The writer of the eighth chapter of "_The Acts of the Apostles_" informs
us that when Philip went into Samaria, "to preach Christ unto them," he
found there "a certain man called Simon, which beforetime in the same
city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that
himself was some great one. To whom they all gave heed, from the least
to the greatest, saying: This man is the great power of God."[264:4]

Simon traveled about preaching, and made many proselytes. He professed
to be "_The Wisdom of God_," "_The Word of God_," "_The Paraclete_, or
_Comforter_," "_The Image of the Eternal Father, Manifested in the
Flesh_," and his followers claimed that he was "_The First Born of the
Supreme_."[265:1] All of these are titles, which, in after years, were
applied to Christ Jesus. His followers had a gospel called "_The Four
Corners of the World_," which reminds us of the reason given by Irenaeus,
for there being _four_ Gospels among the Christians. He says:

"It is impossible that there could be more or less than
_four_. For there are _four_ climates, and _four_ cardinal
winds; but the _Gospel_ is the pillar and foundation of the
Church, and its breath of life. The Church, therefore, was to
have _four pillars_, blowing immortality from every quarter,
and giving life to men."[265:2]

Simon also composed some works, of which but slight fragments remain,
Christian authority having evidently destroyed them. That he made a
lively impression on his contemporaries is indicated by the subsequent
extension of his doctrines, under varied forms, by the wonderful stories
which the Christian Fathers relate of him, and by the strong dislike
they manifested toward him.

Eusebius, the ecclesiastical historian, says of him:

"The malicious power of _Satan_, enemy to all honesty, and foe
to all human salvation, brought forth at that time this
monster Simon, a father and worker of all such mischiefs, _as
a great adversary unto the mighty and holy Apostles_.

"Coming into the city of Rome, he was so aided by that power
which prevaileth in this world, that in short time he brought
his purpose to such a pass, that his picture was there placed
with others, and he honored as a god."[265:3]

Justin Martyr says of him:

"After the ascension of _our_ Savior into heaven, the DEVIL
brought forth certain men which called themselves gods, who