SECT. I. Of the authority of the books of the New Testament.

HE who is persuaded of the truth and excellency of that religion which Christians profess, having been convinced either by the arguments before offered, or by any other besides them, in order to understand all the several parts of it, he must go to the most ancient books which contain this religion; and they are what we call the books of the New Testament, or rather Covenant: for it is unreasonable for any one to deny that that religion is contained in those books, as all Christians affirm; since it is fit that every sect, good or bad, should be believed in this assertion, that their opinions are contained in this or that book; as we believe the Mahometans, that the religion of Mahomet is contained in the Alcoran: wherefore, since the truth of the Christian religion has been proved before, and at the same time it was evident that it was contained in these books, the authority of these books is sufficiently established by this single thing: however, if any one desire to have it more particularly made appear to him, be must first lay down that common rule amongst all fair judges, that he who would disprove any writing, which bas been received 126for many ages, is obliged to bring arguments that may diminish the credibility of such a writing; which, if he cannot, the book is to be defended, as in possession of its own authority.³⁸¹³⁸¹   See Baldus in his rubric concerning the credibility of writings; and Gailus, book ii. Obs. cxlix. numb. 6 and 7, and those he there cites.