a threefold order of creatures: The Hylic or material, formed of the ὕλη, which is the substance of the devil, incapable of immortality. The psychic or animal belonging to the kingdom of the Demiurge; their ψυχή is naturally mortal, but capable of being clothed with immortality, and it depends on their disposition (θέσις) whether they become sons of God or children of the devil. The pneumatic or spiritual, who are by nature of the divine essence, though entangled with matter and needing redemption to be delivered from it. These are the special creation of the Logos; they live in Him, and become one with Him. In the second class Heracleon seems to have had the Jews specially in mind and to have regarded them with a good deal of tenderness. They are the children of Abraham who, if they do not love God, at least do not hate Him. Their king, the Demiurge, is represented as not hostile to the Supreme, and though shortsighted and ignorant, yet as well disposed to faith and ready to implore the Saviour's help for his subjects whom he had not himself been able to deliver. When his ignorance is removed, he and his redeemed subjects will enjoy immortality in a place raised above the material world. Besides the passages on which he comments Heracleon refers to ; ; , ; ; , ; ; . References Attribution Bibliography . Heinrici, Val. Gnosis, 127. Neander, Gen. Entwick. 143, and Ch. Hist. ii. 135. Westcott, N. T. Canon. 299. External links EarlyChristianWritings entry on Heracleon Gnostics 2nd-century Christian theologians