SIMIL. I.

1 ANd he said to me, know ye the Servants of the Lord to be detained in Pilgri­mage? For your City is far from this City; If therefore ye know your City in which ye are about to dwell, why do ye here buy fields, and prepare sumptuous things and buildings, and superfluous habitations? For he who getteth these things in this City, doth not bethink to return into his own CITY.

2 O foolish, O dubious and wretched man! Who dost not understand all these to be strange, and under the power of another, for the Lord of this City say­eth unto thee, either make use of my Laws, or depart out of my City.

3 Thou, therefore what wilt thou do, [Page 84] hast a Law in thine own City? What? willst thou be able for thy fields, or for any of thy furnitures, to deny thy LAW, which if thou shalt deny, and wouldest return into thy City, thou shalt not be re­ceived, but shalt be excluded thence.

4 See Therefore, that as one living a far off, thou gettest nothing more for thy self, then may be necessary and sufficient for thee; And be thou prepared least when the Lord of this City would expell thee, thou contradict his Law, and thou mayst go into thine own City, and mayst use thy Law without injury, Chearfull.

5 See ye therefore who serve God, AND HAVE HIM IN YOUR HEARTS, work ye the works of God, mindfull of his Commands and Promi­ses which he promised, and believe him that he will perform [them] to you, if ye shall keep his Commands.

6 For the fields therefore which ye would buy, redeem the souls out of neces­sities, even as every one is able, and ab­solve the Widows, judge for the Or­phanes, and in works of this sort spend your riches and wealths; For unto this hath the Lord inriched you, that ye may fulfill such like Ministries; Much [Page 85] better is it to do these things, then to buy fields and houses, because all [these] things shall perish in this world.

7 But what things thou shalt do for the Name of God, thou shalt find in thy City, and shalt have joy without heavi­nesse and fear; Therefore the Riches of the Nations do not ye desire, for they are pernitious to the Servants of God, but of your own which ye have, do these things by which ye may attain unto joy; And do not ye adulterate, nor touch ye the Wife of another, nor covet her, Covet after thine own work, and thou shalt be saved.

SIMIL. II.

1 WHen I walked into the field, and considered the ELM and the VINE, and thought within me of their fruits; An Angell appeared to me, and said to me, What dost thou think within thee? I said to him, I rea­son Lord of this Vine and Elm, because the fruits of them are comly.

2 And he said to me, These two Trees are placed for an example to the Servants [Page 86] of God. And I said to him, I would know Lord, the exemple of them which thou speakest of; Hear quoth he, Seest thou this Vine and this Elm? I see them quoth I, Lord; This Vine saith he, is fruitfull, But the Elm is a Tree without fruit, but this Vine unlesse it should be wrapped a­bout the ELM, and should rest upon it, it cannot make much fruit.

3 For lying in the earth, it yields bad fruits, because it hangeth not upon the Elm, but if the Vine should be hanged up­on the Elm, it giveth fruit both for it self and for the Elm; See therefore that the Elm yields no less fruit then the Vine, but rather more.

4 How, quoth I Lord, more then the Vine? Being hanged saith he on the Elm it yieldeth much, and good fruit; But lying on the earth, it yieldeth little and bad fruit; Therefore this Similitude is put to the servants of God; To the poor and to the rich, I answered, saying Lord demonstrate it to me.

5 Hear, quoth he, the RICH hath rich­es, but from the Lord he is poor for he is distracted about his riches and hath ver­ry little prayer to the Lord, and what he hath he hath it sluggish, and not having [Page 87] power, when therefore the rich affords the POOR what things are needfull for him; The poor prayeth to the Lord for the Rich, and God gives to the Rich all good things, because the poor is rich in prayer, and his prayer hath great pow­er with the Lord.

6 Then therefore the rich affordeth all things to the poor, because he percei­veth him to be heard by the Lord, and more willingly without dubitation he gives him all things, and takes care least any thing be wanting to him; The poor giveth thanks to God for the rich, be­cause they do a work before the Lord.

7 With men therefore the Elm is not thought to yield fruit, and they know not, neither understand that if fel­lowship shall be adjoyned to the Vine, also the Vine gives double fruit, both for it self and for the Elm: So also the poor praying for the rich to the Lord are heard, and their riches are augmented, because they afford to the poor of their riches.

8 They are therefore both consorts of their good works; Therefore whoso­ever shall do these things, shall not be deserted by the Lord, and he shall be [Page 88] written in THE BOOK OF LIFE; Therefore happy they that possesse, and perceive themselves to be inriched, for they who shall perceive this, shall be able to Minister something.

SIMIL. III.

1 HE shewed me many trees with leaves cast off, which to me seemed as if withered, for they were all alike; And he said to me, seest thou these trees? I see them quoth I, like to wither­ed ones; he answering said to me, these trees are for a similitude of them who stay in this world.

2 I answered, saying, why are they like unto withered ones? Because quoth he neither the just nor the unjust are known, but are alike in this world; For this world is to the just the WINTER, who are not known dwelling with sin­ners.

3 Even as in Winter all trees having cast their leaves are like unto dry ones, nor can it be known which are dry or which green; So also in this World nei­ther the just nor the unjust are known, but they are alike all.

SIMIL. IV.

1 HE shewd me again many trees, of which some sent forth leaves, others were withered; And he said to me, seest thou not these trees? I answered, I see Lord, some withered, others bear­ing leaves; These trees quoth he that are green, are the just which are about to dwell in the WORLD TO COME, for that world to come is the SUMMER to the just, but to the sinners WIN­TER.

2 Therefore when the tender mercy of the Lord shall shine forth, then shall they be declared who serve God, and they shall all be perspicuous; For as in the Summer the fruit of the Tree of what sort soever is declared, and is manifest; So also the deed of the just shall be declar­ed, and shall be manifest; And being also chearfull and rejoycing, they shall be re­stored in that world.

3 For the other Nations, to wit the sinners, even as the Trees which thou didest see withered, such are found dry and without fruit in that world, and as [Page 90] dry sticks, shall be burned, and shall become manifest, because they have done wickedly in all the time of their life; And therefore they shall be burnt up, because they have sinned, and of their sins have not done repentance. But also the rest of the Nations shall be burnt, because they have not acknow­ledged God their Creator.

4 Do thou therefore good fruit, that in the Summer thy fruit may be known; And ABSTAIN THEE FROM MANY IMPLOY­MENTS, and thou shalt omit no­thing, for whosoever do many busines­ses omit many things, because they are straitned about their imployments, and serve not to God.

5 For how can a man who serveth not to God, ask any thing from God and obtain it? For they that serve God, do ask and obtain their desires; And if any one meddle with one businesse, he shall be able to serve to God, because his mind is not alienated from the Lord, but in a pure mind he serves to God; Therefore if thou shalt do this, thou canst have fruit in the World to come; But also all [Page 91] who shall do these things, shall bear fruit.

SIMIL. V.

1 WHilest I fasted and sat on a certain Mountain, and gave thanks unto God for all that he had done with me; I see that SHEEP­HERD sitting next me, and saying to me, Why hast thou come hither so early in the morning? I answered, be­cause Lord I have a STATION, what is the Station quoth he? And I said, a FAST; and he said, what is that fast? As I was wont, quoth I, so fast I.

2 Ye know not quoth he, [how] to fast to God, neither is this a fast which ye fast, nothing profiting unto God; Why say I, dost thou so say Lord? For I say, this not to be a fast which ye think your selves to fast; But I will teach thee what is a compleat fast, and ac­ceptable to God.

3 Hear quoth he, The Lord doth not desire such a superfluous fast, for in so fasting thou performest nothing [Page 92] to righteousness; For the true fast is such a fast.

4 Thou must do nothing in thy life wickedly, but with a pure mind serve to God, keeping his Commands and going in his precepts, nor shalt thou admit an hurtfull desire in thy mind, but believe the Lord; These if thou shalt do, and shalt have his fear, and shalt abstain from every evil business, thou being about to live to God; These if thou shalt do, thou shalt accom­plish a great fast, and acceptable to the Lord.

5 Hear the similitude which I am about to tell thee, pertaining to a fast. A certain man having ground and many servants, in a certain place of his ground he planted a Vineyard to his Successors: After that going a far journey, he chused out the most faith­full servant whom he had, and apro­ve'd to him, and to him he assigned the Vineyard, Commanding that to the Vines he should joyn props, which if he should do and should finish his Command, he promised that he would give to the same man his Liber­ty.

[Page 93]6 Neither commanded he any other thing besides to him, which he should do in it, and so he went a far journey; but after that servant had taken care, he did whatsoever his Lord in joyned, and when he had propped that vineyard, and had taken heed, that it was filled with weeds, he began so to think with himself.

7 I have finished what my Lord had commanded me, I will now dig this vine­yard, and it shall be more beautiful when it shall be digged, and the weeds being extracted it shall yeild greater fruit, and shall not be choakt by weeds.

8 Having gone after that he digged it, and all the weeds which were in it he drew out, and so the vineyard became most beautiful, and sprightly, not choakt by weeds. But after a certain time his Lord cometh, and he went into his vine­yard, which when he had seen decently propped, and digged about, and the weeds extracted from it, and the vines to be joyous; for this deed he took joy of his Servant.

9 Having therefore adjoyned his Son whom he esteemed his heir, and most dear, and his friends whom he assembled in the Council, he declares these things that he [Page 94] had charged his Servant with to be done, what things he had done besides, but they forthwith gratulated that Servant, that he had acquired so full a testimony of his Lord.

10 After that he saith to them, I in­deed promised to this Servant his liberty if he should keep my command which I had given, and he hath kept it, and be­sides hath added a good work on the vine­yard which hath exceedingly pleased me; for this work therefore that he hath done I will make him co-heir with my Son, because when he had perceived what was good, he omitted not but did it.

11 This counsel of the Lord both his Son and his Friends approved of, to wit, that this Servant should be made co-heir with the Son; after that not many dayes, the Master of the Family having called together his Friends, sent of his supper to that Servant many viands.

12 Which when he had got, he took of them what was sufficient to him, but the rest be distributed to his fellow-servants, which being got they became joyful, and began to wish to him that he should obtein greater favour with the Lord, for these things which he had done to them.

[Page 95]13 All these when his Lord had heard, he took again exceeding great joy, and having called again his friends, and his Son, he declares to them the deed of his Servant of his victuals which he had sent to him; Therefore they so much the more assented to the Master of the Family, that that servant ought to be made co-heir with his Son.

14 I say to him, Lord, these similitudes I know not, nor can understand, unlesse thou expound them unto me; I will ex­pound all things to thee, quoth he, what­ever I shall speak with thee, or shall shew thee, keep the commands of the Lord, and thou shalt be approved, and shalt be wrote in the number of them that keep his commands.

15 But besides what the Lord hath commanded, if thou shalt adde something of good, thou shalt acquire greater dig­nity to thy self, and shalt be more ho­nourable with the Lord then thou wast a­bout to be; Therefore if thou shalt keep the commands of the Lord, and shalt also adde unto them these STATIONS, thou shalt rejoyce, especially if accor­ding to my injunction thou shalt keep them.

[Page 96]16 I say to him, whatever thou shalt en­joyn me Lord, I will keep, for I know thee to be about to be with me; I will quoth he, be with thee who hast such a purpose. But also I will be with all, whosoever have the same purpose This FAST, saith he, the commands of the Lord being kept, is ex­ceeding good.

17 So therefore thou shalt keep it; first of all, beware from every wicked and fil­thy word, and from every noxious desire, and purifie thy sense from all the vanity of this world, if thou shalt keep these things this shall be a just fast.

18 Therefore so thou shalt do, the things above-written being finished, in that day wherein thou shalt fast, thou shalt taste nothing at all, except bread and wa­ter, and compute the quantity of food, which the rest of the dayes thou wouldst eat, the cost of that day which thou wouldst have made, thou shalt lay up, and shalt give it to the widow and pupil, or to the needy, and so shalt thou consummate the humility of thy soul, that he who shall get of it, shall fill his soul, and for thee his prayer shall go to the Lord God.

19 So therefore, if thou shalt accomplish [Page 97] thy fast even as I enjoyn thee, thy sacri­fice shall be accepted by the Lord, and this thy fast shall be written. This station so acted is good, chearful, and accepted by the Lord. These things if thou shal keep with thy Children, and thy whole house, having kept them thou shalt be happy; and whosoever shall keep these things heard, they shall be happy, and whatsoever they shall ask from the Lord they shall obtein it.

20 And I prayed him that to me he would explain this similitude of the ground, and the Lord, and the vineyard, and of the Servant who had propped the vineyard, and the herbs which were ex­tracted from the vineyard, and of the Son, and of the friends which he called into Council; for I understood that to be a similitude.

21 He saith to me, thou art very bold to ask, for thou oughtest to ask nothing; for if it shall be fit to be demonstrated, it shall be demonstrated to thee; I say to him, Lord, what things soever thou shalt shew me, and shalt not declare them, in vain shall I see them, if I shall not understand what they are, and if thou shalt propose any similitudes, and shalt not expound [Page 98] them, in vain shall I hear them.

22 He answered me again, saying, who­soever is a Servant of God, and HATH THE LORD IN HIS INWARD PARTS, he asketh from him an In­tellect, and obteineth it, and every simi­litude he unfoldeth, and understands the words of the Lord, which need inquisiti­on, but whoso are sluggish and slow to pray, they doubt to ask of the Lord, see­ing he is a Lord of such profound good­nesse, that he affords all things without intermission to the askers from him.

23 Thou therefore who art confirmed by his MESSENGER, and hast re­ceived such a potent prayer, seeing thou art not sluggish, why now dost thou not ask an Intellect from the Lord, and get it; I say to him, while I may have thee present, it is necessary that from thee I ask and require, for thou shewest me all things, and speakest when thou art pre­sent.

24 For if without thee I should see these things, or hear them, then I should ask the Lord that he would shew them to me; And he answered, I had said to thee a little before, thee to be cunning and bold, who askest the solutions of similitudes; but [Page 99] because thou art so importunate, I will resolve thee this similitude which thou desirest, that thou mayest make it known to all.

25 Hear now, quoth he, and perceive in thy mind, that GROUND signifieth the world, which is put for a similitude; but the LORD of the ground is de­monstrated to be he who created all things and finisht them, and gave them power; but the SON is the holy Spirit, but that SERVANT is the Son of God, but the VINEYARD is the people whom he keepeth, but the PROPS are the Messengers who are set over by the Lord to gather in his people.

26 But the WEEDS which were pluckt out from the Vineyard, are the trespasses of the Servants of God; but the VICTUALS which he sent of his Supper, are the Commandments which by his Son he hath given to his people, but these FRIENDS whom he called in Counsel are the holy Angels whom he at first created; but the absence of that Master of the family, is the time which remains until his coming.

27 I say to him, Lord, magnificently and wonderfully, and honestly do all these [Page 100] things carry themselves; therefore can I be able to understand these Lord, quoth I? Indeed not any man besides, although he be very prudent, shall be able to under­stand these; but even now Lord demon­strate to me what I ask, ask what thou wilt, quoth he.

28 Why, quoth I, is the Son of God in this similitude put in a servile place? Hear, saith he, in a servile condition the Son of God is not put, but in great power and authority; And I said, how say I Lord, I understand not, because quoth he, to those whom he hath delivered to his Son, hath his Son set over MESSENGERS to preserve them all; but he hath labour­ed very much, and hath endured very much that he should abolish their tres­passes

29 For no Vineyard can be digged without labour and grief; therefore the sins of his people being blotted out, he himself hath shewed unto them the JOURNEYS OF LIFE, having given them the LAW which he had got from the Father; thou seest therefore him to be the Lord of the people, having got from his Father all power.

30 But why the Lord should adde in [Page 101] his counsel the son of his inheritance, and the good ANGELS? Because the Messenger heareth THAT HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH WAS INFU­SED FIRST OF ALL things IN THE BODY IN WHICH GOD SHOULD DWELL, for the IN­TELLECT hath placed it in the bo­dy, as it seemed to him.

31 Therefore this body into which the holy spirit is brought in, hath obeyed that spirit rightly, walking in modesty, and chastly, nor hath at all defiled that spirit, Therefore when that body had obeyed at every time the holy spirit rightly and chastly, and had laboured with it, nor had fainted at any time, that wearied bo­dy conversed servilely, but strongly with the holy spirit approved to God it was received.

32 Therefore its potent course of this sort pleased God, because it had not been Maculated in the earth, POSSES­SING IN IT SELF THE HO­LY SPIRIT IN COUNSEL. Therefore he called his Son and the good Messengers, to wit, that also to this body which hath served the holy Spirit with­out complaint, some place of remaining [Page 102] should be given, least it should seem to have lost the reward of its servitude.

33 For every Body found pure and without spot shall receive a reward, IN WHICH TO DWEL IN, THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS CON­STITUTE. Thou hast also the ex­position of this similitude. I have percei­ved quoth I, thy will, Lord, having heard this exposition. Hear further saith he,

34 Keep this thy body pure and clean, that THAT SPIRIT WHICH INHABITETH IN IT may bear testimony to it, and may be judged to have been with thee. And also see thou, least at any time thou be perswaded to de­stroy this body, & do abuse it in any lust.

35 For if thou shalt defile thy body, thou shalt defile also at the same time the HOLY SPIRIT also, and if thou shalt maculate thy body thou shalt not live. And I said, What if through any ig­norance that hath been committed, be­fore that these words were heard? by what means attaineth he unto safety who hath defiled his body?

36 To the former things, quoth he, which they have committed througe ignorance, only God can afford a remedy, for his is [Page 103] all power. But now keep thy self, & seeing the Lord is omnipotent and merciful, he shall grant remedy to thy former trespas­ses if for the future thou defile not thy BODY and SPIRIT, for they are both Comsorts, and ANY OF THE TWO IS NOT TAINTED WITH­OUT THE OTHER. Therefore keep both of them clean, and thou shalt LIVE TO GOD.

SIMIL. VI.

1 WHile I sat at home, and glori­fied the Lord for all that I had seen, and thought of his Commands, them to be exceeding good, and great and honest and gladsom, and which can bring the safety of men, within my selfe these things I said, Happy shall I be if I shall walk in these Commands, and whosoever shall walk in these, shall LIVE TO GOD.

2 These things whilest I was speaking with my self, I see him whom also before, sitting beside me, and saying these things to me, Why doubtest thou of my Com­mands which I have in joyned thee? they [Page 104] are good, thou shalt doubt nothing at all, but put on the Faith of the Lord, and thou shalt walk in them; for I in them will give thee strength.

3 These Commands are profitable to them who of their fore-done sins are a­bout to do repentance, if for the future they shall walk in them. Therefore who­soever do repentance, Cast off from you the naughtinesse of this World, but put ye on all virtue and equity, and ye shall be able to keep these Commands, nei­ther hereafter sin ye.

4 For if after this ye SIN NOT, very much of the former [sins] shall ye cut off; in my Commandments walk ye and ye shall live to God. These things by we are spoken to you.

5 After he had spoke, these things with me, He saith to me, let us go into the field and I will shew thee the SHEEP­HERDS of the sheep. Let us go, quoth I Lord, And we came into a certain field, and there he shewed me a youthful sheep­herd clothed in an upper scarlet coat, of the colour of his cloaths.

6 But he fed plentious sheep, and these sheep were as it were in pleasures, and many delights, and they exulted [Page 105] with Joy, and leaping did run hither and thither; And the sheepherd himself ex­ceedingly took delight of his flock, and the countenance of that sheepherd was very chearful, running among the sheep.

7 The Angel saith to me, But seest thou this sheepherd? I see him, quoth I, Lord, And he said to me, He is the Messenger of inticements, sweetnesse and pleasure; he therefore corrupts the minds of the ser­vants of God, and turns them away from the TRUTH, delighting them with lusts, and they perish, for they forget the Commands of the living God, they con­verse in luxuries & in vain delights, and they are corrupted by this evil MES­SENGER, some even until death, but others even until falling back.

8 I say unto him, Lord I understand not what is UNTO DEATH and what, unto falling back; Hear quoth he, what­ever sheep thou sawest very joyous and leaping are they who have for ever de­parted from God, and have given up themselves to the desires of this world, to them therefore there is not a returning by repentance to life, because they have added certain things to their other trans­gressions, and have reviled the NAME [Page 106] of the Lord with hainous words; This sort of men are designed to death.

9 But what sheep thou sawst not ex­ulting, but feeding in one place; These are they who have indeed delivered themselves to delights and pleasures, but have spoken nothing hainous against the Lord; Therefore these have fallen away from the Truth, and therefore they have as yet a hope reserved of life in Repen­tance, for defection hath some hope of re­novation, but death shall be detain'd in perpetual destruction.

10 Again, we went forwards a little, and he shewed me a great Sheepherd, and having as it wer an agrestick counte­nance, cloathed with a white Goat skin, carrying a bag in his shoulder, and in his hand a rod knotty and exceeding hard, and a whip in his hand, but he had a cruell and fierce look, that he could terrifie any one such was his aspect.

11 He therefore did take from that young Sheepherd these sheep which in­deed excercised delights, but did not leap; And he drove them into a certain steep place, and thorny, and filled with thistles, so much that from the thorns [Page 107] and thistles they could not unfold them­selves; But being involved there they were fed [among] thorns and thistles.

12 And heavy vexations did they feel from his WORDS, for he tossed them, neither also did he grant to them a place of standing before a time; There­for when I saw them to be so scourged, and to experience miseries, I grieved for them because they were greatly torment­ed, nor was any rest granted to them.

13 I say to the Sheepherd who was with me, who is this so implacable Sheep­herd Lord, and so bitter, who by no means is moved with compassion towards these sheep; This Sheepherd, quoth he, is indeed a messenger for the just, but set over to punishment; To him therefore are they delivered who have gone astray from God, and have served the desires and pleasures of this world; Therefore he punisheth them even as every one of them hath deserved, with cruel and va­rious punishments.

14 I would know, quoth I, Lord these va­rious punishments of what sort they are; Here saith he: the various pains, and tor­ments are these which men daily in their life undergo, for some suffer losses, others [Page 108] poverty, others divers diseases, some in­constancy, others suffering injuries from unworthy men, and many other exerci­ses and discommodities; for very many by unconstant counsel endeavour many things, nor doth any thing conduce to them, and they say themselves not to have successe in their doings, these things which they have wickedly acted, come into their minds, and do excuse the Lord.

15 Therefore when they shall have suf­fered every vexation, and every discom­modity, then they are delivered to me for good admonition, and they are con­firmed in the Faith of the Lord, and throughout the rest of the days of [their] life they serve to God in a pure mind; and when they shall begin to do repent­ance of their iniquiries, then their works ascend up in their INWARD PARTS, in which they have exercised themselves wickedly.

16 And then they give to God the ho­nour, saying him to be a just Judge, and themselves to have deservedly suffered all things according to their deeds. But for the remainder, they serve God with a pure mind, and they have successe in all their [Page 109] imployments, receiving from the Lord whatsoever they required; and then they give thanks to the Lord that they are delivered to me, nor do now indure any cruelty.

17 I say to him, even now Lord demon­strate to me; What inquirest thou, quoth he, I said to him, Whither for the same time shall they be vexed, who de­part from the Fear of God, how much they shall use the false sweetness and plea­sures? He saith to me, for the same time also they are vexed; And I said to him, A small [time] then are they vexed, but it behoved these who do so injoy plea­sures that they forget the Lord, to suffer seven times as much of punishments.

18 He saith to me, thou art foolish, nor understandest the power of this punish­ment. And I said, for if I understood, Lord, I would not ask that thou shouldst demonstrate it to me; Hear, quoth he, how great is the force of both the sweetnesse and pleasure. One hour of sweetness ends in its own space, but one hour of punish­ment retains the force of thirty dayes.

19 Therefore whosoever in one day receives the fallacious sweetnesse & plea­sure, & in one day is vexed, the day of his [Page 110] vexation shall have the force of a years space. Therefore how many dayes any one shall receive pleasure, by so many years is he vexed; Thou seest therefore, quoth he, the time of worldly sweetnesse and pleasure to be small, but of punish­ment and of torments, more.

20 I said to him, Lord, because I under­stand not all these TIMES of sweet­nesse, pleasure, and pain, expound thou more clearly to me of these; He answered me, saying, Thy foolishnesse inhereth in thee constantly, wilt thou not rather pu­rifie thy mind and serve to God; see, least perhaps the time being finished, thou be found unwise.

21 Hear now even as thou wilt, where­by thou mayst more easily understand. He who one day shall commit himself to de­lights and pleasures, and shall do what­soever his soul desireth, he is filled with very much folly, neither understands he what he committeth, and the day suc­ceeding he forgets what he had done the day before, for sweetnesse and pleasure have no remembrance, because of the folly which is rooted in them.

22 But when one day there shall hap­pen to a man vexation and pain, he is [Page 111] tormented the whole year, for great me­mory doth punishment possesse; therefore the whole year grieving, he remembers, and then he remembreth that vain sweet­nesse and pleasure, and he perceives for that himself to suffer punishments.

23 Whosoever therefore shall deliver themselves to sweetnesse and pleasure, so they are punished; because having LIFE they render themselves obnoxious to death; I said to him, What Lord are the hurtful pleasures? To every man, quoth he, that is PLEASURE, whatsoever he doth willingly, for the angry man sa­tisfying his manners, receiveth his plea­sure, and the Adulterer, and Drunkard, and Defamer, and Lyar, and Covetous, and Fraudulent, and who ever commits ought like to these, obeying his disease, he receives out of that thing pleasure.

24 All these sweets and pleasures are noxious to the Servants of God, because of these therefore are they vexed, and suffer punishments; There are also plea­sures bringing safety to men, for many doing the works of goodnesse, take plea­sure, drawn with their sweetnesse.

25 Therefore this pleasure is profitable to the Servants of God, and it gets life [Page 112] to men of this sort, but these evil ones which were spoken before, beget torments and pains; but whosoever shall remain in them, nor of their trespasses shall act Re­pentance, they will acquire to themselves DEATH.

SIMIL. VII.

1 AFter a few dayes I see him in that field in which I had seen these Sheepherds before; And he saith to me, What enquirest thou? I came, quoth I, to entreat thee, Lord, that thou command that Sheepherd set over to punishment, to go out of my house, because he vehement­ly afflicteth me; And answering, it is need­ful, quoth he, that thou suffer discommo­dities and vexations, for so that good Messenger commanded concerning thee, because he will try thee.

2 What so hainous sin, quoth I, Lord, have I committed, that I should be deli­vered to this Messenger? Attend, saith he: Thou hast indeed very many sins, but not so many that thou oughtest to be de­livered to this Messenger, but many ini­quities and transgressions hath thy house [Page 113] committed, and therefore that good Messenger stirred up with their deeds, hath commanded them a certain [space] of time to experience vexation, that also they of their trespasses may act Repen­tance, and may wash themselves from all the lust of this world; Therefore when they shall have done Repentance, and shall be purified, then that Messenger shall depart from thee, who is set over to punishment.

3 I say to him, Lord, if they have so carried [themselves] that they have ex­asperated the good Messenger, what have I done? He answering saith, otherwise they cannot suffer torment, unlesse thou who art the HEAD of the whole house dost labour; for whatsoever thou shalt suffer, it must needs be that they also feel it, but as long as thou shalt be well establish­ed, they can experience no vexation.

4 And I said, but also behold now Lord they do Repentance with their whole hearts; And I know, quoth he, them to act Repentance with all their hearts; dost thou therefore forth-with think saith he, their transgressions to be abolished, who do Repentance?

5 Not forthwith immediately, but it [Page 114] becomes him who doth Repentance, to afflict his soul, and make himself humble in mind, in every businesse, and to suffer many and various vexations; and when he shall have suffered all things which shall be appointed him, then perhaps he who created him, and who formed all things, shall be moved towards him with his clemency, and shall give some remedy, and that, so if he shall see his heart, who doth Repentance to be pure from every most wicked work.

6 But for thee and for thine house it is expedient now to be vexed, and it is needful to undergo much vexation, even as the Messenger of the Lord enjoyned, who delivered thee unto me; but rather give thou thanks to the Lord, that fore­knowing the thing to come, he hath e­steemed thee worthy, to whom he should foretell the tribulation to be at hand to those that can be able to sustein it.

7 I say to him, and be thou with me, Lord, and I shall easily sustein all vexati­on, I quoth he, will be with thee, but also I will entreat that Messenger who is set over to punishment, that he may more lightly afflict thee, but also in a little time thou shalt undergo the adverse things, [Page 115] and again in thy place shalt be restored; onely in the humility of mind persevere thou.

8 Obey the Lord in a pure mind, and thy house, and thy sons, and in his com­mands walk thou, which I enjoyned thee, and thy repentance shall be able to be firm, and pure, and if these thou with thy house shalt keep, the discommodities shall depart from thee, but also from all whosoever in these Commandments shall walk, every vexation shall depart.

SIMIL. VIII.

1 HE shewed me a willow covering the fields and mountains, under whose shadow all these came who were called in the NAME of the Lord; and besides that willow stood the Messenger of the Lord exceeding illustrious and eminent, and did cut with a great hook from that willow, branches, and held forth to that people who was under the shaddow of that willow, small, and as it were rods of a cubit long.

2 But after that they had all gotten them, he laid down the hook, and that [Page 116] tree remained whole, even as before I had seen it, which thing I admired, and disputed within me: That Sheepherd saith to me, cease to wonder, that that whole tree, the branches being cut off should remain whole, but expect thou now it shall be demonstrated to thee what that Angell may signifie, which stretched forth the rods to the people.

3 And asked them from them again, and in what order every one had taken them, in the same also was he called to him, and restored the rods, which when he had got, he considered; for from some he received them withered and putrid, as if touched by the moth; and he comman­ded these who had delivered this sort of rods, to be separate, and set by them­selves; others offered them withered in­deed, but not touched by the Moth, and these he commanded to be set a­side.

4 Others offered half-withered rods, and these also were set by themselves. But some gave their rods half withered, and having rents, and these were set aside; others brought their rods, of whom the half part was withered, but the [other] half green, and these were set aside; [Page 117] others brought their rods of whom two parts were green, but the third withered, and these were set aside.

5 Others brought their rods of whom two parts were withered, but the third green, and these were set aside; Some of­fered their rods a little withered (for a very little was withered in their rods, that is the very top) but they had rents, and these were set aside; but in the rods of others there was a little green, but the rest withered, and these were set aside.

6 Others came bringing their rods as they had got them, green, and the grea­test part of the people brought rods of this sort, and of these this Messenger took great joy, and these were set aside; others brought their rods green, and having blossoms, and these were set aside, and these also that Messenger received with great joy.

7 Others brought their rods green, out of which their blossoms budded forth, wch blossoms bare certain fruits; they that brought this sort of rods were exceeding chearful of countenance, but also the Messenger himself indeed took great de­light of them, no lesse that Sheepherd for the same cause took pleasure.

[Page 118]8 Then the Messenger of the Lord commanded Crowns to be brought, but there were brought Crowns as if made of Palms, and the Messenger crowned these men in whose rods he had found blos­soms and fruit, and commanded them to go into the TOWER.

9 But also these men he sent into the Tower, in whose rods without fruit he had found blossoms, having given them [his] SEAL, for they had the same vesture, that is white as snow, with which he commanded them to go into the Tow­er; no less also these who had restored their rods, even as they had got them green, having given them a white vesture, and so he sent them away to go into the Tower.

10 These things being finished he saith to that Sheepherd, I go, but send thou these within the walls in that place where­in every one hath merited to dwell; ha­ving first considered their rods diligently, notwithstanding least any deceive thee, consider thou, but also if any one shall get by, quoth he, I will try them upon the ALTAR.

11 These things being said to the Sheep­herd, he departed, after he had departed [Page 119] the Sheepherd saith to me, Let us take the rods from all, and let us plant them, if they can flourish again. I say to him, Lord, these that are withered rods, how can they re-flourish? He saith to me, that tree is a WILLOW, and it alwayes loves Life; Therefore if these rods shall be planted, and should receive a little of moisture, very many of them will re-flou­rish; for I will try, and will pour under them water, and if any of them can live I will gratulate it, but if not, surely I shall not seem to have been negligent.

12 After that he commanded me to call them, and as every one of them stood they came in their own order, and deli­vered their rods, whom having gotten, he planted every one of them in their orders, and after he had planted them he poured much water upon them, so that they were covered by the water, nor stood out of it.

13 After that when he had watered them, he saith to me, let us go, and after a few dayes let us return, let us visit them, for he who created this Tree WOULD HAVE ALL THESE TO LIVE who have taken thereof rods; but I hope seeing these rods are poured upon with [Page 120] water, many [of them] are about to live, having taken moisture.

14 I say to him, this Tree, Lord, demon­strate to me what it is, for I am greatly moved, that so many branches being cut off, it seems to be whole, nor doth any thing of it seem to be lesse, in which I am greatly amazed.

15 Hear, quoth he, this great Tree which covereth the fields and the mountains, and the whole earth, is the LAW of God GIVEN UNTO THE WHOLE WORLD; But by this law the SON of God is preached in all the ends of the globe of the Earth, but the PEOPLE standing beneath its shaddow, are these who have heard his Preachings and have BELIEVED.

16 But that MESSENGER mag­nificent and good, is MICHAEL, who of this people hath power, and governs them, for he INSERTETH THE LAW IN THEIR HEART, who have believed; Therefore he visiteth them to whom he hath given the law, if they have kept it; but he seeth the rod of every one, and of them many faulty, for these RODS of the Lord are the LAW.

[Page 121]17 But after that he knows all those who have not kept the Law, knowing the seat of every one of them; I say unto him, Why, quoth I, Lord, sent he some into the Tower, others left here to thee? these quoth he, whosoever have transgressed the law which from him they got, are left in my power, that of their trespasses they may do Repentance, but who have satis­fied the law, and have kept it, are under his power.

18 Who are they therefore Lord, quoth I, going in CROWNED into the Tower? He saith to me, Whosoever ha­ving wrestled with the devil have OVER­COME HIM, these are crowned. But they are these, who that they might keep the Law, have suffered iniquous things; But these who delivered their GREEN rods, and having BLOSSOMS with­out fruit, have indeed for the same law sustained vexation, but have not suffered Death, but neither have they denied the Holy Law.

19 But these who delivered them GREEN as they GOT them, are the MODEST and Just, and they have li­ved in an exceeding PURE MIND, and have kept the Commands of God; [Page 122] But the rest thou shalt know when I shall consider these rods which I have planted and watered.

20 But after a few dayes we returned, and in that same place sat that Magnifi­cent Messenger, but I stood by him; Then he saith to me, Gird thee about with a gir­dle, and minister unto me. I girded me about with a clean girdle which was made of sack-cloth, but as soon as he saw me girded, and prepared to minister unto him, he saith,

21 C [...]ll these men whose rods are plan­ted, every one in his own order, as they gave them, and he led me into the field, and I called them all, who also all of them stood in their own orders. After that he said to them, let every one pluck up his own rod, and bring it to me.

22 And first they delivered them who had withered and putrid ones, and whose rods were found putrid and withered, he commanded these to stand aside. Af­ter that they gave, who had them wither­ed indeed, but not putrid; some of these gave green rods, but some withered and putrid ones, as if touched by the moth; These who had delivered them green he commanded to stand apart, but those that delivered them arrid and putrid, he [Page 123] commanded to stand with the first.

23 After that these gave who had had them half withered and having rents; many of these gave them green, nor ha­ving rents; but some green having blos­soms, and in the blossoms fruit, even as those who had gone into the Tower crowned. Others offered them withered and rotten: but some as they were half withered, and having rents he comman­ded every one of these to stand apart, some every one in his own order, others apart.

24 After that they offered, who had their rods indeed green, but having rents. All these delivered them green, and stood in their own order; But this sheep­herd took delight of them that all of them were polished, and had put off their rents. After that they offered, who had the half green, and the half withered, but of some there were found all green, of others half withered, of others green and having blossoms, all these were sent every one to his own order.

25 After that they who had two parts of the Rods green and the third wither­ed, many of these gave them green, ma­ny half withered, but the rest withered [Page 124] but not putrid, all these were sent every one into his own order; Afterward they gave who had had in their rods two parts withered, and the third green; many also of them offered half withered ones, but some withered and putrid, but others half withered and having rents, but few green; Therefore all these stood every one in his own order.

26 After that they gave who had had the third green, but the rest withered; the rods of these for the greater part were found green, having little branches, and in these little branches fruit, and the rest all green; Of these rods that sheepherd exceedingly took delight, because so he should find them; and also they went a­way into their orders

27 But after he had considered all their rods, he saith to me, I had said to thee this tree to love LIFE; Thou seest that many have done repentance and have attained Salvation; I see quoth I, Lord. That thou mayst know, quoth he, the good­nesse and clemency of the Lord to be great and honourable, who hath GI­VEN [his] SPIRIT TO THOSE WHO WERE WORTHY to do Repentance.

[Page 125]28 And I said, why therefore Lord have not all done Repentance? He saith to me, whose mindes the Lord had seen about to be pure, and they about to serve him from their whole hearts, to them he hath offered Repentance; but them whose deceit and wickednesse he hath beheld, and hath taken notice that they were about to return to him deceit­fully, he hath denied a regresse unto them to Repentance; least again they should curse the LAW with these hai­nous words.

29 ‘I say to him, now Lord demonstrate un­to me what that place is to every one of them, who restored their rods, and their seats; that these things being heard and be­lieved, these who have not kept whole, but have broke in pieces the SEAL which they have got, having known their deeds, may act Repentance; and having got from thee a seal, may give the honour to the Lord, that he is moved with his clemency over them, and hath sent thee that thou mayst renew their spirits.’

30 Hear quoth he, these whose rods were found dry and putrid, and as if touched by the moth; these are the fugitives, be­trayers of the Church, who amongst [Page 126] their other iniquities, with hainous words, having reviled the Lord, have denied his NAME, which upon them was invoked; All these therefore are dead to God; and also thou seest none of them to have done Repentance, al­though they heard my Commandments, which thou hast brought unto them, therefore from this sort of men life is gone away.

31 Likewise these who delivered them withered and not putrid, were not far from them, for they were feigned, and brought in evil doctrines and perverted the servants of God, chiefly those who had sinned, not suffering them to return to repentance; but detaining them with foolish doctrines, these therefore have a regress unto hope, and also thou seest many to do repentance since thou hast brought forth my commands to them, and as yet they will act Repentance; but whosoever shall not have acted repent­ance, they shall loose both repentance, and their life.

32 But these who have done [Repent­ance] at first, the wall hath begun to be their seat, even those who have not a­scended into the Tower; thou seest [Page 127] therefore quoth he, in the repentance of sinners, life to be inherent; but of those that do not repentance, death prepared.

33 But of those who offered half wi­thered rods, and [who] had CLEFTS hear thou; whose rods were only half withered, these are the doubtful, for they were neither alive nor dead, but these who gave half withered ones, and having Clefts, are both the DOUBT­FULL, and the revilers, backbiting the absent, and never among themselves having peace; envying among them­selves, and to these indeed is Repent­ance proposed, for thou seest of these some to repent; But whosoever of them have swiftly done Repentance, these have a seat in the Tower; but they who have slowly done it, dwell in the Walls: But who have not done Repentance, but in their own deeds have continued, shall die with Death.

34 But they who delivered indeed green rods, but having clefts, were al­waies faithful and good; but having a­mong themselves a certain envy and con­tention of principality and dignity, notwithstanding all of this sort are un­wise and foolish, who have among them­selves [Page 128] emulation concerning Principali­ty, But yet these seeing they are other­wise good, if having heard these Com­mands, they shall amend themselves, and suddenly by (thy) perswasion shall do Repentance, in the Tower at length they shall begin to dwell, even also as these who have worthily done Repent­ance.

25 But if any of them again shall re­turn to dissention, he shall be beaten back from the Tower, and shall loose his LIFE, for their LIFE who keep the the Commands of the Lord, CON­SISTETH IN COMMAND­MENTS, NOT IN PRINCI­PALITY, OR ANY DIGNI­TY, for by patience and humility of soul men attain life; but by sedition and con­tempt of the LAW, they acquire death to themselves.

36 But they who in their rods had the half withered, and the half green; these are those involved in negotiations, and not joyned to the Saints, and therefore also the half of them live, but the [o­ther] half is dead; therefore many of these having heard the Commandments, have done Repentance, and have begun [Page 129] to dwell in the Tower, but some of them have wholly fallen away; to these there­fore there is not a place of repentance.

37 For by their negotiation, they have spoken hainous things against the Lord, and have denied him; Therefore because of this wickednesse they have lost LIFE. But many of these have put on a doubt­ful mind: As yet also to them is there returning, who if suddenly they shall do repentance, in the Tower shall have a seat; but if more slowly they shall do it, they shall dwell in the walls; but if they shall not do it, they shall purchase Death to themselves.

38 But these who had two parts of their rods green, and the third withered, by many wayes, being depraved, they have denied the Lord; Therefore of these, ma­ny have done repentance, and so have be­gun to dwell in the Tower. And many have from God departed for ever; these therefore have wholly lost life.

39 But some, having conceived a du­bious mind, have stirred up dissentions, to them as yet there is regresse, if sud­denly they do repentance, nor shall be delayed by their pleasures; but if in their deeds they shall remain, they shall ac­quire [Page 130] death to themselves.

40 But these that gave their rods, of whom two parts were withered, and the third green, were indeed faithful, but being inriched and filled with goods, have desired to be more famous in foreign Nations, and have faln into great pride, and have begun to exspect high things, and to desert the Truth; neither have they been adjoyned to the just, they have lived with foreign Nations, and this life, seem­ed more sweet to them: Notwithstand­ing, from God they have not departed, and they have persevered in the faith, but the works of Faith they have not exer­cised.

41 Therefore many of them have done repentance, and their seats have begun to be in the Tower; but others living with foreign Nations, and puft up with their vanities, have faln away for ever from God, serving to the crimes and works of the Nations; therefore this sort of men are numbred with foreign Nati­ons.

42 Others of these have begun to have a doubtful mind, not hoping, themselves, because of their deeds, to be able to ob­tain safety: others become doubtful, have [Page 131] stired up dissentions: Therefore to these and to them who because of their deeds have begun to be doubtful, as yet there is returning; but this repentance ought to be swift, that their seat may be in the Tower: but to those who do not repent­ance, but continue in their pleasures, Death is nigh.

43 But these who gave their rods green, except their tops which above were wi­thered, and had clefts, have been al­ways good and faithful, and honest to­wards God, but have a little transgressed for [their] vain pleasures and mean cogitations, which they have had with­in themselves; Therefore my words being heard, very many have done Re­pentance swiftly, and have begun to dwell in the Tower; but certain of them have become doubtful, certain have ad­ed to a doubtful mind, also to stir up dis­sensions: In these therefore also now is there hope of returning, because they have been always good, but difficultly shall they be moved.

44 But they who stretched forth their rods withered, except their tops which alone were green, these indeed have be­lieved God, but have been conversant [Page 132] in iniquities, notwithstanding have never departed from God, but always have willingly born the NAME of the Lord, and willingly in their Hospitalities have intertained the servants of God; There­fore having heard this, being returned without delay, they have done Repent­ance, and have exercised all the righte­ousnesse of vertue; but some of them have died the death, and others willing­ly have suffered adverse things, mindful of their deeds.

45 After he had finished the explana­tions of all the rods, he saith to me, Go and say unto all, that they act Repent­ance, and they shall LIVE TO GOD, because the Lord moved with his great clemency, hath sent me that I should de­clare Repentance to all, also to those who do not deserve because of their deeds to attain Salvation.

46 But patient is the Lord, and the invitation made by his SON he will keep; I say to him, I hope Lord it will be, that these things being heard, all will do Repentance; for I believe every one his deeds being acknowledged, and the fear of God being accepted, to be about to return to Repentance.

[Page 133]47 He saith to me, whosoever with their whole heart shall do Repentance, and shall purifie themselves from ALL the wickednesse which is abovesaid, and as yet shall not add unto their trespasses, every one [of them] shall receive from the Lord the remedy of their former sins, if they shall nothing doubt of these Commandments, and they shall LIVE TO GOD.

48 But they who shall add, quoth he, unto their trangressions, and shall be conversant in the lusts of this World, shall damn themselves unto Death; But walk thou in these Commands, and thou shalt live to God; and whosoever shall walk in them, and shall rightly ex­ercise them, shall LIVE TO GOD; But after he had shewed me all these, he saith to me, the rest after a few dayes I will shew unto thee.

SIMIL. IX.

1 AFter I had written the Mandat's and Similitudes of that Sheep­herd, THE MESSENGER OF REPENTANCE, he came unto [Page 134] me, and said unto me, I will shew to thee what things soever the SPIRIT hath shown thee, which in the figure of the CHURCH spake with thee, for the Spirit is the Son of God. And because thou wast more infirm in body, it was not declared to thee by the Messenger, before that thou art strengthened by the Spirit, and augmented in forces, that thou mayst be able to see the Messen­ger.

2 For then well indeed, and magni­ficiently the building of the Tower was shown to thee by the CHURCH, but thou sawest all, as if shown by a Virgin.

But now by a messenger thou art il­lustrated, indeed by the same Spirit; but thou must see all these diligently, for therefore into thy house am I sent to dwell, by that venerable Messenger, that seeing thou seest all things potently, thou mayst be nought afraid as former­ly.

3 And he led me up unto the ascent of a Mountain of ARCADIA, and we sat down together in the top thereof, and he shew'd me a great field, & about it twelve Mountains, of one figure, and of another, of whom the FIRST was [Page 135] black as soot; the second bare without herbs; the third full of thorns and thistles; the fourth had herbs half wither­ed, of whom the upper part was green, but that next to the roots, withered, also some herbs, when the SUN had waxed hot, became withered.

4 The fift Mountain was most rough, but it had green herbs; the sixt Moun­tain was full of clefts, with some lesser, but with some greater; but in these clefts there were herbs, not very sprightly in­deed, but they seemed as if flagging; but the seventh Mountain had delectable herbs, and was all fertile, and every kind of Cattels, and Fowls of Heaven did take food thereof, and how much they did feed of it, by so much the more joyous did the herbs grow up.

5 The eighth Mountain was filled with Fountains, and out of these Foun­tains was watered the whole kind of the Creature of God; The ninth Mountain had no water at all, and was all destitute, but also it nourished deadly serpents, and pernitious to men; The tenth Moun­tain contained high trees, and was all shady, and under its shade the cattel did ly resting, and chewing the cud.

[Page 136]6 The eleventh Mountain was reple­nished with most thick set trees, and these trees were seen laden with divers fruits, so that whosoever should see, would de­sire to eat of the fruits of them; The TWELFTH Mountain was all white, and had a most delectable aspect, and it self afforded to it self great comliness.

7 But in the middle of the field he shewed me a WHITE and Mighty ROCK, which had arisen from out the field it self: and that Rock was higher then these Mountains, and four cor­nered, so that it could sustain the whole World; but it seemed to me to be old, but it had a new gate, which seemed lately hewen out, and that gate had a more bright splendor then the Sun, so that I admired exceedingly its light.

8 But about that gate stood TWELVE VIRGINS, of whom four who held the corners of the Port, seemed to me to be more worthy, but also the rest were worthy, but they stood in the four parts of the gate; moreover that was also for the grace of these Virgins, that they, two and two were cloathed with linen coats, and decently girded about out­wardly in their right arms, as if about [Page 137] to lighten some burden, so were they prepared; for they were exceedingly chearful and prompt.

9 These things when I had seen, I ad­mired with my self, that I should see so great and eminent things, and again I ad­mired, because of these Virgins, that they were so comly and delicate, and should stand so constantly and strongly, as if about to support the whole Heaven.

10 And while I thought these things within me, that sheepherd saith to me, why dost thou dispute within thy self, and art perplexed, and dost add solicitude to thy self? What ever things thou canst not understand, do not attend them as if thou be'st wise; but ask the Lord that having received a sense, thou mayest understand them.

11 What things soever are behind thee, thou canst not see, but what are before thee, thou seest; In these therefore which thou canst not see, be not perplexed, and receive the understanding of these which thou seest, leave off to be curious; But I will demonstrate to thee all whatsoever I ought to shew thee, but now consider the rest.

12 And when he had said these things to me, I looked up, and behold I saw [Page 138] coming six tall and venerable men, and all al [...]ke in countenance, and calling a certain multitude of men, and these that came called by them; they also were tall and strong. But these six commanded them to build a certain TOWER up­on the Gate; but then began there a great murmuring to be of those that ran too and fro about the Port, of these men who had come to build the Tower.

13 But these Virgins who stood about the Gate, commanded them to hast the buil­ding of the Tower, also they stretched forth their hands, as if about to receive something from them; then these six commanded that out of a certain Deep they should take up stones, and should prepare them for the building of the Tower, and there were lifted up ten stones, white, four cornerd, hewen.

14 But after these six had called these Virgins, they commanded them to car­ry all the stones whatsoever were to be put into the Structure of the Tower, and brought in through the Gate, to deliver them to those who were about to build that Tower; Immediately these Virgins began among themselves all to lift up these stones which before were [Page 139] lifted out from the deep.

15 But they who stood about the gate, did also carry so, as what [stones] seemed to be more strong, should be put at the corners, but the rest of the stones were put into the sides; and so they brought all the stones, and them being brought in through the port, they delivered to the builders, as they were commanded; but they receiving them builded them up, but this building was made upon that great Rock, and Gate, and by them the whole Tower was susteined.

16 But the structure of these ten stones filled all that gate, which began to be in the foundation of that Tower; but after these ten stones, other twenty five were lifted out of the deep, and these were laid into the building of that same Tower, be­ing lifted up by these Virgins as the for­mer; after these other thirty five were lifted up, and they likewise were made fit in the same work; after these fourty stones ascended, and all these were added into the structure of that Tower.

17 Therefore four orders began to be in the foundation of that Tower, for the stones left off to be extracted from the deep, also they who builded rested a little while.

[Page 140]18 Again, these six men gave command to the multitude, that from these twelve Mountains they should bring thither stones unto the building of the same Tow­er; but they hewed out from all the Mountains stones of divers colours, and carrying them away, gave them to the Virgins, which they receiving, carried thorow, and gave unto the building of the Tower, in which when they were buil­ded, they became white, and speckled, and likewise all the former changed co­lours.

19 But some were given by these men, which when they had come into that buil­ding, as they were put, such also they re­mained, these became nor white, nor va­rious, because they were not by the vir­gins translated through the gate; There­fore these stones were deformed in the building.

20 Whom when these six young men had taken notice of, they commanded to be taken up, and put in their own place whence they had been taken; and they say to them, who did bring these stones, Do not ye at all give stones unto us unto this building, but put ye them beside the Tower, that these Virgins may give them, [Page 141] being carried through, for unlesse by these Virgins they shall be translated through this gate, they cannot change their co­lours; do not ye therefore labour in vain.

21 Moreover the structure was effected in that day, but the Tower was not fi­nished, for it was about to be, that it should be builded; Therefore also now a certain delay is made, and these six commanded those who builded to go a­way, and as it were a certain time to rest; but to these Virgins they laid charge that they should not depart from the Tower, but therefore they seemed to me to be left, that they should keep that Tower.

22 But after they were departed, I say to that Sheepherd, Why Lord is not the building of the Tower finished? for it can­not be finished, quoth he, before that the Lord thereof come, and prove this stru­cture, that if he should find any stones not good in it, they may be changed, for at his desire was this Tower builded.

23 I would know, quoth I, Lord, what the building of this Tower may signifie, and of this Rock, and of this Gate, [I would] know, and of the Mountains, and of the Virgins, and of the stones [Page 142] which were drawn out of the deep, nor were hewn about, but as they ascended, so they were put into the structure; and why first ten stones were placed in the foundation, after that twenty five, after that thirty five, after that fourty; Like­wise of these stones which were put into the structure, and again taken away and carried into their own place again. Of all these Lord, fulfill the desire of my soul, and demonstrate them all unto me.

24 And he said to me, if thou shalt not be slow thou shalt know all, and thou shalt see the rest of the things which are about to be, to this Tower, and all the similitudes thou shalt diligently know. And we came after a few dayes into that same place where we had sitten, and he saith to me, let us come to the Tower, for the Lord thereof is about to come, that he may consider it.

25 We came therefore thither, and none other did we find then these Vir­gins, and he asked them if the Lord of the Tower had been present; and they an­swered, that he would be present imme­diately, that he may consider that stru­cture.

26 But after a little, I see a great mul­titude [Page 143] of men coming, and in the middle of them so tall a man, that with his great­nesse he surpassed the Tower it self, and about him these six whom in the building I had seen to command, and all those who had builded that Tower, and besides very many other men eminent in dignity.

27 And these Virgins who did keep that Tower, did run, and kissed him, and began to walk near him; but he so dili­gently did consider that structure, that he touched all the stones; Moreover, did smite every one of them with the Rod which he held in his hand.

28 Of whom some when they had been smitten, became black as soot, but certain as it were rugged, some having clefts, some broken, some nor black, nor white, some rough, nor agreeing with the rest of the stones, some having many spots; these are the varieties of those stones which were not found fit in that building.

29 The Lord commanded them all to be put out from the Tower, and to be left beside it, and other stones to be brought, and to be put in their place; and they that did build asked him out of what Mountain he would have to be brought, and to be put in the place of these eject­ed: [Page 144] out of the Mountains indeed he for­bad to be brought, but out of a certain field that was nigh, he commanded to be brought.

30 For they digged that field, and they found shining stones, four-corner'd, but some also round, but whatsoever were in that field they were all brought, and through the gate transported by these Virgins, and these that among them were four corner'd, were formed, and placed into the room of those ejected, but these which [were] round were not added into the structure, because they were hard, and it seemed tedious to hew them, but they were placed about the Tower, as if it were about to be, that they should be hewn and put into the building, for they were very bright.

31 These things when that man chief in dignity, and Lord of the whole Tower had seen, he called this Sheepherd, and delivered to him the stones which were reprobated, and placed about the Tower, and he saith to him, Purifie thou diligent­ly these stones, and those, and fit them for the structure of the Tower, that they may agree with the rest, but those who do not agree thou shalt cast far from the Tower.

[Page 145]32 These things when he had injoyned him, with all these with whom he had come into the Tower, he went away; but these Virgins stood about the Tower, keeping it, and I said unto that Sheep­herd, by what means can these stones re­turn into the building of this Tower, see­ing they are reprobated? And he said to me, I will hew the greater part of these stones, and add into the structure, and they shall agree with the rest.

33 And I said, how Lord can the hewn ones fill up the same place? what [stones] soever quoth he, shall be found lesser, shall go into the middle structure, but the greater shall be put without, and shall con­temn these.

34 These things when he had said to me, let us go, quoth he, and after three dayes let us return; and these cleansed stones I will adde into the structure, for these which are about the Tower ought to be cleansed all of them, least perhaps suddenly the Master come upon [them] and find these that are about the Tower unclean, and so despise them, and these stones be not put into the structure of this Tower, and I seem to have been a negli­gent Master of the Family.

[Page 146]35 But after three dayes when we had come to the same Tower, he saith to me, Let us consider all these stones, and let us see which of them can go into the buil­ding; I say to him, let us consider Lord: first of all we began to consider those that had been black, for as they were laid a­side from the structure, such were they found, he commanded them to be re­moved from the Tower, and to be laid aside.

36 After that he considered those which had been rugged, and many of these he commanded to be hewn, and by these Virgins to be fitted into the structure of the Tower; so they fitted them being taken away, in the middle of the structure, but the rest he commanded to be laid with these black ones, for they also became black.

37 After that he considered these who had clefts, and of them he commanded many to be hewn, and by these Virgins to be added into the structure, these were placed outmost, because they were found intire; but the rest, because of the mul­titude of clefts could not be conformed, therefore they were cast from the building of the Tower.

[Page 147]38 After that he had considered those who had become broken, many of them had clefts, and became black, but others had great clefts whom he commanded to be put with these that were rejected; but the rest being purified, and conformed, he commanded to be added into the stru­cture, whom being taken up, these Vir­gins fitted in the middle of the structure, for they were more infirm.

39 After that he considered them who had been found half indeed white, but half black, and many of them were found black, he commanded also these to be carried unto these which had been reject­ed, but the rest were found all white, and these were taken up by the Virgins, and fitted in the same Tower, but these were placed more outward which were found intire, so that they might contain them which were builded in the middle, for nothing was cut off from them.

40 After that he considered these which were hard and rough, few of these were added, because they could not be hewn, for they were found exceeding hard, but the rest were formed and fitted by the Vir­gins in the middle of the structure, for they were more infirm.

[Page 148]41 After that he considered those that had spots, and of these a few were found black, and these were added to the rest, but these that were remaining were found white and intire, and these were by the Virgins fitted, and placed outmost because of their strength.

42 After that he came that he should consider these stones which were white and round, and he saith to me, what shall we do concerning these stones? And I said, Lord, I know not; Dost thou then think nothing, quoth he, concerning them? I, said I, know not this Art, nor am a Lapidary, nor can I understand any thing; and he said, seest thou not them to be very round? that if I would bring them [to be] four-corner'd, there is very much to be cut off them by me, but it is necessary that some of these go into the structure of the Tower.

43 And I said if it must needs be, why therefore dost thou cumber thy self, and dost not chuse, if thou hast any to chuse, and fittest them into this structure? And he chused whom he saw greatest and most splendid, and conformed them, whom being taken up, these Virgins pla­ced in the outmost parts of the building, [Page 149] but the rest which remained were put a­gain into that same field whence they were taken, but thrown away they were not; because, quoth he, as yet a little is wanting to this Tower which shall be to be buil­ded, and perhaps the Lord will fit these stones in that structure, because they are very white.

44 After that were called twelve most beautiful women cloathed in black cloa­thing ungirded, and with bare shoulders, and hairs loosned, but these women seem­ed to me to be rustick, and that Sheep­herd commanded them to take up these stones which were ejected from the stru­cture, and them to be carried into the Mountains whence they had been brought.

45 But after that no stone lay about the Tower, He saith to me, Let us go round this Tower, and let us see if any thing be wanting to it; We began therefore to go about it, and as soon as he saw it de­cently builded, he began to be exceeding chearfull.

46 For it was so decently builded, that he who had seen it, should have co­veted its fructure, because it seemed to be as of one stone, nor did a commixture [Page 150] any where appear, but of one Rock it seemed exculpted; But I attentively con­sidering this Tower was exceeding joy­full.

47 And he saith to me, bring lime and small shells that I may fill up the forms of these stones which were taken away from the structure and again placed; For all these which are about the Tower ought to be equalled. And I did as he com­manded me, and I brought [them] to him, and he saith to me, be reddily present to me quoth he, and suddainly this work shall be perfected.

48 He filled up therefore the forms of those stones, and he commanded the place to be made clean about the Tower; Then these Virgins took beesoms, and made it all clean, and took away the rub­bish, and sprinkled water, which being fulfilled, the place was made delectable, and the Tower comely.

49 After that he saith to me, all are made clean; If the Lord shall come to consummate this Tower, he shall find no­thing which he may complain of us for; These [words] when he had said he would be gone, but I took hold of his bag, and began to entreat him by the Lord, that [Page 151] he would unfold all things which he had shewn me.

50 He saith to me, I have a little busi­ness, but I will unfold all things unto thee, But expect thou me here, while I come; I say to him, Lord what shall I do here alone? He answered, thou art not alone, for all the Virgins are with thee; And I said, deliver me then Lord to them; So he called them, and said to them, I commend unto you this man untill I come.

51 Therefore I remained with these Virgins, but they were chearfull, and af­fable to me, but chiefly four who excel­led the rest in dignity; After that these Virgins say unto me, that Sheepherd is not to come here to day, And I said, what then shall I do? And they say to me, expect him untill the evening if per­haps he will come, and will speak with thee, but if not, thou shalt stay with us till he come.

52 I said to them, I will wait for him untill the evening, but if he shall not come, I will go home, and return in the morning, they answered me, to us thou art assigned, thou canst not depart from us, and I said where shall I stay? They [Page 152] say unto me, thou shalt sleep with us as a Brother, not as a husband, for thou art our Brother, and hencefore we are pre­pared to dwell with thee, for very dear do we hold thee.

53 But I was ashamed to stay with them; But she who seemed to be the chief of them, imbraced me, and began to kiss me, and the rest when they had seen me to be imbraced by her, also they began to kiss me as a Brother, and to lead me about the Tower, and to play with me; But some of them sung hymns, some led dances, but I walked with them about that Tower IN SILENCE joyful, and did seem to my self to be made more young.

54 But after it began to be night, suddainly I would go home, but they re­tained me, and suffered me not to go away; I stayed therefore that night with them besides that same Tower; But they spread their linnen coats upon the ground, and placed me in the middle, nor did they do any thing else, but that they prayed; But also I with them prayed without intermission, and no less then they, who when they had seen me so pray­ing, they took great delight.

[Page 153]55 And there I was with them untill the next day, and when we had prayed to the Lord, then came that Sheepherd, and said unto them, have ye done no injury to him? And they said to him, ask him­self; I say to him, Lord great joy hath taken me that I have stayed with them; And he said to me, what hast thou supped [on]? And I said I have supped Lord, all the night [on] the WORDS of the Lord; have they entertained thee well? saith he, And I said, well Lord.

56 Wilt thou now hear? And I said, I will Lord, and first as I shall ask thee, I beseech that so thou demonstrate to me, even as thou wilt saith he, so I will ex­plain the thing unto thee, nor will I con­ceal any thing from thee.

57 First of all, Lord quoth I, demon­strate this to me, This ROCK and GATE what are they? Hear saith he, Tis Rock and Gate is the SON of God; Wherefore said I, Lord is the Rock old and the Port new? Hear saith he, thou unwise and understand, indeed the Son of God is more antient then every creature, so that in Counsel he was present with his Father, to frame the Creature; But the Gate is therefore new, because in the [Page 154] consummation in the last days he appear­ed, that they who are about to attain sal­vation, may through him enter into the Kingdome of God.

58 Sawest thou, quoth he, these stones which through the port were translated placed in the structure of the Tower; But these who were not translated through the Gate, cast way into their own place? And I said I saw them Lord, so quoth he, none shall enter into the Kingdome of God, except he who shall get the Name of the Son of God, for if thou wouldest enter into any City, and that City be compast with a Wall, and have only one Gate, what? Canst thou otherwise enter that City, then by the Gate which it hath?

59 And by what way said I Lord, can it otherwise be done? Therefore quoth he, as into that City he cannot be entered, but through its gate; So neither into the Kingdome of God can otherwise [any] be entered, then by the Name of his Son, who is to him most dear.

60 And he said to me, Sawest thou the troup of them that builded that Tower? I saw them quoth I Lord, and he said, all these are Messengers honourable in dignity; [Page 155] Therefore with these as with a Wall is the Lord encompassed, but the port is the son of God which alone is the accesse unto God, for otherwise shall no man enter into God, except through his Son.

61 Sawst thou quoth he these six men, and in the midest that great and tall man, who walked about the Tower, and repro­bated the stones from the structure? I saw them Lord said I, that tall one quoth he is the Son of God; And these six mes­sengers are eminent in dignity, on the right and left hand standing about him. Of these excellent messengers saith he, none without him shall enter in to God; And he said, whosoever therefore shall not get his Name, he shall not enter into the Kingdom of God.

62 And I said, What then is this TOWER? This saith he, is the CHURCH and these VIRGINS who are they Lord? and he said to me, these quoth he are the HOLY SPIRITS; For no otherwise can a man enter into the Kingdome of God, unless these shall cloath him with their vesture, for why it shall profit thee nothing to get the Name of the Son of God, except also thou shalt get their garment from them; [Page 156] for these Virgins are the POWERS of the Son of God, so in vain shall any one bear his Name, except also he shall bear his Powers.

63 And he said to me, sawest thou these stones which were thrown away? for they indeed have born the name, but have not put on their garment. And I said, what is their garmenr, Lord? Their very names quoth he, is their Garment; Whosoever therefore quoth he, doth bear the Name of the Son of God, ought also to carry the names of them, for also the Son bears their names.

64 Whatsoever stones, quoth he, thou sawest to have remained in the structure, delivered by their hands, have been cloathed with the power of them; And therefore thou seest the whole Tower agreeing with the Rock, and made as it were out of one stone.

65 So likewise they who have believed God through his Son, have put on this spirit, behold there shall be one spirit, and one body and one colour of their gar­ments; But also they shall attain these, who shall carry the names of these Vir­gins.

66 And I said, why therefore Lord [Page 157] are the stones thrown away which were reprobated, seeing also they were tran­slated through the Gate, and delivered by the hands of these Virgins, into the structure of this Tower? Because quoth he, thou takest care to inquire all things diligently; Here concerning these stones which were cast away.

67 All these have got the name of the son of God, but also and the power of these Virgins; Therefore having got these spirits they were perfected, and brought in the number of the servants of God, and one body of them began to be, and one vesture: For the same righte­ousness did they feel, which they did a­like excercise.

68 But after that they had seen these women, whom thou perceivedst first clo­thed with a black garment, with naked shoulders, and loosned hair, they lusted to solicite them, because of their beauty, and they were indued with their power; but the cloathings of the Virgins they have cast off; These therefore are thrown out from the house of God, and deliver­ed to these women, but these that are not corrupted through their beauty have re­mained in the house of God. Thou hast [Page 158] quoth he, the explication of these stones which were abjected.

69 And I said, if therefore Lord any of the men which are of this sort shall do re­pentance, and shall throw away the de­sire of these women, and being converted shall return to the Virgins, and shall put on their power, shall they not enter in­to the house of the Lord? They shall enter quoth he, if they shall cast off all the works of these women, and shall resume the power of these Virgins, and in their works shall walk; And therefore is there made an intermission of building, that if these shall do repentance, they may be added into the structure of the Tower, but if they shall not do repentance, others shall be builded in their place, and then they shall be thrown away together.

70 For all these things I gave thanks to the Lord, that over all in whom his Name was invo'kt, being mov'd with clemency he should send the President Messenger of Repen­tance, unto us who have offended him; and that he should renew our Spirits now surely decaying, nor having hope of Salvation, but now he recreateth [them] unto the renewing of life.

71 And I said, now Lord demonstrate to me why this Tower is builded not up­on [Page 159] on the Earth, but upon the Rock and Gate; Because, quoth he, thou art unwise, and without understanding, therefore thou askest; And I said, I have need Lord to ask thee all things, because I under­stand nothing at all, for all [thy] answers are great and excellent, and which men can scarcely understand.

72 Here, saith he, the Name of the Son of God is great and mighty, and by it the WHOLE WORLD IS SUSTEI­NED; if then, quoth I, every Creature of God is susteined by his Son, why doth he not also sustein those who are invited by him, and bear his Name, and in his Commandments do walk? Seest thou not also, quoth he, that he susteineth those, who from their whole hearts carry his NAME? Therefore he is their founda­tion, and willingly doth bear them who deny not his Name, but willingly sustein him.

73 And I said, demonstrate to me, Lord, the names of these Virgins, and of these women who were cloathed with a black vesture; Hear, quoth he, the names of the Virgins that are more powerful, who ob­teined the corners of the gate, are these; The first is called FAITH, the second [Page 160] ABSTINENCE, the third POWER, the fourth PATIENCE; but the rest which consist below these, are called by these names, Simplicity, Innocency, Chastity, Chearfulnesse, Truth, Wisdom, Concord, Charity; Therefore whoso­ever bear these names, and the Name of the Son of God, they shall be able to en­ter into Gods Kingdom.

74 Hear now the names of the women who are cloathed with black cloathing, and of these, four are more powerful, of whom the first is called TREACHERY, the second INTEMPERANCE, the third UNBELIEF, the fourth VOLUPTUOUSNESSE, but the followers of these are so called, Sadnesse, Malice, Lust, Wrath, Lying, Folly, Puf­fing up, Hatred. The Servant of God that beareth these Spirits, shall indeed see the Kingdom of God, but shall not enter into it.

75 But these stones, Lord, which from the deep were fitted in the structure, who are they? The TEN quoth he, which were placed in the foundations, is the first age; The following TWENTY FIVE, is the second age of just men, but these THIRTY are the Prophets [Page 167] of the Lord, and Ministers, but the FORTY, are the Apostles and teach­ers of the Preaching of the Son of God.

76 And I said, why therefore Lord did these Virgins also hold forth these stones unto the structure of the Tower, translated through the Port? And he said, for these first have born these spirits, and they have not at all departed, one from another, nor the spirits from the men, nor the men from the spirits, but these spirits have been joyned to them, even untill the day of [their] rest, who except they had had these spirits with them, they had not been profitable to the structure of this Tower.

77 And I said, also now Lord demon­strate to me, what seekest thou, saith he, why quoth I, ascended these stones out of the deep, and were placed into the build­ing of this Tower? Seeing long ago they carri'd the just spirits. It must needs be quoth he, that by WATER they have to ascend, that they may rest, for they could not otherwise enter into the Kingdome of God, then that they should lay down the mortality of the former life.

[Page 162]78 Therefore they being dead, were sealed with the SEAL of the Son of God, and have entered into the Kingdom of God; For before that a man get the name of the Son of God, he is designed for death, but as soon as he hath got the Seal, he is freed from death, and deliver­ed to life; But that seal is WATER, into which men descend being bound un­to death, but they ascend, assigned to life; And to them therefore is preached that seal, and they have used it, that they might enter into the Kingdome of God.

79 And I said Therefore why Lord did these forty stones ascend with them from the deep, having already that seal? And he said because these Apostles and Teach­ers, who have preached the name of the Son of God, when having his faith and power, they had died; They preached to these who had died before [them] and they gave to them that Seal; There­fore they descended into the water with them, and again they ascended; But these ascended alive, but they who were deceased before, descended indeed dead, but ascended alive.

80 Therefore by them they received [Page 163] life, and knew the Son of God, and therefore they ascended with them, and agreed into the structure of the Tower, neither hewed, but they were builded in­tire, because being full of righteousnesse, they deceased with great chastity, but only this seal was wanting to them; Thou hast the explanation of these.

81 And I said, now again Lord, also demonstrate to me concerning these Mountains, why they are diverse, and of one, and of another figure? Hear quoth he, These TVVELVE MOUN­TAINS whom thou seest, are twelve Nations which obtain the whole world; Therefore the Son of God was preached in them, by those whom he sent unto them; But why they are various, and of one, and of another figure, Hear thou.

82 These twelve generations which obtain the whole world are twelve Na­tions; And as thou sawest all the Moun­tains diverse, so also these Nations; The senses likewise, and the acts of every Mountain I will teach thee.

83 First quoth I, Lord demonstrate this to me, since these Mountains are so various, by what manner shall they agree [Page 164] into the structure of this Tower, and be brought to one colour, and be no less shi­ning, then these that ascended out of the deep? Because saith he, all the Nati­ons which are under Heaven, have heard and believed, and are called by the one Name of the Son of God. Therefore having gotten his Seal, they have all got the same prudence and the same under­standing, and the faith and charity of them is one, and the spirits of these Vir­gins, with his Name did they bear.

84 And therefore the structure of this Tower, did seem alike in colour, and did shine even unto the Suns clearness; But after they have so understood, there be­gan to be one body of them all; Notwith­standing certain of them stained them­selves, and have been cast from the gene­ration of the just, and again have return­ed to their former stare, and also have be­come worse then before.

85 How, quoth I, Lord, worse, who have known the Lord? And he said, he indeed who knoweth not the Lord, if he live wickedly, he remains in that punishment of his wickednesse; but he who knows the Lord, ought altogether to abstein from all wickednesse, and more and mor [Page 165] serve unto goodnesse, seems not he there­fore, who ought to follow goodnesse, if he esteem parts of wickednesse, to sin more, than he who hath failed, being ignorant of the power of God?

86 And therefore these indeed are de­stinate to death; but these who have known the Lord, and his wonders, and works have seen; if they live wickedly they shall be punished more by the double, and they shall dye for ever. As therefore thou didst see, after the stones were cast out from the Tower, which were reprobated, they were delivered to pernicious and evil Spirits; and so thou sawest the Tower pu­rified, so that it would have been believed to be all of one stone.

87 So also the Church of God, when it shall be purified, the evil, and the feign­ed, the wicked and dubious, being cast out of it, and whosoever have carried themselves wickedly in it, and the divers kinds of the wickednesse of sinners, it's body shall be one, intellect one, sense one, one faith, and charity the same, and then the Son of God shall be joyful a­mong them, and shall receive with a pure desire, his people.

88 And I said, Lord, magnificently, [Page 166] and honourably all [these] things carry themselves; now demonstrate to me the effect and force of every sort of moun­tain, that every soul trusting in the Lord, these being heard, may honour his great and admirable, and holy NAME; Hear quoth he, the truth of these Mountains, that is, of TWELVE NATIONS.

89 In the FIRST black Mountain, they who have believed, are the fugitives, and those that speak hainous things a­gainst the Lord, and the betrayers of the Servants of God; to them is appointed death, repentance is not; and therefore they are black, because their kind is wicked.

90 But of the SECOND rough Mountain, are the feigned, who have be­lieved, and are the Teachers of wicked­nesse, and these are next to the former, not having among themselves the fruit of equity; for as their Mountain is barren, and without fruit, so also this sort of men have indeed a name, but from faith are empty, nor is there in them any fruit of the Truth; yet to these is given Re­pentance, if swiftly they follow it, but if they delay, they also shall be consorts of the death of the former.

[Page 167]91 Why quoth I, Lord, is there indeed an accesse for them unto Repentance, but to the former not? for the trespasses of them are almost the same; Therefore quoth he, is there to these returning through Repentance, to Life, because they have spoken nothing hanous against their Lord, nor have been betrayers of the Servants of God, but through a certain covetous­ness of having, have deceived men, leading them according to the lusts of those that sin, therefore shall they give a certain payment of that thing, but yet to them is offered Repentance, who have spoken nothing hainous against the Lord.

92 But of the THIRD Mountain which had thorns and thistles, are such who have believed, some rich, but some hindred by many imployments, for the thistles are riches, but the thorns, they who are cumbred with many businesses; These therefore who are hindred by ma­ny businesses, and various affairs, do not adjoyn themselves to the Servants of God, but wander away, being called back by these imployments by which they are choaked.

93 Also and these who are rich, they do with difficulty give themselves unto the [Page 168] conversation of Gods Servants, fearing least any thing be required of them; these therefore difficultly shall enter into the Kingdom of God; for as with unshod feet men walk difficultly in thistles, so also it is difficult for this sort of men to enter in­to the Kingdom of God.

94 But also to all these is regresse grant­ed unto Repentance, if swiftly they shall return unto it; that because in their for­mer dayes they have ceased from work, having renewed the time they may be able to do something of good; therefore repentance being acted, if they shall do the works of goodnesse, they shall live, but if in their transgressions they shall remain, they shall be delivered to these women, who will take away life from them.

95 But of the FOURTH Mountain having very much herbs, whose upper part was green, but the very roots wither­ed, also some touched by the heat of the Sun did wither, of this sort are certain doubtful ones, who have believed, and certain others carrying the Lord in their lips, NOT IN THEIR HEART, and therefore they are withered, and their herbs having no foundation, for [Page 169] onely in words they live, but their works are dead; These therefore are nor dead, nor alive, and they are likewise doubtful, for these doubtful ones are neither green nor withered; that is, nor alive, nor dead.

96 For as their herbs having seen the Sun, withered, so also the doubtful, as soon as they have heard of persecution, fearing discommodities they have retur­ned to images, and again have served them, and have been ashamed to bear the Name of the Lord; Therefore this sort of men are nor alive, nor dead, but also they may live, if suddenly they shall do Repentance, but if not, already are they delivered to these women who will take away their LIFE.

97 But of the FIFTH rough Moun­tain, and having green herbs, are of this sort who have believed, faithful indeed but difficultly believing, and bold, and pleasing themselves, willing to be seen to know all things, and knowing nothing at all; Therefore because of this boldness, sense hath departed from them, and rash arrogance hath entred into them, but they have carried themselves high, and as if wise, and whilst they are fools, they [Page 170] covet to seem Teachers, because of this folly, while they magnifie themselves, ma­ny of them are emptied.

98 For a great Devil is audaciousnesse, and vain confidence; Therefore of these many are abjected, but others, having acknowledged their errour, have done Repentance, and have subjected them­selves to those that have a perceiving; But also to the rest, the like of these, is Repentance held forth, for neither were they evil, but rather unwise, and fools; Therefore these, if they shall do Repentance, shall LIVE TO GOD, but if not, they shall dwell with these women, who shall exercise their wickednesses IN THEM.

99 Of the SIXT Mountain, having clefts more and lesse, are of this sort who have believed, and these in whom the clefts were lesse, these are they who have strived among themselves, and because of their complaints languish in the faith; But many of them have done Repent­ance, and the rest shall do the same, ha­ving heard my Commandments, for their contentions are small, and easily do they return to Repentance.

100 But these who have greater, as [Page 171] stones will be stubborn, they are mindful of grudges & offences, excercising wrath among themselves; These therefore are thrown away from the Tower, and re­probated from its Structure; therefore these sort of men shall hardly LIVE.

101 Our God and Lord, who hath Dominion over all things, and hath po­wer of his universal Creature, will not remember offences, but by those that confesse their sins, is he easily plea­sed. But man seeing he is languishing, Mortal, Infirm, and filled with sins, is perseveringly angry with man, as if he could preserve or destroy him.

102 But I, THE MESSENGER and SET OVER TO REPENT­ANCE do admonish you, that whoso­ever [of you] have such a purpose, lay it by and run again to Repentance; and the Lord shall heal your former fail­ings, if from this Devil ye shall purifie your selves, but if not, ye shall be deli­vered to him unto Death.

103 But of the SEVENTH Moun­tain, in which the herbs were green and sprightly, and the whole Mountain was fertile, and all kind of cattel took pasture of the herbs of that Mountain, and how [Page 172] much the more these herbs were pluckt, by so much the more joyous did they re­flourish; These are of this sort, who have believed, simple, and good alwayes.

104 And having no dissentions among themselves, but always being joyful of the Servants of God, having indued the Spi­rit of these Virgins, and alwayes prompt to do loving kindnesse on all men, and of their labours affording easily to all men, without upbraiding, and deliberation; the Lord therefore having seen their simpli­city, and all their child-likenesse, hath increased them in the labours of their hands, and hath given them in every work favour.

105 But I exhort you the Messenger set over to Repentance, to remain in the same purpose, whosoever are of this sort, LEAST YOUR SEED BE ROOT­ED OUT FOR EVER; for the Lord hath tryed you, and hath written [you] into our number, and all your SEED with the Son of God he hath inriched, for of his Spirit are ye all.

106 But of the EIGHT Mountain, in which were many Fountains, in whom was watered every kind of the Creature of God; are such who have [Page 173] believed the APOSTLES, whom the Lord hath sent over the whole World to preach; and some Teachers who have chastly and sincerely preached, and tought, nor have subscribed any thing at all evilly to lust, but dayly in equity and truth have walked; These therefore have their conversation among the ANGELS.

107 But of the NINTH deserted Mountain, and having serpents are of this sort, who have believed, but also had blots; these are the MINISTERS doing their Ministry badly, SNATCH­ING AWAY THE GOODS OF WIDDOWS AND PUPILS, PROFFERING OTHERS IN THEIR STEAD, WITH THESE [GOODS] WHICH THEY HAVE GOT; These if they shall con­tinue in the same coveteousnesse, have delivered themselves to death, nor was any hope of life in them; but if they shall be converted and shall chastly finish their Ministry, they may live.

108 But these who were found rugged, are they who have denied the Name of the Lord, nor to the Lord again have returned, but have become wild and de­serted, not applying themselves to Gods [Page 174] servants, but separate from them, for a little solicitude have let go THEIR LIFE; for as a vine left in a hedge, to whom there happeneth no dressing doth perish, and is choaked by weeds, and in time becomes wilde (for it ceaseth to be profitable to its Lord.)

109 So also this sort of men dispair­ing of themselves, becoming imbit­tered, have begun to be unprofitable to their Lord; to these therefore is Re­pentance committed. If from his heart, he shall not be found to have denied [it] whither he can attain life, I am igno­rant.

110 And therefore I say, that in these dayes if any hath denied [it] he may return to Repentance, for it cannot be, that any one now denying his Lord, can afterward attain unto salvation; but to them is the proposed Repentance reput­ed, who in times past have denied [it] for he that is about to act Repentance, ought to hasten before the structure of this Tower is finished; but if not, by these WOMEN he shall be dragged unto Death.

111 But they who being maimed are deceitful, and threatning one against [Page 175] an other; These are the serpents mixed in that Mountain; for as the poyson of serpents is destructive to men, so also the words of such infect men and destroy them; therefore they are maimed from their faith, because of this kind of their life in which they linger; but some of them having received Repentance, have attain'd salvation; but also the rest of this sort of men shall equally attain [it] if they shall do Repentance, but if not, they shall die with these Women, whose force and power they possesse.

112 But of the TENTH Mountain, in which there were trees covering the Cattel, are such who have believed, some overseers, that is Presidents of Churches; but others, these stones, who not with a feigned but with a cheerful mind, alwayes into their houses have received the ser­vants of God; And after that they who are overseers of Ministrings, who have both protected the Poor and the Wid­dows, and have perpetually had a chast conversation; therefore these men are protected by the Lord, these things who­soever shall do, are honoured with the Lord; and among the MESSEN­GERS is their place, if they shall per­severe, [Page 176] even until the Consummation, to obey the Lord.

113 Of the ELEVENTH Moun­tain, in which were trees loaden with divers fruits, are these who have believ­ed, and for the Name of the Lord have undergone Death, and with a ready mind have suffered, and with their whole heart have delivered up their souls.

114 And I said, why then Lord have all these trees certain fruits, but of them some more fair? Hear quoth he, whosoe­ver for the Name of the Lord have suf­fered, are esteemed honoured, with the Lord, and the failings of them all are blotted our, because for the Name of the Son of God, they have undergone Death.

115 But why the fruits of them are unlike, and some among them excel, Hear thou, for whosoever being led to the POWERS, being asked, have not denied the Lord, but with a ready mind have suffered, are more honoured with God, therefore the fruits that ex­cel are theirs; But they who have been timorous and doubtful, and have deli­berated in their heart, whether they [Page 177] should confesse or deny, and have suffer­ed, their fruits are smaller.

116 Therefore beware ye who have such cogitations, least this mind remain in you, and YE DIE TO GOD; ye therefore whosoever for this names sake do undergo death, ought to ho­nour the Lord, that the Lord esteemes you worthy, that ye may bear his Name, and all your sins may be redeemed.

117 Therefore do ye not rather e­steem your selves happy? Think ye ra­ther, if any of you suffereth; [him] to accomplish a great work, for to you the Lord giveth life; nor do you understand, for your failings did burthen you; and unlesse ye should have suffered for the cause of this Name, for your sins ye had surely been dead to God; These things therefore I say to you, whosoever do deliberate of confessing or of denying.

118 Confesse ye therefore your selves TO HAVE THE LORD GOD, least perhaps denying, ye be delivered into bonds; for if all the Nations pun­ish their Servants, whosoever have denied their Lord. What think ye the Lord about to do to you, who hath power of all things? Remove therefore from your [Page 178] hearts these disputations, that for ever ye may LIVE TO GOD.

119 But of the TWELVTH white Mountain, are such who have believed e­ven as INFANTS sincere, to whom no malice ascended over their sense, nor have they known what is malice, but alwayes have remain'd in sincerity; Therefore this sort of men without any dubitation, shall inhabit the Kingdom of God; because in no businesse have they stained the commands of God, but with sincerity have remained all the dayes of their life in the same tenour of sense.

120 Whosoever therefore quoth he, shall remain as Infants, not having malice, shall be more honourable then all those whom I have already spoken of, FOR ALL INFANTS ARE HO­NOURED WITH THE LORD, AND ARE ESTEEMED FIRST; happy therefore ye, whoso­ever shall remove from you malice, and shall put on innocency; because, first, ye shall see God.

121 After he had finished the explanation of all the Mountains, I say to him; Lord, now ex­pound unto me concerning these stones, who being brought out of the field, in­to [Page 179] the place of the Reprobate ones, were put unto the Structure of the Tower: Likewise of these round stones which were added unto the Structure of the Tower; and of these who as yet remain­ed round.

122 Hear quoth he, of the stones, these which being brought from off the field, were placed into the Structure of the Tower, in their place which had been reprobate, are the ROOTS of that white Mountain; when therefore they who of that Mountain have believed, are become innocent, the Lord of that Tower hath commanded these which were of the Roots of the Mountain, to be put into the Structure.

123 For he hath understood, if they had gone to the building, that they would remain shining, nor would any whit of them grow black any more; but if he had so added of the rest of the Mountains, he had not needed again to visit that Tower and purge it; But these are all white who have believed, and who are about to believe, for they are of the same kind, happy this kind, because it is innocent.

124 Hear now also of these round and [Page 180] splendid stones, all these are of this white Mountain; but why they are found round, the cause is, because their riches have a little obscured them from the Truth, and have darkned them; But from God they have never departed, nor hath any evil word proceeded out of their mouth, but all Equity, Vertue, and Truth.

125 The MINDE therefore of these when the Lord had seen, and them to be able to favour the Truth; he com­manded them likewise to remain good, and their riches to be circumcised, for he would not have them to be for alto­gether taken away, that they might do something of good, of that which was left to them, and LIVE TO GOD, because also they are of the good kind; Therefore for that cause are they hewn a little, and put into the structure of this Tower.

126 But the rest who have as yet con­tinued round, nor are found fit unto that structure, because they have not yet got the SEAL, are put again in their own place, for they are found very round; but this World must be hew'n from them, and the vanities of their riches, and [Page 181] then they shall be fit in the Kingdom of God.

127 For it must needs be that they enter into the Kingdom of God, for this harmlesse kind hath the Lord blessed; Therefore out of this kind shall not any one perish, yea even although any one of them, tempted by the most wicked Devil, should somewhat fail, he will suddenly run back to the Lord his God.

128 But happy do I the Messenger of Repentance, judge you, whosoever are innocent as Infants, because your part is good, and honoured with God; but I say unto you all, whosoever have got this SEAL, have ye simplicity, nei­ther be ye mindful of offences, nor re­main ye in malice, neither let bitter­nesses become in the Spirit of any one of you, in the memory of offences; but to these evil rents procure ye remedy, and remove them from you, that the Lord of the sheep may rejoyce concern­ing you.

129 For he shall rejoyce if he shall find all things sound, but if he shall find of such any sheep scattered, wo shall be to the sheepherds; but if the sheepherds themselves shall be scuttered, what shall [Page 182] they answer to him for the sheep? What? will they say themselves to have been smitten by the sheep? it will not be be­lieved to them; for IT IS AN IN­CREDIBLE THING THAT THE SHEEPHERD CAN SUFFER BY THE SHEEP, and he is the rather punished for his lye.

130 And I am a Sheepherd, and I must strongly render an account of you; therefore provide for your selves while as yet the Tower is building; THE LORD DWELLET IN THE MEN THAT LOVE PEACE, for true peace is dear; but from the contentious, and destroy'd with malice, he is far a­way. RENDER therefore to him YOUR SPIRIT INTIRE AS YE RECEIVED IT.

131 For if thou should'st give to a FULLER a whole garment, and would'st lastly receive it whole, but the Fuller restores it to thee rent, would'st thou receive it? Wilt thou not immedi­ately wax angry, and pursue him with re­bukes? Saying, I gave my Garment to thee intire, why hast thou torn it, and made it uselesse? Now because of the rent which thou hast made in it, it cannot be of use; [Page 183] Wilt thou not therefore speak all these words to the Fuller, and [that] of the rent which he makes in thy garment?

132 If therefore thou grievest for thy garment, and complainest that thou re­ceivest it not intire, what thinkest thou THE LORD about to do to thee, who HATH GIVEN THEE AN INTIRE SPIRIT, and thou hast renderd it all unprofitable; so that it can be of no use to its Lord? for its use hath begun to be useless, when it is cor­rupted by thee; will not therefore the Lord do the same concerning his spirit, for this deed? Plainly I say, to all these whomsoever he shall find to remain in the memory of offences, he will do the same.

133 His clemency, quoth he, do not ye spurn, but rather honour ye him, that he is so patient at your trespasses, and is not like you; Do ye repentance, for that is profitable to you. All these things which are above written, have I, the Sheepherd, the Messenger of Repentance, shown, and spoken to the servants of God.

134 If therefore ye shall believe, and shall hear my words, and shall walk in them, and shall correct your walkings, [Page 184] ye shall be able to live; But if ye shall re­main in malice, and in the memory of offences, none of this sort of sinners shall LIVE TO GGD, all these things to be spoken by me, are spoken to you.

135 That Sheepherd saith to me, hast thou asked all things of me? And I said, yea Lord; why therefore hast thou not asked me of the form of the stones placed in the structure, that to thee I should ex­plain their forms? And I said I forgot Lord; Hear now therefore quoth he, also of these.

136 These are they who have now heard these commands, and from their whole hearts have done repentance; and when the Lord had seen their repentance good and pure, and them to be able to remain in it, he commanded their former sins to be blotted out; For these forms were their sins, and they are made even, least they should appear.

SIMIL. X.

1 AFter I had written out this book, that Messenger who had delivered me to that Sheepherd, came into the house, [Page 185] in which I was, and sat down upon the bed, and that Sheepherd stood at his right hand. After that he called me, and said these things to me, I have delivered thee quoth he, and thy house to this Sheepherd, that by him thou mayest be protected.

2 Yea quoth I, Lord: if thou wilt there­fore be protected, quoth he, from all vex­ation, and from all cruelty, or have suc­cesse in EVERY good work, and word, and all the vertue of Righteousness: walk thou in these commandments which I have given to thee, and thou shalt be able to rule over ALL wickedness: For to thee keeping these Commands, shall ALL the lust & sweetness of this world be sub­jected, also success shall follow thee in e­very good imployment.

3 The maturity of him, and the mo­desty receive thou in thee, and say to all, him to be in great honour and dignity with God, and him to be the president of great power, and potent in his office. To him alone, through the whole world the power of Repentance is given; seemeth he not to thee to be potent? But YE despise the perfection and modesty of him, which he hath over YOU.

4 I say to him, ask him Lord, from the [Page 186] [time] wherein he is in my house, whe­ther I have done any thing-out of order, or in any thing have offended him; And I, quoth he, know thee to have done no­thing out of order, neither to be about to do, and therefore these speak I with thee, that thou mayst persevere, for he hath esteemed well of thee with me, but thou shalt tell these words to the rest, that also they who have done, or are about to do Repentance, may perceive the same things which thou [feelest] and he with me may interpret concerning them, and I with the Lord.

5 And I, quoth I, Lord, to every man do declare the great things of God, but I hope, those all who love them, and be­fore have sinned, having heard these, to be about to do Repentance, recovering LIFE; Remain therefore, quoth he in this Ministry, and consummate the same, but whosoever obey this [mans] com­mands, shall have life, also here, and with the Lord, great honour.

6 But whosoever keep not his com­mands, fly from their own LIFE, and oppose it, and they who follow not his commandments, deliver themselves to DEATH, and every one of them shall [Page 187] be GUILTY OF HIS OWN BLOOD; but to thee I say, that thou keep these commands, and thou shalt have remedy of all thy sins, but I have sent thee these VIRGINS, that they may dwell with thee, for I have seen them to be very affable to thee; Therefore thou shalt have them helpers, that by so much the rather thou mayest keep his commands.

7 For it cannot be done, that these commands be kept without these Virgins, but thou seest them to be willingly with thee; but also I will injoyn them, that at all from thy house they depart not, only do thou make clean thy house, for in a clean house they will willingly dwell, for they are clean, and chaste, and industri­ous, and all having favour with the Lord.

8 If therefore thou shalt have thine house pure, they will remain with thee, but if any little of pollution shall happen, forthwith they will depart from thy HOUSE, for these Virgins love no pol­lution at all; I say to him, I hope, Lord, me to be about to please them, so that in my house they may willingly inhabit al­waies; And as he to whom thou hast de­livered [Page 174] me, complains nothing of me, so neither shall they complain.

9 He saith to that Sheepherd, I see the Servant of God would be willing to see, and to keep these commands, and to be about to place these Virgins in a clean habitation; These when he had said, again to that Sheepherd he delivered me, and called the Virgins, and said to them, Because I perceive you to dwell willingly in this mans house, I commend him to you, and his house, that from his house ye depart not at all; and they willingly heard these words.

10 After that he saith to me, Converse thou manfully in this Ministry, to every man declare thou the great things of God, and thou shalt have acceptance in this Ministry; therefore whosoever shall walk in these commands, he shall live, and shall be happy in his life, but whosoever shall neglect them, shall not live, and shall be unhappy in his life. Say to all, that they cease not, whosoever can do rightly, to exercise good works, it is profitable for them.

11 But I say that every man must be delivered out of discommodities, for he that needs, and in his daily life suffers [Page 189] discommodities, is in great torment and necessity; who so therefore delivers such a soul out of necessity, acquireth great joy to himself, for he who is vexed with this discommodity, is vexed with like torment and tortures himself as he who is in fet­ters.

12 For many because of this sort of calamities, when they cannot stustein them, they bring death to themselves; Therefore he who knoweth the calamity of such a man, and plucks him not out, he admits great sin, and becomes GUIL­TY OF HIS BLOOD; Therefore do ye good works, whosoever have gotten from the Lord, least while ye delay to do, the structure of the TOWER be con­summate.

13 For because of you is the work of its building left off for a time, unlesse therefore ye shall hasten to do rightly, the Tower shall be finished, and ye shall be excluded. But after he had spoken with me, he arose from the bed, and having taken the SHEEPHERD, and the VIRGINS, he went away, but he said to me, that he would send back that Sheepherd and these Virgins into mine HOƲSE.