The ancient history of universalism, from the time of the apostles to its condemnation in the fifth general council, A. D. 553.

Front matter

Class Book

I

I t

Preface

TO THE FIRST EDITION,

The reader will perceive, in the commencement of the following work, that I have not introduced a statement of the Scripture doctrine upon the subject of my History. For the omission, which some may consider a defect, I submit these reasons : it seemed to me that a brief statement would prove useless, since every one would form his own opinion from other authority ; and it was thought that a satisfactory discussion of the important question, belonged rather to the Polemic than to the Historian. Accordingly, for the commencement of my undertaking, I fixed on a date posterior to the publication of most of the New Testament ; and yet, as it was desirable to take into view every other Christian production extant of the first ages, it was necessary to begin as early as A. D. 90, before some of St. John's writings were composed.

The attentive reader will also discover, as he proceeds, that the Ancient History of Universalism is naturally distinguished, by certain peculiarities, into three successive Periods : — the First, extending to the year 190, and embraced in the first two chapters, affords but few indisputable traces either of that doctrine, or of its opposite ; the Second, running through the third, fourth, fifth and sixth chapters, to the year 390, or 394, is distinguished by the prevalence both iv

PREFACE.

of Universalism and of the doctrine of endless misery, without producing the least disturbance or uneasiness in the church ; the Third, reaching to the Fifth General Council, in A. D. 553, is marked with continual censures, frequent commotions, and some disgraceful quarrels, on that subject.

And, as I have endeavored to vary my general plan, so as to suit the peculiar character and circumstances of each of these periods, I would here bespeak the reader's attention to the method I have pursued. In the first Period, then, I have been careful to state, in his own words, the opinion of every Christian author, w T ho has left us any remarks concerning future punishment, or the eventual salvation of the world ; and down to the year 150, I have, with still more particularity, inserted every passage which I thought belonged to either of those subjects. Accordingly, it may be expected that, to many, the first two chapters will prove more tedious than the rest of the work. In the second Period, while it has been my principal object to give a full account of all those fathers, who, during that time, advocated or favored Universalism, I have also aimed to present a correct view of the opinions entertained, the meanwhile, by the Christian world at large, on that point. In the third Period, I have pursued nearly the same course ; leaving, however, the common sentiment of the church, concerning the doctrine in question, to be gathered from the controversies and quarrels which then occurred, and which I have minutely described. Thus far, I may venture to pronounce the History complete, in one respect : it contains an account of every individual of

PREFACE.

V note, whom we have now the means of knowing to have been a Universalist.

In the Appendix the plan is very different, since a regular and connected history of Universalism, from the Fifth General Council to the Reformation, is, with me, utterly impracticable. Here, therefore, nothing but a sketch is attempted, pointing out those traces of the doctrine, which I have happened to discover in the course of reading.

I would also take this opportunity, once for all, to apprize my readers of the sense in which they will* find certain terms and phrases ' used in the following work. The title, bishop, is supposed to have signified, at first, only the chief minister of a city, or territory ; though it afterwards became confined in its application to a distinct and superior order of clergy. By the popular epithets orthodox and heretic, I mean, not the true and the false, but the predominant, or catholic, and the dissenting, or anathematized. To conclude, I have frequently spoken of the Western or Latin Churches, in distinction from the Eastern or Greek ; though they were not finally separated from each other's communion, till the ninth century,

Roxbury, Oct. 22d, 1 828.

1*

ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

Numerous changes are made in this Edition ; but the most of them are merely verbal. Some sentences and paragraphs are omitted, as unnecessary or irrelevant ; others are transferred from the text to the margin, as belonging more properly among the notes. A few accounts are inserted of those whom the author has, since the publication of the work, found to have been Universalists.

No occasion has been discovered for correcting any material statement, except perhaps in what relates to the fact last mentioned in the history, — the condemnation of Universalism and its advocates by the Fifth General Council. Though the ancient Greek historians agree that such was the fact, and though the acts of that condemnation are found among the other acts of this body, yet there is some reason to suspect after all, that they are the acts of the council held under Mennas, at Constantinople, in the year 540 ; and to doubt whether the General Council ever meddled with the matter. As the point, however, is not fully settled, the statement in the first Edition is suffered to remain with only a hint or two of uncertainty.

No one can be more sensible, than the author, that this history needs to be written anew, and on a more philosophical plan, especially in the former part. This, he has long desired to see done ; and should his life be continued, and an opportunity of sufficient leisure occur, he hopes to undertake the labor, at some future season.

Medford, January 1, 1842.

CONTENTS,

Chapter I

Opinions entertained by the Christians, from A. D. 90, to A. D. 150, concerning future punishment, and the eventual salvation of the world, exhibited by means of all the relative passages in the Orthodox writings extant of this period, and by a summary statement of the doctrine of the early Gnostic sects.

a. d. sect.

Number, condition, and common faith of the 90 the Christians. 1 The Orthodox. Titles and character of their writings yet extant. - - - 2

90 — 95 Epistle of Clemens Romanus. Date of St. 94 — 100 John's later writings, and time of his death. 3

107 or 116 Epistles of Ignatius. Relation of his Martyr-

108 or 117 Epistle of Polycarp. ... 5

Corruptions growing in the church. 116 to 126 Papias. Aristides. The Greek Philosophy. 6 131 Epistle of Barnabas. - - - 7 About 150 Shepherd of Hermas. 8 90 to 150 The Gnostic Christians. Their general doctrine and character. - - - 9 About 120 The Basilidians, Universalists. - - 10 do The Carpocratians, do. - - 11 About 130 The Valentinians, do. - - 12 What notions of the Gnostics were peculiarly odious to the Orthodox. 13

Chapter II

Opinions of the Christians from A. D. 150, to A. D. 190, concerning future punishment, and the eventual salvation of the icorld* illustrated by extracts from all the authors extant of this period, icho have introduced the subject.

A. D. SECT.

Increase of Heretics. Ebionites. Character of 150 the Orthodox. 1 Change in the character of the Christian writings. Titles of those extant of this period. - 2 — 150 — The Sibylline Oracles, containing the earliest

explicit assertion of a restoration of the damned. 3 150 to 162 The works of Justin Martyr. - 4

Contents

SECT.

Relation of the Martyrdom of Polycarp. - 5 Oration of Tatian. 6 Ecclesiastical History of Hegesippus. - 7 Epistle of the Churches of Lyons and Vienne. 8 Works of Athenagoras. - - 9

Treatise of Theophilus. 10 Works of Ireneeus. - - - -"11

Chapter III

Clemens Alexandrinus, and his Cotemporaries ; or, the Opinions of the Christians from A. D. 190, to A. D. 230, concerning the future state.

190 to 196 Clemens Alexandrinus, a Universalist. His

own testimony. His views of the future state. 1

His general system of doctrine. His standing in the Orthodox church. 2

His life. • 3

His character. - - - 4

200 to 204 Tertullian, a believer in endless misery. - 5 210 Minucius Felix. - - - 6

Opinions of the Orthodox concerning the state of the dead, and the near approach of the last judgment ----- 7

State of Universalism among both the Orthodox and the Gnostics. 8

CHAPTER IV. Origen, and his Doctrine

230 Origen's renown. His books Of Principles. 1 His testimony in favor of Universalism and

Pre-existence. - 2

His Life from A. D. 185 to A. D. 203. - 3

« " 203 " 216. - 4

« " 216 " 230. - 5 230 His first publications. His general system of

doctrine. - - - - 6 His method of interpreting the Scriptures. 7 His life from A. D. 230 to A. D. 245. - 8 " 245 " 253. - 9 His character. - - - - 10 230 to 253 Universalism a favorite topic with him. Additional testimonies. - - - - 11 The manner in which he taught it. - 12

Chapter V

Origen's Scholars and Cotemporaries ; or, Opinions of the Christians from A. D. 230 to A. JD. 270, concerning Universalism.

Difficulty in ascertaining the extent to which Universalism prevailed. Origen's influence. 1

A, D,

160—170 170 173 177

180—190

CONTENTS.

A. D. SECT.

206 to 270 Eastern Churches. Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem ; and Theoctistus, bishop of Cesarea in Palestine. - - - - 2

Heraclas, bishop of Alexandria. 3 Arabrosius, Origen's patron. - - 4

Firmilian, bishop of Cesarea in Cappadocia. 5 Gregory Thaumaturgus, and Athenodorus, bishops of Pontus. 6 Heretics of all kinds. - 7

249 to 258 Western Churches. Cyprian bishop of Car-

thage. - 8

250 to 270 Character, condition, and general doctrine of

the Orthodox. - 9

Appendix to Chapter v. The Manicheans

Extensive and lasting consequences of their heresy. Life of its author, Mani. - -1

265 His general system of doctrine. 2 Its reception among the Persians and Greeks, and its appearance within the limits of the Roman Empire. ----- 3

Chapter VI

History of Origen's doctrine from A. D. 254 to A. D. 390; and of the opinions entertained by the Christians, in the mean time, concerning the future state.

Design and plan of this Chapter. Nepos revives in Egypt the doctrine of the Millennium, 257 to 263 against Origen ; but is refuted. 1

Origen's popularity. His doctrine attacked by 280—290 Methodius, bishop of Tyre. He is imitated by 290—300 Victorinus. 2 About 300 Peter, bishop of Alexandria, reproaches his

305, 306 Arnobius and Lactantius, concerning the future

Complaints in the East against Origen's doc- 307 to 310 trine. Pamphilus and Eusebius's Apology for

Evidence that Universalism was not unpopular, and that Pamphilus and Eusebius were favorably disposed towards it. - - - - 6

Account of Pamphilus and Eusebius. - 7

Arian controversy. Origen's name and doc- 320 to 360 trine somewhat involved. Marcellus, a Univer-

Origen's notions attacked by Eustathius of Antioch, and by Apollinarius of Laodicea. - 9

347 to 370 Eastern Fathers. Athanasius, Cyrill of Jerusalem, Ephraim the Syrian, (and Hilary of Poiters, a Western bishop,) concerning future punishment. 10

CONTENTS.

A. D. SECT.

350 to 370 Fabius Marius Victorinus, (a Western writer,)

a Universalist. 11 360 to 370 Titus, bishop of Bostra, a Universalist. - 12

370 Basil the Great, bishop of Cappadocia. - 13 Rise and establishment of the monastic institution. The Origenists. Their chief retreat at

376 They are attacked by Epiphanius, bishop of

370 to 383 Many of the Orthodox fathers in the East, are

Universalists. Gregory Nazianzen's indecision. 16 His life, eloquence and character. - - 17

Gregory Nyssen's testimony in favor of Universalism. _____ 18

His general system of doctrine, works, life, &c. 19 Didymus of Alexandria a Universalist. His life, character, and works. - - - 20

380 to 390 Jerome a Universalist. His early life. His

friendship with Rufinus. - - -21

390 Evagrius Ponticus a Universalist. - 22 Most of the leading Origenists, perhaps, Universalists. Palladius of Galatia. Isidorus of Alexandria. John, bishop of Jerusalem. - 23

378 to 394 Diodorus of Tarsus, a Universalist. - - 24

Western Fathers. Ambrose, bishop of Mi- 384 to 390 lan. Ambrosiaster, or Hilary deacon of Rome ;

their opinions of the future state. - - 25

Heretics. The Arians of this century. Sabellians. Novatians, and other schismatics. The Manicheans ) their opinions concerning Universalism. - 26

Chapter VII

The Contest with the Origenists, from A. D. 391 to A. D. 404 ; in which Universalism is for the first time censured, and in part condemned.

391 Principal bishops, writers, &c. in Christendom. Banishment of the Arians. Quiet of the Church. 1

Epiphanius's attack upon John of Jerusalem.

393 His ordination of Paulinianus, Jerome's brother. Complaints of John. - - - 2

394 Epiphanius's Letter to John concerning Origen's errors ; in which Universalism is for the first time censured. - - - - 3

Disturbance in Palestine. Jerome sides with

395 Epiphanius against John and Rufinus. - 4

Letter of Isidorus. Attempt of Archelaus at reconciliation. Mission of Isidorus from Theophilus, archbishop of Alexandria. - - 5

396 He assists John in composing an answer to Epiphanius, or Apology to Theophilus. - 6

CONTENTS.

396 The Christians at Rome variously affected by these publications ; some of them request information from Jerome. He writes them an An-

397 swer to John's Apology. Receives a letter from Theophilus, and replies. His application to Augustine. ----- 7

Reconciliation between Jerome and Rufinus, Rufinus goes to Rome with Melania, translates and publishes the first book of the Apology for Origen, and Origen's books Of Principles, and covertly attacks Jerome. Spread of Origenism 397, 398 at Rome. - - - - 8

Jerome receives those works, writes to Rufinus, 398 or 399 and composes a Defence of himself, in which he denies a restoration from hell, and states Origen's chief errors. - - - - - 9

Theophilus quarrels with Isidorus and the Nitrian monks, and takes up against the Origenists. Assembles a council at Alexandria ; in which

399 Origen's doctrine and books are, for the first time, formally condemned. Nitria. Theophilus drives away the Origenists ; who flee to Palestine. Conduct of John of Jerusalem. Exultation of Theophilus, Epiphanius and Jerome. Council at Cyprus, and decree of the Roman

400 Pontiff against Origen's works. - - 10

Points of his doctrine condemned in these proceedings. How his condemnation was received by the orthodox in general. - - - 11

400 Theophilus sends a deputation against the Origenists, to Chrysostom, bishop of Constantinople. The Origenists proceed thither, and are favorably to received. Persecution and exile of Chrysostom. Death of Epiphanius, Isidorus, and the leaders of the Origenists. Reconciliation of Theophilus

403 with the rest. - - - - 12

Paschal Epistles of Theophilus to the Egyptian 401 to 404 churches, against Origen's doctrine. - - 13

Italy. The Roman Pontiff cites Rufinus, on a 400 to 404 charge of heresy ; rejects the Apology which Rufinus sends ; and condemns him. Rufmus's Invective against Jerome. Extracts of it privately sent to Jerome. - - - 14

Jerome, in answer, writes his Apology against Rufinus j in which he denies Universalism, and gives a catalogue of Origen's principal errors. Rufinus is exasperated, and threatens. Jerome adds the conclusion to his Apology against Rufinus. - - - - 15

404 End of the Contest, Review of its character. 16

CONTENTS.

Chapter VIII

History of Universalism from Jl. D. 405, to A. D* 500.

A. D. SECT.

Division of the Roman Empire. Disorders and 405 weakness of the state. Progress of the church towards supreme power. Contest with the Donatists. - - - - - 1

"405 The Origenists find repose. Rufinus, Melania, John of Jerusalem, Evagrius Ponticus, and Palladius of Galatia. Theophilus grows attached to again to Origen's works. His death. Jerome, too, avails himself of Origen's authority, though he inveighs against the Origenists. States his views of future punishment. Perhaps, in secret, 412 a Universalist still. /- - - 2

The orthodox of this age are divided intOcflve classes, in their notions of future punishment, and of the final extent of salvation. - - 3

Universalists in Spain, under the two Avitus's, 410 to 415 Basil, &c. Their peculiar opinions. Augustine, by request of the Spanish bishops, writes against them. His criticism on the Greek word translated everlasting. His arguments against Universalism. 4

Augustine ; author of the doctrine of total depravity, irresistible grace, and sovereign, partial election. 5

Unfavorable influence of that doctrine against Universalism. - - 6

412 Account of its introduction : Augustine, in opto posing Pelagius and Celestius, runs to the opposite 418 extreme. - - - - - 7

413 to 420 Pelagius patronized by John of Jerusalem.

Death and character of the latter. Death of Jerome. 8 420 to 428 Theodorus of Mopsuestia, a Universalist. His

life, character, and works. - - 9

430 to 450 Universalism prevails around Cesarea in Palestine ; but is not mentioned again, till the end of this century. - - - - - 10

450 to 500 Probable' cause of this silence may be found in the civil and ecclesiastical commotions, which engrossed the public attention. Fall of the Western Empire. Nestorian controversy in the East. 11 About 500 Bar-Sudaili of Edessa, a Universalist. - 12

Manicheans and Gnostics of this century. - 13

Chapter IX

Revival and progress of Origenism in Palestine ; and final condemnation of Universalism in the Fifth General Council.

View of the Solitude between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. - - 1

CONTENTS.

A. D . SECT.

Lauras and monasteries in that region. St. 500 Sabas. Disaffection in his Laura ; the founding 501 to 507 of Nova Laura. - - - - 2

514 Nonnus, Leontius, and other Origenists admitted into Nova Laura. Their Universalism. Their to expulsion ; and re-admission. Their doctrine spreads in the country. The affair introduced,

531 by Sabas, to the notice of the emperor Justinian. 3

Death of Sabas ; prosperity of the Origenists.

532 Domitian and Theodorus Ascidas, Universalists. They go to Constantinople, and are appointed archbishops. Their influence at Court ; and their patronage of their friends in Palestine. - 4

537 Gelasius, abbot of St. Sabas, expels the leading Origenists from the great laura ; but is obliged

538 to drive away, in turn, some of his orthodox monks. These go to Antioch, and lay the matter before Ephraim, patriarch of that city ; who calls a council of the bishops, and anathematizes the heresy. The Origenists, in revenge, attempt to procure the excommunication of Ephraim. Peter, bishop of Jerusalem, withstands them, and sends an account of their heresy and conduct to Justinian. - - - - -5

539 — 540 Justinian publishes an Edict, commanding Origeirs errors, among which is Universalism, to be condemned, together with their author and advocates. The bishops at Constantinople meet in council and approve the edict ; and the patriarchs of the Eastern and Western churches subscribe it. - - - - 6

540 But in Palestine, Alexander, a bishop, refuses to subscribe ; and the partizans of Nonnus prefer banishment from their cells. Peter, bishop of Jerusalem, is compelled to compromise, and reto store them. Their quarrels and combat with the orthodox monks. Gelasius goes, with a complaint, to Constantinople ; but is driven away by Theodorus Ascidas. The orthodox in Pales-

546 tine are dispersed ; and the Origenists take possession of the lauras and monasteries. Death of Nonnus and Leontius. The laura of Sabas falls into the hands of the orthodox ; while the Origenists gain the election of Macarius to the bish-

547 opric of Jerusalem. Dissention among themselves. - - - - 7

546 Artful plan of Theodorus to revenge the late t condemnation of Origen. He procures an edict from Justinian against the Three Chapters. Com- 553 motions which followed in the church. - €

14 CONTENTS.

553 Meeting of the Fifth General Council, in which certain writings of Theodorus of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cyrus, and Ibas of Edessa, are condemned. The subject of Origenism is brought before the council ; anathemas pronounced against the doctrine ; and the works of Didymus of Alexandria, and of Evagrius Ponticus in favor of Universalism, condemned. 9 553 — 554 Execution of the Council's decrees in Palestine ;

and consequent dispersion of the Origenists. - 10

Appendix

Traces of the doctrine from the time of the Fifth General Council to the Era of the Reformation.

649 to 869 The first Lateran Council, and the seventh and and eighth General Councils repeat the condemnation of Origen, Didymus and Evagrius. Germanus writes against the Universalists. - 1

744 Clement, perhaps a Universalis!, in France. 2 870 John Scotus Erigena, a Universalis!:* - - 3

850 to 1050 Age of darkness, in the church. Character of

the clergy, and state of religion. 4 660 The Paulicians perhaps the remote occasion of the Reformation. Their character, manners, and to doctrine. - - - - 5

Their History. Their dispersion over Europe, 1100 where they appeared under various denominations. - 6 1190 Raynoid, abbot of St. Martin's, at Nevers, in

France, accused of Universalism. - - 7

1*200 to 1210 Amalrie, or Amauri, perhaps a Universalist.

His sentiments condemned at Paris and Rome. 8 1222 Salomon, bishop of Bassora, a Universalist. 9 1230 to 1234 Du Pin's account of the Stadings, in Germany. 10 1315, &c. Lollards in Germany. - - 11

1368 Universalism taught in England, and condemned by a council at Canterbury. - - 12 1400 to 1412 Men of Understanding, in Holland, Universalists. iEgidius Cantor, and William of Hildenissen. - - - - - 13 1480 to 1494 John Picus Mirandola, an Italian prince, denies the infinite demerit of sin ; is accused of heresy, and makes his peace with the Pope. - - 14 1490 to 1498 Peter D'Aranda, a Spanish bishop denies purgatory and hell ; is deposed on a false charge of Judaism, and condemned to perpetual imprisonment. ----- 15

THE

ANCIENT HISTORY

UNIVERSALIS M

Chapter I

A. D. 90.] I. At the date with which this history begins, none of the apostles are supposed to have been alive, except St. John, who then resided, at a very advanced age, in the great city of Ephesus. St. Peter and St. Paul suffered martyrdom at Rome, more than twenty years before : and St. James the Great, and St, James the Less, at Jerusalem, still earlier. Of the deaths of the other apostles, nothing can be pronounced with confidence, notwithstanding the accounts given of their martyrdom by some ancient writers, and adopted by many of the moderns.

Nor must we pretend to define the extent to which Christianity had now spread ; since, on this subject, it is often impossible to distinguish the true from the fabulous accounts of early historians. It is probable, however, that some churches were already established in most of the Roman provinces, especially in the eastern. But the number of professed Christians must still have been very small, compared with the whole mass of community : and it must have been composed, with some exceptions, of the lower classes of people. The rich and noble were, for the most part, attached to the ancient forms and institutions : and the men of great learning, and those of refined taste, did not depart, as indeed they seldom do, from that popular course where they might find reward, or at least hope for admiration.

The Christians were, nevertheless, not an obscure sect. Their religion was so novel, so different from every other, and they were so zealous and successful in its cause, that it drew much attention wherever it was introduced. It was, indeed, greatly misunderstood by the public at large ; and still more misrepresented by its particular enemies. Of these, the most bitter were the heathen priests, who felt their long unmolested repose disturbed by the growing desertion of their temples, and neglect of their services. 1 Still it must be remarked, that the Christians had suffered very little persecution, except slander, since the death of Nero, more than twenty years before. But the time drew near, when they were to encounter proscription, danger, and even death, from the civil authorities : It was but four or five years afterwards, that the jealousy of the emperor Domitan revived the

Plinii Epist. 97. Lib. x. and Taciti Annal. Lib. xv. cap. 44. Afterwards, or towards the year 150, we find the most outrageous calumny heaped upon the Christians : they were commonly called Atheists ; and all kinds of licentiousness, even such as cannot, with decency, be mentioned, were charged upon them. To refute and expose these slanderous falsehoods, was a grand object with several of the early Christian writers.

OF UNIVERSALIS^!.

IT storm, which raged, with some considerable intervals, for more than two centuries, till the inauspicious conversion of Constantine gave to the church the kingdoms of this world, and the glory of them.

As to the system of doctrine held by the Christians, at this period, we can determine few of its particulars, if indeed it be proper to say that such a system then obtained. Their religion had not, as yet, been taught on any regular plan, like that of a body of divinity. Its fundamental truths, that Jesus Christ was the Messiah of the only true God, and the Saviour of men, and that he rose from the dead, necessarily engrossed the chief attention of its professors, since these were the important facts they were obliged, almost continually, to urge on the people, and to defend against opponents. It is extremely difficult for us, who are brought up in a state of society where Christianity is the original and universal religion, and where our disputes extend only to its particular tenets, to conceive of the simplicity in which the first preachers taught their faith, when, not the doctrine, but the truth itself, of that religion, was the principal point in dispute. When people were brought to acknowledge the mission of Christ, they were considered Christians, and, if their conduct became their profession, they were gladly received into the churches ; though fui> ther instructions were then given, or afterwards added, as opportunities offered. 2 Such being the liberal con-

2 - This was the practice of the apostles. See the abstracts and accounts of those discourses which they addressed to unbelievers .* Acts il 14— 41. hi. 12—26. iv, 8—12. v. 29—32. viii. 30—38. ix. 20— 22. x. 34—48. xiii. 16—41. xvi. 30—33. xvii. 2—4. .18, 22—34. xxiii, 6, xxy. 18, 19, xxvi. xxviii. 23.

2 * ditions on which the churches were gathered, they, of course, admitted persons of different, and even of opposite sentiments, on many points of doctrine. Both the Jewish and Gentile converts retained many of their respective prejudices. The consequence was, that disputes had already arisen among them, particularly concerning the obligation of the Mosaic rituals, on one hand, and the heathen schemes of philosophy, on another. The apostles themselves had, years before, interposed to decide these controversies ; but even their authority could not remove the prejudices of the parties, nor silence their contentions. Some of the Gnostic believers, in particular, had, perhaps, gone so far, even at this early period, as to separate from the other churches, and to form themselves into distinct bodies, which, however, must have been small and obscure. After all, we cannot suppose that the Christians, in general, had so soon obliterated from their faith the prominent features of the apostolic doctrine ; especially, when we consider that most of the books of the New Testament were now in circulation, and that St. John still lived to be consulted, and to give instructions, 3

II. Proceeding, now, to the particular subject of our history, we shall, in the present chapter, produce all that can be known, with any degree of certainty, of the views entertained by the Christians, from this time till A. D. 150, in relation to a future state of punishment and the eventful salvation of the world.

3 - The principal facts in this section are illustrated at large by Mosheim, Eccl. Hist. Cent, i ; and more particularly in his Commentaries on the Affairs of the Christians, before the Time of Constantino, &c. Vol. i. VidaVs Translation.

OF UNIVERSALISM.

The only direct light that gleams, at intervals, through the obscurity of the course we attempt, is derived from the few Christian writings of this period, which are still extant. These are the productions of those commonly called the Apostolical Fathers, the first Christian authors, whose works have reached us, after the apostles themselves. They are the following : The First Epistle of Clemens Romanus ; seven Epistles of Ignatius ; The Epistle of Poly carp ; The Epistle of Barnabas ; and The Shepherd of Hernias. Among these, we should perhaps insert a Relation of the Martyrdom oj Ignatius. 4 These writings, composed by men of little learning, and, for the most part, of as little judgment, are still valuable as they afford some notion of the state of the early Christians, and of their sentiments; but whoever expects to find them instructive or edifying in other respects, will rise from their perusal in disappointment, if not with disgust.

^„ III. The Epistle of Clemens Romanus a. d. 90, . . . \ / . .

^ is distinguished for the respect it received

from the ancient churches, some of which

caused it to be read, in public, with the books of the

New Testament. It may be allowed, at least, the

4 - Of the Second Epistle of Clemens Romanus, so called, the genuineness is considered doubtful by Eusebius, Jerome, Du Pin, Mosheim, &c. and wholly denied by Photius, Archbishop Usher, Lardner, Brucker, Le Clerc, and others. Scarcely one admits it. There are other writings extant, ascribed to Clemens Romanus, but which are now universally considered forgeries, and of a much later date. I omit The Acts of Paul and Thecla, a forgery of the First Century, because our present copy is either a forgery upon that original one, or else so much interpolated that we cannot determine what is ancient. See Lardners Credibility, &c. Chap. Supposititious Writings of 2d Century. The reason why I place The Epistle of Barnabas, and The Shepherd of Hermas last in this catalogue, will be given under the accounts respectively of those works.