f the | version for comparison.'
indirect passage_ is, of course, |
matter of argument, and we make |
it so; but it seems to us that |
the introduction of specific |
words like these, without |
explanation of any kind, conveys |
to the general reader too |
positive a view of the case. We |
may perhaps be permitted to say |
that we fully recognise Dr |
Westcott's sincere love of truth, |
and feel the most genuine respect |
for his character.' |

Considering the gravity of his accusation, I think that our author might
have been more explicit in his retractation. He might have stated that
he not only retracted his charge against Dr Westcott, but also withdrew
his own interpretation of the passage. He might have confessed that,
having in his earlier editions assumed the words to be Irenaeus' own, he
had found out his mistake [55:1]; that accordingly he acknowledged the
passage to be oblique; that therefore, after all, Dr Westcott was right
and he was wrong; and that the only question with him now was how best
to break the force of the true interpretation, in its bearing on the
authenticity of the fourth Gospel.

The reader will not find in this fourth edition, from beginning to end,
the slightest intimation of all this. He is left with the impression
that the author regrets having used a strong expression respecting Dr
Westcott, but that otherwise his opinion is unchanged. Whether I have or
have not rightly interpreted the facts, will be seen from a
juxtaposition of passages from the fourth and earlier editions.

FOURTH EDITION. | EARLIER EDITIONS.
|
'Now, in the quotation from | 'Now in the quotation from
Irenaeus given in this passage, | Irenaeus given in this passage,
_Tischendorf renders the oblique | _Tischendorf deliberately falsifies
construction_ by inserting "say | the text_ by inserting "say they;"
they," referring to the Presbyters | and, as he does not give the
of Papias; and, as he does not | original, the great majority of
give the original, he should at | readers could never detect how
least have indicated that these | he thus adroitly contrives to
words are supplementary. We | strengthen his argument. As
shall endeavour' [55:2] etc. | regards the whole statement of
| the case we must affirm that it