Heb. vi. 4–6. The use made by the Montanists and Novatians of this passage in support of their heresy seems to have been one of the reasons why the Epistle to the Hebrews was so late in being received as canonical. This is stated by one authority in so many words: “Epistola ad Hebræos non legitur propter Novatianos.” Philastrius, de Hær. 41.