The Shepherd of Hermas

Apostles and teachers who preached to all the world, and taught reverently and purely the word of the Lord, and kept nothing back for evil desire, but always walked in righteousness and truth, even as they had received the Holy Spirit. The passing of such is with the angels.[*](That is, after death they will be with the angels. Cf. notes on Herm. Vis. ii. 2, 7 and on Martyr. Polycarp. ii. 3.)

And from the ninth mountain, which was desert,[*](The ninth mountain) and had in it creeping things and wild beasts which devour men, are such believers as these:

Those with spots are ministers who ministered amiss, and devoured the living of widows and orphans, and made gain for themselves from the ministry which they had received to administer. If then they remain in the same covetousness they are dead and they have no hope of life. But if they turn and fulfil their ministry in holiness they shall be able to live.

And those with scabs, these are they who have denied and have not turned to their Lord, but have become barren and deserted; by not cleaving to the servants of God, but keeping alone, they are destroying their own souls.

For just as a vine left alone within a fence and neglected is spoilt and is wasted by weeds, and in time becomes wild and is no longer