Chap. v.—Their dangerous errors.
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Clement I, Pope, Hermas, active 2nd century, Ignatius, Saint, Bishop of Antioch, Papias, Saint, Bishop of Hierapolis, Polycarp, Saint, Bishop of Smyrna, Crombie, Frederick, Donaldson, James, Sir, and Roberts, Alexander
Shorter.
Some ignorantly[1259] deny Him, or rather have been denied by Him, being the advocates of death rather than of the truth. These persons neither have the prophets persuaded, nor the law of Moses, nor the gospel even to this day, nor the sufferings we have individually endured. For they think also the same thing regarding us.[1260] For what does any one profit me, if he commends me, but blasphemes my Lord, not confessing that He was [truly] possessed of a body?[1261] But he who does not acknowledge this, has in fact altogether denied Him, being enveloped in death.[1262] I have not, however, thought good to write the names of such persons, inasmuch as they are unbelievers. Yea, far be it from me to make any mention of them, until they repent and return to [a true belief in] Christ’s passion, which is our resurrection.
Longer.
Some have ignorantly denied Him, and advocate falsehood rather than the truth. These persons neither have the prophecies persuaded, nor the law of Moses, nor the gospel even to this day, nor the sufferings we have individually endured. For they think also the same thing regarding us. For what does it profit, if any one commends me, but blasphemes my Lord, not owning Him to be God incarnate?[1263] He that does not confess this, has in fact altogether denied Him, being enveloped in death. I have not, however, thought good to write the names of such persons, inasmuch as they are unbelievers; and far be it from me to make any mention of them, until they repent.