Page:The New Testament of Iesvs Christ faithfvlly translated into English, ovt of the authentical Latin, diligently conferred with the Greek, & other Editions in diuers languages.pdf/4

 OF THESE THREE POINTS: OF THE

translation of Holy Scriptures into the vulgar ton-

gues, and namely into English; of the causes

why this New Testament is translated

according to the ancient vulgar Latin

text; and of the manner of transla-

ting the same.

HE holy Bible long since translated by us into English, and the old Testament lying by us for lack of good meanes to publish the whole in such sort as a work of so great charge and importance requireth; we have yet through God’s goodness at length fully finished for thee (most Christian Reader) al the NEW TESTAMENT; which is the principal, most profitable, & comfortable peece of holy Writ: and, as wel for al other institution of life and doctrine, as specially for deciding the doubts of these daies, more proper and pregnant then the other part not yet printed.

Which translation we doe not for al that publish, upon erroneous opinion 1. of necessitie, that the holy Scriptures should alwayes be in our mother tongue, or 2. that they ought, or were ordained by God, to be read indifferently of al, or 3. could be easily understood of every one that readeth or heareth them in a knowen language; or 4. that they were not often, through man’s malice or infirmitie, pernicious and much hurtful to many; 5. or that we generally and absolutely deemed it more convenient in it-self, & more agreable to God’s word and honour, or edification, of the faithful, to have them turned into vulgar tongues, then to be kept & studied only in the Ecclesiastical learned Languages: Not for these nor any such like causes doe we translate this sacred Booke; but upon special consideration of the present time, state, and condition of our countrie, unto which divers things are either necessarie, or profitable and medicinable now, that otherwise in the peace of the Church were neither much requisit, nor perchance wholy tolerable.

1. In this matter, to marke only the wisedom & moderation of holy Church and the Governours therof on the one side, and the indiscrete zeale of the popular, and their factious leaders, on the other, is a high point of prudence. These later, partly of simplicitie, partly of curiositie, and specially of pride & disobedience, have made claime in this case for the common people, with plausible pretences many, but good reasons none Rh