The Shepherd of Hermas

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.