even calls Helvidius a "gross fool"), and Zuingle, among the Reformers ; Olshausen and J. P. Lange, among the later theologians. "^ Respecting his descent, compare the diffuse treatise of the tedious but thorough Walch, 1. c. p. eYS-G'Z'Z. ' This cheap pun he repeats, Epist. 109, ad Ripar. (Opera, i. p. 719), where he says that Vic/ilantius (Wakeful) was so called kot' avT'^ppaair, and should rather be called Bormitantius (Sleepy). The fact is, that Vigilantius was wide-awake to a fiensc of certain superstitions of the age. ■* In South Gaul ; now Caseres in Gascogne. As the business of innkeeper is incompatible with the spiritual office, it has been supposed that the father of Vigi- lantius was a caupo Calaf/nrntania^. Comp. Rossler's Bibliothek der Kirchenviiter, part ix. p. 880 sq., note 100 ; and Walch, 1. c. § 47. HELVIDIUS, VIGILANTIUS, AND AERIUS. 233 the wine, and would, according to ancient art, combine hi3 poison with the genuine faitli. He opposes virginity, hates chastity, cries against the tastings of the saints, and would only amidst jovial feastings amuse himself with the Psalnia of David. It is terrible to hear, that even bishops are compan- ions of bis wantonness, if those deserve this name, who ordain only married persons deacons, and trust not the chastity of the single.'" ' Vigilantius thinks it better for a man to use bis money wisely, and apply it gradually to benevolent objects at home, than to lavish it all at once upon the poor or give it to the monks of Jerusalem. He went further, however, than his two predecessors, and bent his main efforts against tbe worship of saints and relics, which was then gaining ascendency and was fostered by monasticism. He considered it superstition and idolatry. He called the Christians, who worshipped the "wretched bones" of dead men, ash-gatherers and idolaters.^ He expressed himself sceptically respecting the miracles of the martyrs, contested the practice of iiivoking them and of inter- cession for the dead, as useless, and declared himself against the Yigils, or public worship in the night, as tending to dis- order and licentiousness. This last point Jerome admits as a fact, but not as an argument, because the abuse should not abolish the right use. The presbyter Aeeius of Sebaste, about 360, belongs also among the partial opponents of monasticism. For, though himself an ascetic, he contended against the fast laws and the injunction of fasts at certain times, considering them an en- croachment upon Christian freedom. Epiphanius also ascribes to him three other heretical views : denial of the superiority of bishops to presbyters, opposition to the usual Easter festival, and opposition to prayers for the dead.^ He was hotly perse- cuted by the hierarchy, and was obliged to live, with his adhe- rents, in open fields and in caves. ' Adv. Vigil, c. 1 and 2 (Opera, torn. ii. p. 387 sqq.). ^ " Cinerarios et idolatras, qui mortuorum ossa venerantur." Hieron. ep. lOP, ad Riparium (torn. i.