Whatever opinions, then, were entertained by those who derived the first principles (of their doctrine) from the serpent, and in process of time [608] deliberately [609] brought forward into public notice their tenets, we have explained in the book preceding this, (and) which is the fifth of the Refutation of Heresies. But now also I shall not be silent as regards the opinions of (heresiarchs) who follow these (Ophites in succession); nay, not one (speculation) will I leave unrefuted, if it is possible to remember all (their tenets), and the secret orgies of these (heretics) which one may fairly style orgies, -- for they who propagate such audacious opinions are not far distant from the anger (of God), -- that I may avail myself of the assistance of etymology.

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Footnotes:

[607] [Presuming that all who are disposed to study this work will turn to Dr. Bunsen's first volume (Hippol.), I have not thought it wise to load these pages with references to his interesting reviewal.]

[608] kata teleiosin ton chronon. This is Bunsen's emendation. The textual reading is meiosin.

[609] hekousios: Bunsen suggests anosios, i.e., profanely.