1Seeing them then so whipped and in such misery, I was sad because of them, because they were being so tormented and had no rest at all. I said to the shepherd who spoke with me: 'Lord, who is this shepherd who is so relentless and cruel, and has no compassion at all for these sheep?'
2'This,' said he, 'is the angel of punishment; he is one of the righteous angels, and is appointed for punishment.'
3'He receives, then, those who have strayed from God and walked in the desires and deceits of this world, and punishes them according to their merits with terrible and varied punishments.'
4'I wanted to know, Lord,' said I, 'these varied punishments, of what kind they are.'
5'Listen,' said he, 'the varied torments and punishments. The punishments are during life; for some are punished with losses, others with lack, others with various diseases, others with all sorts of disturbance, and others with insults from unworthy people and many other tribulations.'
6'For many, being disturbed in their plans, attempt many things, and nothing succeeds for them; and they say they do not prosper in their plans, and it does not enter their heart that they have committed evil works, but they blame the Lord.'
7'When, therefore, they are afflicted with all sorts of tribulation, then they are delivered to me for good instruction, and are strengthened in the faith of the Lord, and serve the Lord with a pure heart the rest of the days of their lives.'
8'But when they repent, then the evil works they did rise in their hearts, and then they glorify God, because He is a righteous judge, and because they suffered justly each according to their deeds.'
9'And they serve the Lord from now on with a pure heart, and prosper in everything they do, receiving from the Lord everything they ask; and then they give thanks to the Lord because they were delivered to me, and no longer suffer any evil.'