The Pleroma: An Essay on the Origin of Christianity:

This book outlines the Gnostic beliefs which are said to be the forerunners of Christian Theology and not heresies from it, then speaks of the period of transition and builds an argument on the followers of John the Baptist, preferring to take doubtful possibilities as to his connection with certain sects rather than the clear statement of the Gospels which imply the supernatural. Gnosticism in its more favorable aspects appears before us and we are then asked to consider the kindred sects ...