remains unconsidered; our attention having been hitherto
exclusively devoted to Codices B and {~HEBREW LETTER ALEF~}. True, that the rest of the
evidence may be disposed of in a single short sentence:--_The Twelve Verses
under discussion are found in every copy of the Gospels in existence with
the exception of Codices B and {~HEBREW LETTER ALEF~}_. But then,

I. We are assured,--(by Dr. Tregelles for example,)--that "a Note or a
Scholion stating the absence of these verses from _many_, from _most_, or
from the _most correct_ copies (often from Victor or Severus) is found in
twenty-five other cursive Codices."(192) Tischendorf has nearly the same
words: "Scholia" (he says) "in very many MSS. state that the Gospel of
Mark in the most ancient (and most accurate) copies ended at the ninth
verse." That distinguished Critic supports his assertion by appealing to
seven MSS. in particular,--and referring generally to "about twenty-five
others." Dr. Davidson adopts every word of this blindfold.

1. Now of course if all that precedes were true, this department of the
Evidence would become deserving of serious attention. But I simply _deny
the fact_. I entirely deny that the "Note or Scholion" which these learned
persons affirm to be of such frequent occurrence has any existence
whatever,--except in their own imaginations. On the other hand, I assert
that notes or scholia which state the exact reverse, (viz. that "in the
older" or "the more accurate copies" the last twelve verses of S. Mark's
Gospel _are contained_,) recur even perpetually. The plain truth is
this:--These eminent persons have taken their information at
second-hand,--partly from Griesbach, partly from Scholz,--without suspicion
and without inquiry. But then they have slightly misrepresented Scholz;
and Scholz (1830) slightly misunderstood Griesbach; and Griesbach (1796)
took liberties with Wetstein; and Wetstein (1751) made a few serious
mistakes. The consequence might have been anticipated. The Truth, once
thrust out of sight, certain erroneous statements have usurped its
place,--which every succeeding Critic now reproduces, evidently to his own
entire satisfaction; though not, it must be declared, altogether to his
own credit. Let me be allowed to explain in detail what has occurred.

2. Griesbach is found to have pursued the truly German plan of setting
down _all_ the twenty-five MSS.(193) and _all_ the five Patristic
authorities which up to his time had been ci