THE HIGH NUMBERS OF THE PENTATEUCH : ABE 
THEY TRUSTWORTHY? By Philip Henry Gosse, 
E.B.S., Vice-President Vick; Inst. 
1- ~]\/j~OKE than a year ago, a paper on this subject, by the 
XtJL Bev. Dr. Thornton, was read before the Victoria 
Institute. If any apology were needed for going again over 
the trodden ground, it might be found in the grave importance 
of the subject, at least in its collateral issues, and in my own 
disagreement, in toto y with his conclusions. I say a my own 
disagreement,” because I have no desire to share my respon- 
sibility with others; though I have reason to think that I do 
not stand alone in my judgment. 
2. The subject is far from new. It is an old battle-field 
both of assault and defence. Of late it has been fought-over 
with fresh energy on the Continent, and in England. The 
author of the paper I have mentioned, apologises for a path, 
to some extent, at least, parallel with that pursued by Dr. 
Colenso ; and it is but fair to add that he strongly disavows 
his conclusions. Dr. Thornton, whom I would not for an 
instant confound with the school which is represented by 
Dt Colenso, — considers that he is “ writing in the interests 
of that Scripture which he criticises.” But of this others 
also may judge. I take the freedom (without at all im- 
pugning his intention) of judging whether his paper is in 
the interests of Holy Scripture, or adverse to it ; and my 
judgment is very different from his. I believe that the reason- 
ings of that paper, if they are severely logical , must inevitably 
lead to the rejection of inspiration, in the only sense in which 
inspiration is to me worth, anything. This result its respected 
author would, I am sure, repudiate as vehemently as myself. 
3. therefore, while I would not write a word disrespectful, 
either to him or to any one else from whom I differ in judg- 
