not for the iiird. And now, how will the evidence stand
for the last Twelve Verses of S. Mark's Gospel?

(_a_) In the vth century, to which Codex A and Codex C are referred, (for
Codex D is certainly later,) at least three famous Greeks and the most
illustrious of the Latin Fathers,--(_four_ authorities in all,)--are
observed to recognise these verses.

(_b_) In the ivth century, (to which Codex B and Codex {~HEBREW LETTER ALEF~} probably belong,
five Greek writers, one Syriac, and two Latin Fathers,--besides the
Vulgate, Gothic and Memphitic Versions,--(_eleven_ authorities in
all,)--testify to familiar acquaintance with this portion of S. Mark's
Gospel.

(_c_) In the iiird century, (and by this time MS. evidence has entirely
forsaken us,) we find Hippolytus, the Curetonian Syriac, and the Thebaic
Version, bearing plain testimony that at that early period, in at least
_three_ distinct provinces of primitive Christendom, no suspicion whatever
attached to these verses. Lastly,--

(_d_) In the iind century, Irenaeus, the Peshito, and the Italic Version as
plainly attest that in Gaul, in Mesopotamia and in the African province,
the same verses were unhesitatingly received within a century (more or
less) of the date of the inspired autograph of the Evangelist himself.

4. Thus, we are in possession of the testimony of _at least six_
independent witnesses, of a date considerably anterior to the earliest
extant Codex of the Gospels. They are all of the best class. They deliver
themselves in the most unequivocal way. And their testimony to the
genuineness of these Verses is unfaltering.

5. It is clear that nothing short of direct adverse evidence of the
weightiest kind can sensibly affect so formidable an array of independent
authorities as this. What must the evidence be which shall set it entirely
aside, and induce us to believe, with the most recent editors of the
inspired Text, that the last chapter of S. Mark's Gospel, as it came from
the hands of its inspired author, ended abruptly at ver. 8?

The grounds for assuming that his "last Twelve Verses" are spurious, shall
be exhibited in the ensuing chapter.

CHAPTER V.

THE ALLEGED HOSTILE WITNESS OF CERTAIN OF THE EARLY FATHERS PROVED TO BE
AN IMAGINATION OF THE CRITICS.

The mistake concerning Gregory of Nyssa (p. 39).--The misconception
concerning Eusebius (p. 41).--The oversight concerning Jerome (p.
51)