r dead nor alive.

196 For as the herbs dry away
at the sight of the sun, so the
doubtful, as soon as they hear of
persecution, and fear inconveniencies,
return to their idols, and again
serve them, and are ashamed
to bear the name of their Lord.

197 This kind of men then is
neither dead nor alive; nevertheless
these also may live, if they shall
presently repent; but if not,
they shall be delivered to those
women, who shall take away their
lives.

198 As concerning the fifth
mountain that is craggy, and yet
has green grass; they are of this
kind who have believed, and are
faithful indeed, but believe with
difficulty, and are bold and self-
conceited; and would be thought
to know all things, but really
know nothing.

199 Wherefore, by reason of
this confidence, knowledge is
departed from them; and a rash
presumption is entered into them.

200 But they carry themselves
high, and as prudent men; and
though they are fools, yet would
seem to be teachers.

201 Now by reason of this folly
many of them whilst they magnify
themselves, are become vain and
empty. For boldness and vain
confidence is a very evil spirit.

202 Wherefore many of these
are cast away; but others
acknowledging their error, have
repented, and submitted themselves
to those who are knowing.

203 And to all the rest of this
kind, there is repentance allowed;
forasmuch as they were not so
much wicked as foolish, and void
of understanding.

204 If these therefore shall
repent, they shall live unto God;
but if not, they shall dwell with
those women, who shall exercise
their wickedness upon them.

205 For what concerns the
sixth mountain having greater and
lesser clefts, they are such as have
believed; but those in which were
lesser clefts are they who have had
controversies among themselves;
and by reason of their quarrels
languish in the faith:

206 Nevertheless many of these
have repented, and so will the rest
when they shall hear my commands;
for their controversies are but
small, and they will easily
return unto repentance.

207 But those who have the
greater clefts, will be as stiff
stones, mindful of grudges and
offences, and full of anger among
themselves. These therefore are
cast from the tower, and refused
to be put into its building; for
this kind of men shall hardly
live.

208 Our God and Lord, who
ruleth over all things, and has
power over all his creatures, will
not remember our off