The Shepherd of Hermas

Hermas

Hermas. The Apostolic Fathers with an English translation by Kirsopp Lake. In Two Volumes. Vol. II. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1913

Listen, said he, the name of the Son of God is great and incomprehensible, and supports the whole world. If

then the whole creation is supported by the Son of God, what do you think of those who are called by him, and bear the name of the Son of God, and walk in his commandments?

Do you see then whom he supports? Those who bear his name with their whole heart. He then was their foundation and he supports them joyfully, because they are not ashamed to bear his name.

Explain to me. Sir, said I, the names of the maidens, and of the women who are clothed in[*](The Maidens and the women clothed in black) black raiment. Listen, said he, to the names of the stronger maidens who stand at the corners.

The first is Faith, the second is Temperance, the third is Power, the fourth is Long-suffering, and the others who stand between them have these names:—Simplicity, Guilelessness, Holiness, Joyfulness, Truth, Understanding, Concord, Love. He who bears these names and the name of the Son of God, shall be able to enter into the Kingdom of God.