The Shepherd of Hermas

For this reason you see that the tower has become one solid stone with the rock. So also those who believe on the Lord through his Son, and put on these spirits will become one spirit and one body, and the colour of their raiment will be one. And the dwelling of such as bear the names of the maidens is in the tower,

Why, Sir, said[*](The rejected stones) I, were the rejected stones rejected? For they came in through the gate and were put into the building of the tower by the hands of the maidens. Since, said he, you care for everything, and enquire accurately, listen concerning the rejected stones.

These, said he, all bore the name of the Son of God, and they also received the power of these maidens. By receiving these spirits, then, they were strengthened and were with the servants of God, and they had one spirit and one body, and one raiment, for they had the same mind, and wrought righteousness.

After some time, then, they were made disobedient by the women whom you saw clothed in black raiment, who had their shoulders bare, and their hair loose, and were beautiful. When they saw them they desired them, and put on their power, and put off the clothing and power of the maidens.

They were therefore rejected from the house of God and were handed over to those women. But those who were not deceived by the beauty of these women remained in the house of God. You have here, said he, the explanation of those who were rejected.

How will it then be. Sir, said I, if these men, such as they are, repent and put away tne lusts of these women, and return to the maidens and walk in their power and in their deeds? Will they not enter into the house of God?

They will enter, said he, if they put away the works of these women, and take back the power of the maidens and walk in their deeds. For this cause also there was a pause in the building, in order that, if they repent, they may go away into the building of the tower. But if they do not repent then others will enter and they will be finally rejected.

I thanked the Lord for all these things, that he had mercy on all who call upon his name, and sent the angel of repentance to us who have sinned against him, and renewed our spirit, even when we were already corrupted, and restored our life, when we had no hope of living.