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.

Just as good vineyards when they meet with neglect, are made barren by the thorns and various weeds, so men, who have believed, and fall into these many occupations, which have been mentioned above, are deceived in their understanding, and understand nothing completely about righteousness. But even when they listen concerning the Godhead and truth their mind is taken up with their business, and they understand nothing properly.

But they who have the fear of God, and inquire concerning the Godhead and truth, and have their heart towards the Lord, perceive quickly and understand all that is said to them, because they have the fear of the Lord in themselves; for where the Lord dwells, there also is great understanding. Cleave therefore to the Lord, and you shall understand and perceive all things.

Hear, now, said he, foolish man, how grief[*](Grief and the Holy Spirit) wears out the Holy Spirit, and again brings salvation.

When the double-minded undertakes any work, and fails in it because of his double-mindedness, this grief enters into the man, and grieves the Holy Spirit and wears it out.

Then again, when for any matter ill temper cleave to a man, and he become exceedingly bitter, again grief enters into the heart of the ill tempered man, and he is grieved at the act which he did, and repents because he did wickedly.

Therefore this grief seems to bring salvation, because he repented of having done wickedly. Therefore both deeds grieve the Spirit; double-mindedness, because he did not obtain his purpose, and ill temper grieves the Spirit, because he acted wickedly. Both, therefore, are grievous to the Holy Spirit, double-mindedness and ill temper.

Put therefore away from yourself grief, and do not oppress the Holy Spirit which dwells in you, lest it beseech God,[*](Apparently the meaning is beseech God to allow it to depart from the man in whom it is. This is brought out in the variants of A and Ath.) and it depart from you.

For the Spirit of God which is given to this flesh endures neither grief nor oppression.