The Prescription Against Heretics — Chapter 40

1

“Interpretur” is here a passive verb.

2

Res.

3

Sacramentorum divinorum. The form, however, of this phrase seems to point not only to the specific sacraments of the gospel, but to the general mysteries of our religion.

4

Compare Tertullian’s treatises, de Bapt. v. and de Corona, last chapter.

5

Expositionem.

6

“Et sub gladio redimit coronam” is the text of this obscure sentence, which seems to allude to a pretended martyrdom. Compare Tertullian’s tract, de Corona, last chapter.

7

The Flamen Dialis. See Tertullian’s tract, ad Uxorem, i. 7.

8

[Corruptio optimi pessima. Compare the surprising parallels of M. Huc between debased Christianity and the paganism of Thibet, etc. Souvenirs d’un voyage, etc. Hazlitt’s translation, 1867.]

9

Morositatem Illam. [He refers to the minute and vexatious ordinances complained of by St. Peter (Acts xiv. 10,) which Latin Christianity has ten-folded, in his name.]

10

Gestiit.

11

Attemperare.

12

i.e., the Scriptures of the New Testament.

Chapter 40

Chapter XL.—No Difference in the Spirit of Idolatry and of Heresy. In the Rites of Idolatry, Satan Imitated and Distorted the Divine Institutions of the Older Scriptures. The Christian Scriptures Corrupted by Him in the Perversions of the Various Heretics.

Notes