Shepherd of Hermas 20

1But in the second vision you saw her standing, with a countenance younger and more cheerful than before, though her flesh and her hair were older. “Listen,” she says, “to this parable also.

2“When an old man, having already given up hope for himself because of his weakness and his poverty, expects nothing else but the last day of his life; then, all at once, an inheritance is left to him. On hearing of it he is stirred up, and, becoming overjoyed, he puts on strength; he no longer lies down, but stands; his spirit—already corrupted by his former deeds—is renewed; and he no longer sits, but takes courage. So also you, when you heard the revelation that the Lord revealed to you.

3“For he had compassion on you and renewed your spirits, and you put away your softness; strength came to you and you were strengthened in faith; and when the Lord saw your strengthening, he rejoiced. For this reason he made known to you the building of the tower, and he will make other things known, if, with a whole heart, you are at peace among yourselves.”