The Shepherd of Hermas

Do you wish to know who are those which[*](The stones which were broken up) are being broken up and cast far from the tower? These are the sons of wickedness; and their faith was hypocrisy, and no wickedness departed from them. For this cause they had no salvation, for because of their wickedness they are not useful for the building. Therefore they were broken up and cast far away, because of the anger of the Lord, for they had provoked his anger.

But the others of[*](The stones put on one side) whom you saw many left lying and not going into the building, of these those which are rotten are they who have known the truth, but are not remaining in it.

And who are they which have the cracks?These are they who bear malice in their hearts against one another, and are not at peace among themselves, but maintain the appearance of peace, yet when they depart from one another their wickednesses remain in their hearts. These are the cracks which the stones have.

And those which are too short are they which have believed, and they live for the greater part in righteousness, but have some measure of wickedness. Therefore they are short and not perfect.

But who. Lady, are the white