VARIOUS READINGS.—On the plenary inspiration of Scripture, Dr. Cumming remarks:
“It has been objected, that there are various readings in the original of the New Testament, and Old Testament too; and that this shows we cannot hold by the idea that the words are inspired. Let me state the facts of the case: Michaelis, the ablest critic perhaps that ever examined the Scriptures labored thirty years in critical researches in the MSS. Dr. Kennicott labored ten years, and consulted five hundred and eighty-one different MSS; and compared them word for word, and letter for letter. Prof. Rossi examined six hundred and eighty MSS. Griesbach examined three hundred and thirty-five for the gospels alone; and Scholz examined six hundred and seventy-four, comparing word with word, letter with letter. What is the result of all? Literally nothing; and the very nothingness of the result is the magnificent proof of the inspiration of the original. All they have discovered is to a great extent that the aspirate should be here, or the article should be omitted there, or a letter should be inserted elsewhere. I will take only one of the testimonies they have left. Eichhorn says, The different readings collated by Kennicott scarcely afford enough interest to repay the labor which has been bestowed upon them. Now what does this prove? It proves that God not only inspired that blessed book, but spread over it the wing of his protecting providence from year to year, and age to age. The grand fruit of elaborate research is negative.”