24?
These are really nothing else but indications either of a mutilated or else an interpolated text.

And the question to be resolved is,--On which side does the corruption lie?
and, How did it originate?
Waiving this however, the term is objectionable on other grounds.

It is to beg the whole question to assume that every irregularity in the text of Scripture is a 'various reading.' The very expression carries with it an assertion of importance; at least it implies a claim to consideration.

Even might it be thought that, because it is termed a 'various reading,' therefore a critic is entitled to call in question the commonly received text.

Whereas, nine divergences out of ten are of no manner of significance and are entitled to no manner of consideration, as every one must see at a glance who will attend to the matter ever so little.