Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 edition. Excerpt: ... FOURTH PERIOD.--A. D. 130 tO 170. FORTY YEARS OF CHRISTIAN WRITERS- CHAPTER XIX. FIRST HALF OF FOURTH PERIOD.--A. D. 130 to 150. Carpocrates--Epiphanes--Cerdo--Hermas--Cerinthtjs--Isidortts-- Valentintis--Papias--Epistle To Diognetub--The Clementines. Carpocrates.--About A. D. 135. Irenaeus, in his first book against Heresies, writes as follows: "Carpocrates, again, and his followers, maintain that the world and the things which are therein, were created by angels greatly inferior to the on begotten Father. They also hold that Jesus was the son of Joseph, and was just like other men, with the exception that he differed from them in this respect, that inasmuch as his soul was steadfast and pure, he perfectly remembered those things which he had witnessed within the sphere of the unbegotten God. On this account, a power descended upon him from ths Father, that by means of it, he might escape from the creators of the world." After enlarging upon this idea, and stating that they believe the human soul, which is like that of Christ, can rise above the creators of the world, he says: "This idea has raised them to such a pitch of pride, that some of them declare themselves similar to Jesus; while others still more mighty, maintain that they are superior to his disciples, such as Peter and Paul, and the rest of the apostles, whom they consider to be in no respect inferior to Jesus-" He then charges them with practicing magical arts and incantations; of using philters and love potions; of having recourse to familiar spirits, dream-sending demons, "and other abominations;" and of leading a licentious life.1 Dr. Lardner thinks the charge of licentiousness a slander.' Clement of Alexandria speaks of Carpocrates and Epiphanes as both advocating a...