Between the first-recorded and the last-recorded of the four, the length of the interval being so considerable as it will be seen to be, namely, upwards of 17 years at the least,--and, in the course of the interval, so numerous and various a series of incidents being to be seen comprised,--the consequence is--that this one topic will unavoidably spread itself to such an extent, as to cover the whole of the chronological field of the history of the Church in those eventful times. A sort of necessity has thus been found, of taking a view of the principal part of all those several incidents, in a sort of historical order, in a succeeding part of this work: hence, of that which, for the proof of what has just been advanced, will here be necessary to be brought to view,--no inconsiderable portion will be an anticipation, of that which belongs properly to the historical sketch, and, but for this necessity, would have been reserved for it. SECTION 4. TOPICS UNDER HIS SEVERAL JERUSALEM-VISITS. Thick clouds, and those covering no small portion of its extent, will, after everything that can be done to dispel them, be found still hanging over the field of this inquiry. But, if to the purpose of the present question, sufficient light be elicited; in whatever darkness any collateral points may remain still involved, the conclusion will not be affected by it. As to the credibility of Paul's story,--taken in itself, and viewed from the only position, from which we, at this time of day, can view it,--the question has just been discussed. That which remains for discussion is--whether, from the Church, which Paul found in existence--the Church composed of the Apostles of Jesus, and his and their disciples--it ever obtained credence. On this occasion, to the Apostles more particularly must the attention be directed: and this--not only because by their opinion, that of the great body of those disciples would, of course, on a point of such vital importance, be governed; but, because, in the case of these confidential servants and habitual attendants of Jesus, the individuals, of whom the body is composed, and who are designated by one and the same denomination, are always determinable: determinable, in such sort, that, at all times, wheresoever they are represented as being, the eye can follow them. To judge with what aspect Paul with his pretensions was viewed by them, always with a view to the main question--whether, in any particular, the alleged supernatural cause of his outward conversion, and thence of his presumable inward conversion, ever obtained credence from them;--one primary object, which requires to be attended to, is--personal intercourse; viz. the sort of personal intercourse, which between him on the one part, and them, or some of them, on the other part, appears to have had place.