The Shepherd of Hermas

And from the tenth mountain, where were trees[*](The tenth mountain) sheltering some sheep, are such believers as these:

Bishops and hospitable men who at all times received the servants of God into their houses gladly and without hypocrisy; and the bishops ever ceaselessly sheltered the destitute and the widows by their ministration, and ever behaved with holiness.

These then shall all be always sheltered by the Lord. They then who have done these things are glorious with God, and their place is already with the angels, if they continue serving the Lord unto the end.

And from the eleventh mountain, where were[*](The eleventh mountain) trees full of fruit, each adorned with different fruit, are such believers as these:

they who have suffered for the name of the Son of God, who also suffered readily with all their heart and gave up their lives.

Why then, Sir, said I, have all the trees fruit, but the fruit of some of them is more beautiful? Listen, said he, as many as ever suffered for the name are glorious before God, and the sins of all these have been taken away because they suffered for the name of the Son of God. But listen why their fruits are different and some better than others.

As many, said he, as were brought under authority and were questioned and did not deny, but suffered readily, these are especially glorious before the Lord; the fruit of these is excellent. But as many as were fearful, were in doubt, and considered

See to it, then, you who have these thoughts, lest this thought remain in your hearts and you die to God. But you who are suffering for the name, ought to glorify God, that God deemed you worthy to bear this name and that all your sins should be healed.