Apocrypha. The name given generally to certain ancient books and parts of books often appended to the scriptures of the Old Testament, some of which are held by the Roman Catholic church to be of canonical and divine authority. The Westminster Confession and the Church of England allow the books to be read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth not apply them to establish any doctrine. They are regarded as human writings, not inspired. They are:
[Ezra 1:1-11; Ezra 2:1-70.] The third book of Esdras The fourth book of Esdras The book of Tobias [Tobit].
The book of Judith.
The Best of the book of Esther.
The book of Wisdom.
Jesus the son of Sirach [Ecclesiasticus].
Baruch the Prophet.
The Song of the Three Children.
The Story of Susanna.
Of Bel and the Dragon.
The Prayer of Manasses.
The first book of Maccabees.
The second book of Maccabees.
There are also some apocryphal writings claiming a place among the books of the New Testament; but, as these have never been recognized in the Christian church, they require no notice here.