6. For the heretics, who are most profane in
all things, have sharpened their tongue Ps. cxl. 3.
against the Holy Ghost also, and have dared to utter impious things; as
Irenæus the interpreter has written in his injunctions against
heresies Irenæus is
called “the interpreter” in the same general sense as other
ecclesiastical authors (Cat. xiii. 21; xv. 20), on account of his
frequent comments upon the Scriptures. The full title of his work
was A Refutation and Subversion of Knowledge falsely so called
(Euseb. Hist. Eccles. V. c. 7). Cyril’s expression
(ἐν τοῖς
προστάγμασι)
is sufficiently appropriate to the hortatory purpose professed by
Irenæus in his preface. But the Benedictine Editor thinks
that the word προστάγμασι
may be an interpolation arising from the following words πρὸς
τὰς.…The meaning would then be
“in his writings Against Heresies,” the usual short
title of the work.. For some of
them have dared to say that they were themselves the Holy
Ghost;—of whom the first was Simon Cat. vi. 14, note
10.,
the sorcerer spoken of in the Acts of the Apostles; for when he was
cast out, he presumed to teach such doctrines: and they who are
called Gnostics, impious men, have spoken other things against the
Spirit Irenæus (I. xxix
§ 4; xxx. § 1)., and the wicked
Valentinians Ib. I. ii.
§§ 5, 6. again something
else; and the profane Manes dared to call himself the Paraclete sent by
Christ Cat. vi. 25.. Others again
have taught that the Spirit is different in the Prophets and in the New
Testament. Cat. iv. 33. See
§ 3, note 3, above. Yea, and
great is their error, or rather their blasphemy. Such therefore
abhor, and flee from them who blaspheme the Holy Ghost, and have no
forgiveness. For what fellowship hast thou with the desperate,
thou, who art now to be baptized, into the Holy Ghost also i.e. as well as into
the Father and the Son.? If he who attaches himself to a
thief, and consenteth with him, is subject to punishment, what hope
shall he have, who offends against the Holy Ghost?