The authenticity of the New Testament

Front matter

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Preface

The translator of this work, being desirous of introducing to his class an interesting treatise on the evidences of Christianity, which should engage the attention of his young friends, and at the same time ensure a good result, from the study of what he considered an essential part of a thorough religious education, was led to examine various books upon the subject. His researches and his impressions soon caused him to doubt whether a work suitable to be introduced to his class could be found. Many good treatises upon the subject have been issued from the press, but few or none adapted to the Sunday School. The translator wished to rind a work, which

Vlll PREFACE.

clothed in a simple and plain language, and written in an easy and interesting style, would present this great subject under such a varied point of view, as should render every side of the question familiar to his pupils. The admirable works of Paley and Norton seemed best adapted to the purpose. But the innumerable examples and dry details of the former, and the close reasoning and logical deductions of the latter, deduced from a long series of propositions, difficult to be followed and understood by the young, induced him to look farther before a decision should be made.

At this period of his search the little work of Cellerier was placed in his hands. At the first examination of its contents it appeared to be the the very book desired. It, was translated ; and the interest with which his pupils listened to its pages, the joy and animation which beamed from their countenances, as the work developed the beautiful character of the Saviour, the wonderful history of the Apostles, and the powerful proofs for the authenticity of their works, and the honesty of their intentions, convinced him that his first impressions were not erroneous.

PREFACE. IX

The interest which his own pupils manifested in the work led the translator to think, that it might be useful to other children ; and in the hope that it might prove an auxiliary in the important labors of the Sunday School, he was induced to send it to the press.

Several additional references and notes have been made to the original, both in the body of the book and at its close. Several quotations have likewise been made from the works of Professor Norton and others. This was done for the purpose, of making additional illustratious, and to introduce also to the reader other works upon the same subject The treatise of Cellerier, by no means, exhausts the subject. It may, perhaps, be all that is necessary to be studied in the Sunday School, but to those who wish to examine the subject more completely and thoroughly, it can be considered, as an introduction only to larger and more comprehensive works.

To such persons — and every Sunday School Teacher should be included in the number — the " Evidences " and " Horae Paulinas, " of Paley, will possess the highest interest. The noble work

X PREFACE.

of Professor Norton, also, when completed, will probably be a text book to every enlightened and sincere christian, as it will undoubtedly be, an honor to the literature of our country and age.

CHAPTER I. Propositions Relative to the Authenticity o? thb Gospels, ..... 29

Xll

CONTENTS.

Sec. i. The General Proofs for their Authority, . 2$

II. Historical Proofs, ... 35

Gospel of Matthew, . . .37

Gospel of Mark, ... 42

Gospel of Luke, . . .44

Gospel of John, ... 47

Canonical Books, . , .51

in. Critical Proofs, ... 60

Positive Proof, . . . .60

Negative Proof, ... 67

Indirect Proof, . . . .74

Objections of the Incredulous, . „ 75

Objections of the Learned, . .76-

CHAP TER II.

The Veracity of the Evangelists, . . 83

Sec. i. Marks of the Truth of the Gospels, . 84

Sermon on the Mount, . . 85

Denial of St. Peter, . . .91

ii. Comparison of our Gospels with the Apocryphal

Books of the New Testament, . 99

Art. i. Employment of the Miraculons Power, . 102

ii. Nature and Form of the Narration, . 109

in. Lessons and Examples of Virtue, . .114

iv. Design of the Authors, . . 118

CHAPTER

Pbopositions Relative to the Gospels,

III. Integrity of the

CHAPTER IV.

Propositions Relative to the Particular Nature

of each Gospel, . . . . 128

Sec. i. Gospel of Matthew, . . . 129

ii. Gospel of Mark, . . . 132

in. Gospel of Luke, « . . 134

iv. Gospel of John, . . „ 135

v. The Acts of the Apostles, . . 140

CONTENTS. Xlll

PART SECOND. Propositions Relative to the Epistles, . 143

CHAPTER I .

Authenticity, ..... 145 Sec. i. Historical Proof, . . . 145

ii. Critical Proof, . . . .147

CHAPTER II. Character and Good Faith of the Writers, 152

Sec. i. St. Peter, . . . .153

Form of his Lessons, . . .172

Tendency of his Instructions, . . 174

Principles of his Apostleship, . . 176

Striking Traits of his Character, . • 178

CHAPTER III. Special Nature of the Writings, . .184

Sec. i. Epistles Relative to the Jewish Christians, 184

ii. Epistle to the Hebrews, . . : 187

in. Epistles to the Churches of Asia Minor, 188

iv. Epistles to the well beloved Churches, . 189

v. Epistles to the Bishops of the Church, . 190

vi. Particular Epistles to Individuals, . . L91

vn. The Catholic Epistles, . . 192

viii. Apocalypse of John, . . .194

Part Third

Propositions Relative to the Entire Canon of the New Testament, .... 199

Chapter I

Direct Proof, ..... 200 Sec. i. Nature of the book drawn from the circumstances

of its origin, . . . 200

XIV CONTENTS.

# Sec. ii. Destiny of the Book, . . . 204

in. Triumphs of the Book, • • 210

CHAPTER II. The Removal of Doubts and Obscurities, . 216

Sec. i. Errors upon the Nature of the Inspiration of the

Sacred Writings, . . . 217

ii. Errors from the Nature of the Language of the

New Testament, . . .229

in. Errors concerning the design of the Lessons of

The Gospel History, ... 245

Variations, . . . . . 249

James the Less, • 253

DISCOURSE.

DISCOURSE

UPON

THE AUTHENTIC AND DIVINE ORIGIN

OF THE

NEW TESTAMENT.

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order, a declaration of those k thin^s which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye witnesses and ministers of the word ; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed. — Luke i. 1—4.

To know the certainty of those things in which he has been instructed is the first duty of a christian. It is often necessary for him amid the trials and shoals of life, to have a knowledge of those things which he believes. In the midst of the darkness which envelopes his whole existence, he requires an infallible guide to regulate his conduct, ra his courage, and direct his steps in safety. He has need of having the truth of the gospel convince his reason and satisfy his heart, Such, my friends, is the impression which will result from the words of our text, if, in our weakness we are able to explain them aright. 1

In the preface to his gospel, St. Luke addresses a distinguished christian named Theophilus. He declares and proves to him, in a few words, the truth of those great events which he is about to announce. It is to us, also, these words are addressed. We will commence the interpretation of the gospel history, in demonstrating to you its truth, by the same means which the sacred historian employs. Although, like Theophilus, you are not able to assure yourself with your own eyes, yet if you approach this inquiry with a sincere heart and right mind, you will carry away with you that unshaken confidence, so necessary for a christian.

First of all, let us examine as briefly as possible, the words of our text, as they furnish the means and plan of our undertaking.

" Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order, a declaration of those things." It is generally believed that this is an allusion to certain apocryphal writings of great antiquity. Let it be remembered, however, that two^ only of these writings can be traced back as far as the time of the apostles ; and that the sacred author had in view other relations of the evangelical history, written by faithful christians, is neither affirmed nor denied by any testimony. Taking these circum-

*" The Book of the Hebrews," and "the Book of the Egyptians." The first is, without doubt, a disfigured copy of the gospel of St. Matthew ; the second is but little known. The fragments which remain are far from being imbued with the spirit of the gospel.

THE KEW TESTAMENT. 3

stances into consideration, and reflecting also upon his design, it would seem more probable he had principally in his mind, the gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark.

" Which are most surely believed among us." It appears from this, that in Palestine and the country around, the truth of the gospel was known and acknowledged.

" Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye witnesses and ministers of the word.' 5 A new allusion to the writings of Mark and Matthew, a new testimony that Luke gave them credit, and gave it as to eye witnesses.

" It seemed good to me, also having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus." If St. Luke commences then a new gospel, it is because he wishes to make a complete work, having all the events wihch should be contained in it, placed in their proper order.

" That thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed." This then is the design of the evangelist. And in order that it may be accomplished, he immediately places his own gospel in the hands of Theophilus, and at the same time appeals in it to others as to works of the ministry of the word ; he then declares that they and he were eye witnesses, or exactly informed concerning each event. From these circumstances, Luke believes himself right in concluding that the evangelical history is true. Let us follow out and develop the same train of thought. The certainty of the authenticity of the gospels. The certainty of the knowledge of the event, as recorded by the Evangelist. And, resulting from these, the truth of the evangelical history.

PART FIRST. Certainty of the authenticity of the Gospels

The certainty of the authenticity of the gospel ! Is it then necessary to have this proved ? What ancient work is authentic, if the gospels are not? Indeed, if any circumstance is embarrassing in our undertaking, it is the choice of proof. What kind of demonstration do you desire ? Is it of testimony, of sentiment, of criticism, of authority ? Do you wish historical testimony ? Behold the immediate disciples of the apostles, and many other witnesses. Behold those learned and wise men, or those distinguished for their good faith. Providence has preserved to us some precious fragments of their writings. Some of these appeal to the words of the gospel as to sacred authority ; some name their authors, and all proclaim with a powerful voice, their authenticity, which no one indeed, in the first

THE NEW TESTAMENT. O

age, thought of denying. If the authority of the defenders of Christianity does not appear to you to be sufficient, we will call to our aid that of its adversaries. Those famous heretics, and formidable enemies who attempted to stifle in its infancy, and obscure by their errors, the new born Christianity. Celsus Marcion, Valentine, Basilides, and many others, whose names alone recall their audacity or incredulity. These are the witnesses we have summoned. The proof we draw from their works, is complete. These men, who made so many efforts to enfeeble the authority of the gospels, who, if the books had not been authentic, would have necessarily known, and could have easily proved, these men, whose interest urged them so strongly to the work, did not perceive the possibility, they did not indeed think of it. It is from the writings of Matthew, of Mark, of Luke, and of John, they wish to draw the objections and contradictions, which are to convince us of the weakness and error of the apostles of Christ. What is the result of their labors ? They not only fail in casting the least shadow over the truth of christiantity, but they demonstrate to our day its authenticity. They are condemned to assure its triumph.

Do you wish proof of another kind ? Do you wish with the critic to analyze even the words of the sacred writings, and descend to the most insignificant details, in order to discover from their secret reports, the presence of error or the seal of truth ? This examination is so much the more decisive, since it never fails in detecting imposture. For there never yet has appeared an imposter, who has been able completely, to imitate the language and conjecture the situation of him, under whose name he wished to pass off his own writings. The most celebrated historians, indeed, when they have spoken of former times, have not been able to avoid those mistakes of names, of manners, of years or of places, to which a distance of some ages necessarily renders them liable. It is here, my friends, that the triumph of the gospel and its authenticity is completely made manifest. These gospels which bear the names of men surrounded by such extraordinary circumstances — placed between the Jewish and Roman manners — between the Hebrew and Greek languages — between the first invasion of the Romans and the overthrow of Judea under the Csssars — these gospels, which, if they are authentic, oughfto carry the seal of a country, of an age and a position, to which we can find no parallel, have, for a long series of years, under this point of view, been the object of the most profound discussion, and the most industrious researches. And yet they stand firm against all opposition.

Let us glance at several of the remarkable coincidences we find in the gospels.

1. Coincidences of time. Here are several towns, the names of which were changed twice ; a few years before, and a few years after the coming of Jesus Christ, and which bear in our gospel precisely the names they bore at the time it was written, and at that time only. There are the Jewish and Roman coins, which we behold in use at the same time, the former, however, for the tribute which was paid to the priests : the latter for that which Caesar demanded. These are remarkable circumstances, which could not have been met with excepting at that time, and which an imposter would never have considered.

2. Coincidences of persons. Antiquity informs us that Matthew wrote for the Hebrews, and we behold him appealing constantly, and more than any other, to the ancient oracles of the Hebrews. Antiquity tells us that Mark wrote for the Romans, and we behold him employing Latin words, and describing particularly the situation and distances of various parts of his country, as if his readers were strangers to the customs of Palestine. Antiquity informs us that Luke was a physician, being of course, more learned than the other evangelists ; and we have a more complete and methodical work, written indeed as a learned man would write after obtaining exact information upon this subject.

3. Coincidences of deeds. There is the wife of Pilate, who, according to the Evangelist, was at

Jerusalem ; and we learn from Tacitus,^ that if Augustus had forbidden the proconsuls bringing their wives with them, the prohibition had been removed by Tiberius. There are the publicans whom Jesus called or converted at Capernaum, and at Jericho, and we learn from another source, that the Roman customs were established precisely in these two cities, and that the Jews were the agents.

But of what consequence is it, to pursue any farther this long and always incomplete enumeration. As regards coincidences of places, manners and language, the riches of the gospel are immense ; but by pursuing this point farther, we should weary your attention, long before we finished our task.

What do you now demand, my friends ? Do you wish an imposing authority, and a long possession of glorious triumphs ? St. John had not left the earth when the gospels, designated by the names of their four authors, ruled every where in the church, the conduct and faith of believers. Ages passed away. Each generation, in its turn, brought to them its tribute of homage; each generation received them as the report of the ministers of the word. Soon, however, the church extended and was divided ; sects were created and multiplied ; Greeks and Barbarians, the nations of the east and the west, were opposed to each other in government, in manners and in faith. All christians, however, of the known world, agreed in receiving" as undoubted and authentic, the writings of the disciples, and to them they went, to seek, alike, a foundation for their faith, and an excuse for cheir errors.

In the midst of this clashing of opinions and passions, what voice is elevated against the gospel ? Not one. Friends and enemies render it equal homage. But in our day, we have beheld that which our fathers did not. We have beheld men, some blinded by hate, others puffed up by imaginary knowledge, or rather led astray by example, by authority and by false lights, mingling falsehood with truth, answering to proofs by doubts, to reason by supposition, overthrowing all received ideas — carrying against the gospels an audacious hand, and denouncing them to the world as a collection of false traditions. But wherefore should we be astonished ? This same frenzy for maintaining opinions different from the rest of the world, has endeavored to wrest from the greatest geniuses of ancient times, their renown and most glorious works. And what have all these labors effected ? What have they accomplished, uniting against the gospel, science, genius, audacity and celebrity ? They have amused the curious, frightened the feeble minded, and seduced some to their belief. A controversy has at length commenced. Assertions have been reduced to their proper value, the torch of truth has been iO AUTHENTICITY OF

lighted, the edifice which had just begun to be elevated has fallen, and its scattered ruins render a new homage to the authenticity of the gospel — the homage of science conquered by science itself and of hate reduced to silence.^

Are not these united proofs sufficiently strong ? If not, we have those more powerful, yes, more powerful, since they rely upon human nature and the language of truth. Read, read the gospels — and then ask yourselves if they are the work of an imposter ; read those narrations marked by so much candor and simplicity. Behold the mauner in which the apostles relate those things they had witnessed. They make no comment ; they do not seek to create any effect ; and so far from endeavoring to prevent any doubts arising upon the subject, they do not seem even to have anticipated them. Read those discourses of the Saviour, so superior to the prejudices of the synagogue,

* In reading the above, we must remember under what circumstances our author wrote. The meaning will then be perfectly obvious to all. He resides at Geneva, in the neighborhood of France, in the very centre, as it were, of the theatre of that terrible convulsion in religion and opinion, which agitated this unfortunate country at the period of the first revolution. The effects of the writings of Voltaire and his school upon a nation were so remarkable that they must ever be regarded with astonishment by the sincere christian. That period of darkness has passed away. A brighter day has dawned upon France, and in the foremost rank of the champions of Christianity, we behold those whose early labors and opinions placed them among her adversaries. The great work of Constant, which has done so much on the continent of Europe, to stay the tide of infidelity, we are informed, is the result of labors commenced with the design of opposing those great truths,, which it has so ably advocated.

and the doctrines of the pagans. Read those discourses reported without comment, without any word of astonishment or even of admiration, but which carry, however, on their front the impress of the heaven from which they have descended. Read those lessons which the gospels teach — so extraordinary, so simple, so noble, so easy to be comprehended by all, and then say, if you can, that it is a work of the imagination. Would an imposter have written with such simplicity ? Would he not have erased many of the particular details, and materially altered others ? In a word, is it thus any one would have invented ?

If you approach this work with a heart that is peaceful and right, if you carry to it, the sure and calm judgment of him who seeks the truth, and possess those qualifications which it is necessary for him to have who would find it; if you do not pretend to understand every thing upon this great subject, but know how to recognise the language of truth, and appreciate objections at their proper value ; if you draw near to God in this work, and abandon yourself to the impressions which will be excited, we have nothing more to say to you. No, my friends, truth has not two languages. She makes herself felt in the heart of him who loves her, with a power it would be impossible to imitate. Yes, our gospels are authentic. Never was there a history better demonstrated. They are authentic, or there is nothing certain in criticism or history ; — or the moral sense leads us astray, and common sense deceives us. They are true. After so many ages — so many researches — so many proofs — ignorance, disquiet, thoughtlessness and pride can only doubt.

PART SECOND. The certainty of the knowledge of the Evangelists

The gospels are authentic, but were the Evangelists well informed in those things, concerning which they have written ? We will not yet answer as fully as a christian can answer. We will first judge the Evangelists as ordinary historians, and make it manifest that even then the knowledge they possessed, should place them beyond suspicion.

For a corroboration of this assertion, I appeal to their persons. Who are they, these, the historians of Christ ? They are his neighbors, his friends, his companions ; they live with him, accompany him in his journeyings, are witnesses of his miracles, they are indeed his apostles or the friends and associates of the apostles. The first who presents himself dwelt at Capernaum, in the same village where Jesus sojourned, near to Nazareth where he was brought up, upon the border of the lake of Tiberias, the theatre of his preaching and miracles ;

called by Jesus almost at the commencement of his ministry, he from that time constantly followed him, and can present himself with confidence as his historian.

The second is a young man brought up by the apostles, and a witness perhaps, with them, of those things he was afterwards destined to recount. A son of that devout woman whose house served as an asylum for the disciples of Christ, a cousin of Barnabas, the companion of Paul, and being moreover the associate and secretary of Simon Peter. Mark has written not only those, things which he knew or beheld, but that which Peter dictated to him. On this account, Peter, the most zealous of all the disciples and the privileged witness of the transfiguration, has been regarded by all ancient authorities, as the true author of the gospel according to St. Mark.

The third Evangelist is early associated with the apostles in their labors. We cannot however, affirm that he beheld the facts which he has related ; there is nothing in his writings which affirms it, nor is there anything which proves the contrary. But it is certain, that, consecrating to the work of Christ, his time and his life, a friend of the apostles and companion of Paul, writing his gospel after thirty years of friendship and union, he had no want of opportunity to become well acquainted with those things which he has related.

The last is John, the disciple who reposed upon the bosom of Jesus, the well beloved disciple who shared the privileges of Peter, who alone had the courage to follow his master under the cross, who received his last sigh, ran the first to the sepulchre and to whose care Jesus left his mother. These are our historians.

I now appeal to their writings. The relations of an eye witness have a life and naturalness peculiar to themselves. The narrator omits neither the movements of the actors, nor the aspect of the scene. He retraces a thousand little circumstances, which his memory constantly associates with the principal deed, but of which another would never have dreamed. Who has not remarked in our gospels, this circumstance, which can be perceived even through a translation ? How can it be denied, that the Evangelists knew as eye witnesses, the transactions which they have related, or at least were exactly informed even in the smallest particulars. Look at the account which John gives of those affecting scenes which followed the resurrection of Jesus. What ingenuousness, what perfect simplicity in the emotion of that holy woman,^ who sought the Saviour, turned back, saw him, yet did not know him, so much the last shadows of night and her own tears obscured her sight. How much does that simple, yet sublime dialogue of two words express, " Mary," " My master."

Moreover how much do those scenes in which the Evangelist had been himself a spectator, or actor, carry by their artlessness and minute fidelity, the evidence of an eye witness and exact narrator The apostle is not named, but see how he discloses himself, in speaking of the " other disciple " who ran with Peter to the sepulchre from which Jesus had lately risen. ^ Give that scene to a writer of fiction ; he will describe to you, without doubt, in lofty language, or with a sensibility, perhaps cleverly imitated, the emotion of the apostles in approaching the sepulchre of their Master — their uneasy look scrutinizing with eagerness the opened tomb, the trouble of the guilty and penitent Peter, and the august scenes which awaited the disciples at that moment of the triumph of Jesus, when he was solemnly declared the Son of God, But these, the artifices of a skilful and ready imagination, are unknown to our true historian. He recounts simply his own actions and feelings, and those circumstances which he himself beheld. The two apostles departed together ; John arrived first, but did not enter ; Peter, coming more slowly, arrived afterwards, and entered the sepulchre ; the linen clothes are upon the ground, the napkin is folded up and laid apart. It is easy to imagine, perhaps, the troubled mind of the son of Jonas, but John says nothing concerning it, he does not appear to have perceived it ; he has given us an account of that only which he personally experienced. He says that he u saw and belie ved." They departed without having seen Jesus.

Open St. Mark, and read whatever first meets your eye. What truth and life in all his relations. It is of little importance whether they are to be attributed to him or St. Peter ; the result is the same. This character of minute fidelity is imprinted upon the whole book ; in all those portions at least, where, instead of slightly recalling to his recollection the transactions, he relates them with considerable detail. Does he speak of the woman healed by touching the garment of Jesus,^ or of the unhappy son whom an evil spirit tormented, — he appears yet to behold the movements of the Saviour — the eagerness, the tears, the emotions of the actor ; his ears yet preserve the impression of the voice of the Sa viour, when he had command over nature, and snatched from the sepulchre its prey : " EfTata, Tal-. isha koumi !"t He repeats these words in the same language in which Jesus pronounced them, as he heard them at first, and as he afterwards, when writing, seemed still to hear.

I appeal to their testimony. St. Luke tells us that these things were " most surely believed amongst them ;" he declares that he had " a perfect understanding of all things from the very first ;"

and with regard to the other evangelists. M that from the beginning, they were eye witnesses." Why should this testimony be doubted ? Indeed, after what principles do you appreciate the declarations of a profane writer ? If they are in agreement with his writings and his situation, if they demonstrate his good faith, they are precious documents, and carry their own proof. Is not the testimony of our evangelists, at least, as good as that of an ordinary writer? Under what circumstances, moreover, do they render that testimony. They are at the foot of the cross, ready to follow their master. They are able, however, they are able with one word, to extinguish the pile and break their chains. But in this position, and to defend their preaching, even when dying, they exclaim, " That which we have heard, which we have seen with, our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, declare we unto you/'* "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye witnesses of his majesty."! " For one cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard. "t And shall we not believe them? Indeed, if they speak otherwise, if they accuse themselves of ignorance and imposture, even then we ought to refuse them our credit, and