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The Homilies (or popular discourses—omlia, from omilos, a multitude) of the ancient fathers twice—occasionally if not frequently—three times on the Sabbath, are sufficient evidence on this point. Compare Bingham and Cave. Mosheim marks the simplicity of preaching in the second century, and its subsequent declension in the time of Origen. In later ages, the corruption assumed another form not less darkening to the light of God—when the public instructions were drawn not from the Scriptures, but from the writings of the fathers; and the Church sunk into darkness by her implicit faith in these most fallible guides.