From the occurrence of such discrepancies as these, both in the original texts and the ancient versions, it is evident, that the authenticity of each numerical statement must be carefully examined _per se_, and tested by the multiplied means for the discovery of the truth which we possess in modern times. For, although the providence of God has watched over the Sacred Scriptures in a very remarkable manner, yet still they are found liable to the same causes of textual error as all other writings; so true is the Apostle’s humbling remark, that, “we have this” heavenly “treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.” Accordingly, from the necessity and frequency of copying the MSS. (Deuteronomy xvii. 18) during so many ages previous to the invention of printing, and from the inaccuracy and inadvertency of uninspired scribes, have arisen what are called “Various Readings” in the Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testament; and, although these, and other discrepancies above mentioned, do not in the slightest degree affect the grand question of salvation, yet they have a serious influence on important questions in sacred history and chronology, and in the interpretation of prophecy. Indeed, the extraordinary and multiplied collations of Hebrew MSS. and editions of the Old Testament, accomplished by the indefatigable labours of Kennicott and De Rossi, have brought to light such a host of variations in the original text, as completely to put to flight the antiquated notion of the “immaculate purity” and “miraculous preservation” of the _Hebrew Verity_, which was so long and so strenuously maintained by critics and divines, and which held fast its position in their hermeneutical Canon, even so late as the 18th century. Moreover, it is manifest _à priori_, that it is quite impossible for two different numbers, or sets of numbers, both relating to the same facts, and in precisely the same manner, to be _perfectly accurate and authentic_! We shall feel no hesitation, therefore, in preferring the Septuagint version to the Hebrew text, or the Hebrew text to the Septuagint version, according as the evidence for the truth, appears to us, to preponderate in favour of the one document or the other. It is even possible that the true number connected with some important event, though originally in both documents, cannot now be found in either. We shall, in such a case, feel perfectly justified in adopting that number which can be demonstrated to be the true one, whether it be discovered in an ancient version or commentary, history, or chronicon. The word of God, like all truth, must be perfectly consistent with itself; and if through the lapse of ages, any part of that word has been corrupted or lost, it becomes a Christian duty, as well as a philosophic employment, to make all possible search for its recovery, not only that our own faith may be strengthened and confirmed, but that the mind of every