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

And you see that many of them have repented since I

told them my commandments; and they shall still repent. But as many as shall not repent have lost their lives. But as many of them as repented became good and their dwelling was within the first walls, and some of them even went up into the tower. You see then, said he, that repentance of sins brings life, but not to repent brings death.

And as many as gave them up half dry and had cracks in them; listen also, concerning them:— They, whose sticks were half dry are the double-minded, for they are neither alive nor dead.

And those who had them half dry and with cracks, these are double-minded and evil speakers, and are never at peace among themselves, but are always making schisms; but repentance, said he, waits also for these. You see, said he, that some of them have repented, and there remains, said he, still hope of repentance in them.

And as many of them, said he, as have repented, shall have their dwellings in the tower, and as many of them as have repented more slowly, shall dwell on the Avails. But as many as do not repent, but remain in their deeds, shall die the death.