Chapter 7 of 541

Section 7

Section 7

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VI cient Jerusalem, now called JSlia, fix our attention on the re markable changes of that city. Turning aside from political events to doctrines, Eusebius reviews the heresies that grew out of those already mentioned, of which Menander Saturninus and Basilides were the leaders. They were successfully opposed by Agrippa Castor, (ch. 7.) A new aspect is given to heretical speculations by Carpoerates, who is pronounced the father of Gnosticism. The effects of these wild speculations, and the successful triumph over them, stand con nected with a notice of the writers who shared in the defence of the truth. Hegesippus is marked with much distinction. From Justin Martyr extracts are also given against Cerdon and Marcion. Melito, bishop of Sardis, is also quoted, (ch. 13.) Much space is allotted to the character and martyrdom of Polycarp, as detailed by IrenaBus. (ch. 14.) The machinations of Crescens against Justin, the death of the latter, and the martyrdom of many Christians, are followed by extracts from the works of Justin, (ch. 18.) The works of Hegesippus are reviewed, (ch. 22,) on whose authority the names of different sects, both Christian and Jewish, are given, with a reflection on the Apocrypha, sufficient to exclude them from the Canon, (ch. 22.) We are now introduced to an acquaintance with the character and writings of the excellent Dionysius of Corinth, the loss of whose works we are led to deplore, from the value of the frag ments here preserved. His Christian lenity in regard to certain rigid measures proposed, the good effects of his epistles, his sound judgment on the writings of others, and the deep interest he every where manifests for the true edification of the Church, entitle him to high consideration. Theophilus of Antioch, and Philip of Gortyna, were distinguished by their writings — the former against Hermogenes and Marcion ; the latter, with great perspicuity, against Marcion. The works of Melito, bishop of Sardis, and Apollinaris of Hierapolis, are enumerated, particularly the tormer, whose epistle to Onesimus, gives us the Canon of

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