Page:The New Testament in the original Greek - Introduction and Appendix (1882).pdf/143

Rh dence respecting each has provisionally led, that the longer readings marked δ are conflate each from two earlier readings. The fundamental grouping of documents also remains the same throughout, notwithstanding the partial fluctuation. The conflate readings marked δ are found in AC(N) of the earlier and in all later uncials except L, not invariably however in C, X, or Δ; as also in the great mass of cursives, and in the Gothic and Harklean Syriac, two versions known to be late. On the other hand no δ or conflate readings are found in BDL lat.vt syr.vt me (the), these four versions being also the most ancient. The most constant witnesses for the readings marked β are D and most or all of the Old Latin MSS, though they do not always support the same modification of β: and in the three places in which it is extant the Old Syriac is with them. The most typical group attesting the readings marked α, which in these passages we have found reason to believe to be the original readings, consists of BL and the Egyptian versions, with the Jerusalem Syriac in its three places; though twice passes over to the ranks of β, even in Luke ix 10, where D is virtually with α. The five remaining comparatively late versions or forms of versions contain either readings of all three classes in different proportions, or (Æthiopic) both δ readings and α readings: and CX have a similar variable character.

149. Speaking roughly then we may assign the attestation of Greek MSS thus: to α a small handful of uncials, including the two oldest, and a few varying cursives, sometimes wanting; to β D and sometimes a few varying cursives, with the rare accession of or another uncial; to δ nearly all the later uncials, with two or three of the older, especially A, and nearly all