The Shepherd of Hermas

Their hearts will repent; yet have they no hope, but they have abandoned themselves and their life. But do you pray to God, and He shall heal the sins of yourself, and of all your house and of all the saints.

After she had spoken these words the Heavens[*](The vision of the ancient lady) were shut, and I was all shuddering and in grief. And I began to say in myself: If this sin is recorded against me, how shall I be saved? Or how shall I propitiate God for my completed sins? Or with what words shall I beseech the Lord to be forgiving unto me?

While I was considering and doubting these things in my heart I saw before me a white chair of great size made of snow-white wool; and there came a woman, old and clothed in shining garments with a book in her hand, and she sat down alone and greeted me: Hail, Hermas! And I, in my grief and weeping, said: Hail, Lady!

And she said to me: Why are you gloomy, Hermas? You who are patient and good-tempered, who are always laughing, why are you so downcast in appearance and not merry? And I said to her: Because of a most excellent lady, who says that I sinned against her.