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 I

FIRST GROUP OF QUOTATIONS

,  65-6

The first three of the above-mentioned writings possess a peculiar authority; they have been from very early times recognized as forming part of the Canon of New Testament Scriptures: of these three the Epistle to the Hebrews is generally believed to have been composed about 65-6. The congregations addressed in it had evidently been exposed to grave afflictions, and are told that a more awful trial awaits them in no distant future. For this bitter persecution they must prepare themselves.

A number of examples of noble and heroic resistances to trial and temptation are cited (Heb. xi. 32-40, xii. 1-4); the writer of the Epistle evidently expected that similar experiences will be the lot of the congregation he was addressing.

,  65-7

The second writing, which will be examined at rather greater length, is of the utmost importance as a witness to the view of the perpetual persecution to which after 64 the sect was exposed. The First Epistle of S. Peter was put out circa 65-7. It was written manifestly in a time of persecution; the keynote of the Epistle is consolation and encouragement