The Shepherd of Hermas

After I had written this book the angel who[*](The final vision of the Angel) had handed me over to the shepherd came to the house in which I was, and sat on the couch, and the shepherd stood on his right hand. Then he called me and said to me:

I have handed you over, said he, and your house to this shepherd, that you may be protected by him. Yes, Sir, said I. If then, said he, you wish to be protected from all vexation and all cruelty, and to have success in every good work and word, and every virtue of righteousness, walk in his commandments, which he gave you, and you will be able to overcome all wickedness.

For, if you keep his commandments, all the lusts and delight of this world will be subject to you, but success in every good undertaking will follow you. Take his perfection[*](Literally ripeness .) and moderation[*](A translation either of σωφροσύνη or of εὐταξία = propriety of conduct, a word specially used by the Stoics.) upon you, and say to all that he is in great honour and dignity with the Lord, and that he is set in great power and powerful in his office. To him alone throughout all the world is given the power of repentance. Does he not seem to you to be powerful? But you despise his perfection and the modesty which he has towards you.