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
Such men
therefore are neither alive nor dead; but these also will be able to live if they repent quickly, but if they do not repent they have already been given over to the women who take away their life.And from the fifth mountain, which has green[*](The fifth mountain) herbage and is rough, are such believers as these: believers, but slow to learn and presumptuous, and pleasing themselves, wishing to know everything, and yet they know nothing at all.
Because of this presumption of theirs understanding has departed from them, and senseless folly has entered into them, and they praise themselves for having understanding and they wish to be teachers[*](ἐθελοδιδάσκαλοι is not found elsewhere. If it be right it must mean a teacher who unduly magnifies his office. Cf. ἐθελοθπησκεία in Col. 2, 23.) in spite of their folly.
For this high-mindedness therefore many have been made worthless by exalting themselves,[*](There may be here a reference to Philipp. 2, 9 in which κένωσις and ὕψωσις are contrasted: the point being that as the κένωσις of Christ led to his ὕψωσις, so the ὕψωσις of these men results in their ultimate κένωσις.) for presumption and vain confidence is a great demon. Many therefore of these were rejected, but some repented and believed, and submitted themselves to those who have understanding, recognising their own folly.
And for the rest of such men repentance is waiting, for they were not wicked, but rather foolish and without understanding. If therefore these repent they will live to God, but if they do not repent they will dwell with the women who devise evil against them.
And those of the sixth mountain which has[*](The sixth mountain) cracks, great and small, and withered plants in the cracks, are such believers as these.
Those who have the small cracks are those who have quarrels with one another, and are withered in the faith from their evil speaking. But many of these repented, and the rest shall also repent when they hear my commandments, for their evil-speaking was small and they will quickly repent.
But those who have great cracks are those who are persistent in their evil-speaking, and are become malicious in their rage against one another. These then were cast away from the tower and were rejected from its building. Such men then will live with difficulty.