Shepherd of Hermas
The Book of Jermas: The Shepherd The first vision Exposing Hermas for his own weaknesses and negligence in raising his children. I. Vision in Heaven and Accusations The one who raised me sold a girl to Rome. After many years I saw her, recognized her and loved her as a sister. After a while, seeing her bathing in the Tiber River, I gave her my hand and led her out of the river. Looking at her beauty, I thought in my heart: «"I would be happy if I had a wife with such a face and character.". That's all I thought and nothing more. Later, I walked with such thoughts and praised God's creation, reflecting on how great and beautiful it is. While walking, I fell asleep, and the spirit picked me up and carried me somewhere through a place where no man could pass. It was rocky, steep, and impassable because of the waters. Having passed through it, I reached a plain and, kneeling down, began to pray to the Lord and confess my sins. And during my prayer, the sky opened, and I...