CHAPTER XXVII

PAUL OF SAMOSATA, AND THE HERESY INTRODUCED BY HIM AT ANTIOCH

XYSTUS had been bishop of Rome eleven years, when he was succeeded by Dionysius, the namesake of the bishop of Alexandria. At this time also, Demetrianus dying at Antioch, the episcopate was conferred on Paul of Samosata. As he entertained low and degrading notions of Christ, contrary to the doctrine of the church, and taught that he was in nature but a common man, Dionysius of Alexandria being invited to attend a council, (on the subject,) urged his age and the infirmity of his body, as his reason for deferring his attendance, but gave his sentiments upon the subject before them in an epistle. The other heads of churches assembled in all haste from different parts, at Antioch, as against one who was committing depredations on the flock of Christ.