apostolicfathers0201clem - Carmel Apologetics

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. xv
The Ignatian Epistles are an exceptionally good training
ground for the student of early Christian literature and history.
They present in typical and instructive forms the most varied
One who
problems, textual, exegetical, doctrinal, and historical.
has thoroughly grasped these problems will be placed in possession
of a master key which will open
to him vast storehouses
of knowledge.
But I need not say that their educational value was not the
motive which led me to spend so much time over them. The
destructive criticism of the last half century is, I think, fast
spending its force. In its excessive ambition it has 'o'erleapt
itself It has not indeed been without its use. It has led to a
thorough examination and sifting of ancient documents. It has
exploded not a few errors, and discovered or established not a
few truths. For the rest, it has by its directness and persistency
stimulated investigation and thought on these subjects
to an extent which a less
aggressive
criticism would have failed
to secure. But the immediate effect of the attack has been to
strew the vicinity of the fortress with heaps
of ruins. Some
of these were best cleared away without hesitation or regret.
They are a rallying point for the assailant, so long as they
remain. But in other cases the rebuilding
is a measure demanded
by truth and prudence alike. I have been reproached
by my friends for allowing myself to be diverted from the more
congenial task of commenting on S. Paul's Epistles; but the
importance of the position seemed to me to justify the expenditure
of much time and labour in 'repairing a breach' not
indeed in 'the House of the Lord' itself, but in the immediately
outlying buildings.
S. Peter's Day,
1885.