CHAPTER I.

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.

The critical spirit stimulated by the Reformation--The Ignatian Epistles as regarded by Calvin, Ussher, Vossius, Daillé, 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.