The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious A Reply to the Right Rev. Dr. Lightfoot by Killen, W. D. (William Dool), 1806-1902

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Chapter Ii. The Testimony Of Polycarp To The Ignatian Epistles Examined.

Chapter Iii. The Date Of The Martyrdom Of Polycarp.

Chapter Iv. The Testimony Of Irenaeus, And The Genesis Of Prelacy.

Chapter V. The Forgery Of The Ignatian Epistles.

Appendices. I. Letter Of The Late Dr. Cureton.

The Rev. Dr. Killen.

Ii.

[endnotes]

Transcribed by the Freethought Archives

THE IGNATIAN EPISTLES ENTIRELY SPURIOUS.

A Reply to The Right Rev. Dr. Lightfoot, Bishop of Durham.

W. D. KILLEN, D.D. Professor of Ecclesiastical History, and Principal of the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland.

"As the account of the martyrdom of Ignatius may be justly
suspected, so, too, the letters which presuppose the correctness
of this suspicious legend do not wear at all a stamp of a distinct
individuality of character, and of a man of these times addressing
his last words to the Churches."
--AUGUSTUS NEANDER.

EDINBURGH 1886.

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 who lived on the borders of the apostolic age; but these Ignatian Epistles betray indications of a very different original, for they reveal a spirit of which no enlightened Christian can approve, and promulgate principles which would sanction the boldest assumptions of ecclesiastical despotism. In a work published by me many years ago, I have pointed out the marks of their imposture; and I have since seen no cause to change my views. Regarding all these letters as forgeries from beginning to end, I have endeavoured, in the following pages, to expose the fallacy of the arguments by which Dr. Lightfoot has attempted their vindication.

ASSEMBLY COLLEGE, BELFAST, July 1886.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.

The critical spirit stimulated by the Reformation--The Ignatian Epistles as regarded by Calvin, Ussher, Vossius, Daille, Pearson, Wake, and Cureton--Dr. Lightfoot as a scholar and a commentator-- The valuable information supplied in his recent work--His estimate of the parties who have pronounced judgment on the question of the Ignatian Epistles--His verdict unfair--His introduction of Lucian as a witness in his favour--The story of Peregrinus--Dr. Lightfoot's cardinal mistake in his treatment of this question.

CHAPTER II.

THE TESTIMONY OF POLYCARP TO THE IGNATIAN EPISTLES EXAMINED.