CHAPTER IV

OBJECTIONS STATED AND ANSWERED.--The objections urged by infidels of such a nature that, though numerous, to answer one or two of each class is to answer all. Quotation from Gaussen, explanatory of the nature and causes of the supposed contradictions in the writings of the evangelists. Examples by Gaussen. Explanation of the seeming contradictions between the genealogies of Matthew and Luke. Answer to the objection, that certain names occur in Luke's list of the apostles, which do not appear in that of Matthew. Answer to the objection on account of the seeming contradiction in the title which was written over Jesus Christ when on the cross. Answer to the objection founded on the seeming contradiction in the different accounts of the hour when Jesus Christ was suspended on the cross. Answer to the objection urged against St. Luke when he says, "It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria." Answer to the objection founded upon Jesus cursing the fig-tree. Answer to Taylor's assertion that Romans 3:7 recommends telling lies for the glory of God. His assertion that Jesus Christ was not crucified. Its confutation. His assertion that "Paul and Barnabas did not preach the same story." Its falsehood demonstrated. His assertion that some preached a Christ who was not crucified. Its falsehood. His assertion that Paul called the other apostles false apostles and dogs. Vindication of the apostles from this calumny. His assertions that Paul curses the other apostles and recommends that they should be privately assassinated. The falsehood of these accusations. The last refuge of Mr. Taylor in asserting that Christianity had its origin among the Therapeutae. Other infidels pretend that the Essenes were the originators of Christianity. Watson's account of the Essenes and Therapeutae 214