As omitted, and the verse reads, "These things have I written unto you, that ye may know ye have eternal life, &c." a specimen of readings of still less importance, we may mention one in 1 Thess. ii. 15. In the common version we read, “Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets." In the amended version we read, "Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and the prophets." There are, as we have said, many more various readings of this last very unimportant description, than of any other. Besides these variations in words and sentences, Griesbach has introduced others in the punctuation of the original, and in these also he is followed by the Editor of the amended English version. It will be borne in mind, that we stated, when we were describing the causes of various readings, that the most ancient Greek manuscripts are written not only without marks of punctuation, but without any spaces between the words. Of course, when punctuation came in use, the only guides to it must have been the sense and connexion of what was written. In most cases these guides would give such plain directions, that there could be no doubt where a stop should be placed, where a sentence should begin, and where it should end, or whether it should be read affirmatively or interrogatively. In many instances, however, in which there was room for two modes of punctuation, Griesbach has, on good authority, adopted one differing from that of the received text. In these instances the amended English version necessarily obeys its adopted leader. It was not our intention, however, to enter into an examination of the English version as amended according to Griesbach's standard text, but to press its general adoption, on the firm, broad, and conceded ground of its genuineness. If it is an object that we should all possess, read, and study the christian scriptures in all possi ble purity, we cannot too strongly urge the claims of the amended English version of the New Testament, to the exclusion of the text now commonly received. We presume that many, and many of those who feel the importance of having an amended text in use, will say that such an event is impossible; that it is impossible to effect any alteration in the received text, widely circulated as it is, and holding possession, as it does, of all churches, and families, wherever the English tongue is spoken. We answer, that nothing, but a proper understanding of the subject and a proper sense of its importance, is wanted, to cause the immediate introduction of the amended Testament. It is not to be desired, by any means, that the copies of the English New Testament now in use should be destroyed or given up by those who hold them, but it is to be desired that all copies printed hereafter should be corrected according to Griesbach's text. Thus the old text would gradually go out of use. We do not expect that this will be done, but it might be done, if there was only a disposition to do it. How easily might the authorities of the English Established Church issue their decree, that all the New Testaments printed under their control, should be, after a certain period, conformed to the standard Greek text? How easily might all Bible Societies determine, that, after a certain period, they would issue no copies of the New Testament, but such as were conformed to the standard Greek text? We are told that the American Bible Society have formed the grand design of printing two millions of bibles forthwith, in order to furnish a bible to every destitute family in our couniry. Would not their design be yet more grand, if they were to resolve to print all the copies of the New Testament according to a pure original? Could not such a resolution be easily carried into effect? We call upon the Society to do this. We beseech them to send forth among the people no more acknowledged adulterations of the christian scriptures. How easily might all christian societies resolve to hear, and all christian ministers resolve to read from the pulpit or desk, none but an amended text of the New Testament? We earnestly desire them to form such a resolution, and to carry it into execution. How easily might all translations of the christian scriptures be made from a pure, instead of an impure original? Why will translators diffuse and perpetuate, in various languages, what they know to be errors, instead of using their power and opportunity to amend them? Why should not individuals, who wish to purchase copies of the New Testament for themselves or families, ask for the amended, instead of the common version? Will they not prefer a correct to an incorrect text? Do they wish to read for scripture what in all human probability is not scripture ? If these various and simple means were pursued, would not the amended English Testament be gradually introduced, and become itself the common one? Either the changes made in the present version to conform it to a pure original, are very great and numerous, or they are inconsiderable in magnitude and number. If they are very great, then the adoption of the amended version is the more loudly called for; if they are inconsiderable, as we know them to be, then its adoption will be the more easy, as the change will be an almost imperceptible one. We reiterate our appeal to the common sense and the religious feeling of all who may read these pages, in favor of "The New Testament in the Common Version, conformed to Griesbach's Standard Greek Text.” |