The Shepherd of Hermas

But if the shepherds themselves be found fallen away, what shall they answer to the Master of the flock? That they have fallen away because of the sheep? They will not be believed, for it is incredible that a shepherd should be harmed

Therefore, amend yourselves while the tower is still being built.

The Lord dwells among men who[*](The final exhortation of the shepherd) love peace, for of a truth peace is dear to him, but he is far away from the contentious and those who are destroyed by malice. Give back then to him your spirit whole as you received it.

For if you give to the dyer a new garment whole, and wish to receive it back from him whole, but the dyer gives it you back torn, will you accept it? Will you not at once grow hot[*](Scandesco is probably a dialectic form of candesco, which is found in some MSS of L1.) and pursue him with abuse, saying I gave you a whole garment, why have you torn it and given it me back useless? And because of the tear which you have made in it it cannot be used. Will you not say all these things to the dyer about the rent which he has made in your garment?

If then you are grieved with your garment, and complain that you did not receive it back whole, what do you think the Lord will do to you, who gave you the spirit whole, and you have returned it altogether useless, so that it can be of no use to its Lord, for its use began to be useless when it had been corrupted by you. Will not therefore the Lord of that spirit punish you with death, because of this deed of yours?