PREFACE.


This little volume is respectfully submitted to the candid
consideration of all who take an interest in theological
inquiries, under the impression that it will throw some additional
light on a subject which has long created much discussion. It has
been called forth by the appearance of a treatise entitled, "_The
Apostolic Fathers_, Part II. S. Ignatius, S. Polycarp. Revised
Texts, with Introductions, Notes, Dissertations, and Translations,
by J. B. Lightfoot, D.D., D.C.L., LL.D, Bishop of Durham."
In this voluminous production the Right Reverend Author has
maintained, not only that all the seven letters attributed by
Eusebius to Ignatius are genuine, but also that "no Christian
writings of the second century, and very few writings of
antiquity, whether Christian or pagan, are so well authenticated."
These positions, advocated with the utmost confidence by the
learned prelate, are sure to be received with implicit confidence
by a wide circle of readers; and I have felt impelled here openly
to protest against them, inasmuch as I am satisfied that they
cannot be accepted without overturning all the legitimate
landmarks of historical criticism. I freely acknowledge the
eminent services which Dr. Lightfoot has rendered to the Christian
Church by his labours as a Commentator on Scripture, and it is
therefore all the more important that the serious errors of a
writer so distinguished should not be permitted to pass
unchallenged. All who love the faith once delivered to the saints,
may be expected to regard with deference the letters of a martyr