AUTHENTICITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT,
The study of the evidences of Christianity may be brief or extended,
according as the object is simply conviction; or, in addition to that,
the pleasure of collecting all the various lights which may be con-
centrated on this subject.
T'he evidences are of two general classes, namely, external, or histor-
ical, and internal,
57
A brief account of what each head includes,
57
The present course of lectures confined to the external.
The complete treatment of this division would begin with the neces-
sity of a divine revelation, as the history of mankind exhibits it, 58
We begin with the AUTHENTICITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, 59
Difference between authenticity and credibility, as used in these lec-
tures,
59
The question is, How does it appear that the several parts of the New
Testament were written by the men to whom they are ascribed, the
original disciples of Christ, and are therefore authentic? 61
The same course pursued as in ascertaining the authenticity of any
other book,
61
A general sketch of the argument,
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The books of the New Testament are quoted, or alluded to, by a series
of writers, who may be followed up in unbroken succession from the
present age to that of the apostles, .
64
This shown by reference to catalogues, etc., from the fourth century
to the age of the apostles,
65-75
Particulars included in the above which require a more special notice.
1. The books of the New Testament, when quoted or alluded to, are
treated with supreme regard, as possessing a singular authority,
and as conclusive in questions of religion,
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2. They were united at a very early period in a distinct volume, . 76
3. They were at a very early period publicly read and expoun..ed in
the churches,
77
4. Commentaries were written or them, harmonies constructed,
copies diligently compared, and translations made into different
languages,
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