Happily very few Christians are in any way troubled respecting the Canon of the New Testament. If the questions were asked, How do we know that we have all the inspired books intended by God to form the New Testament? and how do we know that all the books we have are inspired? very few would be able to give any other answer than that they believe God has taken care that we should have all, and none but His own.
If the same questions were asked of an intelligent Roman Catholic he would say that he relies on what his church teaches; but, as is well known, that church admits the books known as the O.T. Apocrypha. As to the N.T., the church universally has for centuries acknowledged the same books, and those only. This is well, but may we not say that doubtless God not only caused the Canon to be settled as it is, but has caused His people in all sections of the church to receive the same. It is a false principle that the church settles what is, and what is not scripture, if even it could give a unanimous voice. It is only the depository and guardian of the scriptures. The word of God authenticates itself to the heart and conscience in the power of the Holy Spirit—the same Spirit who inspired the men who wrote the books—and the Christian is sensible of its completeness. People may say, ‘O you must prove it.' The proof is in the tasting of the sweetness and completeness of the word. Because none can prove that sugar is sweet that not does affect the fact that it is sweet, and those that taste it know for themselves. So it is with the Holy Scriptures.