The primitive churches then had conclusive proof of the genuineness of the Apostolic Epistles and Gospels.
The only difficulty which now remains is the objection that they might have been corrupted by alterations and interpolations by monks, in later times.

We have two securities against such corruptions, in the way these documents were given, and the nature of their contents.

They were sacred heirlooms, and they were public documents.

Could you, or could any man, have permission to alter the original copy of Washington's Farewell Address?
Would not the man who should attempt such sacrilege be torn in a thousand pieces?
But Washington will never be an object of such veneration as John, nor will his Farewell Address ever compare in importance with Paul's Farewell Letter to the Philippians.

Besides, these Gospels and Letters were public documents, containing the records of laws, in obedience to which men are daily crossing their inclinations, enduring the mockery of their neighbors, losing their money, and endangering their lives.