Page:The New Testament in the original Greek - Introduction and Appendix (1882).pdf/310

272 think that, notwithstanding the peculiar authority conferred on the best uncials by the clear results of Genealogical Evidence proper and of Internal Evidence of Groups, the true reading is sometimes one that is attested by inferior documents alone. This antecedent enquiry is complementary to a question discussed in another place (§§ 265—283), how far Primary Greek MSS may safely be trusted where accessory attestation is more or less completely wanting. From the nature of the case there is no room for absolute and unqualified answers: but we trust that the following considerations, taken along with what has been said already, will meet all such doubts as can be raised with a fair show of reason.

357—360.&emsp;Approximate non-existence of genuine readings unattested by any of the best Greek uncials

357. The vague but necessary term 'inferior documents' covers two classes of evidence which demand attention on wholly different grounds; first, Greek uncials which in external character, as in conventional designation, have no generic difference from the best Greek uncials, and secondly, the earlier Versions and Fathers. First then it may be asked,—Given the relative supremacy which we have been led to ascribe under normal conditions to Β and in most books, and to some extent to A and C in the Apocalypse, is there or is there not good ground to expect that the true reading should sometimes exist not in them but in less good or in secondary Greek uncials? There is no theoretical improbability in the supposition here made. This is obviously true in cases where and Β are at variance, that is, where the positive evidence afforded by the coinci-