Let him at least endeavour to weigh the evidence which shall now be laid before him in impartial scales.

He must do so perforce, if he would judge rightly: for the matter to be discussed is confessedly very peculiar: in some respects, even unique.

Let me convince him at once of the truth of what has been so far spoken.
It is a singular circumstance that at the end of eighteen centuries two instances, and but two, should exist of a considerable portion of Scripture left to the mercy, so to speak, of 'Textual Criticism.' Twelve consecutive Verses in the second Gospel--as many consecutive Verses in the fourth--are in this predicament.

It is singular, I say, that the Providence which has watched so marvellously over the fortunes of the Deposit,--the Divine Wisdom which has made such ample provision for its security all down the ages, should have so ordered the matter, that these two co-extensive problems have survived to our times to be tests of human sagacity,--trials of human faithfulness and skill.

They present some striking features of correspondence, but far more of contrast,--as will presently appear.