It is interesting to read these passages in the various ways intended by the compiler, first taking the Evangelists separately, and reading all the verses marked with the proper letter, in both sorts of type, and then reading only the common type, straight on, irrespective of the marking letters.
There is still another way in which the value of the Harmony may be tested. It is of course well-known that the historical sequence of events varies
greatly in the records of the different Evangelists. To reconcile these discrepancies, is often a very difficult matter, and when combined with the other principles on which the Harmonies were constructed must have caused a great deal of trouble, and required much skilful adaptation. This part of the work can be tested by examining some one chapter of the Authorized Version, and we can then discover how the subjects are treated. The eighth chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel will be a good example—
Vers. 1–3: “A general account of Christ’s ministry and followers,” appear on p. 102 of the Harmony.
Vers. 4–15: “Parable of the Sower, and explanation,” come on pp. 90–93, being composed of the narratives of the other two Evangelists interpolated with St. Luke’s.
Vers. 16–18 follow in natural order, but
Vers. 19–21: “Christ’s mother and brethren,” are found on p. 90, before the Parable of the Sower; while
Vers. 22–25: “The Storm on the Lake,” come still earlier in the Harmony, on p. 45.
Vers. 26–39: “The herd of swine drowned,” following on p. 47.
Ver. 40. Stands by itself on p. 50, preceeding the events recorded in St. Luke’s fifth chapter.