of the Evangelical history.[1] The nearest approach to such a compilation as I refer to, may have been that of Papias, but it is almost wholly lost, and therefore we cannot say positively that it had the character in question. Of the lost Apocryphal Gospels which we read of, some were mainly compilations from those in the Canon, and are not included in the plan of the present work.
The learned reader who desires to study more closely this matter should have recourse to the Essay of Dr. Tischendorf "De Evangeliorum Apocryphorum Origine et Usu," 1851. He may also study the work of M. Nicolas, who mentions other authorities; but I repeat my dissent from many of his opinions.
III. USES WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE OF THE
APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.
After what has been said of the intention of these documents, it may seem needless to speak of their uses, but a moment's reflection will show that the two things are different. It is quite true that some of the uses to which they have been applied
- ↑ This remark is only meant to refer to ancient documents. The "Historia Christi" written in Persian by the Jesuit Jerome Xavier appeared early in the 17th century. The edition and Latin version of De Dieu was published at Leyden in 1639.
