Chapters VI: But among all the divisions, that one stands out by which they are distinguished between canonical and apoc
CHAPTER VI: ON THE CANONICAL AND APOCRYPHAL BOOKS IN GENERAL
§ 63. Among all the divisions of the books of the Bible, the division that stands out is that by which they are divided into canonical and apocryphal books. This division is not only useful but also highly necessary: (1) In order to keep the foundation of faith pure and inviolate from foreign additions (Eph. 2:20). (2) In order to separate divine matters from human, silver from dross, grain from chaff. (3) Lest the authority and verity of the canonical books be shaken if the apocryphal books be given an equal degree of authority with them. Moved by these reasons, the devout ancients who lived near the times of the apostles were extremely diligent in assigning the distinction between the canonical and apocryphal books. In fact, some of them made long pilgrimages to learn that distinction more carefully.