Many variations here occur in the way in which the _lacuna_ of the MSS. is to be supplied. They do not, however, greatly affect the meaning. Footnote 1511: In the MS. “saying” is here inserted, as if the words had been regarded as a quotation from Isa. liii. 11. Footnote 1512: That is, before Christ appeared. Footnote 1513: Comp. Matt. vi. 25, etc. Footnote 1514: Thus Otto supplies the _lacuna_; others conjecture somewhat different supplements. Footnote 1515: So Böhl. Sylburgius and Otto read, “in the earth.” Footnote 1516: Some render, “nor do I rashly seek to persuade others.” Footnote 1517: Some propose to read, “and becoming a friend to the Word.” Footnote 1518: It has been proposed to connect this with the preceding sentence, and read, “have known the mysteries of the Father, viz. for what purpose He sent the Word.” Footnote 1519: Or, “esteemed.” Footnote 1520: Or, “given.” Footnote 1521: Literally, “bringing forth.” Footnote 1522: That is, in Paradise. Footnote 1523: Literally, “revealing life.” Footnote 1524: Or, “deprived of it.” Footnote 1525: Literally, “knowledge without the truth of a command exercised to life.” See 1 Cor. viii. 1. Footnote 1526: The MS. is here defective. Some read, “on account of the love of life.” Footnote 1527: Or, “true word,” or, “reason.” Footnote 1528: Or, “reap.” Footnote 1529: The meaning seems to be, that if the tree of true knowledge and life be planted within you, you shall continue free from blemishes and sins. THE PASTOR OF HERMAS. Introductory Notice. The Pastor of Hermas was one of the most popular books, if not the most popular book, in the Christian church during the second, third, and fourth centuries. It occupied a position analogous in some respects to that of Bunyan’s _Pilgrim’s Progress_ in modern times; and critics have frequently compared the two works. In ancient times two opinions prevailed in regard to the authorship. The most widely spread was, that the Pastor of Hermas was the production of the Hermas mentioned in the Epistle to the Romans. Origen[1530] states this opinion distinctly, and it is repeated by Eusebius[1531] and Jerome.[1532]