of the apostolical succession implies. When Irenaeus speaks of
Polycarp as having "received his appointment in Asia from apostles
as bishop in the Church of Smyrna," [65:2] he makes a statement
which, literally understood, even Dr. Lightfoot hesitates to
endorse. [65:3] The Apostle John may have seen Polycarp in his
boyhood, and may have predicted his future eminence as a Christian
minister,--just as Timothy was pointed out by prophecy [66:1]
as destined to be a champion of the faith. When Episcopacy was
introduced, its abettors tried to manufacture a little literary
capital out of some such incident; but the allegation that
Polycarp was ordained to the episcopal office by the apostles, is
a fable that does not require refutation. Almost all of them were
dead before he was born. [66:2]





CHAPTER V.

THE FORGERY OF THE IGNATIAN EPISTLES.


If, as there is every reason to believe, the Ignatian Epistles
are forgeries from beginning to end, various questions arise as to
the time of their appearance, and the circumstances which prompted
their fabrication. Their origin, like that of many other writings
of the same description, cannot be satisfactorily explored; and we
must in vain attempt a solution of all the objections which may be
urged against almost any hypothesis framed to elucidate their