The Shepherd of Hermas

Consider this double-mindedness; for it is wicked and foolish, and uproots many from the faith, yes, even those who are very faithful and strong. For this double-mindedness

Despise therefore double-mindedness, and master it in every act, putting on the faith which is strong and powerful. For faith promises all things, perfects all things. But the double-mindedness which has no full faith in itself fails in all deeds which it undertakes.

You see, then, said he, that faith is from above, from the Lord, and has great power; but double-mindedness is an earthly spirit, from the devil, and has no power.

Do you, therefore, serve the faith which has power, and refrain from the double-mindedness which has no power, and you shall live to God, and all who have this mind shall live to God.

Put away, said he, grief from yourself, for[*](Grief) this also is a sister of double-mindedness and bitterness.

How, sir, I said, is she their sister, for it seems to me that bitterness is one thing and double-mindedness is another, and grief another? You are foolish, O man, he said, and do not understand that grief is more evil than all the spirits, and is most terrible to the servants of God, and corrupts man beyond all the spirits, and wears

Yes, sir, said I, I am a foolish man, and do not understand these parables, for how it can wear out and again save, I do not understand.

Listen, he said, those who have never inquired concerning the truth, nor made search concerning the Godhead, but only have faith, and are mixed up with business and riches, and heathen friendships, and many other occupations of this world,—such as are intent on these, do not understand the parables of the Godhead; for they are darkened by these deeds, and are corrupted and become sterile.