Principles

of

Textual Criticism,

WITH THEIR APPLICATION

to the

Old and New Testaments.

illustrated with plates and fac-similes

of biblical documents.

By J. Scott Porter,

professor of sacred criticism and theology to the association of

non-subscribing presbyterians in ireland.

London:

Simms and M‘intyre,

ALDINE CHAMBERS, PATERNOSTER ROW;

AND DONEGALL STREET, BELFAST.

1848.

Preface

The object of the present work is to furnish to the student of sacred literature a hand-book of Textual Criticism, in a moderate compass and at a moderate price, wherein the most important principles by which a critic must be guided shall be briefly investigated—the main facts relating to the Text both of the Old Testament and the New shall be accurately stated—the mode of applying these facts and principles for the correction or verification of the text, illustrated by a few interesting examples—and reference given to the chief writers who have treated on the science, and in whose works more complete information may be procured.

Humble and unpretending as this volume is, a work upon a similar plan would have been of essential service to me when I began to turn my attention to the subject of which it treats. It would have removed many a perplexing obstacle, saved much time and labour, and prevented many disappointments. I am not without hopes that others, who may have experienced similar difficulties in the outset of their critical studies, may derive benefit from my humble industry: that many persons who may wish for a concise view of what has been ascertained by the labours of scholars and critics upon the biblical text, may find their desires gratified by the perusal of the present volume: and that some may be induced, by the facilities which it will afford for the systematic study of the science, to apply themselves to the earnest investigation of those sacred records, which so many most laudable efforts are daily made to disseminate, both in our own country and in foreign lands, but which, there is much reason to fear, are far too seldom made the subject of diligent, thoughtful examination, such as their acknowledged importance to the human race and to individuals would justify us in expecting.

It will be perceived that the present volume is a mere initiatory compend of the most important facts and principles in the science of Textual Criticism. It is intended for the use of beginners only, and to their wants it has been adapted. Hence it is of a simple and elementary character. It is not designed for the use of those who are already learned in the science of which it treats; nor is it adapted to their requirements. Had I written for scholars and theologians only, many principles would have been assumed, which in this work I have thought it necessary to investigate, and many facts would have been appealed to as ascertained truths, which I have here found it needful to establish by proof. Usefulness to the class of readers for whom the book is intended I have kept continually ...