The Shepherd of Hermas

And from the third mountain, which has thorns[*](The third mountain) and thistles, are such believers as these. Of them are those who are rich and are mixed up with many affairs of business, for the thistles are the rich, and the thorns are those who are mixed up with various affairs of business.

These then who are engaged in many and various businesses do not cleave to the servants of God, but are choked by their work and go astray. And the rich cleave with difficulty to the servants of God, fearing that they will be asked for something by them. Such then (will enter with difficulty the kingdom of God.’

For just as it is difficult to walk with naked feet among thistles, so it is