Apocryphal New Testament — Historical English Collection

Apocryphal New Testament — Hone/Wake/Jones — Section 2

Jonah cast into the sea, and his coming out of the whale ....... 257 jJFTER the writings contained in the New Testament were selected from the numerous Gospels and Epistles then in existence, what became of the Boohs that were rejected hy the compilers? This question naturally occurs on every investigation as to the period when, and the persons by whom, the New Testament was formed. It has been supposed by many that the volume was compiled by the first council of Nice, which, according to Jortin,* originated thus : Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, and Arius, who was a presbyter in his diocese, disputed together about the nature of Christ ; and the bishop being displeased at the notions of Arius, and finding that they were adopted by other persons, "was very angry." He commanded Arius to come over to his sentiments, and to quit his own : as if a man could change his opinions as easily as he can change his coat ! He then called a council of war, consisting of nearly a hundred bishops, and deposed, excommunicated, and anathematized Arius, and with him several ecclesiastics, two of whom were bishops. Alexander then wrote a circular-letter to *Eem. on Eccl. vol. ii., p. 177. IV