History of the Christian Religion to the YEAR TWO HUNDRED. By CHARLES B. WAITE, A. M. Sixth Edition-Revised. CHICAGO: C. V. WAITE & CO. 1908. FOR SALE BY A. C. MCCLURG & CO., CHICAGO. 166434 SEP 9 1912 PREFACE. This volume is the result of an investigation, extending through several years, and instituted for the satisfaction of the author. Two years of the time were spent in the Library of Congress, which is peculiarly rich in the department of Biblical Literature. It contains the writings of all the earlier fathers, in the original, and an immense collection of the works of later writers. The intent to publish was formed upon ascertaining facts and arriving at conclusions which appeared of great importance, and which had never before been fully made known. To the accomplished Librarian, who furnished the author with every facility for the prosecution of his work, and gave him much valuable information, he returns his sincere thanks; also to the assistant librarians, for the promptness with which the treasures of the Library were from time to time placed at his disposal. It is believed that this will be found to be the most complete record of the events connected with the Christian religion during the first two centuries that has ever been presented to the public. The time has been divided into six periods, and the different writers and events are carefully arranged in regular chronological order. In fixing the dates of the various writers, it was found that the subject was involved in much confusion. In each case, the different dates were carefully examined, and the one selected which appeared the most consistent, and supported by the most approved authorities. A comprehensive view is given of the gospels of the first two centuries, with a brief sketch of those of a later date. The comparisons which have been instituted between the canonical and certain apocryphal gospels, constitute a peculiar feature of this work, and one which is believed to be of great importance in arriving at correct conclusions. The Gospel of Marcion has been reproduced from the writings of the fathers, principally from the Greek of Epiphanius. This is something which, so far as the author is aware, has never before been attempted in this country. The references to authorities will be found useful to those who may desire to pursue further the investigation of the questions discussed. The reader will find considerable repetition in the following pages. The importance of the subject, and the necessity of examining many of the questions from different points of view, would seem to justify, if not absolutely to demand, a restatement, from time to time, of the same facts and propositions in different chapters. In the preparation and publication of this work, the author has proceeded upon the assumption that |