"I'd only accept it so far as it agrees with the Vulgate and the Codices."
"But you're aware it was in common use amongst cultivated Jews years before the coming of our Lord; in fact, it may be regarded as a providential means of preparing the way of the Lord for the Jews of Greece and Alexandria."
"That proves nothing."
"It proves this. It is well known that the Hebrews were scrupulously exact about every title and letter, and even vowel-point—"
"I beg your pardon, sir; the Hebrews before Christ didn't use vowel-points."
"That's a strong assertion," said the chairman, reddening.
"It is true. I appeal to his Lordship," said Father Duff.
"Well," said the bishop diplomatically, "that appears to be the received opinion; but the whole thing is wrapped up in the mists and the twilight of history."
I thought that admirable.
"To pass away from that subject," said the chairman, now somewhat nervous and alarmed, "I think you made statements, or rather laid down a principle, that Catholics can hardly accept."