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

Now she had appeared to me, brethren, in the first vision in the former year as very old and sitting on a chair.

But in the second vision her face was younger, but her body and hair were old and she spoke with me standing; but she was more joyful than the first time.

But in the third vision she was quite young and exceeding beautiful and only her hair was old; and she was quite joyful, and sat on a couch.

I was very unhappy about this, and

wished to understand this revelation, and in a vision of the night I saw the ancient lady saying to me, Every request needs humility: fast therefore and you shall receive what you ask from the Lord.