Apocryphal New Testament — Historical English Collection

Apocryphal New Testament — Hone/Wake/Jones — Section 8

The text is not contained in any Greek manuscript which was written earlier than the fifteenth century. 2. Nor in any Latin manuscript earlier than the ninth century. 3. It is not found in any of the ancient versions. 4. It is not cited by any of the Greek ecclesiastical writers, though, to prove the doctrine of the Trinity, they have cited the words both before and after this. 5. It is not cited by any of the early Latin Fathers, even when the subjects upon which they treat would naturally have led them to appeal to its authority. 6, It is first cited by Vigilius Tapsensis, a Latin writer of no credit, in the latter end of the fifth century, and by him it is suspected to have been forged. 7. It has been admitted as spurious in many editions of the New Testament since the reformation : — in the first two of Erasmus, in those of Aldus Colinseus, Zwinglius, and lately of Griesbach. 8. It was omitted by Luther in his German version ; in the old English Bibles of Henry VIII., Edward VI., and Elizabeth, it was printed in small types, or included in brackets ; but between the years 1566 and 1580, it began to be printed as it now stands, by whose authority is not known. — (See Travis's Letters to Gibbon, and Porson's to Travis. Also Griesbach's excellent * Porson's Letters to Travis. Prefaced t Newton's works by Horsley, 4to, vol. v. p. 549 — Bishop Horsley, in his edition of Sir Isaac Newton's works, has not included several MSS. on theological subjects for the reasons which perhaps induce the nobleman in whose possession they remain to withhold them still from publication. His lordship's judgment in this respect is said to be influenced by a prelate whose notions do not accord either with Sir Isaac's opinions or criticisms. They are fairly transcribed, in the illustrious author's own hand-writing, ready for the press ; and it is to be regretted that the production of his luminous mind be suppressed by any censorship, however respectable. VIU or paraphrase, that was at first put in the margin or between the lines."