2. For the method of godliness consists of
these two things, pious doctrines, and virtuous practice: and
neither are the doctrines acceptable to God apart from good works, nor
does God accept the works which are not perfected with pious
doctrines. For what profit is it, to know well the doctrines
concerning God, and yet to be a vile fornicator? And again, what
profit is it, to be nobly temperate, and an impious blasphemer? A
most precious possession therefore is the knowledge of doctrines:
also there is need of a wakeful soul, since there are many that make
spoil through philosophy and vain deceit Col. ii. 8.. The Greeks on the one hand draw men
away by their smooth tongue, for honey droppeth from a
harlot’s lips Prov. v. 3.: whereas they
of the Circumcision deceive those who come to them by means of the
Divine Scriptures, which they miserably misinterpret though studying
them from childhood to old age Is. xlvi. 3. Sept. παιδευόμενοι
ἐκ παιδίου
ἕως γήρως., and growing old
in ignorance. But the children of heretics, by their good
words and smooth tongue, deceive the hearts of the
innocent Rom. xvi. 17. Cyril has εὐγλωττίας
in place of εὐλογίας., disguising with the
name of Christ as it were with honey the poisoned arrows Compare Ignatius,
Trall. vi. of their impious doctrines: concerning
all of whom together the Lord saith, Take heed lest any man mislead
you Matt. xxiv. 4.. This is the reason for the teaching of
the Creed and for expositions upon it.