The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-11-27
REVISION OF THE BIBLE.

DIR. HOWARD CROSBY, one of the New
Testament reyisers, says in the Novem-
Der North american ReUieW:
The work of the revisers has been double
one, to ascertain Il speak of the New Tesla
ment now the genuine Greek text, and then
to correct or modify the English translation.
1t is well known that Erasmus Greek text
was the result of the examination OF only five
Greek manuscripts of late date and use of
the Vulgate. The ElZevir second edition
Q633), which has been the "Textus Re-
ceptus" ever since, was founded on Erasmus
text and the Comprehension through the la
bors of the two Stephens and BeZa, and
suppose it is safe to say that not ovel twenty
manuscripts were consulted in ali that went
to make up this "Textus Receptus." 1t is
also safe to say that none of these Mss.
were Of ancient date except Codex Bez@ (D),
noted for its deviations from other authori-
ties. Now we have over a thousand Mss.
known and accessible to scholars; above all,
those venerable uncials, the Sinatic, the
Alexandrian (A), the Vatican (B), and the
Ephraem (C). The field for induction is thus
vastly broader than it was when our present
Greek text was settled, and makes correct
text presumably ii not certainly possible.
The careful examination of these Mss. and
the weighing of their authority have occupied
the life labors of such men as Tischendorf,
Lachmann and Tregelles making the work
of the revisers a comparatively easy one to
select the true reading in any given case. Ia
this work, Westcott, Hort and Abbott have
been conspicuous, who with fcrivener have
developed a cultured instinct regarding man
uscript authority which is as safe to trust as
it is marvellous in its character.
When the text is decided, the work of the
Greek scholar begins. He is not gly to
know Greek. but to know Hebrew that he
may detect Hebrac idioms in the New Tesla
ment. He must thoroughly understand the
n fFDp hafKx- I'LL ~
Greek, for a Greek purist would find many
stumbling blocks in both gospels and epistles,
and above all, in the Apoc tlypse. He is to
compare the Septuagint with many Old Tesla
ment quotations and illusions in the New
Testament and its usas of words generally
with the Ike words used by the eyangefists
and apostles. There must be also diligent
labor to make words and phrases in different
parts of the work correspond in English as
they do in Greek, the argument and meaning
being thus made more evident. Then comes
the office of the English scholar to see that
sentences are smooth and clear, and that
perfect English model is given in what is pre-
eminently the peoples book. Such, then is
the double work of the present revisers.
They have prepared Greek text, and they
have translated it, observing, however in the
translation those principles to which / have
ALREADY alluded and so preserving as far as
possible the language of the authorized and
earlier English writer's.
The work has been in progress ten years,
but the American cooperation began in Oc-
tober, 1872. For eight years the English and
American committees have wrought harmo-
niously together, exchanging copies of their
results for consideration and reconsidera-
ton. The English Committee numbered at
frst hity-two, and the American Committee
twenty-seven, making seventy-nne in all,
but death has removed several members from
each committee. Our own has lost DIR. Tay-
lr cd Prof
Hadley. The New Testament Company in
England numbered twenty-seven and in
America sixteen. The labors OF this company
are nearly concluded. 1t is probable that
their completed work viii be in possession
OF the rublic before this year expires The
Old Testament company will continue Their
labors for at least two years lon er. The
American portion of the New Testament
Company has met monthly at No. AZ, Bible
House, New York. where the books and APP
paratus necessary for the undertaking had
been provided. The meetings began, each,
on Friday morning at half-past nine O'clock
and ended on Saturday at one D. m. There
were two or three sessions on Friday and one
on Saturday. In June and August no meet
ing was held, but In July there was long
meeting OF four days at Andover, New Haven
New York or Princeton. Some of the mem
bers came from distance of about four hum
dred miles, and many had to make a journey
OF one and two hundred miles to attend The
meetings, ana yet these distant members
were almost always in their seats at the ap-
pointed times.
Speaking as member Of the New Testa-
ment Company, may characterize each meet
ing as a spiritual and intellectual symposium.
A more genial brotherhood never met. Epis-
copalian, Unitarian, Methodist, BAPTIST,
Friend Congregationalist and Presbyterian
knew no differences, and held one another in
respect and affection. Not a sectarian note
was ever heard. Not harsh word was ever
uttered The revered President Woolsey
guided our deliberations with wisdom and
urbanity He read the verse, and then called
for comment and suggestion. Every one was
patiently heard, and then the decision was
recorded by our secretary, Prof. Short or
Prof Thayer. Sometimes long discussion
would enliven us, and hosts Of references
were made to support either side, and III
may let out the secret) there were times when
the solemnity that became the dignity of our
work was tempered by humorous hit or an
irresistible pleasantly. At such moments,
perhaps, any one who might suddenly have
entered our "Jerusalem chamber'' would
have scarcely OWNED our work
The portion on which we were to confer
was always appointed at the previous meet
Ing so that there might be months pre-
Il =.