Shepherd of Hermas 2

1After she had spoken these words, the heavens were shut, and I was wholly trembling and grieving. And I said within myself, “If this sin is charged against me, how will I be able to be saved? Or how shall I make atonement to God for my completed sins? Or with what words shall I ask the Lord, that he may be propitious to me?”

2While I was considering these things and pondering them in my heart, I see before me a great white chair made of snowy wool. And an elderly woman came in most radiant clothing, holding a book in her hands, and sat down alone and greeted me, “Hermas, greetings.” And I, grieving and weeping, said, “Lady, greetings.”

3And she said to me, “Why are you gloomy, Hermas—you who are patient and not given to contention, always laughing? Why are you so downcast in appearance and not cheerful?” And I said to her, “Because of a most excellent woman, who said that I sinned against her.”

4But she said, “By no means does this matter apply to the servant of God. Yet surely a thought concerning her rose up in your heart. For such an intention brings sin upon the servants of God. For it is an evil and startling intention for a most reverent spirit, and one already proven, if it should desire an evil deed—especially Hermas, the self-controlled one, who abstains from every evil desire and is full of all simplicity and great innocence.”