Translation of the Epistles of Clement of Rome, Polycarp and Ignatius; And of the Apologies of Justin Martyr and Tertullian - With an Introduction, and Brief Notes Illustrative of the Ecclesiastical History of the First Two Centuries #261207

Hence the conclusions, which the primitive Chris tian Church formed, respecting questions, which in after ages have been fruitful subjects of controversy, are entitled to the highest regard: not, indeed, as in fallible; but as representing the doctrines maintained by sincere and earnest inquirers after the truth, by men who were best able to form a sound determina tion, before their judgment was warped by prejudice, or modified by system. The writings of the early Christian Fathers will therefore be carefully consulted by all who would trace the Scriptures up to the period in which they were written, and learn the doctrines which were taught as essential, in the times nearest to the Apos tolic age.