He will begin at the present time, and trace the history up to the times in which the Book was written.

He will ascertain what he can about that part of it which was last written--the New Testament--and begin with that part of it which lies nearest him--the Epistles.
By the comparison of the documents themselves, with all kinds of history and monuments which throw light on the period, he will try to ascertain whether they are genuine or not.

And from one well-ascertained position he will proceed to another, until he has traversed the whole ground of the genuineness of the writings, the truth of the story, and the divine authority of the doctrine.
This is my plan of investigation; one thing at a time, and the nearest first.

It is not worth while to inquire whether it be inspired by God, if it be really a forgery of impostors; nor whether the gospel story is worthy of credit, if the only book which contains it be a religious novel of the third or fourth century.

We dismiss then the questions of the inspiration, or even the truth of the New Testament, till we have ascertained its authors.