Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 10, Chapter 3
The Helpers Sent to Dwell with Him
← Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 10, Chapter 2 · Shepherd of Hermas: all chapters · Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 10, Chapter 4 →
Similitude 10.3.1I sent these virgins to you to dwell with you, for I saw that they were kindly disposed toward you. You therefore have them as helpers, so that you may be better able to keep his commandments. For it cannot happen that these commandments are kept without these virgins. I see that they are gladly with you; but I shall command them not to depart from your house at all.
Similitude 10.3.2Only cleanse your house, for they will gladly dwell in a clean house. They are clean, chaste, and diligent, and all have favor before the Lord. Therefore, if they find your house pure, they will remain with you. But if even a little defilement occurs, they will immediately withdraw from your house, for these virgins love no defilement at all.”
Similitude 10.3.3I said to him, “I hope, sir, to please them, so that they may always gladly dwell in my house. Just as this shepherd, to whom you entrusted me, does not blame me, neither will these virgins blame me.”
Similitude 10.3.4He said to the shepherd, “I know that God’s servant wishes to live and will keep these commandments and establish the virgins in purity.”
Similitude 10.3.5Having said these things, he entrusted me again to the shepherd, and calling the virgins … he said to them, “Since I see that you gladly dwell in this man’s house, I entrust him and his household to you, so that you may not depart from his house at all.” They gladly heard these words.
← Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 10, Chapter 2 · Shepherd of Hermas: all chapters · Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 10, Chapter 4 →
Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.