35. See a very remarkable passage of Origen (Proem. ad
Lucam.). That indefatigable writer, who had consumed his
life in the study of the Scriptures, relies for their
authenticity on the inspired authority of the church. It was
impossible that the Gnostics could receive our present
Gospels, many parts of which (particularly in the
resurrection of Christ) are directly, and as it might seem
designedly, pointed against their favourite tenets. It is
therefore somewhat singular that Ignatius (Epist. ad Smyrn.
Patr. Apostol. tom. ii. p. 34) should choose to employ a
vague and doubtful tradition, instead of quoting the certain
testimony of the evangelists.