The Shepherd of Hermas

Hermas

Hermas. The Apostolic Fathers with an English translation by Kirsopp Lake. In Two Volumes. Vol. II. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1913

You have the life of both the prophets. Test, then, from his life and deeds, the man who says that he is inspired.

But believe yourself in the Spirit which comes from God and has power, but have no faith in the spirit which is from the earth and empty, because there is no power in it, for it comes from the devil.

Hear, then, the parable which I will tell you.

Take a stone and throw it up to Heaven and see if you can touch it; or take a syringe[*](The syringe or hand pump used for cleaning and watering the vines in the Italian vineyards.) and squirt it towards the sky, and see if you can make a hole in the Heavens.