Shepherd of Hermas 11

1After showing me these things, she wanted to go away. I say to her, "Lady, what profit is it to me to have seen these things and not know what the matters are?" Answering me, she says, "You are a cunning man, wanting to know the things concerning the tower." "Yes, lady," I say, "so that I may report them to the brothers, and that, becoming more cheerful and hearing these things, they may know the Lord in much glory."

2She said, "Many indeed will hear; and, having heard, some of them will rejoice, but some will weep. But even these, if they hear and repent, they too will rejoice. Therefore listen to the parables of the tower, for I will reveal everything to you. And no longer cause me trouble about revelations, for these revelations have an end, for they have been completed. But you will not stop asking for revelations, for you are shameless."

3"The tower that you see being built, I am the Church, the one shown to you both now and before. Whatever, therefore, you wish to ask about the tower, I will reveal to you, so that you may rejoice with the saints."

4I say to her, "Lady, since once for all you considered me worthy for everything to be revealed to me, reveal it." She says to me, "Whatever can be revealed to you will be revealed. Only let your heart be toward God, and do not be double-minded in whatever you see."

5I asked her, "Why has the tower been built upon the waters, lady?" She says, "I told you before also, and you inquire diligently; therefore, by inquiring, you find the truth. Why, then, the tower has been built upon the waters—listen: because your life was saved through water and will be saved. And the tower has been founded by the word of the almighty and glorious Name, and is held fast by the unseen power of the Master."