Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/9

 from an  older  English  translation  of  the  Bible,  the phraseology of  which  differs  in  many  respects  from  the present authorized  translation.

The translator  of  1669  (Rev.  E.  Mico),  with  some  trifling  changes  in  phraseology  and  orthography,  gives  in his  preface  the  following  account  of  the  work:  "  The author  of  these  Meditations  is  still  living  in  England,  of which  he  is  a  native;  but  his  modesty  prevents  me  from publishing  his  name.  But,  if  his  reputation  be  of  any concern  to  the  reader,  I  think  myself  bound  to  tell  the world  that  his  singular  virtue  and  talents  have  placed him  for  the  last  twenty  years  in  an  eminent  employment in  his  religious  profession.  He  composed  this  book thirty  years  ago  (1639),  in  Latin,  for  the  benefit  of  a private  community,  in  whose  spiritual  advancement  he was  interested.  The  work,  though  never  before  printed, has  a  sufficient  approbation  from  the  esteem  of  all  those who  have  made  use  of  it. Some persons  of  virtue, talents, and  authority  have  procured  manuscript  copies of the  Meditations,  and  make  use  of  no  other  in  their daily exercise  of  mental  prayer."

The author's  name  has  not  travelled  down  to  us  in  any other shape  than  as  expressed  in  the  title-page.