sun grew
hot, were dry.

7 The fifth mountain was very
rugged; but yet had green herbs.
The sixth mountain was full of
clefts, some lesser, and some
greater; and in these clefts grew
grass, not flourishing, but which
seemed to be withering.

8 The seventh mountain had
delightful pasture, and was wholly
fruitful; and all kinds of cattle,
and of the birds of heaven; fed
upon it; and the more they fed
on it, the more and better did the
grass grow.

9 The eighth mountain was full
of fountains, and from those
fountains were watered all kinds of
the creatures of Cod. The ninth
mountain had no water at all, but
was wholly destitute of it; and
nourished deadly serpents, very
destructive to men.

10 The tenth mountain was full
of tall trees, and altogether shady;
and under the shade of them lay
cattle resting and chewing the cud.

11 The eleventh mountain was
full of the thickest trees, and
those trees seemed to be loaded
with several sorts of fruits; that
whosoever saw them could not choose
but desire to eat of their fruit.

12 The twelfth mountain was
altogether white, and of a most
pleasant aspect, and itself gave a
most excellent beauty to itself.

13 In the middle of the plain
he showed me a huge white rock,
which rose out of the plain, and
the rock was higher than those
mountains, and was square; so
that it seemed capable of supporting
the whole world.

14 It looked to me to be old,
yet it had in it a new gate, which
seemed to have been newly hewn
out of it. Now that gate was
bright beyond the sun itself;
insomuch, that I greatly wondered
at its light.

15 About the gate stood twelve
virgins; of which four that stood
at the corners of the gate, seemed
to me to be the chiefest, although
the rest were also of worth: and
they stood in the four parts of the
gate.

16 It added also to the grace of
those virgins, that they stood in
pairs, clothed with linen garments,
and decently girded, their right
arms being at liberty, as if they
were about to lift up some burthen;
for so they were adorned, and were
exceeding cheerful and ready.

17 When I saw this, I wondered
with myself to see such great
and noble things. And again I
admired upon the account of those
virgins, that they were so handsome
and delicate; and stood with such
firmness and constancy, as if they
would carry the whole heaven.

18 And as I was thinking thus
within myself, the shepherd said
unto me; What thickest thou within
thyself? Why art thou disquieted,
and fillest thyself with care?

19 Do not seem to consider, as
if thou wert wise, what thou doest
not understand, but pray unto the
Lord, that thou mayest have ability
to understand it. What is to come
thou canst not understand, but
thou seest that which is before
thee.

20 Be not therefore disquieted
at those things which thou canst
not see; but get the understanding
of those which thou seest.

21 Forbear to be curious; and
I will show thee all things that I
ought to declare unto thee: but
first consider what yet remains.

22 And when he had said this unto
me I looked up, and behold I saw
six tall and venerable men coming;
their countenances were all alike,
and they called a certain multitude
of men; and they who came at their
call were also tall and stout.

23 And those six commanded
them to build a certain tower over
that gate. And immediately there
began to be a great noise of those
men running here and there about
the gate, who were come together
to build the tower.

24 But those virgins which stood
about the gate perceived that the
building of the tower was to be
hastened by them. And they
stretched out their hands, as if
they were to receive somewhat
from them to do.

25 Then those six men commanded,
that they should lift up stones
out of a certain deep place,
and prepare them for the building
of the tower. And there were
lifted up ten white stones, square,
and not cut round.

26 Then those six men called
the ten virgins to them, and
commanded them to carry all the
stones that were to be put into
the building, and having carried
them through the gate to deliver
them to those that were about to
build the tower.

27 Immediately the virgins began
all of them together to lift up
those stones, that were before
taken out of the deep.

28 And they who also stood about
the gate did carry stones in such
a manner, that those stones which
seemed to be the strongest were
laid at the corners, and the rest
were put into the sides;

29 And thus they carried all the
stones, and bringing them through
the gate delivered them to the
builders, as they had been
commanded: who receiving them
at their hands, built with them.

30 But this building was made
upon that great rock, and over the
gate; and by these the whole tower
was supported. But the building
of the ten stones filled the whole
gate, which began to be made for
the foundation of that tower.

31 After those ten stones did
five and twenty others rise up
out of the deep; and these were
placed in the building of the same
tower; being lifted up by those
virgins, as the others had been
before.

32 After these did fire and thirty
others rise up; and these were also
in like manner fitted into the same
work. Then forty other stones were
brought up, and all these were added
unto the building of that tower.

33 So there began to be four
ranks in the foundation of that
tower; and the stones ceased to
rise out of the deep; and they
also which built rested a little.

34 Again, those six men commanded
the multitude, that they should
bring stones out of those twelve
mountains to the building of the
same tower.

35 So they cut out of all the
mountains stones of divers colours,
and brought them and gave them to
the virgins; which when they had
received they carried them, and
delivered them into the building
of the tower.

36 In which when they were built
they became white, and different
from what they were before; for
they were all alike, and did
change their former colours.
And some were reached up by the
men themselves, which when they
came into the building, continued
such is they were put in.

37 These neither became white,
nor different from what they were
before; because they were not
carried by the virgins through
the gate. Wherefore these stones
were disagreeable in the building;
which, when these six men perceived
they commanded them to be removed,
and put again in the place from
which they were brought.

38 And they said to those who
brought these stones; Do not ye
reach up to us any stones for this
building, but lay them down by
the tower, that these virgins may
carry them and reach them to us.

39 For unless they shall be
carried by these virgins through
this gate, they cannot change their
colours: therefore do not labour
in vain.

40 So the building that day
was done; howbeit the tower was
not finished, for it was afterwards
to be built; therefore now also
there was some delay made of it.

41 And these six men commanded
those that built to depart, and
as it were to rest for some time;
but they ordered those virgins
that they should not depart from
the tower; so now they seemed
to me to be left for the guarding
of it.

42 When all were departed,
I said unto the shepherd; Sir,
why is not the building of the
tower finished? Because it cannot,
said he, be finished until its Lord
comes, and approves of the building;
that if he shall find any stones
in it that are not good they may
be changed; for this tower is built
according to his will.

43 Sir, said I, I would know
what the building of this tower
signifies; as also I would be
informed concerning this rock,
and this gate;

44 And concerning the mountains,
and the virgins, and the stones
that did rise out of the deep,
and were not cut, but put into
the building just as they came
forth; and why the ten stones
were first laid in the foundation;
then the twenty-five, then thirty-
five; then forty?

45 Also concerning those stones
that were put into the building,
and again taken out, and carried
back into their places? Fulfil, I
pray, the desire of my soul as to
all these things, and manifest all
unto me.

46 And he said unto me; If thou
shalt not be dull, thou shall
know all, and shall see all the
other things that are about to
happen in this, tower: and shall
understand diligently all these
similitudes.

47 And after a few days we
came into the same place where
we had sat before; and he said
unto me, Let us go unto the
tower; for the Lord of it will
come and examine it.

48 So we came thither, and
found none but those virgins there.
And he asked them whether the
Lord of that tower was come
thither? And they replied, that
he would be there presently to
examine the building.

49 After a very little while I
saw a great multitude of men
coming, and in the middle of them
a man so tall, that he surpassed
the tower in height.

50 About him were those six,
who before commanded in the
building, and all the rest of
those who had built that tower,
and many others of great dignity:
and the virgins that kept the tower
ran to meet him, and kissed him,
and began to walk near unto him.

51 But he examined the building
with so much care, that he handled
every stone; and struck every one
with a rod which he held in his hand:

52 Of which some being so struck
turned black as soot; others were
rough; some looked as if they had
cracks in them; others seemed maimed;
some neither black nor white; some
looked sharp, and agreed not with the
other stones, and others were full
of spots.

53 These were the several kinds
of those stones which were not
found proper in the building; all
which the Lord commanded to be
taken out of the tower, and laid
near it, and other stones to be
brought and put in their places.

54 And they that built, asked
him from which of the mountains
he would have stones brought to
put in the place of those that were
laid aside. But he forbad them
to bring any from the mountains,
and commanded that they should
take them out of a certain field
that was near.

55 So they digged in the field,
and found many bright square
stones, and some also that were
round. Howbeit, all that were
found in that field were taken
away, and carried through the
gate by those virgins; and those
of them that were square were
fitted and put into the places of
those that were pulled out.

56 But the round ones were not
put into the building, because they
were hard, and it would have
required too much time to cut them
but they were placed about the
tower, as if they should hereafter
be cut square, and put into the
building; for they were very
white.

57 When he who was chief in
dignity, and lord of the whole
tower saw this, he called to him
the shepherd that was with me,
and gave him the stones that were
rejected and laid about the tower,
and said unto him; cleanse these
stones with all care, and fit them
into the building of the tower, that
they may agree with the rest; but
those that will not suit with the
rest, cast away afar off from the
tower.

58 When he had thus commanded him,
he departed, with all those that
came with him to the tower but
those virgins still stood about
the tower to keep it.

59 And I said unto that shepherd;
How can these stones, seeing they
have been rejected, return into
the building of this tower?
He replied; I will cut off the
greatest part from these stones,
and will add them to the building,
and they will agree with the rest.

60 And I said, Sir, how will
they be able to fill the same place,
when they shall be so much cut
away? He answered; They that
shall be found too little shall be
put into the middle of the building,
and the greater shall be placed
without, and keep them in.

61 When he had said thus unto
me, he added; Let us go, and after
three days we will return, and
I will put these stones, being
cleansed, into the tower.

62 For all these that are about
the tower must be cleansed, lest
the master of the house chance to
come upon the sudden, and find
those which are about the tower
unclean; and be so exasperated
that these stones should never be
put into the building of this tower,
and I shall be looked upon to have
been unmindful of my master's
commands.

63 When therefore we came
after three days to the tower,
he said unto me; Let us examine
all these stones, and let us see
which of them may go into the
building. I answered, Sir,
let us see.

64 And first of all we began
to consider those which had been
black; for they were found just
such as they were when they were
pulled out of the tower: wherefore
he commanded them to be removed
from the tower and put by themselves.

65 Then he examined those
which had been rough; and commanded
many of those to be cut round, and
to be fitted by the virgins into
the building of the tower; so they
took them, and fitted them into
the middle of the building and
he commanded the rest to be laid
by with the black ones, for they
also were become black.

66 Next he considered those
which were full of cracks, and
many of those also he ordered to
be pared away, and so to be added
to the rest of the building, by the
came virgins.

67 These were placed without
because they were found entire;
but the residue through the
multitude of their cracks could
not be reformed, and therefore
were cast away from the building
of the tower.

68 Then he considered those
that had been maimed; many of
these had cracks, and were become
black; others had large clefts;
these he commanded to be placed
with those that were rejected;

69 But the rest being cleansed
and reformed, he commanded to
be put into the building. These
therefore those virgins took up,
and fitted into the middle of the
building, because they were but
weak.

70 After these he examined those
which were found half white and
half black, and many of those
which were now black; these also
he ordered to be laid among
those that were cast away.

71 The rest were found altogether
white; those were taken up by the
virgins, and fitted into the same
tower: and they were put in the
outside, because they were found
entire; that so they might keep
in those that were placed in the
middle, for nothing was cut off
from them.

72 Next he looked upon those
which had been hard and sharp;
but few of these were made use of,
because they could not be cut, for
they were found very hard: but
the rest were formed, and fitted by
the virgins into the middle of the
building, because they were more
weak.

73 Then he considered those
which had spots; of these a few
were found black, and they were
carried to their fellows. The rest
were white and entire; and they
were fitted by the virgins into the
building, and placed in the outside,
by reason of their strength.

74 After this he came to
consider those stones which were
white and round: and he said unto
me, What shall we do with these
stones? I answered, Sir, I cannot
tell.

75 He replied, Canst thou
think of nothing then for these?
I answered, Sir, I understand not
this art; neither am I a stone-cutter,
nor can I tell anything.

76 And he said, seest thou not
that they are very round? Now
to make them square, I must cut
off a great deal from them; howbeit,
it is necessary that some of these
should go into the building of the
tower.

77 I answered; If it be necessary,
why do you perplex yourself, and
not rather choose, if you have
any choice among them, and fit
them into the building.

78 Upon this he chose out the
largest and brightest, and squared
them; which, when he had done
the virgins took them up, and
fitted them into the building.

79 And the rest that remained
were carried back into the same
field from which they were taken;
howbeit, they were not cast away;
because, said he, there is yet a
little wanting to this tower, which
is to be built; and perhaps the
Lord will have these stones fitted
into this building, because they
are exceeding white.

80 Then there were called twelve
very stately women, clothed with
a black garment, girded, and their
shoulders free, and their hair
loose. These seemed to me to be
country women.

81 And the shepherd commanded
them to take up those stones
which were cast out of the building,
and carry them back to the mountains
out of which they were taken.

82 And they took them all up
joyfully, and carried them back to
their places from whence they had
been taken.

83 When not one stone remained
about the tower, he said unto
me, Let us go about this tower,
and see whether anything be
wanting to it.

84 We began therefore to go
round about it; and when he saw
that it was handsomely built, he
began to be very glad; for it was
so beautifully framed, that any one
that had seen it must have been in
love with the building.

85 For it seemed to be all but
one stone, nor did a joint any
where appear; but it looked as if
it had all been cut out of one rock.

86 And when I diligently
considered what a tower it was,
I was extremely pleased: and he
said unto me, Bring hither some
lime and little shells, that I may
fill up the spaces of those stones
that were taken out of the building,
and put in again; for all things
about the tower must be made even.

87 And I did as he commanded
me, and brought them unto him
and he said unto me, Be ready to
help me, and this work will quickly
be finished.

88 He therefore filled up
the spaces of those stones, and
commanded the place about the tower
to be cleansed.

89 Then those virgins took besoms,
and cleansed all the place around,
and took away all the rubbish,
and threw water on; which being
done, the palace became delightful,
and the tower beauteous.

90 Then he said unto me, All
is now clean if the Lord should
come to finish the tower, he will
find nothing whereby to complain
of us.

91 When he had said this he
would have departed. But I laid
hold on his bag, and began to
entreat him for the Lord's sake, that
he would explain to me all things
that he had shown me.

92 He said unto me, I have at
present a little business; but I
will suddenly explain all things
unto thee. Tarry here for me till
I come.

93 I said unto him, Sir, what
shall I do here alone? He answered,
Thou art not alone, seeing all
these virgins are with thee.

94 I said, Sir, deliver me then
unto them. Then he called them
and said unto them, I commend
this man unto you until I shall
come;

95 So I remained with those
virgins: now they were cheerful
and courteous unto me; especially
the four, which seemed to be
the chiefest among them.

96 Then those virgins said
unto me, that shepherd will not
return hither to-day. I said unto
them, What then shall I do? They
answered, Tarry for him till the
evening, if perhaps he may come
and speak with thee; but if not,
yet thou shalt continue with us
till he does come.

97 I said unto them, I will
tarry for him till evening; but if
he comes not by that time, I will
go home, and return hither again
the next morning.

98 They answered me, As thou
art delivered unto us, thou mayest
not depart from us. I said, Where
shall I tarry?

99 They replied, Thou shalt
sleep with us as a brother, not
as a husband; for thou art our
brother, and we are ready from
henceforth to dwell with thee;
for thou art very dear to us.

100 Howbeit I was ashamed to
continue with them. But she that
seemed to be the chiefest amongst
them, embraced me, and began
to kiss me. And the rest when
they saw that I was kissed by her,
began also to kiss me as a brother;
and led me about the tower, and
played with me.