The Shepherd of Hermas

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.

So then count yourselves blessed; but think that you have done a great deed, if any of you suffer for God’s sake. The Lord is giving you life, and you do not consider it; for your sins have weighed you down, and except you had suffered for the name of the Lord you would have died to God because of your sins.

I say this to you who are hesitating as to denial or confession. Confess that you have a Lord, lest you deny him and be delivered into prison.

If the heathen punish their servants, if one deny his lord, what think you will the Lord, who has power over all, do to you? Put away these thoughts from your heart that you may live for ever to God.