In a fragment, for example, found on a preceding page,20 there is a passage on God's image in angels and men, which appears in its more probable form in another fragment,21 discovered by Combefis. As quoted by St. John Damascene, it is enough to say of it, with the candid Dupin, "I very much question whether the passage belongs to Methodius; or, if it does, it must be taken in another sense22 than that in which Damascene understood it, as the words which immediately precede seem to intimate." That it is a positive anachronism in any other sense, is proved by the history of Images, on which see Epiphanius, quoted by Faber, Difficulties of Romanism, p. 488, ed. 1830. He gives St. Jerome, Opp., ii. p. 177. A learned friend suggests that the Rev. J. Endell Tyler's popular work on Primitive Christian Worship may supply an accessible reference.23 It is a very good thought, for the whole book is worth reading, on other points also.

PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - EARLY CHURCH FATHERS INDEX