It is true that the Fathers accuse Marcion of tampering with the text in various places, both in the Epistles and in the Gospels where the allegation can be tested, and where it is found that the supposed perversion is simply a difference of reading, proved to be such by its presence in other authorities [Endnote 217:2].

Besides, this perversion itself may often be disease, bad habits transmitted, like drunkenness, or some hereditary misfortune, as with this Elsie we were talking about.

This perversion of Christianity is a chief element in the difficulty of tracing the real influence of true Christian teaching upon character.

7.Any extensive perversion of the common words of a language from their original and proper use, is doubtless a matter of considerable moment.