The Shepherd of Hermas

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.

If God and our Lord who rules over all and has power over all his creation bear no malice against those who confess their sins, but is merciful, shall man who is mortal and full of sin bear malice against man, as though he were able to destroy or to save him.?

And I, the angel of repentance, say to you, do all you, who have this heresy, put it aside and repent, and the Lord will heal your former sins, if you cleanse yourselves from this demon. But if not you shall be delivered to him to death.

And from the seventh mountain, on which were[*](The seventh mountain) green and joyful herbs, and the whole mountain was fair and every kind of cattle and the birds of heaven were feeding on the herbs on this mountain, and the herbs on which they were feeding became yet more luxuriant, are such believers as these.