me only [Footnote: See Salmon's
_Introduction to the New Testament_ p. 9.], where it was a question of
weighing probabilities, as is the case in most historical
investigations, to choose invariably that alternative, even though the
least probable, which would enable him to score a point against his
adversary. For the rest I disclaim any personal bias, as against any
personal opponent. The author of 'Supernatural Religion,' as distinct
from the work, is a mere blank to me. I do not even know his name, nor
have I attempted to discover it. Whether he is living or dead, I know
not. He preferred to write anonymously, and so far as I am concerned, I
am glad that it was so; though, speaking for myself, I prefer taking the
responsibility of my opinions and statements on important subjects.

In several instances the author either vouchsafed an answer to my
criticisms, or altered the form of his statements in a subsequent
edition. In all such cases references are scrupulously given in this
volume to his later utterances. In most cases my assailant had the last
word. He is welcome to it. I am quite willing that careful and impartial
critics shall read my statements and his side by side, and judge between
us. It is my sole desire, in great things and in small, to be found
[Greek: sunergos te aletheia].

BOURNEMOUTH,
_May_ 2, 1889.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE
I. INTRODUCTION 1--31
II. THE SILENCE OF EUSEBIUS 32--58
III. THE IGNATIAN EPISTLES 59--88
IV. POLYCARP OF SMYRNA 89--141
V. PAPIAS OF HIERAPOLIS I. 142--177
VI. PAPIAS OF HIERAPOLIS II. 178--216
VII. THE LATER SCHOOL OF ST JOHN 217--250
VIII. THE CHURCHES OF GAUL 251--271
IX. TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 272--288

DISCOVERIES ILLUSTRATING THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 291--302
INDICES 303--324

SUPERNATURAL RELIGION.

I. INTRODUCTION.

[DECEMBER, 1874]

If the author of _Supernatural Religion_ [Footnote 1:1] designed, by
withholding his name, to stimulate public curiosity and thus to extend
the circulation of his work, he has certainly not been disappointed in
his ho