The Shepherd of Hermas

I told you, said he, that the creatures of[*](Temperance) God are two-fold, and temperance is also two-fold. For from some things we must refrain and from some things not.

Let me know, sir, said I, from what we must refrain and from what not. Listen, said he. Refrain from evil, and do not do it, but do not refrain from good, but do it. For if you refrain from doing good, you do great sin; but if you refrain from doing evil, you do great righteousness. Refrain therefore from all evil, and do good.

What, sir, said I, are the wickednesses from which we must refrain? Listen, said he. From adultery and fornication, from the lawlessness of drunkenness, from evil luxury, from much eating, and extravagance of wealth, and boastfulness and haughtiness and pride, and from lying and evil speaking and hypocrisy, malice and all blasphemy.

These deeds are the wickedest of all in the life of men. The servant of God must therefore refrain from these deeds. For he who does not refrain from these cannot live to God. Hear therefore what

But, sir, said I, are there still other evil deeds? Yes, said he, there are many from which the servant of God must refrain. Theft, lying, robbery, false witness, coveteousness, evil desire, deceit, vain-glory, pride, and whatever is like to these.