(StonieU HmwMttg |ptag BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF Henrij W. Sage 1891 ,$..X.¥A.€>0/.. ./.e////A,... 6896-1 Cornell University Library BS455 .D69 1888 Old Bibles: an account of the early vers olin 3 1924 029 272 007 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029272007 Old Bibles. I Old Bibles: An Accotint of the Early Ver- sions of the English Bible. BY J. R. DORE. S^conft ©tritton, WITH THE PREFACE TO THE VERSION OF l6ll ADDED AT THE REQUEST OF THE LATE RIGHT REV. CHRISTOPHER WORDSWORTH, D.D., Lord Bishop 0/ Lincoln. Printed and Published by EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE. IScr HJnjcstg's Jptinicru. 1888. DEDICATED (by permission) TO HIS GRACE THE LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY. aaO Preface. HA T pearl of great price, the English Bible of 1611, remained so long with- out alteration, that many of us had forgotten that it was only one of a series of versions. English folk being (Laus Deo) slow to make changes, it is probable that another generation will pass away before any other version of Holy Scripture will fully take the place of the translation that has been in use so many years. A bout forty years elapsed before King James's revision superseded the Bishops' and Genevan versions. Copies of early versions of the Bible, in a more or less imperfect condition, are in the possession of many families, but their owners, for want of knowing how to identify the books, frequently place an exaggerated value on com- paratively worthless copies, while rare ones are 111 IV Preface. insufficiently estimated; I have, therefore, en- deavoured to place within the reach of all, easy directions by which to ascertain, from internal evidence, to what edition any copy belongs; the title page being often missing, and not always trustworthy when it exists, owing to titles being sometimes bound up with books to which they do not belong. All the statements I have made are based on most careful investigation of original copies of the books to which they refer, and I have spared no efforts to insure the utmost accuracy. The original spelling has been preserved in all quotations from the texts and notes of early versions: for to modernise the orthography, is to destroy one of the charms of these old Bibles, and seems to me to be in as bad taste as attempting to improve their quaint diction. Most gratefully I acknowledge the kind as- sistance I have received during past years from Mr. Francis Fry, Mr. Bradshaw, and Mr. H. Stevens, all of whom have recently been taken from us; also from Mr. Geo. Bullen, of the British Museum, the Rev. N. Pocock, M.A., of Clifton, Colonel Thomas Brooke, the Rev. W. E. Smith, M.A., W. T. Lynn, M.A., and other men of eminent learning, who have Preface. ever been ready to afford help in bibliographical difficulties. I also thank the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Salisbury for his kind permission to avail myself of the consent of the late Right Rev. Lord Bishop of Lincoln to have his name placed on the title page. This year being the tercentenary of the publica- tion of the first Bible in the Welsh language, perhaps it is not inappropriate to add as an Appendix a few notes on Welsh Bibles, which have been read and approved by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of S, David's. The first edition of this book was received with greater favour than I now think it de- served, as ten more years devoted to the study of early printed Bibles have shown me how many faults it contained, of which I was then unconscious. I hope this edition is made more worthy the acceptance of those who value the English Bible. J. R. DORE. Huddersfield, 1888. V Contents. PAGE Introduction i Tyndale's New Testament. . . 17 „ Pentateuch .... 66 Sir John Cheke's Version. ... 79 coverdale's bible 88 Matthew's „ 113 Taverner's „ 137 The Great „ 153 Whittingham's New Testament . .189 The Genevan Version .... 200 The Bishops' Bible 236 „ New Testament . . .275 The Rheims & Douai Version . . .291 King James's Version 322 Appendix No. i 355 » No. 2 379 No. 3 390 „ No. 4 392 VI 1 ^7^x"7"^"0^ u M' i r-T"^ Index. Act of Parliament prohibiting Tyndale's Version ^Elfric's translation of portions of the Bible Ages, Eight Alfred, King Allen, Cardinal, translator Anglo-Norman translation Apocrypha, Coverdale's preface to . Apocrypha ordered to be omitted Apostles' Creed .... Appendix No. I ,, No. 2 . . . . No. 3 . No. 4 . Bale, John, Notes of Barker, C. , purchases patent for exclusive printing Bassandyne Bible .... Bede, Venerable .... Bible, Bishops' .... address to reader Editions of Translators of 2nd edition of . 3rd „ . . 4th 5th 6th „ . . 7th, 8th, and 9th editions of I oth edition of "th „ . 1 2th „ . 13th and 14th editions of 1 7th edition of 1 8th „ . IQ th „ . Printer's error in PAGE I2S 5 26S 4 291 5 no 204 302 355 379 390 392 53 220 221 4 236 246 2 39 237 243 250 253 254 256 258 263 265 266 267 271 272 274 253 Ind ex. IX PAGE Bible, Cambridge, First 339 Coverdale's 88 ,, Apocrypha of . . . .no ,, Peculiarities of . . . -93 ,, Reprints of .... 94 „ Reprint of, by Froschover . .101 Douai & Rheims ...... 291 1 ,, Fkst complete, printed in English . . .88 ,, English 6 ,, English, Printer of . . -9' ,, ,, Size of 93 ,, ,, Translator of . . . .108 , , printed in England .... 93 ,, „ Scotland .... 221 Genevan, Editions of . . . 201, 207, 217 Great 153 and Bishop Tunstall .... 167 Cromwell grants licences to print . 161 Portions of, conveyed to London . . 156 Price of 160 Printer of 156 Printing of, forbidden. . . .158 Revision desired of . . . 1 70 Guttenberg's ...... 10 First printed portion of . . . .17 "He" . 3 2 8 King James's 322 ,, Rules for Revisers of . . 323 ,, 1st edition, folio . . . 326 2nd ,,„... 330 3rd ,,,,... 330 ,, 1st ,, quarto . . -333 ,, 1st ,, octavo . . .334 ,, 1st ,, i2mo . . -337 Last, printed by Jugge 262 "Leda" 252 Matthew's 113 ,, Editor of 1 13 „ Title of 114 Nicolson's editions of Coverdale's . . 92, 98 Old editions of, with new titles ... 54 ordered to be pur-chased . . . • r 55 Oxford, First 34° Printing necessary for distribution of . 10 Purvey's 7 Reading of, confined to certain classes . . 236 Genevan, 1st folio printed in England . . 219 x Index. PAGE Bible, Rheims & Douai . . . . . .291 „ "Rosin" 315 ,, Servetus's, Burning of . . . . .26 ,, set up for public use . . . . .168 „ "She" 329 ,, Tavemer's ....... 137 ,, ,, Apocrypha of ... . 148 ,, ,, Dedication of ... . 141 , , , , Reprints of . . . . .142 ,, Translation of ...... 2 ,, "Vinegar" 347 „ "Wicked" 340 ,, Wycliffe's 6 Bibles, Canne's ....... 346 „ Commonwealth ...... 346 Bishops' New Testament without verses . . . 275 Blayney, Dr. . 348 Book, First printed 10 Broughton, Hugh . . . . . . .270 Buck and Daniel ....... 342 " Bugge " Bibles 72 Cedmon's paraphrase ...... 3 Calvin, John, burns Servetus's Bible ... 26 Cambridge Bible, First ...... 339 Canne's Bibles ....... 346 Cardinal Allen, translator ..... 291 Cawoode, John ....... 263 Cawoode's Testament . . . . . -57 Caxton prints the Golden Legend . . . .12 Cheke, Sir John ...... 60, 79 ,, ,, Death of 87 Cheke's petition to Queen Mary .... 86 ,, Recantation ...... 87 ,, Testament ....... 79 ,, ,, compared with Coverdale's & Tyndale's 80-3 Chetham Library, Manchester • • ■ • 33 Clergy tortured for circulating the Rheims Version . 292 Cochla?us, Dean ....... 23 " Cogita mori " ...,.,. 276 Cologne quarto, Quentel's 21 Commonwealth Bibles .,..,. 346 Constantyne, George, Evidence of . . , .14 Copland's octavo of 1549 ..... 54 Coverdale leaves England 89 Coverdale's acknowledgment of Bonner's assistance . 156 Bible 88 Index. PAGE Coverdale's Bible, Cost of printing . IOO „ ,, Peculiarities of 93 ,, „ Reprints of . . . 94, 101, 104 ,, Testament ..... 94. 97 Cranmer, Evidence of . 2 Creed, Apostles' • 3° 2 Cremer's Illumination ..... n Cromwell grants licenses to print Bible . . 161 Daniel & Buck • 342 Date of first English Translation . . 1 Daye & Seres' Testament .... S3. 57 Daye's edition, 1549 ..... . 61 Death of Sir John Cheke .... • 87 Differences between editions of Great Bible . 161 Douai Old Testament ..... ■ 3°7 ,, „ Comparison of . . 3c >9> 3 2 ° ,, ,, Dedication of • 3°9 „ ,, Division of Books in . 3 10 ,, ,, 2nd edition of • 315 Edition of Great Bible, 2nd 162 „ ,, Printer of 165 „ ., 3 rd 166 4th . . 166 ,, ,, Grafton's quarto 177 ,> „ >> la st 177 ,, ,, Harrison's folio 183 ,, ,, Hyll's quarto . 177 ,, ,, King's printer's 171 ,, ,, Last folio 183 „ Keprintof 1539 . 172 ,, ,, Whytchurch's last folio 178 ,, ,, Worcester 175 1549 .... 173 Editions of Bishops' Bible 239 ,, Genevan Bible . . . 201, 20 7, 217 ,, Great Bibles, Cawoode's series of quartc 179 ,, ,, Differences between . 161 „ „ 5th, 6th, and 7th 168 ,, Pentateuch, Comparison of Tyndale's 71-78 , , Old, with new titles .... 54 Edward VI., Dedication of Coverdale's Bible 105 English Bible, First Printed 88 „ ,, Printer of 9i xii Index. Erasmus, Tyndale's opinion of ... • PAfJE 70 Explanation of King Solomon's titles 264 Eyre & Spottiswoode, patentees . 221 First Genevan Testament . 202 ,, Scottish printer of Bible .... 223 Foxe, Untruthful statements of 5, 18 Froschover's Testament, i6mo, 155° 55 293 1 Gardiner's, Bishop, translation . . . . 12 i Genevan Bible ....... 200 i , , , , 2nd and 3rd editions of . .20 7, 217 , , , , First folio printed in England . 219 i ,, Testament, First . . . . . 202 Golden Legend, printed by Caxton, 1483 12 Grafton's acknowledgment of Bonner's assistance 156 Great Bible 153 ,, ordered to be purchased 155 , , Cawood's series of quarto editions of 179 , , compared with Prayer Book . 180 ,, Funds for printing, provided 159 ,, Grafton's quarto reprint, 1553 177 ,, ,, last edition of 177 , , Harrison's folio edition of . 183 ,, Hyll's quarto reprint, 1552 . 177 , , King's printer's edition of . 171 , , Last folio edition of 183 , , Presses, &c. bought for printing . 158 , , Price of .... 160 ,, Printer of . 156 ,, Reprint of 1539 edition of . 172 , , Whytchurche's last folio edition of 178 ,, Worcester edition of 175 , , , , , , Notes in . 176 ,, 2nd edition of ... . 162 3 rd », .... . 166 4th ,, .... . 166 ,, 5th, 6th, and 7th editions of . 168 , , 1 549 edition of . • 173 Guttenberg's Bible ...... 10 Guthlac's English Psalter .... 4 Haghen, Godfried van der .... 37 Hampton Court Conference , • 322 Index. xiii PAGE Harrison's folio edition of Great Bible . 183 Headings of chapters shortened • 349 Henry VIII. 's primer ..... . 182 " Hollybushe " Testament .... . IOI James's, King, Bible • 3 22 Joye's, George, apology ..... ■ 30 Jugge reprints Tyndale's edition of 1552 in 156 6 . 65 , , Richard, Testament of • 53 Jugge's dedication to Edward VI. . . 62 , , revision of Tyndale 61, 63 ,, „ „ authorised . • 279 Keyser, Martin de . . . . 33. 37 King James's Bible .... • 3 22 „ ,, ,, three issues compared ■ 33i Latimer, Hugh, ignores English Translation • 14 "Leda" Bible ■ 2 S 2 Licences granted for printing Bibles . 161 Lindisfarne Gospels .... 5 Rev. W. J. Loftie's Century of Bibles . . 285 Luther's influence on Tyndale 20 Lyra, Nicolas de . 48 Maccabees, Third Book of . . 150 Mary, Queen, Cheke's petition to . . 86 , , Primer of . . 178 Mary, Queen of Scots, Oath of . 306 Matthew's Bible • 113 ,, Editor of . 113 „ Meaning of words in . 119 ,, Notes to . 122 ,, reprinted ... 1 18, 120, 124 „ Title of. . 114 , , Woodcuts in . . 122 Mentz Psalter, 1457 .... 11 Meteren, Jacob van .... • 9i Monmouth, Humphrey .... 20 More, Sir Thomas, Evidence of 1 Nicolson's quarto New Testament, 1538 • • 98 Norton & Bill's first quarto • 337 Notes in Calendar of Rouen Bible . . 184 Oswen's notes in Great Bible . 176 Oxford Bible, First .... • 346 xiv Index. PAGE Pentateuch, Tyndale's .... . 66 „ „ 2nd edition of . . 69 ,, „ ist & 2nd edition compare i 73 Petyt's quarto, 1548 • Si Powell's duglot, 1 548 • 5° Prayer Book compared with Great Bible . 180 Presses, &c. bought for printing Great Bible . . 158 Price of Great Bible . . . . 160 Primer of Henry VIII. ..... 182 ,, Queen Mary ..... . 178 Printer of Great Bible 156 „ 2nd edition of Great Bible 165 Printing of Bible necessary for distribution 10 ,, ,, Precursors of 10 , , Bibles, Licences granted for . 161 , , Great Bible forbidden 158 ,, ,, Funds provided for 159 ,, ,, 1549 edition 174 Psalm, Vulgate version of 66th 7 ,, Douai ,, .... 9 „ Purvey's ,, .... 8 „ Wycliffe's ,, 8 „ xixth, Bishops' Version of . 248 Psalms, Bishop Fisher translates Penitential 12 ,, early revision by Richard Rolle . 5 ,, Metrical, printed by J. Daye 247 Psalter, Guthlac's English 4 ,, Mentz, 1457 ii „ S. Aldhelm's 4 Queen Mary, Cheke's petition to . 86 . ,, Mary's primer 178 Recantation of Cheke 87 Redman's duglot, 1538 ..... 48, 49 Refutation, Fulke's 293 99 Regnault's duglot, 1538 Reprint of Great Bible, 1539 edition 172 ,, Matthew's Bible . . . n8, 12 3, 124 Revision of Bible desired ..... 170 Rheims & Douai Bible. (Rheims New Testament) . 291 ,, New Testament, 2nd edition of . 298 ;» .. >> 3 rd „ . . . 3°3 >> >> ,, 4th ,, ... 3°4 "Rosin "Bible ... ... 315 184 20 Rouen Bible, Notes in Calendar of . Roye, Friar ........ Rushworth Gospels ...... 5 Index. XV PAGE Schoeffer, Peter 22 Scotch Bible, First (King James's) .... 341 Scottish printer of Bible, First .... 223 S. Aldhelm's Psalter 4 S. Ephrem, Writings of 3 Sternhold and Hopkins' Psalms . . 199 Taverner, Birth and Life of ... . 139 Taverner's Bible ....... 137 ,, Apocrypha of .... 148 ,, Dedication of Hi ,, Reprints of . 142 Testament, " Blank stone " edition of 46 ,, Cawoode's ..... 57 ,, Copland's ..... 54 ,, Coverdale's ..... 94 ,, Crom's ,,..... 97 ,, Daye & Seres' . . 53, 57 „ Daye's. ..... 61 First English .... 22 ,, ,, folio edition of 44 ,, ,, printed at Cambridge . 235 ,, Froschover's .... 55 "Hollybushe" .... 101 » Jugge's 53 , , Octavo, without printer's name 55 ,, Quarto editions of . . . . 45 ,. First Geneva octavo 217 „ . Tomson's ..... 227 ,, ,, 2nd edition of 229 Tylle's • 52 ,, Tyndale's • 17 „ „ revised by Jugge . . 61 ,, Whittingham's .... . 189 ,, Bishops' last edition of . . 280 Title pages, New, put to old editions • 54 " , , not reliable ..... • 56 Tomson's opinion of Beza's notes . . 228 Torture of clergy for circulating the Rheims Versio a 292 Translation, Anglo-Norman .... 5 ,, English, postponed • 13 ,, First English .... I „ Second Century .... 2 Translators of Bishops' Bible .... • 237 "Tryacle" Bibles. ..... • 273 Tunstall, Bishop, and Great Bible ... I 37, 299 Tyndale in London ■ 19 XVI Index. Tyndale, Influence of Luther on Tyndale's address to Reader . „ arrest ..... „ letter to Marquis of Bergen-op-Zoom „ martyrdom .... ,, opinion of Erasmus ,, Pentateuch .... ,, ,, 2nd edition of „ Testament .... ,, ,, burnt , , , , Comparison of spelling in „ ,, compared with Coverdale's and Cheke's ,, ,, Final revision of , , , , Pirated editions of . „ ,, 2nd edition of „ „ ,, Notes to , , translation condemned ,, ,, prohibited Type, Coster's moveable .... Vautroullier's Testament . "Whig" Bible Whittingham's New Testament Whytchurch's last folio edition of Great Bible "Wicked" Bible Worcester edition of Great Bible , , ,, ,, Notes in Words, Ecclesiastical, mistranslated Wycliffe's Bible PAGE 20 23 39 40 41 70 66 69 17 26 42 80-3 36 27 29 35 25 125 10 193 207 189 178 34° 175 176 25. 34 6 -Mc-fcH-IHsN- S^ffi^^S^^i^i'iri'i'Vi^ iVi"i"i"a»®»ffiiiE»itoffito fmf^ntlWfWwTOfffWfmfWn' OLD BIBLES, By J. R. Dore. Introduction. IT is very difficult to say at what time the Bible was first translated into the English language. It is certain that there is no English Bible known to be in existence of earlier date than the fourteenth century. On one hand, we have the evidence of Sir Thomas More, " as for olde translacions, be- fore Wycliffes time, they remain lawful and be in some folkes handes. "Myself have seen, and can show you, Bybles fair and olde, in Englyshe, which haue been known and seen by the Byshoppe of the Diocese, and left in laymanes handes and womenes." Again, in his " Dyalogues," p. 138, ed. 1530, Sir Thomas says, " The hole byble was long before Wycliffe's days by vertuous and well learned men, translated into the English tong; Sir Thomas More says he could show English Bibles earlier than Wycliffe's. Old Bibles. Cranmer's evidence. The Bible translated in the second century. and by good and godly people with devotion, and soberness, wel and reverendly red." This evidence is corroborated by Archbishop Cranmer, who, in his prologue to the second edition of the Great Bible, says, " If the matter shoulde be tried by custome, wee might also alledge custome for the read- ing of the scripture in the vulgar tongue, and prescribe the more auncient custome. For it is not much aboue one hundred yeare ago, since scripture hath not bene accustomed to be read in the vulgar tongue within this realme, and many hundred yeares before that, it was trans- lated and read in the Saxons tongue, whiche at that tyme was our mother tongue, where of there remayne yet diuerse copies found lately in olde Abbeyes, of such antique maner of wryting and speaking, that fewe men nowe be able to read and vnderstande them. And when this language waxed olde and out of common vsage, bycause folke should not lacke the fruit of reading, it was again trans- lated into the newer language, where of yet also many copies remayne, and be dayly founde." Another reason in favour of there having been an early English Bible is, that it was the custom of the Church in primitive days to translate the Bible into the language best un- derstood by her children. The Vulgate itself is a proof of this fact. It was translated into Latin for the use of the Latin speaking Church of North Africa. Introduction. 3 S. Jerome, speaking of the veneration in which the writings of S. Ephrem the Syrian were held, says they were read in the Churches immediately after the usual lesson from Holy Scripture. From a very early period in the history of the Church the reading of the Gospel and Epistle formed a portion of the liturgy. In Colossians, chapter iv., verse 16, we have, " And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans ; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." The rubric prefixed to an early English translation of S. Matthew, chapter i., is, " This Gospel is to be read on midwinters mass even." On the other hand it is strange that if the whole Bible had been translated into early English, all traces of it should have beefn lost. As the Latin tongue had become the uni- versal ecclesiastical language, and all who could read were familiar with Latin, there was at that time little need of an English Bible. That the Psalter and other portions of the Old and New Testament were translated from the Latin into English at various times from the 7th century to the 14th there can be no doubt. A paraphrase or metrical translation was made by Csedmon, a Whitby monk, in the 7th century. Bede tells us that Csedmon sang of the creation of the world, the origin of The writings of S. Ephrem read in the early Church after the usual lessons. The Gospel and Epistle a part of the liturgy. No trace of an English Bible earlier than the 14th century. Csedmon's paraphrase. 4 Guthlac's English Psalter. S. Aldhelm's Psalter. The Vener- able Bede. Old Bibles. King Alfred. man, and made many verses on the departure of the Children of Israel from Egypt, and their entering into the land of promise, and other histories from Holy Writ ; the incarnation, passion, resurrection of our Lord, and His ascension into Heaven. About the close of the 7th century the Psalter was translated by Guthlac, a Saxon anchoret, at Crowland, near Peterborough. S. Aldhelm, Abbot of Malmsbury, and after- wards Bishop of Sherborne, made another version of the Psalter in the year 706 ; the first fifty Psalms of this translation are in prose and the remainder in verse. The Venerable Bede, who is one of the brightest gems in the crown of the Church of England, left, as a precious legacy to the Church he loved, a translation of the Gospel of S. John ; and a touching memorial of his last labours has been given us by a monk named Cuthbert, in a letter to his fellow reader Cuthwin. The historian to whom we owe so much, William of Mamesbury, tells us that King Alfred, at the end of the 9th century, had his memory stored not only with the Psalms and the New Testament, but with the Old Testament also, and had learned that the laws of God are the best basis and models for human legislation ; and that at the time of his death he was engaged in making a new version of the Psalter for the use of his people. Introduction. Next we have the Lindisfarne MS., an early English interlinear translation of the Latin text written by Aldred, a priest, early in the ioth century, on a copy of the Gospels in Latin formerly belonging to Eadfrith, Bishop ' of Lindisfarnei This gloss was copied by Farmen, a priest at Harewood, in Yorkshire, and a monk called Owun, between the lines of a Latin MS. written by MacregoL and is known as the Rushworth gloss. In the latter part of the ioth century /Elfric collected various early translations of portions of the Bible, and clothed them in the language of his day. His work consisted of the five books of Moses, Joshua, Judges, Esther, Job, part of Kings, Judith, and Maccabees. In the 13th century some portions of the Bible were translated into Anglo-Norman, indicating that adesire for Bible reading existed amongst the upper class of that day. The Psalter has always been an especial favourite with English people, its melodies have ever vibrated in their hearts, and it has often been translated both into prose and verse. Three versions dating from soon after 1360 still exist, and bear witness to this fact ; one of these was by the Yorkshire hermit, Richard Rolle, of Hampole, a learned man who lived at a her- mitage near Doncaster. He thus spoke of his own translation : " In this worke I seke no straunge Ynglys, bot lightest and communest, and swilk that is most like vnto the Latyne, so Lindisfarne Gospels. The Rush- worth Gospels. jEIfric. Anglo- Norman translation. The Psalter highly valued by Englishmen. Early re- vision of the Psalms. Richard Rolle, Hermit of the Order of S.Augustine. Quotation from Rich- ard Rolle, 14th century. Wycliffe' s Bible. Old Bibles. y' thai that knawes noght y e Latyne be the Ynglys may com to many latyne wordis. In y e Translacione I felogh the letter als-mekille as I may, and thor I fyne no proper Ynglys I felogh y e wit of the wordis, so that thai that shall rede it them thar not drede errynge. In the expownyng 1 felough holi Doctors. For it may comen into sum envious mannes honde that knowys not what he suld saye that will saye that I wist not what I sayd, and so do harme tille hym and tylle other." At the end of this ancient Yorkshire transla- tion and gloss of the Psalms were several can- ticles or hymns to be sung in English during Divine service. His translation of the New Testament included the Epistle to the Laodi- ceans, mentioned in Colossians iv. 16. Hampole died in the year 1349. Probably the first entire Bible in English was the work of Nicholas de Hereford and John Wycliffe, about the year 1380. Wycliffe was born near Richmond, York- shire, early in the 14th century. He was educated at the University of Oxford, and held office in three colleges ; he was ulti- mately presented to the Rectory of Lutter- worth, in Leicestershire. Wycliffe held views which if carried into practice would have been totally subversive of morality and good order, but he never sepa- rated himself from the Church of England. He died on S. Silvester's -day (Dec. 31) 1384, having been struck with paralysis on S. Thomas Introduction. 7 a Becket's day (Dec. 29) while assisting at Mass at Lutterworth Church. Wycliffe had many powerful patrons, and was allowed to disseminate his views with little molestation. Nicholas de Hereford was tried, and found guilty of heresy, but recanted his errors, and died in communion with the English Church. A revision of Wycliffe's Bible was made by some of the leaders of the Lollards, the chief of whom was John Purvey. Purvey removed many of the glosses intro- duced by Hereford and Wycliffe, some of which were restored in Matthew's Bible of 1537. There must have been a great many copies made both of the earlier and the latter edition of this Bible, for in spite of the large number that must have been destroyed by the various enemies of books during the four centuries that have passed since they were written, even at the present day a large number survive. The following is Psalm 66 from a 14th cen- tury MS. Bible, and its translation by Wycliffe, Purvey, and the Douai College in 1610 : — Liber Soliloquioru. f[ In finem in ymnis psalmus catici Dauid. Ixvj. Deus misereatur nostri et bndicat nobis : illumiet vultu suum sup nos : et misereat nri. Ut cognoscam? in terra via tua : in omib? gentibus salutare tuu. Confiteant tibi ppli de? : confiteant tibi ppli oes. Letent et exultet getes : qm iudicas pplos in equitate : et getes Purvey's Bible. WycliRe's Bible exten- sively cir- culated. Vulgate ver- sion of the 66th Psalm.' 8 Old Bibles. Wycliffe's version of the 66th Psalm. Purvey's version of the 66th Psalm. in terra dirigis. Confiteant tibi ppli deus cofiteant tibi ppli oes terra dedit fructum suum. Bndicat nos deus de? noster bndicat nos deus : et metuat eu oes fines terre. Wycliffe. In to the ende ; in s ympnes, the salm of the song to Dauyd. God haue merci of vs, and blisse to vs, ligte to his chere vpon vs ; and haue mercy of vs. That wee knowe in the erthe thi weie ; in alle Jentilis thi helthe jiuere. Knouleche to thee puplis, God ; knouleche to thee alle puplis. Gladen and ful out io3e Jentilis, for thou demest puplis in equite ; and Jentilis in the erthe thou dressist. Knouleche to thee puplis, God, knouleche to thee all puplis ; the erthe 3af his frut. Blesse vs God, oure God, blesse vs God ; and drede hym alle the coostus of erthe. Purvey. The titil of the sixe and sixtithe salm. * In Ebreu thus, To the victorie in orguns, the salm of the song. In ferome s thus, To the ouercomer in salmes, the song of writing of a delitable thing with metre. God haue merci on vs, and blesse vs ; listne he his cheer on vs, and haue merci on vs. That we knowe thi weie on erthe ; thin heelthe in alle folkis. God, puplis knowleche to thee ; alle puplis knowleche to thee. Hethen men be glad, and make fulli ioye, for thou demest Introduction. puplis in equite ; and dressist hethene men in erthe. God, puplis knowleche to thee, alle puplis knowleche to thee, the erthe 3af his fruyt. God, oure God blesse vs, God blesse vs ; and alle the coostis of erthe drede hym. The Douai version of this Psalm is, Psalme lxvi. The prophet prayeth for (and withal foreshoweth) the propagation of the Church of Christ. i. Vnto the end, in hymes, a Psalme (a) of Canticle to Dauid. (a) This Psalme beginning to be songue by voices, instruments were adioyned. 2. God (i) haue mercie vpon vs, and (c) blesse vs : (d) illuminate his countenance vpon vs, and (e) haue mercie on vs. (£) God first remitte our sinnes : [c) then giue vs thy manifold graces. (rf) grant faith and repentance. {e) and so for- giuenes of sinnes. 3. That we may know thy way vpon earth : in al nations thy saluation. 4. Let peoples 6 God confesse to thee : (_/) let al peoples confesse to thee. {/) Al nations shal be conuerted. • 5. Let nations be glad & reioice : because thou iudgfest peoples in equitie, and the nations in earth thou doest direct. 6. Let peoples 6 God confesse to thee : let al peoples confesse to thee : 7. the earth hath yelded her fruite. 8. (g) God, (h) our God blesse vs, (z) God blesse vs : and let al the endes of the earth feare him. (£•) God the Fater, (A) God the sonne, (i) God the Holie Ghost, sane the peoples of al nations, by Euangelical preaching of thee, the most Blessed Trinitie. A S IO Old Bibles. The Printing Press neces- sary for the general dis- tribution of the Bible. Block Books precursor of printing, 14th century. Coster the inventor of moveable type. The Gutten- berg Bible. It is plain that something - more than a written translation of the Bible was necessary, in order to multiply copies with sufficient rapidity, and so to reduce their price, as to bring - them into common use. The time alone taken to trans- scribe a manuscript so lengthy as the Bible, made it costly. The clerk or scribe was so frequently in holy orders, that when a man was described as a clerk, it was taken for granted that he was an ecclesiastic, but not all the clergy were able to write, and very few indeed of the laity. Block books were the glimmering light in the East that gave promise of day-break. About the end of the 14th century we first hear of their being used for pictures of the saints, accompanied by a few lines of letters cut in the block ; gradually entire pages were im- pressed in this manner, and thus began what are called block books, printed in fixed cha- racters, but never exceeding a very few leaves. The great improvement from blocks to move- able type was made by Coster, of Haarlem, and perfected by Guttenberg, of Mentz. The first book printed was, very appropri- ately, the Bible. It was issued without date, and the precise time it was printed cannot be fixed. From an inscription on a copy in two tomes in the National Library of Paris, we know this copy was illuminated and bound in the year 1456, therefore the work must have been com- pleted a year or more before August 1456. Introduction. 1 1 The inscription at the end of the first volume, in red ink, is, " Et sic est finis prime partis biblie seu veteris testamenti. Illuminata seu rubricata et ligata p henricum Albch alius Cremer Anno dmi MCCCClvi festo Bartholomei apli. Deo gracias Alleluia." On the second volume the English transla- tion of the inscription is, " This book, illuminated and bound by Henry Cremer, vicar of the collegiate church of S. Stephen, at Mentz, was completed on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A.D. 1456. Thanks be to God, Alleluia." The Guttenberg Bible is without title page, pagination, or signatures. It consists of 641 leaves, printed in double columns from most beautiful type. A certain number of copies were printed on vellum, and the remainder on paper of excellent quality. It is a magnificent book ; its typography has never been surpassed. The first printed book with a date and printer's name is the Mentz Psalter, " per Johannem Fust civem maguntinum et Pe- trum Schceffer de Gernszheim anno domini MCCCCLvij. In vigilia Assumpcionis." The first printed Bible with a date was also produced by Fust and Schceffer. The date is 1462. Bibles soon began' to be printed in almost all languages except English. No less than six editions were printed in Date of Crema^s illumination. The Mentz Psalter, 1457- Bibles printed in many languages. 12 W. Caxton prints James de Voragine's Golden Legend. Penitential Psalms by Bishop Fisher. Bishop Gardyner. Old Bibles. German before Luther was born, by Metelin, Eggestein, Fyner, Sensenschmidt, and Zainer. In the year 1483 Caxton printed at West- minster a translation of the Golden Legend. This contained most of the five books of Moses and the Gospels. The 7th verse of Genesis Illrd is thus ren- dered ;• — "And thus they knewe then that they were naked. And they toke figge leuis and sewed them togyder for to couere theyr membres in maner of brechis." This book was published by the order of William, Earl of Arundel, and may be con- sidered the first printed English Bible. About the same time Fisher, the good Bishop of Rochester (who afterwards approached the block with the New Testament in his hands, and opening it read aloud the words, " This is life eternal to know Thee, the only true God "), translated the seven penitential Psalms, many editions of which were printed by R. Pynson, Wynken de Worde, and others. Soon after this Bishop Gardyner, of Win- chester, was engaged in the work of Bible translation. Early in the 16th century the au- thorities of the English Church took into con- sideration the desirability of introducing a vernacular Bible into England, and the great majority of the Council were of opinion that considering the religious troubles on the Con- tinent, and the unsettled state of things at home, at this juncture the translation of the Introduction. Bible into the vulgar tongue, and its circu- lation among the people, would rather tend to confusion and distraction, than to edifica- tion. The postponement of the issue of an English Bible, translated by competent men, under the authority of the Church, was a most unfortunate event, although it was decided on after calm deliberation by the best and wisest men in the land, as it led to versions being published con- taining bitter glosses, which caused contentious disputations and wranglings in alehouses and other places, and the irreverent use of God's Holy Word. While giving Archbishop Wareham and the Council full credit for being influenced by con- scientious motives alone, we cannot but deeply lament this error of judgment. Those who were living at the time, and cognizant of all the circumstances of the case, imputed no blame to them. Cranmer, for instance, says, " I can wel think them worthie pardon, which at the comming abrode of the Scripture doubted and drew backe." We must remember that the universal desire for a Bible in England, we read so much of in most works on the subject, existed only in the imagination of the writers. So far from England then being a " Bible- thirsty land," there was no anxiety whatever for an English version at that time, excepting among a small minority of the people. 13 Translation of the Bible into English postponed. Mischief done by con- tentious notes. No general desire in England for a vernacular Bible. H Evidence of George Con- stantyne. Hugh Latimer ignored the English Bible. Old Bibles. George Constantyne, Vicar of Llanhuadaine, Registrar of S. David's, the father-in-law of the Archbishop of York, says, "How mercifully, how plentifully and purely hath God sent His Word to us here in England. Again, how unthankfully, how rebelliously, how carnally, and unwillingly do we receive it ! "Who is there among us that will have a Bible, but he must be compelled thereto." Much more evidence could be adduced from sermons printed at the time, but the fact that the same edition of the Bible was often re- issued with fresh titles and preliminary matter, is sufficient to prove that there was no general demand for Bibles from the millions of people living in Great Britain. Even the Clergy were not enthusiastic on the subject. Hugh Latimer almost entirely ignored the English Bible, and always took his text from the Vulgate. Nearly the only reference made in any of his sermons is in his sixth sermon, preached in the year 1552 (Ed. 1562), from Romans 13th, in which he says, "I maruell that the English (Bible) is so translated ' in eating and drynking;' the Latine Examplar hath ' -non commessalionibus,' that is to say, not in too much eating and drinkyng," and the marginal note is, " A fault in the English translation." In the i2mo edition of Latimer's Sermons " Imprinted at London by Ihon Daye, dwellinge at Aldersgate, and William Seres, dwellinge in Introduction. Peter Colledge. A.D. IS49," there is an ad- dress, on Sig. A ij, from Thomas Some, " to the right vertuous and gracious Lady Katherin Douchesse of Suffolk," and one " To the Reader," of 15 pages, containing many quo- tations from Scripture, but not one in the words of any English Bible then existing. The writer draws a dark picture of the state of religion and morals in England at that time : — " Such a lousenes of lacyuyouse lyuing as the lyke has neuer bene hard of hereto fore." " The Heathen were neuer so poisoned with the contagion of the most horryble here- sies as some of vs Christians which are not ashamed to brag and boste of the spirite. But it is a phanaticke spirite, and a maling- nante spirite." The statement made by Foxe that " It was wonderful to see with what joy this book of God was received, not only among the learneder sort, and those that were noted for lovers of the reformation, but generally all England over among all the vulgar common people," is not more true than are many other statements made in the Acts and Monuments. If the people all England over were so anxious to possess the new translation, what need was there of so many penal enactments to force it into circulation, and of Royal proclamations threatening with the King's displeasure those who neglected to purchase copies. 15 Statement of Foxe un- truthful. 16 Old Bibles. We have documentary evidence that the inhabitants of Cornwall and Devonshire unani- mously objected to the new translation, and during " the pilgrimage of grace " in the North of England the Bible in Durham Cathedral was destroyed. It is strange that this statement of Foxe should have been so often quoted by writers who must have known it to be exaggerated. We have cause for deep thankfulness that each new version of Holy Writ is an improve- ment on its predecessor. While preserving all the beauties of that Past Master in the art of writing pleasant English, William Tyndale, blemishes have been removed, and our translation of the Bible is worthy of the throne it occupies in the hearts of all true Englishmen. We now proceed to describe the various versions of the English Bible in chronological order. Tyndale's N. Testament. 17 The Editions of the New Testa- ment of Wm. Tyndale s Trans- lation, and his Version of the Pentateuch. TYNDALE'S NEW TESTAMENT. THE first portion of Holy Scripture printed in the English language was Tyndale's New Testament. The exact date of Tyndale's birth is not known, but it was between 1484 and i486, — Edward, William, and John Tyndale were bro- thers of the first Richard Tyndale, of Melk- sham Court, Gloucestershire. The family assumed the name of Hytchins, and in this name he was in boyhood sent to S. Mary Magdalen's Hall, the grammar school of S. Mary Magdalen's College, Oxford. He supplicated for his B.A. May 13th, 15 12; was admitted July 4th, 1512; determined 1513; created M.A. July 2, 1515. Tyndale afterwards removed to the Uni- versity of Cambridge, but the precise date at which he left Oxford is unknown. Most biographical notices of Tyndale are taken from John Foxe's Acts and Monuments of Martyrs, but no reliance can be placed on William Tyndale. i8 Foxe's statements untrust- worthy. Tyndale at' Little Sodbury. Old Bibles. the truth of any uncorroborated statement made by Foxe. The late Mr. Brewer, than whom no man had a better opportunity of forming a correct estimate of the veracity of historical statements, says in his " Reign of Henry VIII.," edited by Mr. J. Gairdner, of the Public Record Office (i., 52, fn), " Had Foxe, the martyrologist, been an honest man, his carelessness and credulity would have incapacitated him from being a trustworthy historian. " Unfortunately he was not honest ; he tam- pered with the documents that came into his hands, and freely indulged in those very faults of suppression and equivocation for which he condemned his opponents." Tyndale left Cam- bridge about the end of the year 1521, and accepted the appointment of Chaplain to Sir John Walsh, Kt., of the Manor House, Little Sodbury, Gloucestershire, and became tutor to Sir John's children. Tyndale describes himself as being " evil favoured in this world, and without . grace in the sight of men, speechless and rude, dull and slow witted." Having made himself dis- agreeable to the guests who visited the Manor House, and offended the neighbouring Clergy, he was cited to appear before the Chancellor of the Diocese, but when before Parker, the Chancellor, Tyndale gave such an explanation of the opinions that had been complained of, that he convinced the Chancellor the views he held were in harmony with the Catholic Faith. Tyndale's N. Testament. 19 During- his residence at Little Sodbury, Tyndale formed the resolution to translate the Bible into the English language. He says in his preface to the Pentateuch, "I perceived by experience how that it was impossible to establish the lay people in any truth, ex- cept the Scripture were plainly laid before their eyes in their mother-tongue," " which things only moved me to translate the New Testament." For this purpose he proceeded to London and applied for support to Cuthbert Tunstall, who had recently been appointed Bishop of that See, and was well known to be one of the greatest scholars of the day, and who on ac- count of his eminent attainments as a linguist was afterwards selected, in conjunction with Bishop Heath, to revise two editions of the Great Bible. The Bishop of London having his house full of dependents already, was unable to accede to Tyndale's request, but advised him to find employment in London. Tyndale was soon after appointed preacher at S. Dunstan's-in-the-West, where he made the acquaintance of Humphrey Monmouth, a .wealthy cloth merchant, who took him into his service as Chaplain from the middle of the year 1523 to May 1524, when Tyndale left England for Hamburg. During that time Monmouth declared that Tyndale " conducted himself like a good priest. He studied most part of the day, and of the night, at his book, and he would eat but sodden Tyndale in London. Tyndale leaves Eng- land. 20 Humphrey Monmouth. Luther's influence on Tyndale. Friar Roye. Old Bibles. meat by his good will, nor drink but small single beer." Monmouth promised to pay him £10 a year on the condition that he prayed for the souls of Monmouth's father and mother. Humphrey Monmouth was afterwards knighted, and served as Sheriff of the City of London in 1535. He died in the year 1537, and was buried at Alhallow's Church. Tyndale did not remain long at Hamburg, but joined Luther at Wittemberg, where he finished the translation of the New Testament which he had commenced in England. Tyndale's Testament bears impress of the influence of Luther's translation of 1522. From Luther's general introduction Tyndale ■transferred to his prologue sixty lines, or nearly one half, and adopted 190 of Luther's mar- ginal references ; these stand against the same chapters and verses, and form the same inner margin. The notes on the outer margin yield the same evidence. On Tyndale's outer margin are nearly all Luther's glosses. It cannot therefore excite < wonder that Tyn- dale's translation was at the time usually called " Luther's Testament in English." Tyndale was assisted at Wittemberg in the work of translation by William Roye, a Friar, of whom he speaks in violent terms, as he did of his other assistants. As soon as Tyndale's manuscript was ready Tyndale's N. Testament. for the press he returned to Hamburg- to re- ceive the £10 promised to him, which Monmouth forwarded by a Stilyard merchant, named Hans Collenbek ; he then hastened to Cologne, and arranged with Peter Quentel to bring- out an edition of the New Testament in quarto, with prologue, marginal notes, and references; but by the time the printing had proceeded as far as signature K, further progress was prohibited by the Senate of Cologne, and there is no evidence that the book was ever completed. •It is true ,that we have the official statement that two editions of the New Testament were introduced into England at the same time, one with glosses and the other without, but the one with glosses may not have been a complete book. Just as the Old Testament which Tyndale intended to complete was issued in six separate parts, viz., the five books of Moses and the book of Job, so rather than waste the copies of the Gospels printed at Quentel's press at Cologne, Tyndale may have sent them to England with his complete octavo Testament. This will account for the fact that no perfect copy of the Cologne quarto exists. The only fragment known is in Case xiij,, No. 8, of the Grenville Library, British Museum, and con- sists of the prologue, the list of the books, and the Gospel of S. Matthew, so far as the 12th verse of xxij nd chapter. When disturbed at Cologne by the city au- thorities, urged on by the exiled Dean of the 21 The Cologne quarto. 22 Peter Schoeffer. The first English New Testament, 1525, Old Bibles. Church of the B.V. at Frankfort, Tyndale and his assistant fled to Worms, and from the press of Peter Schoeffer, of that city, was issued the first New Testament ever printed in English. Peter Schoeffer was the second son of the celebrated printer of Mayence, at one time the partner of Fust. The book is very small 8vo. size, and con- tains 348 leaves. Signatures in 8's. The text begins on fol. i, Aij, and ends on the recto of T t i., numbered 353 in error for 343. There are 12 woodcuts. It was published without the translator's name and without date, unless the date was on the title page, now lost. There are only two copies known, one is in the library of a College in Bristol, and is perfect except the title page. The other in the library of S. Paul's Cathedral is imperfect. The exact date at which it was issued cannot be positively stated; in all probability it was early in March of the year which, by our present mode of reckoning, would be called 1526, but as at that time the year began on Lady day, it may be said that the printing of the first English Testament was finished at the end of the year 1525. Foxe states that "Tyndale first translated the New Testament about the year 1527." It is inexcusable that so loose and inaccurate a statement should have been made by one pro- Tyndale's N. Testament. 23 fessing to be an ecclesiastical historian, and who at that time, with very little trouble, might have ascertained the true date. We have the testimony of Cochlaeus that it was in 1525 Tyndale left Cologne for Worms, and as his copy was ready, there is no doubt it was at once placed in the printer's hands, and it bears marks of having been passed rapidly through the press. It was conveyed to England immediately, in order that it might be distributed before the warning to prevent its importation could be acted on. The following is Tyndale's address : — " To the Reder. " Them that are learned Christenly I beseche, for as moche as I am sure, and my conscience beareth me recorde that of a pure entent singilly and faythfully I have interpreted itt as farre forth as god gave me the gyfte of know- ledge and vnderstandynge, that the rudnes off the worke now at the fyrst tyme offend them not, but that they consyder howe that I had no man to counterfet, nether was holpe with englysshe of eny that had interpreted the same, or sache lyke thinge in the Scripture before tyme. Moreover, even very necessitie and combraunce (God is recorde) above strengthe, which I will not rehearce lest we shulde seme to bost oureselves, caused that many thynges are lackynge whiche necessaryly are required, count it as a thynge not havynge his full shape, but Dean Cochlaeus. Tyndale's Epistle to the Reader. 2 4 Old Bibles. as it were borne afore hys tyme, euen as a thynge begunne rather then fynnesshed. " In tyme to come (yf god have apoynted us. there unto) we will geve it his full shape, and pull out yf ought be added superfluusly and adde to yff ought be over sene thorowe negli- gence : and will enfoarce to brynge to com- pendeousnes that which is nowe translated at the lengthe and to geve lyght where it is re- quyred and to seke in certayne places more proper englysshe and with a table to expounde the wordes which are nott comenly used and showe howe the scripture useth many wordes which are otherwyse understonde of the commen people and to helpe with a declaracion where one tonge taketh nott another and will endever oure selves as it were to sethe it better, and to make it more apt for the weake stomakes, desyrynge them that are learned and able to remember their duetie and to helpe there unto." The Testament from which Tyndale made his translation was the second edition of Erasmus, printed in Latin and Greek by J. Froben, Basle in 1 5 19, folio size. Tyndale adopted some of the alterations made by Erasmus in his third edition of 1522; for example, he inserted the passage in the fifth chapter of the first epistle of S. John (the three Heavenly Witnesses). Tyndale's translation is in some places more accurate than Erasmus' text, owing to the influ- ence of the Vulgate. Tyndale's N. Testament. 25 At this time Tyndale knew little or nothing of Hebrew, but was a good Greek and Latin scholar. He had a wonderful faculty for acquir- ing foreign languages, and was thorough master of English. To him we owe the exceeding beauty and tender grace of the language of our present New Testament, for in spite of many revisions, almost every sentence is substan- tially the same as Tyndale wrote it in 1525. It is true that improvements have been made by the more correct rendering of certain words which Tyndale purposely mistranslated, such as " Church " for " Congregation," &c. Tyndale acknowledged that his first translation was very imperfect, " euen as a thynge begunne, rather than fynnesshed ;" and in his prologue to the 1534 edition he says, "I haue weeded out of it many faultes which lacke of helpe at the begyriing, and ouersyght did sow therein." The only wonder is that Tyndale's animo- sity to the Church of England, and his strong Lutheran bias, did not produce a still greater crop of errors. The English Bishops carefully examined Tyndale's translation, and instead of making a better one, as they ought to have done, endeavoured to suppress it. They had the greatest reverence for what Tunstall calls " the most holy word of God," and considered Luther's Testament to be a profanation of it, they therefore felt it their duty to destroy every copy they could obtain. Tyndale's qualifications as a trans- lator. Tyndale's translation condemned. 26 Burning the works of- - opponents. Tyndale's Testaments burnt. Tyndale sold his books to be burnt. Old - Bibles. Whilst we condemn the burning- of Tyndale's work, we must not forget that it was the custom of the age to burn the works of opponents, as Luther a few years before burnt the books of the canon law, and the bull of Pope Leo, out- side the walls of Wittemberg, and in 1552 John Calvin burnt all the copies he could collect of Servetus' Bible, at Geneva, because they contained some notes he did not think to be orthodox. Tyndale made a great outcry against the iniquity of burning the word of God ; but as he sold the books to Augustine Packington, well knowing the purpose for which they were being purchased, he was a participator in the crime, and as much to be blamed as the Bishop of London. The fact is the books were full of errors and unsaleable, and Tyndale wanted money to pay the expense of a revised version, and to pur- chase Vostermann's old Dutch blocks to illus- trate his Pentateuch, and was glad to make capital in more ways than one by the transac- tion. " I am glad," said he, " for these two benefits shall come thereof: I shall get money to bring myself out of debt, and the whole world will cry out against the burning of God's word, and the overplus of the money that shall remain to me shall make me more studious to correct the said New Testament, and so newly to imprint the same once again, and I trust the second will much better like you than ever did the first." Tyndale's N. Testament. It is only just to the memory of Sir Thomas More to record that, although he was fully aware of the errors contained in Tyndale's translation, he used his utmost influence with the Bishop of London to prevent their destruc- tion. Tyndale fully expected from the first that his translation would be burnt. In his preface to "Wicked Mammon," published May 8th, 1527, he says, " In bvrnninge the Newe Testa- mente they did none other thynge then I loked for." Tyndale allowed nine years to elapse before issuing a second edition of the New Testa- ment; it is not therefore to be wondered at that pirated editions were produced : how many such cannot be told. The record of one has recently come -to light in the archives of the Town House at Antwerp. It appears that in the year 1531 a sentence was pronounced in the Alderman's Court in the case of John Silverlinke versus the guardians of the children of Francis Birckmann. The plaintiff had delivered to Francis Birckmann 2,025 copies of the New Testament printed in English, for which he was to be paid £28 ljs. id. and had only received 20 Carolus florins, equal to £3 Js. id. No trace of a single copy of this edition is known. Another edition of which no trace remains, excepting one title page now in the posses- 27 Sir Thomas More. Pirated editions. Editions of which only traces remain. 28 Old Bibles. sion of the Revd. Dr. Angus, of Regent's Park College, was printed in 1532. It reads : The Newe Testa | ment in Englysh translated j after the Greeke contay | ninge these bookes. I The Gospels Matthew. Mark. Luke. Ihon. The Actes of the Apostles. The Epistles of S. Paul. To the Romaynes. The I. Corinthians. The II. Corinthians. To the Galathians. To the Ephesians. To the PhilHppians. To the Collossians. The I. Thessalonians. The II. Thessalonians The I. Tymothe. The II. Tymothe. To Titus. To Phylemon. To the Hebreues. The Epistle of S. James. The i. of S. Peter. The i. of S. John. The ii. of S. Peter. The ii. of S. John. TheEpistleof S.Jude. The iij. of S. John. The Reuelation of S. Ihon. The Epistles taken out of the Olde Testament. Anno 1532. All printed in black letter, the words under- lined are in larger type. Dr. Angus informs me that there were two men burnt that year (1532) for dealing in Tyndale's N. Testament. 29 Tyndale's Testaments, and yet no edition is known between 1525 and 1534. Of the second New Testament of Tyndale's version only one copy is left : it is in the Gren- ville Library, British Museum. It has two title pages. The first has ten lines printed in red and eleven lines in black ink. The words within the woodcut border are, " The New Testament | as it was written/ and caused to | be written/ by them which herde [ yt Whom also oure saueou | re Christ Jesus com I maunded that they | shulde preach it | vnto al crea | tures. The Gospell of S. Mathew. The Gospell of S. Marke. The Gospell of S. Luke. The Gospell of S. Ihon. The Actes of the Apostles. "Joelis ij. I I will poure oute of my spyryte vpon all flesshe/ and youre sonnes and youre doug-hters shall prophesy/ youre yonge men shall se visions/ ad youre olde men shal dreame dreames." It is strange that this quotation should be given in the words of our present Bible, although this New Testament was issued a year before the first English printed Bible made its appearance. The Colophon reads, €1 Here endeth the new Testament diligently ouersene and corrected/ and prynted now agayne at Antwerpe/ by me wydowe of Christoffel of Endhouen. In the yere of oure Lorde mccccc and xxxiiij in August. Tyndale's second edition. 3o Old Bibles. George Joye. Joye's apology. The size of the book is i6 mo . There are twelve pages of preliminary and thirteen leaves of tables at the end. This Testament was revised by George Joye, one of the translator's assistants, who being tired of waiting for Tyndale to fulfil his promise to issue a revised and improved edition, ven- tured, at the solicitation of the printer, to see an edition through the press ; this he had a right to do, but ought not to have made sub- stantial alterations in Tyndale's renderings without acknowledging he had so done. Tyndale was very indignant, and rated Joye in the most unmeasured language. Joye justified himself by saying that, in con- sequence of Tyndale's long delay, Dutchmen, totally ignorant of the English language, had issued several editions full of printers' errors, and "England hath enough and too many false Testaments, and is now likely to have many more ; yea, and that whether Tyndale correct his or no, yet shall these, now in hand, go forth uncorrected too, except somebody correct them." George Joye could not have been influenced by any mercenary motive in undertaking this work, for the entire remuneration he received was about a half-penny a leaf, and the altera- tions made by him were not very important ; the principal one was that he substituted for the word "resurrection," "the life after this." Certainly there was nothing in Joye's version to justify the bitter, reproachful, and unchristian Tyndale's N. Testament. terms in which Tyndale poured out the vials of his wrath upon Joye. In the Cambridge University Library is a pamphlet, the title of which is, C An Apology made by George Joye to satisfye (if it maye be) W. Tindale : to pourge and defend himself ageinst so many sclaunder- ouse lyes fayned vpon him in Tindals vnchari- table and vnsober Pystle so well worthye to be prefixed for the Reader to induce him into the vnderstanding of hys new Testament diligently corrected and printed in the yeare of oure lorde mccccc and xxxiiij in November. f[ I knowe and beleue that the bodyes of euery dead man/ shall ryse agayne at domes daye. C Psalm e cxx. Lorde/ delyuer me from lyinge lyppes/ and from a deceatfull tongue. Amen. IS3S- in which George Joy records, " my grete greif and sorowe/ for that he (Tyndale) shulde so falsely belye and sclaunder me of syche crymes which I neuer thought/ spake/ nor wrote/ and of siche which I knowe wel his owne conscience doth testifie the con- trarie/ euen that I denied the Resurreccion of the bodie/ but beleue it as constantly as himself. "He rayleth vpon me/ he belyeth me/ he slaundereth me and that most spightfully with a perpetual infamie : whiche al yf yt be not of enuy/ malice/ and hatered of what els shulde yt spring? 31 George Joye's apology, 1535- 32 George Joye's statement of Tyndale's dependence on Luther. Tyndale breaks his word. Old Bibles. "An euen here for all his holy protestations/ yet herd I neuer sobre and wyse man so prayse his owne workis as I herd him praise his exposicion of the v. vj. and vij. ca. Mat. in so myche that myne eares glowed for shame to here him/ and yet it was Luther that made it/ T[yndale] onelybut translating- and powldering yt here and there with his own fantasies, which praise methought yt then better to^haue ben herde of a nother mannis mouth/ for it declared out of what affection yt sprang euen farre vnlyk and contrarye vnto these whiche he now pro- fesseth and protesteth so holely, for wordis be messageris of mennis myndis." G. Joye had an interview with Tyndale, who promised to correct and reform his epistle, but did not keep his word. Joye was therefore obliged in self-defence to re- publish Tyndale's epistle with comments on each paragraph. Joye says, " I wounder how he coude com- pare yt (Tyndale's New Testament) with greke sith himselfe is not so exquysitely sene there yn." " I know wel (Tyndale) was not able to do yt with out siche an helper which he hathe euer had hitherto." Joye then proves that he could not have been actuated by covetous motives, as the printer paid him only ^\d. for the correction of each 16 leaves, " so that in al I had for my labour but xiiij shylyngis flemesshe. and yet saith T[yndale] I did it of couetousnes : If this be couetousnes/ then was Tindal moche more Tyndale's N. Testament. couetouse/ for he (as I her say) toke x. ponde for his correccion." Joye disapproved of " fryuole gloses." " I wolde the scripture were so puerly and plyanly translated that it neded nether note/ glose/ nor scholia/ so that the reder might once swimme without a corke." A copy of the second edition of the New Testament revised by Tyndale is in the Chetham Library, Hunts Court, Manchester. It looks like a I2 m0 -, but as the seam wires go down the leaf it must be small octavo. It has two titles within woodcut borders, the first reads, C The ne [ we Testament/ dyly | gently cor- rected and [ compared with the | Greke by Willyam | Tindale : and fynes | shed in the A.M.D &XXX111J | in yere of ou | re Lorde God the moneth of | Nouember. The second title is, C The ne | we Testa | ment, | Imprinted at Anwerp by Marten | Emperowr. Anno m.d. xxxiiij. Martin Emperowr was of Dutch extraction : his original name was Martin de Keyser; this he translated into the language of the book he was printing ; thus, Dutch books have Martin de Keyser; Latin ones have Martinus Caesar; French books, Martin Le Empereur ; and English ones, Marten Emperowr. On the reverse of title page begins, " « W T vnto the Reader " " Here thou hast (moost deare reader) the new Testamet 33 Joye's objection to notes. Chetham Library copy. Martin de Keyser. 34 Elders. Collation. Old Bibles. or covenaunt made wyth vs of God in Christes bloude. Which I have looked over agayne (now at the last) with all dylygence/ and com- pared it vnto the Greke/ and have weded oute of it many fautes/ which lacke of helpe at the begynning-e and oversyght/ dyd sowe therin. If ought seme chaunged/ or not all to gether agreynge with the Greke/ let the fynder of yt faute consider the Hebrue Phrase or maner of speche lefte in the Greke wordes." It finishes with an excuse for employing- the word " repentance " in place of " penance," and " Seniors " or " Elders " for " Priests." " §[ Elders. In the olde testamet ye teporall heedes & rulers of ye Jues which had ye gouer- naunce ouer ye laye or comen people are called elders/ as ye maye se in ye foure euangelystes. Oute of which custome paule in his epistle & also peter/ call ye prelates & spirituall goueners which are bysshopes & prestes/ elders. "Now whether ye call them elders or prestes/ it is to me all one/ so that ye vnderstande that they be offycers & seruautes of the worde of God/ vnto the which all men both hie & lowe that will not rebell agaynst Christ/ must obeye as longe as they preahe & rule trulye & no longer." This occupies 18 pages; then, " C A prologue to the iiij Euangelystes shewynge what they were & their auctoryte," 3i pages; " C A warninge to ye reader if ought be scaped thorow necligence of the prynter/ as this text is yt foloweth/ which if thou fynde Tyndale's N. Testament. i^ blank, anye more soche : copare ye englyshe to ye Other bookes that are all readye prynted/ & so shalt thou perceaue the truthe of the ynglish," £page; " Willyam Tindale/ yet once more to the christen reader," 8£ pages and making' 16 preliminary leaves. The second title is Sig. A i. At the bottom is the printer's trade mark with the letters M. K. ; on the other side, " ft The bokes conteyned in the newe Testament." The text ends with four lines on folio 484, in mistake for 384; then the Epistles, &c. after the use of Salisbury, 18 pages. At the end, " These things have I added to fill up a leaf with all." There are prologues to the epistles ; that to Romans occupying 34 pages. The woodcuts number 39; but some of them are repetitions. • There are 232 marginal notes. Many of them exhibit the great change that had taken place in Tyndale's religious opinions, and show that he had ceased to be an Episcopalian. One of the British Museum copies of this book is imperfect, and is remarkable for having on its edges the words Anna Regina Angliae. It is supposed to have been the property of Anne Boleyn, one of the wives of Henry VIII. ; but there is no evidence that the assertion, that it was presented to her by Tyndale, is correct. This copy was bequeathed to the British 35 Tyndale's notes. Anne Boleyn. ^ Tyndale's final revision. Old Bibles. Museum in the year 1799, by the Rev. C. M. Cracherode. The last New Testament revised by the trans- lator was printed in the year 1534-5 ! that is, the text was printed in 1534, and the general title added in 1535. As it is Tyndale's final revision, it is the most important of all editions. It was adopted by Tyndale's personal friend, John Rogers, as the basis of the Testament of Matthew's Bible of 1537. On the second or text title is the monogram or trade mark of the publisher, 'fe and therefore to distinguish Tyndale's finally revised edition from all others, it is usually called the "GH" edition. This mark has been a fruitful source of speculation. For some time it was thought to be the initials of the translator's name in its Latin form, Guillaume Hytchins ; for in his first puri- fication Tyndale signed himself " Willyam Tindale " otherwise called " Hytchins," and that the other part represented the printer, (I. V. M.) Jacob van Meteren : but owing to some books having turned up with precisely the same trade mark and letters, published at Antwerp by Godfridus Dumaeus, it is now known that this monogram was his trade mark. Tyndale's N. Testament. He, like de Keyser, was of Dutch extrac- tion. His original name was Godfried van der Hag-hen ; but in publishing works in Latin he employed the equivalent of Godfridus Dumaeus : both words signifying- in English, " a thicket of bushes." He was closely associated, if not in partner- ship, with the well-known Antwerp printer, Marten Emperowr, and their joint names ap- pear on the imprint of many books ; for exam- ple, on the imprint of a work by Erasmus of Rotterdam, entitled " Enchiridion militis Christiani," may be seen "Apud Martinum C.Tesarem impensis Godfridi Dumsei," and on another book, " Impress, per Martinum Csesaris impensis honesti viri Godfridi Dumsei." As "G H" was the publisher of the 1535-4 edition, there can be little doubt that it was printed by de Keyser. Why he should have declined to allow his name to appear it is im- possible to do more than conjecture ; perhaps it was a similar reason to that which induced him about the same time to change his motto from " Sola fides sufficit " to the far better one, " Spes mea Jesus." The size of the book is small octavo. The title page reads, "The ne | we Testament yet once agay | ne corrected by Willyam Tindale : | Where vnto is added a Kalendar | and a necessarye Table/ wherin ea ] sely and lightelye maye be foun | de any storye contayned in the [ foure Euangelistes and I in the Actes of the | Apostles. 37 Godfried van der Haghen. Marten Emperowr. Tyndale's 8vo. of 1535. 38 Collation. Order of books in the G H edition. Old Bibles. " f[ Prynted in the yere of oure | Lorde God. ID | & XXXV." On reverse of title is, " C An Almanack for xxj. yeares " (1535 to 1555). The Kalendar, &c, probably 8 leaves. Address to reader, 15 pages. "A prologue into the iiij Euange- listes " &c, 3 pages. A table as stated on title page, 20^ pages, reverse of the last blank, making in all 28 preliminary leaves. The prologues are in the same kind of type as the text, but rather smaller size. There are 36 woodcuts ; some of them very small, others nearly filling a page. The order of the Gospels and Epistles is as follows — C The bokes conteyned in the Testament. newe 1. ij- iij. iiij. v. The Gospell of S. Mathew. The Gospell of S. Marke. The Gospell of S. Luke. The Gospell of S. John. The Actes of the Apostles, writte by S. Luke. vj. The Pistle of I vij. The. j. Pistle thy as. viij. The. ij. pistle of S, Paul to the Corin- thyas. ix. The pistle of ! x. The Pistle of : xj. The Pistle of: xij. The Pistle of : S. Paul to the Romayns. of S. Paul to the Corin- S. Paul to the Galathyans. S. Paul to the Ephesians. S. Paul to the Philippians. S. Paul to the Colossians. Tyndale's N. Testament. xiij. The. j. Pistle of S. Paul to the Tessa- lonias. xiiij. The. ij. Pistle of S. Paul to the Tessa- lonias. xv. The fyrst Pistle of S. Paul to Timothe. xvi. The second Pistle of S. Paul to Timothe. xvii. The Pistle of S. Paul to Titus, xviij. The Pistle of S. Paul to Philemon. xix. The fyrst Pistle of S. Peter. xx. The second Pistle of S. Peter, xxj. The fyrst Pistle of S. John, xxij. The second Pistle of S. John, xxiij. The thyrd Pistle of S. John. The pistle vnto the Hebrues. The Pistle of S. James. The Pistle of S. Jude. The reuelacion of S. John. This is the last Testament for which Tyndale is personally responsible. The many changes made in subsequent editions were the work of others; for on the 23rd of May 1535 Tyndale was arrested and imprisoned in the Castle of Vilvorde, 24 miles from Antwerp. The agents employed to capture Tyndale were Gabriel Donne and Henry Phillips. Donne was rewarded by being made Abbot of Buckfastleigh Abbey, in Devonshire, in 1539, and afterwards made Prebendary of S. Paul's, London. Strange to say, John Rogers, the friend of Tyndale, and Gabriel Donne, his betrayer, occupied stalls at S. Paul's at the same time. 39 Tyndale arrested. 4° Tyndale's letter to the Marquis of Bergen -op- Zoom. Old Bibles. Only one document is known to exist in the handwriting- of Tyndale ; this was discovered by M. Galesloot in the Archives of the Council of Brabant. This touching- letter was written, as its contents will show, during- his imprison- ment at Vilvorde, and was addressed to the Marquis of Bergen-op-Zoom, the governor of the castle. The letter was written in Latin, contracted as usual at that period. The hand- writing is thoroughly characteristic of the man. The following is a literal translation : — " I believe, right worshipful, that you are not ignorant of what has been determined concern- ing me (by the Council of Brabant) therefore I entreat your Lordship and that by the Lord Jesus, that if I am to remain here (in Vilvorde) during the winter, you will request the Procureur to be kind enough to send me from my goods which he has in his possession, a warmer cap, for I suffer extremely from cold in the head, being afflicted with a perpetual catarrh, which is considerably increased in the cell, a warmer coat also, for that which I have is very thin, also a piece of cloth to patch my leggings ; my overcoat has been worn out, my shirts are also worn out. He has a woollen shirt of mine, if he will be kind enough to send it. I have also with him leggings of thicker cloth for putting on above, he also has warmer caps for wearing at night. " I also wish his permission to have a candle in the evening, for it is wearisome to sit alone in the dark. But above all I entreat and beseech Tyndale's N. Testament. your clemency to be urgent with the Procu- reur, that he may kindly permit me to have my Hebrew Bible, Hebrew Grammar, and Hebrew Dictionary, that I may spend my time with that study. And in return, may you ob- tain your dearest wish, provided always it be consistent with the salvation of your soul. But if any other resolution has been come to con- cerning' me, before the conclusion of the winter, I shall be patient, abiding the will of God to the glory of the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ, Whose spirit, I pray, may ever direct your heart. Amen. W. Tyndale." Tyndale's imprisonment lasted one year and 135 days, and on Friday, October 6th, 1536, the sentence pronounced by the Court was executed ; Tyndale was strangled, and his body burnt. The Court was composed of four members of the Council of Brabant — Godefroid de Meye"re, Charles T'Serraets, Jacques Boonen, and Theo- bald Cotereau, and four theologians of the University of Louvain. The commission was nominated by the Regent, Mary of Hungary, as representative of the Emperor. The next edition in chronological order is one that amply justifies George Joye's action in correcting the press at Antwerp, by showing the singular orthography introduced by Flemish printers ignorant of the English tongue. 41 Tyndale's martyrdom. B 5 4 2 Old Bibles. Tyndnle's Testament of 1535- Peculiar spelling. The place at which it was printed and the name of the publisher are unknown. It has on the text title, "Fynesshed 1535." Like the first edition of 1525, no copy of this book is known to exist with the first title page. It is octavo size. The prologue of 16 leaves to the Romans, and the Table of the Gospels, were evidently corrected by some competent person, as they exhibit the ordinary spelling of the period ; but the rest shows the attempt of a Flemish compositor to give the equivalent of the English vowel sounds. The following is a list of some of the words showing the variation in spelling between this edition and that of 1534 : — IS35- abstaeyne abyede boedy boeke boeldely clocke cloethe coelde coele coete daey faele faeont gaeye haest 1534- abstayne abyde body boke boldely cloke clothe colde cole cote day faule faynt gaye hast Tyndale's N. Testament. 43 I53S- IS34- haet hate haeven haven maed mad neadeth nedeth noane none obtaeyned obtayned paert part paeynted paynted praeyer prayer reage rage rewaerde rewarde roope rope sae say saefe safe saeynctes sayntes taecklynge tackylnge tappe tope te the toekens tokens unfeayned unfayned vaele vayle veoyce voyce waelke walke whoo who woere where wroete wrote wreath wroth yought youth Uniformity of spelling is not to be expected in books printed in the early part of the 16th century. In one of my copies of Tyndale's New 44 'Flemish printers. First folio edition. Old Bibles. Testament the word Saint is spelt four different ways in as many lines. In the 1535 edition a few words are almost always spelled the same, such as " Faether " and "Moether," but the spelling- of other words varies greatly. No doubt the compositor set up the type to represent, as nearly as he could, the pronun- ciation of the English words by the Flemish reader. At any rate, Tyndale had nothing to do with the spelling, and most likely never saw a single copy of the book. The first New Testament ever printed in folio size was the edition of 1536. It is supposed to have been printed in England at the very time its translator was being put to death. The title is, fl The Newe te | stament yet ones agayne corrected by | W. Tyndale : And in many places a | meded, where it scaped before by negly | gence of the printer. Also a Kalender | and a necessary table, wherin easely & | lyghtly may be founde any story co | teyned in the foure Euangelystes, | and in the Actes of the apostels. | Also before euery pystel of S. | Paul is a prologue very | frutefull to the reder. | And after the newe testament | foloweth the Epystels of | the olde testament. &c. ) C Newly printed/ in the yere of | our lorde m.d. xxxvi. Tyndale's N. Testament. Outside is a woodcut border representing boys, without clothing-, climbing up the sides, and going in procession with musical instru- ments. The Almanac on reverse of title is from 1535 to 1557. There are 14 leaves of preliminary. After the tables, &c. at the end is, " These thinges are added to fyll vp ye leffe with all " " Infernus & Gehenna dyffere moche in sygni- ficacion though we haue none other interpreta- cion for either of them than this engltssh worde Hell." The book ends with, " God saue the kynge/ and all his well wyllers." There are no woodcuts, nor is the order of the Epistles changed. As in several other editions of Tyndale's Testaments, and also in the Primer of Queen Mary, printed by Robert Valentine in 1555, the word " not " is spelled " nat " wherever it occurs in this edition. This Testament was set up from that of 1534. It has a curious printer's error in the 10th chapter of S. John's Gospel, 12th verse : " The Wolf eateth them " for " the wolf catcheth them," and in I. S. Peter iij. and 6th v., "be nat afraid of every man " for " be not afraid of every shadow." Three quarto editions were issued the same year (1536) so much alike, that it is difficult to distinguish one from another, and as they all read together. Sometimes a copy contains leaves from all three editions. 45 Printer's errors. Three quartos of 1536. 4 6 Old Bibles. Blank stone edition. The same woodcuts in different books. They have no publisher's nor printer's name, but whoever had them printed was aware that the edition of 1535-4, known as the G. H., contained the translator's final emendations, and selected that edition for reproduction. The title pages of all three appear to have been printed at the same press and at the same time ; i.e. all three have the same title. They follow the G. H. excepting that refer- ence to a Kalender is omitted, and a quotation from the 16th of S. Mark is added : " Go ye into all the worlde/ and preache [ the glad tydynges to all creatures | he that beleueth and is bapti | sed shal be saued. There are many woodcuts, and that of S. Paul affords the readiest means of differen- tiating the editions. In the first, the stone on which the Apostle's foot is placed is blank. In the second it has a mole, and the third has the engraver's mark, — A/BVK One of my copies of the blank stone has a printer's error which the other has not ; so this edition must have been corrected while passing through the press. There must have been some way in which woodcut blocks were passed from one printer's hands to another in early times, for we often find impressions from the same block in Bibles Tyndale's N. Testament. and Testaments printed hundreds of miles away from each other. For instance, the woodcut of S. John in each of these three editions is the same as that in the Endhoven edition, and some of the cuts in these three editions are in Matthew's Bible of 1537- My copy of Coverdale's New Testament, printed by Matthew Crom in 1538, has the same cuts in Revelation as these three quartos. The puzzle is, that sometimes the same cuts appear in two books published at the same or nearly the same time, at considerable distances from each other. Beside the folio, and three quarto, there were also four octavo editions of Tyndale's Testa- ment published in the year 1536. Three of them are dated, and they all so much resemble each other that there can be little doubt that all four were issued from the same press, and were most likely printed at Antwerp. All of them have woodcuts, and are printed in black letter without imprints ; and, as some of the copies of each edition are perfect, it is certain they were published anonymously. The'y have all the same number of lines to a page, and the leaves of all four editions are not numbered. All four follow the last Testament re- vised by the translator in omitting- the words : " this cup is the new testament in my blood," I. Corinthians xi. and 25th verse. They have all on the second title merely the words, " The newe | testament | newlye | corrected." 47 Nos. j „ 13- Four 4to. editions of 4 8 No. T4, Redman's duglott. Nicolas de Lyra. Old Bibles. The first New Testament printed in Latin and English came from the press of Robert Redman in 1538. Quarto size. The title, in red and black, within a woodcut border, is " The newe | Testament in Englyshe | and Latyn accordyng to the | translacyon of doctour Eras I mus of Roterodam &c. Anno mccccc. xxxviiii. " Iermie xxij : Is nat my worde lyke a fyre sayeth the Lorde, and lyke an hammer that breaketh the harde stone ? " Prynted in Flete streete by Robert Redman. Set forth vnder the kinges moste gracious lycence ;" and below the border " cvm privilegio ad imprimdvm solvm." The English is on the left side in large black letter, and the Latin occupies about one-third of the space, being printed in smaller type. No doubt the issue in the two languages was intended to enable the English clergy easily to compare the two, and satisfy themselves of the accuracy of the English rendering, and so over- come their prejudice to a vernacular translation. It seems a pity that the Vulgate was not selected instead of the Latin of Erasmus; for although Erasmus never separated himself from the Church, he, like Nicolas de Lyra, was not above suspicion. Certainly his rendering is not equal to that of S. Jerome ; for example, " In principio erat sermo, et sermo erat apud Deum. Et Deus erat ille sermo," is no improvement on " In principio erat verbum et verbum erat apud," &c. Tyndale's N. Testament. On the reverse of first title is an Almanac for 22 years ; then follows six pages of Kalendar in red and black ink. The second title reads., " The newe | Testament in | Englyshe & in Latin. | Novvm | Testamentvm ,| Anglice et Latine. | Anno Dni 1538." On the back is the list of books. The imprint is, " Thus endyth the newe Testament .bothe in Eng-lyshe and in Laten of mayster Erasmus translacio, with the Pystles take out of ye Old Testamet. Set forthe with the kynges moste gracious lycece, and Imprinted by Robert Redman dwellyng in Flete strete at ye signe of the George nexte vnto saynte Donstons Churche. The yere of our Lorde. M.ccccc. xxxviij. and the thyrty yere of the .Ky.nges most gracious reygne. God saue the kynge." There are references in the margin, but no contents or notes, nor are there contents at the head of the chapters. A full page has forty lines. The text generally follows Godfried van der Haghen's edition ; this accounts for it having been mistaken for a reprint of the Testament attached to Matthew's Bible of 1.537, botn being taken from the same source. A printer's error occurs in II. Corin- thians, 10th chapter, nth verse, which should be, "think on .this wise," but is here made to read, "think on his wife." 49 Redman's duglott of 1S38. Text follows the G. H. So No. 15. Two editions printed at the same time. No. 16, Powell's duglott. Old Bibles. The other quarto edition of this year, al- though it does not bear on it the name of printer, or place at which it was printed, was the work of Jacob van Meteren at Antwerp, who, the year before, had issued " Matthew's " Bible. The title is, " The newe testa | ment of oure sauioure Jesu I Christ, newly and diligently | translated into Englysshe | by Thomas Mathew | with annotations in | ye mergent to helpe | the reader to the | vnderstadyng of ye Texte | A " Set forth with the kynges | moost gratious lycence. Anno m.d. xxxviii." Thomas Mathew was a pseudonym used to enable Tyndale's translation to obtain the King's licence to circulate. There were two editions of this book printed the same year and at the same press ; one with woodcuts and one without. This is not at all an uncommon circum- stance. I have met with several Bibles which were undoubtedly printed, up to a certain part, from the same setting up of the type, as they not only read together, but contain the same printer's errors and faults in the arrangement of the type, but in a part of the edition woodcuts have been introduced which obliged the rest of the volume to be set up again. The second duglot of Tyndale's version was printed by Robert Redman's successor in busi- ness, William Powell. Tyndale's N. Testament. It may be described as a reprint of the first duglot, the same type and woodcuts having been used for both editions, and it is most difficult to distinguish an imperfect copy of one book from one of the other; indeed, im- perfect copies of the 1538 are often completed with leaves from the 1548-7. The title of this book is, " The Newe | Testa | ment | in Englishe and in Latin. Nowm Testamen | tvm Anglice et | Latine. Anno Dni 1548." All in black ink. The woodcut border is the same as was used for the 1538 edition. The same year (1548) Thomas Petyt, of London, printed a quarto edition. On the title the book is said to be " Imprinted in the yeare | of oure Lord God mccccc | xl. viij. And in the seconde | yeare of the Reygne of our I moste dread souerayne | Lorde Kynge Ed I warde the vj. " C Cum priuilegio." The initials of the printer (T. P.) occur twice on the title page, — on slates at the feet of the figures which form the sides of the border, and again below the title. The text is printed in very plain and distinct black letter. In the preliminary matter appears, for the first time, "|A compendyous and brief rehersal of 51 No. 17, Fetyt's quarto, 52 No. 18, Tylle's quarto. Old Bibles. al ye contetes of the bokes of the new testamente Matthew. The stock of christe after ye fleshe Ma- thew doth tel And his klred, by order in the-Gos. Mark. Jhon ye baptist preching penaunce in wyl- dernes. Sayet Mark, very copen- deously doth expresse. Luke. Luke-describeth in an ordre necessary. How Jesus christ was borne of the vyrgyn Mary. Jhon. Iho sheweth hys diuine byrth iuestigable. Speakig of the lyght & word impenetrable. Actes. The noble actes of the triumphe apostolicall. Luke receyueth .in goodly style hystoricall. " There are no woodcuts, but there are con- tents, notes, and references in the margins. The leaves are not numbered. The next edition was printed by William Tylle, 1549-8, in quarto. The title reads, — "The newe Te | .stament of the last trans | lacion by William Tyndall with | the Prologes and annotacions in the merget, declaryng many harde | places conteyned in the texte | also in the later ende folo | weth the Epistles | of the old Te I stament. "C Imprinted in the yere of oure Lorde | God m.d. xlix. and in the thyrd | yere of the reigne of ourmoost | dreade souerayne Lorde | Kynge Edwarde | the sixte | "Cum priu'ilegio ad imprimendum solum." The woodcut border is very much like that used by John Cawoode for the 4.'°- editions printed by him of the Great Bible. The imprint is, " Imprinted at London wythin Tyndale's N. Testament. Aldrichgate in the parisshe of Sayncte Anne and Agnes by Wyllyam Tylle in the yeare of oure Lorde God 1548." The date on the title being 1549, and on the colophon 1 548, shows the book was put to press the latter end of the year 1548, and completed in 1549. The first New Testament bearing the names of the celebrated Bible printers, John Daye and Wm. Seres, came out in the year 1548, in small octavo size. In this edition the practice is begun of sub- stituting other notes for those of the translator. Probably they are from the pen of John Daye, who is known to have held very ex- treme views, although they profess to be taken from " the Testament which goeth under the name of Thomas Matthew," with certain additions. Some good judges are of opinion that the notes were written by the fanatical Bishop of Ossory, because in them John Bale's Commen- taries are praised. Daye and Seres must have been in com- munication with Bale, as about that time they printed his " Image of both Churches." The woodcuts in this Testament were used in several other editions, as well as in the 1549 Bible, issued by the same printers. Those in Revelation, with the doggerel couplets at the sides, are unmistakable. Richard Jugge, who afterwards printed so many editions of the Bishops' Bible, brought 53 No. 19, Daye and Seres' octavo edition of 1548. Bale sup- posed to be the author of some of the notes. No. 20, Jugge' s i6mo., 1548. 54 Old Bibles. No. 21, Wm. Powell's duglot of 1549, 4to. New title and preliminary often added to old edi- tions. No. 22, Copland's 8to., 1549. out, in the year 1548, a very small Testament (i6 m °). The title is, "The newe j Testament of oure | Sauyour Jesu I Christ." Below this is a medallion of our Lord, cer- tainly more appropriate for the New Testa- ment than the likeness of Edward VI., which was afterwards substituted. Below the woodcut is a quotation from Romans xv., A. " Whatsoeuer thinges are wrytten afore tyme, are wrytten for oure learn- ynge," and on reverse of title is, " Translated by Wyllyam | Tyndale, after the | laste copye correc | ted by his lyfe." The colophon is, " Imprynted at London by Rychard | Jug'ge, dwellynge in Paules | Church- yarde at the sygne ] of the Bible. "An. m.d. xlviij." Were it not for one or two variations, the Latin and English Testament printed by William Powell in 1549 might be stated to be the same book as he issued in 1548-7, with a new title page added. This plan was frequently adopted by Bible printers. When they had a large remainder they added a new title and fresh preliminary matter, and tried to sell the book as a newly revised and corrected edition, as Bibles and Testaments did not meet with so ready a sale in the 16th century as writers on the subject have represented. William Copland, " dwellynge in Fletstrete, at the sygne of the Rose Garland," printed Tyndale's N. Testament. 55 an octavo edition of Tyndale's Testament on the 23rd of May 1549. A copy of it is in the Chetham Library, Manchester, which I have examined very carefully, but do not find it differ much from the edition printed by Daye and Seres in 1548, from which it was evidently taken. On the title it is said to have " ye annatacion of Thomas Matthew," but this statement is not accurate. Unfortunately the title pages of Bibles and Testaments can seldom be relied on to furnish truthful information. Another 8 V0 - edition, without record of printer's name or place, is dated 1549. The title is, " €[ The Newe Te | stament of oure Sa | uiour Jesus Christ translated by ] M. Wil. Tyndall/ yet once agay | ne corrected with newe Annota | cyons very necessary to better on I derstondynge. Where vnto is ad | ded an exhortacion to the same of | Erasmus Rotero. with an En | gelshe Calender, and a Ta | ble necessary to finde ea | sly and syghtly any sto I ry contayned in the | fowre Euangeli | stes and in the | Actes of | the Apo | siles | mccccc xlix." About the same time a i6 m0 - edition was issued, of which no title page is known. An interesting edition was printed the fol- lowing year by Christopher Froschover, of Zurich. It is without woodcuts. The type is similar to that used in the 4'°- edition of the Bible of 1535, the introductory matter of which was revised by Coverdale himself. 8vo. edition of 1549 with- out printer's name. Froschover's i6mo. New Testament of 155°. 56 Old Bibles. Title pages not to be relied on. The first title reads, " The newe | Testament faythfully trans | lated by Miles Couerdal ] Anno 1550." Below is the same medallion of our Lord as appears on Jugge's i6 m0 - of 1548. The second title page is, " The [ Newe Testa | met of our sauiour | Iesu Christ, Newly | & faythfully ouer | sene & corrected. | S. Paul. Colloss. iij. | Let ye worde of Christ | dwel in you pleteously | in al wysedome." in the Gothic type with which all possessors of the second edition of Coverdale's Bible are so familiar. The statement on the title that this Testa- ment is Coverdale's translation is incorrect : it is an edition of Tyndale's translation. In fact, no dependence can be put on the titles of many Bibles and Testaments : often printers made inaccurate statements from ignorance ; but in other cases the title page was composed in order to sell the book, with- out any regard to truth. After the title come six leaves of Kalendar, then, " f[ A Table to fynde the Epistles and Gospels newly set forth by the kynges com- maundement, after the copy, called the Seruyce boke or communion," 9 pages. On the reverse of the fifth leaf are six texts out of the New Testament. The next three leaves contain "The Gospel of S. Mathew, Tyndale's N. Testament. what S. Mathew conteyneth;" then follows the second title. The Public Library at Zurich has a copy of the Bible printed by Froschover, and also of this Testament, and his autograph signature is on each, with the date 155 1 on the Testa- ment, and 1552 on the Bible, but, strange to say, almost every letter of the two signatures is differently shaped, yet any one can see that both are written by the same person. It is remarkable that Froschover should have stated on the title page of Coverdale's Bible that it was translated into English by " Mayst Thomas Mathew," and on the title of Tyndale's Testament that it was translated by " Miles Couerdal." The second Testament printed by Daye and Seres is dated Feby. 6, 1550. It is small octavo size, and has forty preliminary leaves. It is merely a reprint of their first edition of Octr. 27, 1548. " f[The new | Testament in Englishe after | the greeke translation, anne | xed with the translation of | Erasmus in Latin. " Whereunto is added a Kalendar and | an exhortation to the readyng of the | holy scrip- tures, made by the same | Erasmus, with the Epistles taken | -out of the olde testamet both in Latin | and Englyshe, wheruto is added a ta I ble necessary to find the Epistles and | Gospels for euery sonday and holy day | throughout the yere after the use of | the Church of England nowe. 57 Froschover's double error. Daye and Seres' second edition, 1550. Cawoode's Tyndale, 1550. 5§ Old Bibles. Cawoode's prologue. " Excusum Londini in officina | Thomae Gaultier pro I. C. " Pridie Kalendas Decembris anno Domini MDL." In the lower panel of the border is the monogram of Edward Whitchurch. The above is a copy of the title page of an octavo edition of the Testament printed for John Cawoode. On the back of this title is an almanac dating from 1550 to 157 1, at the bottom of which it is stated, "The yeare hath xij. monthes, iij. weekes and one day, and it hath in all three honderth and lxvj. days and vj. houres." "J. C. vnto the Christen reders. "For as muche as it is knows thorow out all Europa to the great comforte of al them that loue the pure & true religion of Christe, that oure most noble and Christian kynge Edwarde entendeth ernestly to reforme reli- gion in al his gracis Dominions by the holy worde of God, and wolde that his gracis subiectes as in diligent readyng of the holy scripture, so in lyuing and practise of the same shuld be exercised in good workes also, doyng theyr deutye to god and his maiestye, and to theyr neyghboures, to the intent y his maiestis purpose myght the more spedely and easely be brought to passe, I haue caused to be set oute the newe testament in Englishe, translated out of the greeke, with the translation in Latin of Erasmus ryght ouer againste it : for that Tyndale's N. Testament. 59 ende that al men that are learned both in the Englishe and Latin tonge may compare, whe- ther the Englishe texte be faythfully taken out of the greeke or no, by comparyng it with the translatio of Erasmus, whiche was done accordyng vnto the truth of the greeke texte : and that if there be any faute committed eyther by the translatour, or by the Printer, it maye be perceyued and amended by the translation of the moste noble and famouse Clerke Erasmus. They that are learned in the greeke tonge (I graunt) nede none of this labour, but when as there is a very great numbre in this realme which vnderstande well the Latin tonge, and vnderstand not the greeke (which is the tong wherin the newe testament was write :) it were pytie, (seing the Latin translation is next in goodnes vnto the greke tonge :) for the examinyng of al vulgare and comon transla- tions, of the newe testament, that the learned in Latin shoulde be withoute the Latin text, set ouer against the Englishe. For if they were not set together one againste an other, it wolde be very tedious and werisum to com- pare them togyther out of two diuerse bookes : therfore to incorage all Englishmen that are sene in the Latin tonge, to the trial of the Englysh translation, as wel for the profyt of their neyghboures, as for their owne learnynge, I haue partely taken this present labor in hande. I reken also that this booke shall be very profytable for yonge scolers of this Realme, whiche are desyrous to learne the 6o Old Bibles. Collation. Sir John Cheke. Latin tong. It wyll be also profytable (as I iudge) for all straungers that are learned in the Latin tong, & wold attayne to the know- ledge of oure English tong. Besyde all these commodites, whatsoeuer profyt can ensue by the redyng of both the Englishe and Latin translation seuerally, all the same commodites maye be had in this booke alone by it selfe. And these my labours I dedicate vnto you, most Christian reders, desyryng you to take them in good worthe : which, yt J shall per- ceyue, it shall moue and incorage me to take more' suche lyke labor hereafter.: almyghty god gyue you as well grace to lyue after your knowledge, as to come vnto the same. Amen." Then follows a "Kalender" of 6 leaves; "C An exhortacion to the diligent studye of scripture, made by Erasmus Roterodamus," 9 pages; " €[ The summe and content of all the holye scripture," 2 pages. After the text, 8 pages complete the book. Sir John Cheke has been supposed to be the person represented by I. C, but as Sir John had so strong an objection to Tyndale's version that he was at the time engaged in making a translation of the New Testament from the Greek, it is most unlikely that he should become the publisher of an edition of Tyndale's. On a subsequent page will be found a specimen of the translation Sir John com- menced. Tyndale's N. Testament. More copies of this edition of Tyndale's have been preserved than of any other : no less than five have come into my possession. An edition was printed by " John Daye dwellynge ouer Aldersgate, London," in octavo size, about the end of the year 1549, of which no copy is in existence with a title page. In the margins there are references, contents, and notes. There are a few woodcuts. The folios are not numbered. Perhaps the best known of all Tyndale's Testaments are the two quartos printed by Richard Jugge in 1552 and 1553, which, al- though similar in general appearance, may be easily distinguished from each other, as in the 1552 edition Italic type is used for the head lines, and contents in the margins, while in the 1553 edition the references in the margins are in black letter. The only difference in the title pages is, that the words immediately under the border (Mathewe xiij. f.) in the 1552 title are printed in black ink, and in the 1553 in red. The title is, " The Newe Testament | of our Saviour Jesus Christe. faythfully tran | slated out of the Greke, [ Wyth the notes and expositions of the darke pla | ces therein." Then follows a picture of King Edward within an oval ; on the right is "Rex," and on the left "Vivat;" round the border of the oval is, " Edvardvs 6l John D aye's edition of 1549- R. Jiigge's revision of Tyndale. 62 Old Bibles. Jugge's dedication to Edward VI. sextvs Dei gracia, Anglie Francie, et Hibernie Rex. etc. aetatis svse xv." Underneath is — " The pearle, which Christ commanded to be bought Is here to be founde, not elles to be sought." On the reverse of title is the formal authori- sation, in which the price of the book is fixed, viz., " twenty and two pens for euery boke in papers and vnbounde." "At Grenewiche the x of June mdljj." Then the dedication byjugge, — "to the most puysaunt and mightie Prince Edwarde the syxt," in which Jugge says, " that one vndoubted true impression might be had, wherunto as suche worde debates, men might haue recourse and be resolued. Accordyng to the streyghte charge and commaundemente, that I receaued of your highnesse in that behalfe, I haue en- deauoured myselfe accordynge to my duetye and power, to put in print the newe Testament using thaduise and helpe of godly learned men both in reducinge the same to the trueth of the Greke text (appoynting oute also the diuersite where it happeneth) and also in the kepynge of the true ortographie of wordes, as it shall manifestlye appeare vnto them, that will deli- gently and without affection, conferre this with the other that went forth before." The Kalendar, 6 leaves. An Almanac (1552 to 1575), 1 page. Table of principal matters, 1 1 pages. A perfect supputation, 2 pages. An exhortation, &c, 2 pages. Tyndale's N. Testament. ^ There are many illustrations in both editions: the most celebrated one is that of the Devil with a wooden leg sowing- tares. The notes were specially written for this book, and became so popular that they were continued in various editions, even of the Bishops' version of the New Testament, down to 1619. Not only were new marginal notes added to this Testament, but the text itself was so much altered in many places that it should be called Jugge's revision of Tyndale. In the first fourteen chapters of S. Matthew there are on an average thirty variations from Tyndale's text in each chapter, some chapters having fifty alterations. In S. Mark i. — iv. the average is ten. In the xiv. chap, there are eighteen, mostly adopted from the Great Bible, and nearly all, whether agreeing with the Great Bible or not, copied by William Whittingham into the Testa- ment issued at Geneva 1 557- In S. Luke, i. — iii. contain fifty-four variations. In S. John vii. — ix. there are about eight in each chapter; but from the xivth to the xvith chapter there are double the number of alterations. Acts i. has fourteen corrections, but the xxviith and xxviiith have only nine each. Romans x. has twelve, and the next chapter has sixteen, most of which were adopted by Whittingham. Notes of Jugge's re- vision, 1552. Extent of Jugge's re- vision. 64 Old Bibles. The changes in the latter part of the book are not so many, nor so important. As a specimen of the notes, I will give a short one at the end of the third chapter of S. Paul's Epistle to Titus : " After that the godly minister hath by the mighty word of God conuinced any man of heresie, if that man will obstinately abide in his erroneous opinion and doctrine, it is lawfull for the godly Magistrate to punish him with the sword. This place (which doeth onely pertaine to the minister, vnto whom the Temporall sword is not delivered) notwithstanding, Paul did smite Bariesu with blindnesse (Acts xiii.). Also the Lord (Deut. xiii.) did command that the false prophet should bee slaine and put to death. This law is not yet abolished." The verses to which this tolerant note refers are the ioth and nth, which in this version read: " A man that is giuen to heresy after the fyrst and the seconde admonition auoyde, re- membering that he that is suche, is perverted, and synneth, euen damned by his own judge- ment." The note at the end of Revelation xvij. is, — "The womannes variable garmentes, beto- keneth diuers liueries of religious orders, or the rose colour maye sygnyfye a redines to shed Christen bloude. The cupful of abbo- minations, &c., the pope's decrees, decre- talles, bulles, dispensations, suspentions, and cursynges : the beast she sytteth on, is the papall seate." Tyndale's N. Testament. 65 These notes were drawn up by those who were engaged in preparing the short-lived prayer book of 1552, for a table from that book was inserted in Jugge's New Testament some months before the prayer book of 1552 was issued. A woodcut on verso of Sig. P p 8 deserves notice, as it was engraved specially for this Testament. It represents the Chancel of a Church ; on the Communion table are two lights burning, and an open Office book facing westward. As this book was published in the darkest days of the Church of England, it proves that even those who revised the Reforma- tion prayer book of 1549 intended the lights on the Lord's table to be retained and be in use, and to make no change in the eastward position of the Celebrant. About the year 1566, Jugge reprinted the quarto revision of Tyndale of 1552. The edi- tions of 1552, 1553, and 1566 are substantially the same book. The 1566 may be known from the other two by the head lines being in Roman type : the head lines of 1552 and 1553 are in Italic. In addition to the thirty-three Testaments of Tyndale's translation now described, there were two i6 mo - and five octavos issued without date, mostly reprints of Jugge's revision. The 1552 edition re- printed by Jugge in 1566. Numerous editions of Jugge's re- vision of Tyndale. 66 Old Bibles. Tyndale's Pentateuch. Hans Luft. " Mal- borow." TYNDALE'S PENTATEUCH. The first portion of the Old Testament Scrip- tures printed in the English language was the Pentateuch, or Five Books of Moses. These were translated by William Tyndale, printed in different types, and published separately. When bound together they constitute " Tyn- dale's Pentateuch," but no title page was ever attached to them collectively. Ignorance j of this fact might cause a copy to be pro- nounced imperfect, just as many Latin Bibles printed in the fifteenth century, before title pages were invented, have been set aside as imperfect books because they have no title, but commence with the Epistle of S. Jerome. The book of Genesis was first issued in 1530, and reprinted in 1534, after having undergone revision. The remaining four books were not reprinted. The colophon reads : " Emprented at Malborow in the lande of Hesse, by me Hans Luft, in the yere of our Lorde, iicccccxxx. the xvij dayes Ianuarii." Genesis and Numbers (1530) are printed in small black or Gothic . letter. Genesis (of 1534), Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy are printed in a very neat Roman letter. Tyndale's Pentateuch is a very rare book; the only copy known to be in existence, per- fect, as first issued, is in the Grenville Library, at the British Museum. There is considerable difficulty in identifying the locality of " Malborow in the land of Hesse," Tyndale's Pentateuch. 67 where the books are stated to have been printed. The general opinion is that Hans Luft had no printing- establishment except at Wittenburg ; if so, most likely the Pentateuch was printed there, and the word Malborow was put on the imprint for the purpose of deception. It is painful to think that an inten- tional misstatement should be on the imprint of the first part of the English Bible ever issued. I will now give a short description of the two editions of the book of Genesis. The first is octavo size, known by the seam wires going down the page. The signatures are in eights (the last is L, having only seven leaves), making eleven sheets, eighty-seven leaves. The title page has a woodcut border, at the bottom of which are two men supporting a shield ; the sides are formed of two ornamental pillars, on the summit of each of which is a grotesque figure of a child. On the top is a ring, from which a chain nearly covered by foliage extends to each figure. The words inside the border are: "The fyrst boke of," in large letters, followed by " Moses called Genesis," in small ones. On the reverse is " W. T. to the Reader " — seven pages — beginning: "When I had translated the Newe testament, I added a pistle to the latter ende in which I desyred them that were learned to amend if ought were founde amysse, but our malicious and wylye hypocrytes which are so stubburne and hard- herted in their wicked abominations," (fee. Collation of Tyndale's Pentateuch. 68 Old Bibles. End of ex- planatory table. Then a prologue showing the use of Scrip- ture — eight pages. " If a man had a precious juell and a rich, yet if he wiste not the value thereof, nor wherfor it served, he were nother the better nor rycher a straw." The text begins on folio j to 76. On the reverse of folio 76 begins " a table expound- inge certeyne words " — seven pages. These words are taken in alphabetical order, commenc- ing " Abrech," " Arcke," " Bisse," " Blesse," and finishing thus : — " That Joseph brought the Egyptians into soch subjection wold seme vnto some a very cruel deade, howbeit it was a very equal waye. For they payde but the fifte part of that that grewe on the grounde and therwith they were qwytt of all duetyes, both of rent, custome, tribute and toll. And the kinge therwith founde them lordes and all ministres, and defended them. We now pay half so mech vnto the prestes only, besyde their other craftie exac- tions. Then paye we rent yerely, though there grow never so litle on the grounde, and yet when the kinge calleth paye we neuer the lesse. So that if we loke indifferently their condition was easyar than oures, and but euen a very indifferent waye, both for the comen people and the kinge also. Se therfore that thou loke not on the ensamples of the scripture with worldly eyes, lest thou prefer Cain before Abel, Ismael before Isaac, Esau before Jacob, Ruben before Juda, Sara before Pharez, Manases before Ephraim. And euen the worst Tyndale's Pentateuch. 6 9 before the best, as the maner of the worlde is." Last comes the colophon, as already described. In the margin there are no contents, and there are very few notes. Only this one is repeated in the second edition of 1534 (Genesis, chap, xxxii.) : — " Prayer is to cleve vnto the promyses of God with a stronge fayth, and to besech God with a fervent desyre that he will fulfyll them for his mercye and truth onlye, as Jacob here doth." The chapters are not divided into verses. There are no contents before the chapters. There are thirty-one lines on D — a full page — and the page of print measures 3§ in. by 2f in., not including the head-line. The head- line is the number of the chapter. The Second Edition. This consists of the book of Genesis, revised by William Tyndale, and printed in Roman letter, the first edition being in Gothic or black letter, and the remaining books exactly as they were issued in 1530- The Pentateuch of 1534 is described by Arch- deacon Cotton as 1 2 m °- size. It is, nevertheless, an octavo. The title page border is formed of four woodcuts. The one at the top represents Abraham's sacrifice. As it very often occurs in blocks of that period, the figures are re- peated twice in the same cut. The right-hand Second edition of Tyndale's translation of the Penta- teuch. Title page. 7o Old Bibles. Tyndnle's opinions of Erasmus. block has the Tables of the Law, and the left the Brazen Serpent. The lower engraving- shows Moses stretching out his sacred wand a second time over the Red Sea, and causing- the mighty east wind to cease, and the waters to roll together into their former channels, thus overwhelming- Pharaoh and all his hosts. The signatures are in eights — A to L — eleven sheets, occupying eighty-eight leaves. The last of A is folio i, and the last leaf folioed is 81, L 8. These, with the seven leaves not folioed, are eighty-eight leaves. In the centre of the woodcut title just de- scribed are the words: "The firste Boke of Moses called Genesis. Newly correctyd and amendyd by W. T. mdxxxiiii." The reverse of title is blank. On A ij begins: "Vnto the reader, W. T.," eleven pag-es, ending- on recto of A 7. This address differs from that in the first edition. It explains, " Which things moued me (Wm. Tyndale) to translate the New testa- ment." He goes on to say : " Even in bisshope of London's house I intended to haue done it, for when I was so turmoyled in the contre where I was that I could no longer there dwell, I this wyse thought in myselfe this I suffre because the prestes in the contre be vnlerned." Then, after a page of indecent abuse of the clergy of England, he falls foul of the learned and gentle Erasmus. He says : " Erasmus whose tong-e maketh of little gnattes, great elephantes, and lifteth upp aboue the starres whosoeur giueth him a litle exhibition ; " for Tyndale's Pentateuch. Tyndale quarrelled with almost everyone with whom he came in contact, and was most bitter and violent against those who differed from him in opinion. The text begins on A 7 reverse, ending on the reverse of folio 8 1 with : " The ende of the first boke of Moses called Genesis." There are notes and contents in the margin through- out the book. The following is a specimen of the notes, Gen. (chapter iv.) : — " Of this place no doute the pope which in all thinges maketh himself equal with God, toke an occasion to marke all his creatures,, and to forbid vnder the payne of excommunica- tion, that no man (whether he were kinge or emperoure) be so hardy to punishe them for whatsoeuer myschef they doo." The difference in the text of the two editions is not very great, although the changes made were numerous,' being not less than 277. Most of them were merely the substitution of a synonymous word, as "covenant" for " bond," " obtayned " for " gotten," or the correction of a printer's error, or omission of an unnecessary word. To give an idea of the revision, I ap- pend a short passage from the xvi" 1 of Genesis, which in the 1530 edition reads : — " Than sayd Saria vnto Abram : Thou dost me vnrighte, for I haue geuen my mayde in to thy bosome. And because Saria fared foul with her she fled from her." The 1534 has : — "Than sayd Saria vnto Abram : the wronge 71 Difference of the two edi- tions. 72 Old Bibles. " Bugge ' Bibles. I sofre, be on thy heed for I haue geuen my mayde in to thy bosome. And because Sarai was too cruel with her she fled from her." In the prologue to the book of Exodus is a sentence that explains the meaning - of a word that has caused much discussion in times past, viz., the word " Bugges." In the xci st Psalm of Matthew's Bible of 1537, and its reprints by Daye and Seres, and Raynalde and Hyll in 1549, as we U as m Coverdale's Bible, we read : " So that thou shalt not nede to be afrayd for any Bugges by night." The sentence in the prologue is: "He that hath the spirite of Christ is now no more a childe ; he nether learneth or worketh now any longer for payne of the rodde, or for fear of bogges, or pleasure of apples." The prologue to Leviticus is mainly an attack on the sacraments of the Church and on the clergy, e.g. : " But vnder pretence of theer soule health it is a servaunt vnto oure spiritualtyes couetousnesse and an extofcyonar and a bylder of Abayes, Colleges, Chauntryes, and cathedrall churches with false gotten goodes, a pickpurse, a pollar, and a bottom lesse bagge." The pro- logues to Numbers and Deuteronomy follow in the same strain : one would think Tyndale was trying to create as much opposition to the English Bible as possible. Coverdale, on the other hand, tried to conciliate the clergy and laity of the Church of England by introducing no bitter controversial remarks. The following is a list showing the altera- tions made by Tyndale in his second edition of Genesis, drawn up by the late Mr. Fry : ch. I. Genesis, 1530. Genesis, 1534. ver. 20. to flee over the earth to flee above the earth 2 3- this is once bone this is one bone 3- 7- of both them of both of them 22. take also of the tree take also the tree 24. Cherubin Cherubes 4- 1. gotten a man obtained a man 7- if thou doest well if thou doest evill if thou do well if thou do evill 5- 4- and begat sons and he begat sons 8. and died and then he died Henoch lived a Godly life Henoch walked with God 29. comfort us as concerning comfort us concerning 6. 7- and said and the Lord said 21. take unto thee take to thee 9- 9- I make my bond I make my covenant 11. I make my bond I make my covenant 12. token of my bond token of my covenant 24. as Noe was awaked as Noe awaked IO. 10. the beginning of kingdom his the chief of his kingdom 14. from whence came the from whence the Phili- Philistines & the stines & the Captorim Caphtorim came n. 9- and because that the Lord and because of that the Lord 12. 15- so that she was taken and she was taken 13- 11. so departed the brother one so the one brother de- parted 14. 8. the King of Zeboim the king Zeboim 15- 3- see to me hast see unto me hast 4- shall be thy heir he shall be thy heir 5- and said unto him and he said unto him 9 and a three year old ram and a ram of three year old 16 2 by means of her by her 5 thou doest me unright the wrong I suffre be on thy head 6 fared foul with her was too cruel with her 17 2 make my bond make my covenant c S 74 Old Bibles. Genesis, 1530. Genesis, 1534. ch. ver. 17. 4. my testament is with thee my covenant is with thee 7. make my bond make my covenant to be an everlasting even an everlasting co- testament venant so that I will be God that I will be God 9. keep my testament keep my appointment • 10. testament covenant 11. bond covenant 13. testament covenant 14. testament covenant 19. bond covenant bond covenant 20. and as concerning and concerning 21. bond covenant 22. God left off talking God left talking 18. 10. That heard Sarah and Sarah harkened door which was behind door behind II. Abraham and Abraham 16. stood up from thence stod up to depart thence 30. if there be found 30 there if there be found 30 19. 1. with his face upon his face 6. at doors at the doors 8. for therefore came they for as much as they are come 13. wherefore he and therefore he 23. was uppon the earth was up upon the earth 20. 4. and therefore said and therefore he said 5. innocent hands innocent 16. and an excuse an excuse 21. 9. a mocking a mocker 22. 17. that I will bless thee I will bless thee 23. I. Sarah was 127 year old Sarah was 122 year old 2. died in a head city called died at Kirjath arba which Hebron is Hebron 24. 9. to him as concerning to him concerning 43. and when a virgin cometh now when a virgin cometh Isaac was a coming Isaac was coming 25. 8. when he had lived enough when he had lived a full age 26. 4. and unto thy seed and to thy seed 7. and that men and the men 26. and Ahuzzath and a certain of Ahuzzath Tyndale's Pentateuch. 75 Genesis, 1530. Genesis, 1534. ch. ver. 26. 26. his friend his friends 27. 28. and plenty of corn with plenty of corn 28. 4. (wherein thou art a not in brackets stranger) II. and took a stone and he took a stone 29. 2. at the well mouth at the wells mouth 12. and Rebecca's son and the son of Rebecca 30. 1. when Rachel and when Rachel 13. and called his name and she called his name Asser Asser 22. heard her and heard her 29. but he said unto him and he said unto him 38. and he put the staves which he had "pilled" which he had "pilled" when they came to drink where they came to drink 42. the last brode the last lambing 31. 15. as strangers for he hath as strangers for he hath sold us and hath 21. over the revers over the river 27. wherefore wentest thou wherefore fleest thou away away 42. sent me away now all empty 44. make a bond sent me now away empty make appointment 47. (therefore is it called not in brackets "Galeed") 49. (said he) not in brackets 54. and they eat bread and and tarried tarried 32. 8. may save itself may escape 33. 3. until he came yet he came 18. Salem to the city Salem the city 35. 27. Mamre a principal city Mamre the city of Arbah 36. 9. in mount Seir in the mount Seir 37. 20. some wicked beast some cruel beast 33. a wicked beast hath a cruel beast hath de- devoured voured 38. 16. and turned to and he turned to 29. hast thou rent a rent hast thou made a rent 40. 8. tell me yet tell it me yet 14. art in good case art in a good case 7 6 Old Bibles. Genesis, 1530. ch. ver. 40. 1 7. in the uppermost basket Genesis, 1534. in uppermost basket 21. and restored the chief restored the chief 41. 1. by a river's side by a lake's side 2. out of the river out of the lake 3. out of the river out of the lake brink of the river brink of the lake 4. and he awoke therewith and therewith Pharaoh awoke 17. by a river side by a lake side 1 8. out of the river out of the lake 31. not be once "asene " not be once perceived 36. let them "kepte" it let them "kepe " it and that the land that the land 39. nor of wisdom. or of wisdom 51. (said he) no brackets 52. (said he) no brackets 57. because that the hanger because the hanger 42. 28. and were astonied and they were astonied 44. 10. but ye shall be harmless but yet ye shall be harmless 16. we say unto my Lord we say to my Lord 32. the lad unto my father the lad to my father not unto thee again not to thee again 45. 9- come down unto me come down to me 1 7. say unto thy brethren say to thy brethren 22. he gave unto each he gave to each 23. ten he asses ten asses ten she asses ten asses 46. 1. came unto Beersheba came to Beersheba unto the God to the God 1 8. bare unto Jacob bare to Jacob in number 16 souls in number 21 souls 20. and unto Joseph and to Joseph 25. these unto Jacob these to Jacob 28. before him unto Joseph before him to Joseph unto Goshen to Goshen 29. unto Goshen to Goshen himself unto him himself to him 30. said unto Joseph said to Joseph in so much I have in as much I have Tyndale's Pentateuch. 77 Genesis, 1530. ch. ver. Genesis-, 1534. 46. 31. unto his brethren to his brethren unto his father to his father come unto me come to me 34. unto this time to this time unto the Egyptians to the Egyptians 47. 5. Pharaoh said unto Joseph Pharaoh said to Joseph 9. Jacob said unto Pharaoh Jacob said to Pharaoh unto the years to the years 1 5. came unto Joseph came to Joseph 17. their cattle unto Joseph their cattle to Joseph 1 8. they came unto him they came to him said unto him said to him 19. give us food give us seed 21. the people unto the cities the people to the cities unto the other to the other 23. said unto the folk said to the folk 26. unto this day to this day bond unto Pharaoh bond to Pharaoh 29. and said unto him and said to him 31. sweare unto me sweare to me sweare unto him sweare to him unto the bed's head to the bed's head 48. 2. cometh unto thee cometh to thee 4. land unto thee land to thee and unto thy seed and to thy seed 5. born unto thee born to thee be unto me be to me 11. said unto Joseph said to Joseph 1 7. unto Manasseh to Manasseh 21. unto the land to the land 22. give unto thee give to thee 49. 2. unto Israel to Israel 6. and unto their and to their 8. stoop unto thee stoop to thee 10. unto whom to whom 15. unto tribute to tribute 1 7. so that his rider that his rider 23. the shooters have envied though the shooters angred him him 78 Old Bibles. Genesis, 1530. ch. ver. 49. 24. and yet his bow come an herd man a stone 28. spake unto them 29. said unto them 50. 4. spake unto speake unto 12. did unto him 16. unto Joseph 19. said unto them 20. evill unto me unto good 21. and for your children kindly unto them 23. even unto 24. said unto unto the land swear unto Genesis, 1534. yet his bow come herd men as stones spake to them said to them spake to speake to did to him to Joseph said to him evill to me to good and your children kindly to them even to said to to the land swear to The only part of the Old Testament which appeared in Tyndale's name besides the Penta- teuch, and the chapters ordered by the Church to be read in the Communion Office in place of Epistles on certain days of the year, which were placed at the end of his Testaments, was the book of Jonah. This, together with a prologue, was known to have been printed in 1531. For a long time it was supposed that every copy had perished, but in 1 861 the Bishop of Bath and Wells was fortunate enough to find one in his library. It consists of 24 leaves, and bears evidence that it was printed by Martin de Keyser at Antwerp. There are 26 lines on a full page of the prologue, and the print measures 3 ins. by 4^. Sir John Cheke's Version. 79 Sir yohn Chekes Version. FOR various reasons the early translations of the New Testament into English gave satisfaction only to a very small minority of English people. Members of the Old learning party thought it an inopportune time for the introduction of a vernacular Testament, as the wave of reli- gious disturbance that was exciting the Conti- nent had already reached this country. Tyndale's translation was especially objec- tionable on account of its glosses and of the changes made in the text. The New learning party received the new translation with disfavour, and in preaching still continued to take their text from the Vulgate. Hugh Latimer always did so, and his free rendering seldom agreed with Tyndale's trans- lation. On one occasion, speaking of a particular passage, he said, " I wonder that the English Bible is so translated." Sir John Cheke, who had been tutor to King Edward VI., and was one of the best Greek scholars of the day, so much disliked all exist- ing English translations that he set about making a new one, but owing to his numerous state engagements his Testament was never completed. No early English ver- sion gave entire satis- faction. 8o Old Bibles. Cheke's dislike ro the introduc- tion of new words. Comparison of the words used in translating S. Matthew's Gospel in 1550. He particularly objected to the introduction of new words formed from foreign roots, as he thought the English language was suffi- ciently copious, and he urged that the unedu- cated would be more liable to misunderstand a new word than they would a simple Saxon one. We now know that our native tongue was much enriched by the formation of words from Latin and Greek sources, and as by use they have become perfectly familiar to all, they sound much sweeter than the harsh words Sir John Cheke proposed to substitute for them. The following is a list of words used in Tyndale's Testament (pro I. C.) of 1550, and from Coverdale's 4'°- of 1550, published by Hester, with the words Cheke used in place of them in his translation of S. Matthew's Gospel the same year. ! S. Matt. ch. i. ij- J) iij. Tyndale Coverdale Sir Jno. Cheke has, 1550, has, 1550, substitutes betrouthed marryed ensured wise men wise men wisards mocked deceaued plaied withal locustes locustes acrids vipers vypers adders repentaunce penaunce repentans beare beare cari mountayne mountayne hie hil dyseases diseases feblenes grinings grypyngs torments lunakike lunatyke moond poore poore beggars mercyful mercyful pitiful publicans publicans tollers Sir John Cheke's Version. 8l S. Matt Tyndale Coverdale Sir Jno. Cheke has, 1550, has, 1550, substitutes YJ- euer euer ai )) gathi-e gather hoord it lyght lyght candel »» cubite cubyte half yard mete vij. pearles paries margarites J» bryers thystles briars viij. worshypped worshipped boud himself ,, centurion captaine hundreder j) feuer feuer axess )» sycke sycke il at ease ix. lyenge in his bed lyenge in hys bed bedrid n receauyng of custome receauyng of custome tolbooth »J newe cloth newe cloth unfulled ragg X. gentyls heithen heyen »» innocent innocent plain 5J swearde sweard war xj. glad tidings gospel gospeld >» violence violent extreem S» iustified iustifyed cleen rid J J prudent prudent witti xij. brethren brethren kinsmen )» syster syster kinsman xiij. • similitudes similitudes biwordes >» thornes thornes brambels )» pai-abeles parables biwordes »» secrettes mistery misteries 91 wexed gross waxed gross thickend J) closed closed winked hard 3) anone anon bi and bi »* season season for while »> tares tares darnel J> thinges that offende thinges that offende hindrances 9) iniquitie iniquitie vnlaufulnes f* furnes fornice chimnej I) treasure treasure hoord 1} lande shore bank 82 Old Bibles. Tyndale Coverdale Sir Jno. Cheke S. Matt. has, 1550, has, 1550, substitutes xiij. scrybe scribe lerned man »* without hon- oure lesse set by vnesteemed xiv. Tetrarche Tetrarcha debitee i* platter platter disch )» sprite sprete phantasm traditions traditions orders saak tt evyl thoughtes evyl thoughtes il divises blasphemie blasphemye il wordes >» Sonne of Dauid sonne of Dauid Dauids of- spring. »> whelpes dogges whelpes xvi. cloudy gloometh darkisch red j» congregacion congregacion church »* fauer fauer haue piti xviij. pence pens grootes jj trespasses trespasses fautes xix. fleshe flesh bodi J» camel camel cable »1 second gene- newe byrth gain birth ration XX. morngyne morninge dauning „ market place market place commun place ,, ryghte right reasonable ,, steward stewarde balie )» baptime baptyme wasching »» dominacion dominacion overmaster »» exercyse power exercyse power overrule J* minister minister waiter on »1 immediately immediately bi and bi xxi. tables tables stalles jj disdayned disdayned miscontented j» widdered wythered was seered xxij. oxen and my oxen and my beves and mi fatlynges fed cattell fed waar xxiij. resurrection resurrection gain rising >) philateries philacteries brood gardes ») bring one to proselyte freschman your belefe Sir John Cheke's Version. 83 S Matt Tyndale Coverdale Sir Jno.Cheke has, 1550, has, 1550, substitutes xxiij. offendeth giltie fauteth ,, out a gnat out a gnat awai the gnat ,, excesse excesse vnstaidnes xxiv. fame , noyse speking ,, abhomnacion abhomynacyon cursednes ,, generacion generacion age xxv. harde harde sower ,, chaungers exchaungers tablers ,, gootes goates kiddes ,, begynnyng beginning groundworkes ,, lodged lodged harboroud xxvj. crucifyed crucifyed crossed , , thirty peces of sylver pens silverlinges sylver , , many many ye people ,, temptacion temptacion trial ,, frende frend felow „ hie prestes palace ye hed bis- place chops court „ temple temple church of god ,, wenche damsell wench xxvij. elders elders aldermen „ innocent innocente giltles bloud „ treasure Godscheste ye Corbon „ debite debite president „ prevailed could not help no boot nothing „ mocked mocked scorned „ let be hold soft „ sepulchre sepulchre grave The chapter following will give an idea of the orthography adopted by Sir John Cheke; from it may be known the pronunciation that obtained at that period. It will be seen that in all cases in which the letter "a" had a long- sound he used the double 8 4 Old Bibles. Cheke's translation, S. Matthew, chapter xi. vowel "aa," and omitted the final "e," and the same with other vowels. He also substituted a double vowel in place of diphthongs, and omitted all silent letters. His abbreviations deserve nptice, the letter "y" doing- duty for "th," "g" for "dg," and " p " for " pri." In some places a Greek letter is introduced in place of a double vowel. His notes are chiefly critical and explanatory, and free from the bitter virus which disfigures some other versions. S. Matthew, chapter xi. "And it cam to pass when Jesus had ended his charge to his twelf disciples, he went from yens to tech and preech in yeer citees. Joan being in prison and heering Christs doings sent ij of his disciples with yis word vnto him. "Art yow he yt is to com, or look we for an oyer, And Jesus answerd on yis soort to yem. Go iour wais to Joan and tel him what ye heer and see. ye blind seeth, and ye laam walketh, ye lepers be clensed, ye deef heereth, ye deed be raised, and ye beggars be gospeld. And happi is he which is not offended with me. " After yei weer goon Jesus began to sai to ye compaini yeer of Joan, what went ye to see in ye wildernes. A windshaken reed. But what went ye indeed to see. A man appareld in fijn cloying. But yei yt go in fijn apparel be in Kinges houses. But what went ye ovt to see. a ppheet. ye surli I tel yow and moor yen a Sir John Cheke's Version. 85 ppht. For yis is he of whoom it is writin. Lo I send mi messenger afoor ye, which schal prepaar yi wais befoor y coming-. Truli I sai vnto yow, among - yem yt be born of women, yeer is noon rising 1 greeter yen Joan Baptist. " Howbeit he yt is lesser in ye kingdoom of heevn is greeter yen he. " From Joan baptists dais vnto yis tijm is ! straightli extremli orderd, and extreem men I yei catch it. ! " For al ye ppheets and ye law did forsai ; vnto Joans tijm. " And if ye wil so taak it he is Helias yt is to com, let him heer yt hath ears to heer. To who schal I lijken yis kind. Jt is lijk childern yt sit in ye high streets and speek to yeer felous and sai, We haue blooun our pipes to yow, and ie haue not danced, we haue moornd vnto yow, and ei haue not wailed. For Joan cam noyer eating nor drinking, and yei sai he hath a devel. " And ye son of man cam eating and drinking, lo ie yis eater and yis wijndrinker, this tollers and sinners freend. And wisdoom is cleen rid from her own childern. yen began Jesus to rebuuk yoos cities in ye which yeer had been doon mani mighti things, yt yei repented not. "Wo be to ye Corazin wo be vnto ye Beethsaida, for if so be it yoos mighti thinges, which hath been doon among you had been doon in tyrus and Sidon, yei wold haue repent in sackcloth and asches a good while. But I sai vnto you it schal be moor sufferable in yt 86 Old Bibles. Sir John Cheke's peti- tion to Queen Mary. dai of iugment for tyrus an Sidon yen for iou. And you Capernaum which hast set vp aloft vnto heavn schalt be brought lou vnto hel. For if yoos mighti things which have been doon in ye, had been doon in Sodom, yei wold have remaind to yis dai. But J sai vnto yow it shal be moor sufferabil to ye land of Sodom in ye dai of iugmet yen to ye. "At yt tijm Jesus answeerd and said. J must needs o fayer acknoulege thanks vnto ye 1 of heavn and erth, which has hiden yees thinges from wijs and witti men, and hath disclosed ye saam to baabs, ie and yt fayer for sich was thi good pleasur heerin. Al thinges be deliverd me of mi fayer. " And no man knoueth ye son but ye fayer, nor noon knoueth ye fayer but ye son, and he to whoom ye son wil discloos it. Come to me al yt labor and be burdeind and J wil eas iou. Taak mi iook on iou and learn of me for J am mild and of a lowli hart. And ie schal find quietnes for yourselves. For mi iook is pfitabil, and burden light." In the year 1556 Cheke was committed to the Tower of London. On the 15th of July 1556, he wrote to Cardinal Pole begging his favour and protection, and on the same day he petitioned Queen Mary for his release. The following is a copy of his letter : — " Pleaseth yt yor matie to vnderstande, that in matters of religion, J haue declared my full mynde vnto yor maiestie by yor virtuous and learned Chaplen Mr. Deane of Paulle : Sir John Cheke's Version. 87 Trusting that as it is truly mynded of me, So yor highnes will agreablye receaue it. J besche yor ma tie therefore, as J haue been and am yor faythfull subiecte, whom J do as gods mynister faithfully honor and serue, that yor highnes will haue that opinion psent of me, that my faithfulnes, J truste, and dutie hereafter shall sheue vnto you. And J truste, amonge many obedient and quiet subiects wch god storeth yor highnes with, J shal be found, though not in trabilitie of other qualities, yet in will and readynes and obedience of yor Lawes, and other orders of religion, as gladd to serue and obeye as any other : Desyering yor maiestie most humblie to fauor suche poore suyte for my Libertie, as Mr. Deane shall make to yor ma t!e on my behalf. "Almightie god psper and encrease yor maiestie in all honor and godlynes. " ffrom yor ma ties Touer of London the 1 5 of Julie. 1556. " Yor maiesties moste humble and obedient subiecte "Jo Cheke." On the report of the Dean of S. Paul's to the Queen that Sir John Cheke had changed his opinions he was released from prison ; and on the 4th of October 1556 he made a public recantation. He died on September 13th, 1557. Cheke's re- cantation. 88 First com- plete English Bible printed, 1535- Coverdale's name com- mon in parts of the North Riding. Coverdale one of the most active searchers. Old Bibles. Coverdale s Bible. THE first complete Bible printed in the English language, was issued October 4th 1535- It professes to be translated out of the " Douche " (i.e., German) and " Latyn " into English by " youre grace's humble subjecte, and daylye oratour Myles Coverdale." Coverdale was born at Coverham, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, in the year 1488. The name is still common in that locality, When I made a pilgrimage to the spot I found in the Churchyard many headstones inscribed with the name Coverdale ; no doubt all sprung from the same stock as Bishop Myles. He was educated at the Augustinian house at Cambridge, the head of which at the time was Dr. Robert Barnes, who bore his fagot in 1526. Coverdale was admitted to Priest's Orders in 1 5 14. He was active in searching out those who had not, in obedience to King Henry VIIFs order, defaced the name of S. Thomas a Beckett in their Office books : so carefully was this done, that the owner of a Prymer in my possession, to be quite safe, scribbled over the name of S. Thomas the Apostle, as well as S. Thomas of Canterbury. Coverdale's Bible. 89 About that date Coverdale wrote to Crom- well, to whom he had been introduced by Sir Thomas More, and solicited his assistance. After the fall of Cromwell, Coverdale fled to Bergzabern, where he married, although he had taken the vow of celibacy, and there he supported himself by keeping a school. He returned to England after Edward VI. came to the throne, and was made one of the Royal Chaplains. The King gave him and his wife Elizabeth a license, or dispensation, to eat flesh and white meats in Lent, and other obligatory fasting days. He accompanied the troops who were sent to suppress the popular rising in Devon and Cornwall, on June 10th, 1549, who were headed by Humphrey Arundel, Governor of S. Michael's Mount. Coverdale was consecrated August 30th, 1551, and appointed to the See of Exeter during the lifetime of Bishop Veysey. In Queen Mary's reign he was put into prison, but John Macbee, a Scotch preacher in Den- mark, who had married a sister of Coverdale's wife, induced the King of Denmark to intercede with the Queen of England for him, and he was released from confinement and allowed to go abroad. Early in Elizabeth's reign he returned, and assisted at the consecration of Archbishop Parker. He was appointed to the living of S. Magnus- the-Martyr, London Bridge, but during his stay Cove'da'e and his wife obtain a dispensation from King Edward to eat flesh meat in Lent. Coverdale leaves England. go Old Bibles. Coverdale resigns the living of S. Magnus. Coverdale employed by others to translate. The Vulgate and the German Bible the principal bases of Coverdale's translation. at Geneva he became so impregnated with hos- tility to the Church, that he resigned! his benefice in two years. He died in the year 1569, aged.8r, and was buried under the chancel of S. Bartho- lomew's Church, London, and when that church was destroyed (in 1840) his bones were taken to the Church of S. Magnus. The difference between the two eminent translators appears to have been that Cover- dale was employed on the work of translation by others, while Tyndale acted independently, being urged onwards by his own enthusiasm. Tyndale's indomitable energy no discourage- ment nor persecution could daunt. Coverdale, under the wings of powerful protectors, passed prosperously through the major part of his life, content "lowly and faythfully" to follow other "interpreters, and that under correction," and to do his work at " the coste and charges of others." Who it was that, against Coverdale's own wish, induced him to undertake the task of translating the Bible is not known ; most likely it was the good Sir Thomas More and those of the new learning party with whom he was associated. Internal evidence proves that the first English Bible was not translated from the original tongues, but principally from the Vulgate and Luther's Bible, three volumes of which were printed in 1524, and the remaining two, which complete the edition (the Prophets, and Apo- crypha), in 1532. Coverdale's Bible. 91 Coverdale tells the reader, " to helpe me herin I have had sodry translations, not only in Lalyn, but also of the Douche inter- preters, whom because of their singuler gyftes, and special dilygence in the Bible, I haue ben the more glad to follow for the moste part." This Bible was printed by Jacob van Meteren at Antwerp, and was sent to Nicolson, of Southwark, in sheets, as an Act of Parliament had been passed a year or two previously for the protection of native* industry, prohibiting the introduction of bound books into England. The original Antwerp title, which has the authority of the translator himself, reads, "Biblia | The Bible/ that | is, the holy Scripture of the | Olde and New Testament, faith I fully and truly translated out | of Douche and Latyn | in to Englishe. | m.d. xxxv." &c. There was little desire in this country for a Bible in English, and Nicolson had great diffi- culty in disposing of it. In order to get the edition off his hands, he removed Coverdale's original title page, which had on the reverse the list of "The bokes of the whole Byble," &c, and substituted the fallowing : " Biblia | The Bible : that | is/ the holy Scrip- ture of the I Olde and New Testament, [ faythfully translated in | to Englyshe. | m.d.xxxv. S. Paul. II. Tessal. III. | Praye for vs, that the worde of God | maye haue fre passage & be glorified. | S. Paul Colloss. III. | Let the Printed by Jacob van Meteren. Title page of Nicolson's second issue. 9 2 Old Bibles. Dedication to King Henry VIII. Editions in which the blocks bought from van Meteren were used. worde of Christe dwell in you, | plenteously in all wysdome, &c. | Josue I. | Let not the Boke of this lawe departe | out of thy mouth, but exercyse thy selfe | therein daye and nyghte, y' thou mayest | kepe and do every thynge ac- cordynge | to it that is wrytten therin." Reverse of title blank. Jacob van Meteren's preliminary matter was cancelled, and a dedication to Henry VIII. in- troduced : " Unto the most victorious Prynce, and oure most gracyous soueraigne Lorde, Kynge Henry the eyght, Kynge of Englonde and of Fraunce, lord of Irlonde, &c. " Defendour of the Fayth, and vnder God the chefe and suppreme heade of the Church of Englonde." After the dedication is "A pro- logue. Myles Couerdale vnto the Christen reader," then a table of "the bokes of the hole Byble." James Nicolson not only bought the entire edition from van Meteren, but also the original blocks of the woodcuts, map, and title border; these he used for the edition he printed in 1537 ; and the edition of Matthew's Bible, printed in 1540 by Petyt and Redman for Thomas Ber- thelet, has the first and New Testament titles printed from the blocks used for Coverdale's Bible of 1535. Another edition of Matthew's Bible was pub- lished by Daye and Seres in 1 549, in which, in the titles, and the text, are forty-nine impres- sions from the identical woodcuts used in the Bible of 1535. Coverdale's Bible. Richard Jugge used the same woodcuts of the four Evangelists in the New Testaments of 1552 and 1553, and the large map in the Bishops' Version of 1574 is the same as was used in Coverdale's Bible of 1535. The size of the first English Bible is small folio. There are fifty-seven lines in a page. The type is an angular black letter. It is divided into six parts : 1. Genesis to Deuteronomy. 2. Josua to Hester. 3. Job to Solomon's balettes. 4. Esay to Malachy. 5. The Apocripha. 6. The new testament. There are in this version some peculiar renderings : Gen. viii. 11. "She bare the olive leaf in her nebb." Judges ix. 53. " Cast a pece of mylstone upon Abimelech's heade & brake his brain panne." I. Kings xxii. 34. " and shott the King of Israel between the mawe and the lunges." Psalm lxxiv. 6. " They cutt downe all the sylinge worcke of ye sanctuary with bylles and axes." Isaiah v. 27. " no one faynte nor feble amonge them, no, not a slogishe nor slepery persone." I. Timothy vi. 4. " but waysteth his brayne aboute questions and stryuynges of wordes." In 1537 a second edition of Coverdale's Bible was " C Imprynted in Sowthwarke for | James 93 The first Bible printed in England. 94 Reprints of Coverdale's Bible. Coverdale's Testament in 1 6 mo. Old Bibles. Nycolson." Folio size. Said on the title to be " newly ouersene & corrected." The first Bible printed in England was like the 1 535 dedicated to King' Henry in the same words, except the name of " dearest just wyfe and most vertuous Pryncesse Quene Anne " is changed for " Quene Jane." " €1 The right & just administracyon of the lawes that God gaue vnto Moses, | and vnto Josua : the testimonye of faythfulnes that God gaue of Dauid : the | plenteous abundaunce of wysdome that God gaue vnto Salomon : the lucky | and prosperous age with the multipli- cacyon of sede which God gaue vnto A | braham and Sara his wyfe, be geven vnto you moost gracyous Prynce, with j your dearest just wyfe, and moost vertuous Pryncesse, Quene Jane, Amen." | An edition in quarto also appeared the same year (1537)- " Imprynted in Southwarke in Saynt Thomas Hospitale by James Nycolson." " Set forth with the Kynges moost gracious licence." Coverdale had nothing to do with the issue of the reprints of 1537. In 1538 was published a i6 mo - edition of Coverdale's New Testament, of which only a few copies remain. The title is, " The newe Testament. Faythfully and newly corrected by Myles Couerdale. " With a true Concordaunce in the margent, Coverdale's Bible. and many necessary Annotacyons after the chapters, declarynge sondry harde places con- teyned in the texte. " Prynted in the yeare of our Lorde m.ccccc. xxxviii." (No printer's name or place.) " Set forth wyth the kynges licence." There are 26 pag-es of preliminary. A copy in the British Museum is of interest. Upon the inside of the cover is the following- manuscript note: "This small book was once the property of Q. Elizabeth, and actually pre- sented by her to A. Poynts, who was her maid of Honour. In it are a few lines of the Queen's own hand writing- and signing. Likewise a small drawing- of King- Edward the 6th when very young- (of Windsor Castle) and one of the knight in his robes." The view of Windsor measures 3| in. by 2§ in., and g-ives a view of the castle from Windsor Park. Several deer and hares are represented in the fore- ground, and the grass is of a very bright green colour. The sky and most of the building- have become much darkened by discoloration of the paint with which they were depicted ; but a red fence skirting the park, a g-ate with steps down to the park, and the g-ilt-tipped towers of the castle beyond, are all distinctly visible. The drawing of the knight, about 3 in. by 12 in. in size, displays greater artistic skill than that of Windsor Castle. Below it is this manuscript note : " This is actually a drawing of King Edward the Sixth. I. W. May, 1768. He likewise drew the Castle of Windsor on the 95 9° Old Bibles. The next leaf other side of foregoing Leafe." bears the following writing : — " Amonge good thin" (in Q. Elizabeth's hand- writing) " Liber Roberti Grove ex dono Thomae Field Martii 2omo 1 709 Liber Thomse Gibbon ex dono Roberti Grove 1714 N.B. The Worthy Dr. Gibbon, faithfully- assured me that the hand writing on the other side this Leafe was really Queen Elizabeths & I believe it having many Letters of her writing Jno. Waller." Upon the other side of the same leaf is the very interesting entry by Queen Elizabeth her- self, as follows : " Amonge good thinges I prove and finde, the quiet life doth muche abounde, and sure to the contentid mynde, ther is no riches may be founde Your lovinge maistres Elizabeth. " It appears that the word " friend " had been written after the word " lovinge " in the seventh line of the above, but it has been partially erased, and the word " maistres " in the line below looks very much like an insertion. The writing is in Elizabeth's fine bold hand. Coverdale's Bible. The titles of each book are printed in red, and each page has a red lined border. The cross and half-cross, intended to show the be- ginning and ending of the appointed Epistles and Gospels, the running titles, and initial letters are also printed in red. There are numerous woodcuts. Gothic type. It has marginal references. Pointing hands are introduced to mark passages on which notes at the end of the chapters are appended. A Testament was also issued in 1538 which measures 6 inches by 4. As the wire lines go down the page it must be an octavo. The title is, "The new ) Testament of oure J Sauyour Jesu I Christ. Faythfully translated & | lately correte : wyth a | true concordaunce in the | margent, & many neces | sary annotacions decla I rynge soridry harde pla | ces coteyned in the text. | C Eympret in the yeare | of our Lorde M.d. xxxviij." The colophon is, " C Imprynted at Antwerpe, by Matthew | Crom. In the yeare of oure Lorde | M.D. xxxviii." My copy was found a few years ago in a secret drawer of an old oak cabinet. The cabinet was bought at a sale near Stratford-on-Avon, and during the process of "restoration" the back was taken out, which disclosed a secret drawer containing Coverdale's Testament in its original binding. It has eight preliminary leaves. At the back of the title is, " H An Almanack for xxxij. 97 Matthew Crom's 8vo. New Testa- ment of 1538. Copy dis- covered in a secret drawer. Collation. 98 Nicolson's 4to, 1538. Old Bibles. yeares " ; then four leaves of Kalendar ; then five pages of prologue ; on reverse of last leaf of preliminary is "A prologe of Saynt Matthew." There is no prologue to S. Mark. The top of the leaf, Sig. K iii., is torn off, but as the preface to S. Luke begins about half-way down the page, perhaps there was a prologue. "f[A prologe vpon Saynt Jhon" occupies 31 lines. The prologues are taken from Tyndale. Coverdale's summaries are placed before each chapter in smaller black letter type than the text. There are no objectionable glosses in the book. The margin contains rather numerous refer- ences to parallel passages. There are about 200 woodcuts ; those in Revelation fill the whole page. This little book very accurately follows Cover- dale's 1535 ; many chapters do not contain a single variation. The same year (1538) Nicolson issued a quarto reprint of Coverdale's Testament in parallel columns with the Vulgate version. The title reads, " The newe tes | tament both in Latine and | Englyshe ech correspondent to | the other after the vulgare texte com | munely called S. Jeroms: Fayth | fully translated by Myles | Couerdale | Anno. I m.ccccc. xxxviii. Jeremie xxij. | Is not mywordelyke a fyre sayeth the | Lorde, and lyke an hammer that I breaketh the harde stone ? I Coverdale's Bible. 99 Printed in Southwarke | by James Nicolson. | Set forth wyth the Kyn | ges moost gracious licence." The Latin text introduced by Coverdale is the ordinary Vulgate of S. Jerome, and was inserted to enable the clergy and others to convince themselves that this English transla- tion was an accurate one. Coverdale was in Paris at the time this book was published : when he had an opportunity of examining it he was much dissatisfied, and at once issued a corrected edition, the title page of which reads as follows : — " •. The new testament both in | Latin and English after | the vulgare texte : | which is red in | the churche. | Translated and corrected by My | les Couerdale : and prynted in | Paris, by Fraunces Regnault, | m.ccccc xxxviij. | in Novembre." In the dedication Coverdale thus writes : — " Trueth it is, that this last lent I dyd with all hubleness directe an Epistle vnto the kynges most noble grace : trustinge, that the boke (wher vnto it was prefixed) shulde afterwarde haue bene as well correcte, as other bokes be. And because I coulde not be present my selfe (by the reason of sondrye notable impedimetes) therfore inasmoch as the new testament, which I had set forth in English before, doth so agree wyth the latyn, I was hartely well contet, that the latyn and it shulde be set together : Prouyded allwaye, that the correctour shulde followe the true copye of the latyn in anye Regnault's duglot. Coverdale's address. IOO Old Bibles. The cost borne by Bishop Bonner. wyse, and to kepe the true and right Englishe of the same. And so doynge, I was contet to set my name to it. And euen so I dyd : trustinge, though I were absent and out of the lande, yet all shuld be well. And (as God is my recorde) I knew none other, till this last Julye, that it was my chauce here in these partes at a straungers hande, to come by a copye of the sayde prynte. Which wan I had perused, I founde, that it was disagreable to my former translacion in English, so was not the true copye of the latyn texte obserued, neither the english so correspondent to the same, as it ought to be : but in many places both base, insensyble, and cleane con- trary, not onely to the phrase of oure language, but also from the vnderstondyng of the texte in latyn. Wherof though no man to this houre did write ner speake to me, yet for as moch as I am sworne to the trueth, I will favoure no man to the hinderaunce therof, ner to the mayn- teyning of anyething that is contrary to the ryght and iust furtheraunce of the same. And there- fore as my dewtye is to be faythfull, to edifye, and with the vttermost of my power to put awaye all occasions of euell, so haue I (though my businisse be greate ynough besyde) endeuoured my selfe to wede out the fautes that were in the latyn and English afore : trustinge, that this present cor- rection maye be (vnto them that shall prynt it herafter) a copye sufficient." There is little doubt but that the "cost and charges " of printing Coverdale's 4 t0 - Testa- ment were borne by Bonner, Archdeacon of Coverdale's Bible. Leicester, then bishop elect of Hereford, for we find he sent copies of this duglot to the King and the principal officers of the Church and State, and his zeal in the cause, and the very important assistance he rendered Grafton and Whitchurch when ambassador at Paris, in publishing the Great Bible of 1539, procured for him his translation from the See of Here- ford to that of London. At the close of the year 1538, Nicolson re- printed the first Latin-English Testament, but substituted on the title page the name of "Johan Hollybushe " for that of the true translator. The size of this book is 7 inches by 4| without including margin. Myles Coverdale's name is retained to the dedication although removed from the title. The next time Coverdale's Bible was reprinted was in 1550, when Christopher Froschover, of Zurich, printed an edition in quarto, a copy of which is preserved in the Public Library at Zurich, containing Froschover's autograph signature. The title page has his device of a tree and frogs, and reads thus : "The whole Byble/ | that is, the Olde and Newe | Testamente, truly and purely | translated into Englishe/ by | Mayst Thomas Mathewe. | Esaie j. | Hearcken to ye heauens : and thou earth | geaue eare : for the LORD I tji speaketh.»J< | Christ. Frosch. Im- printed at Zurych by Chrystoffer Froshower." | It is most strange that such a mistake should have been made as to attribute the translation IOI The "Holly- bushe" edi- tion. Froschover's 4to edition of Coverdale's Bible. 102 Froschover's preliminary. Old Bibles. to "Mayst Thomas Mathewe;" for although there is difference of opinion as to who was the translator of the Bible of 1535, it is quite certain it was not John Rogers, otherwise Thomas Matthew. Rogers was engaged, in the years 1536 and 1537, in the work of translation, or rather of compiling a Bible from the translation of others, and correcting proofs ; but there is no reason to suppose he took any part in the translation of the Bible of 1535, and it could hardly have been that, because Matthew's Bible, which was edited by Rogers, was the first to have a licence granted by King Henry VIII. Froschover thought that by passing off this quarto as a re- print of the first authorized version, it would be more likely to find favour in England, for in 1550 there was no obstruction put in the way of pub- lishing the Bible in England ; the difficulty ex- perienced was to get people to buy copies. The original preliminary matter of this Bible is very interesting, and it was a pity that Andrew Hester cancelled it. It consists of thirty-six pages, printed in double columns, with the same kind of type and ornamental initial letter as the text. Verso of title is blank. On the next page is an address "To the gentle | Reader." " Gentle Reader, where as dyuers godly men hath thought it very nedefull and necessary to set before every Chapter in all the bokes of this moost holy Byble, the Summeries or contentes therof, or what euery one of the sayde Chapter Coverdale's Bible. 103 containeth, briefly declared, whiche I thinke very comodious. Neuerthelesse (good Reader) I haue considered that euery man hath not at all tymes suche leasure as to reade or to tourne the Byble from one Chapter to another, whan they shall haue a desyre or occasion to seke for any speciall matter conteyned herin (this con- sidered) I thought it mooste nedefull and ne- cessary to prynt and set the Sommaries of ye Chapters of all the bokes contayned in this most sacred Byble together in their order, whereby thou mayste easely finde oute not onely how the bokes stande in order, and how many Chapters euery boke contayneth, But most specyally thou shalt finde therby most spedely how God by the mouth of his most holy Prophetes promised the redemption of the worlde, by oure onely hope and sauioure Jesus Christe by sufferinge in that most perfect fleshe, which it pleased him to take on him in the wombe of that most pure virgin Marie .... Thus fare you well." Then comes : " Here after folio | weth all the argumentes | vpon the olde and newe Testa | ment, euery boke by sonder hys Argumentes, | and how muche and many Chapters they co | tayneth." | To give an idea of this condensation of the Bible I append the first thirteen lines : " Here begynneth the Ar [ guments of the fyrst boke of Moses, called Genesis, j What this boke contayneth. | "Chap. j. The creacion of the worlde in sixe [ dayes, and of man. [ Summary of the first four chapters of Genesis. ic>4 Title page of Hester's re-issue. Old Bibles. " Chap. ij. The rest of the seuenth daye, | the tree of knowlege of good and euil is for- bid | den, &c. Of the creacion of Eua. | " Chap. iij. The serpent disceaueth the wo | man : they trasgresse and are driuen out of Paradyse. | " Chap. iiij. Abels offering- pleaseth God, ther | fore doeth his brother Cain hate him : murthureth | him : and is cursed. Of the chil- dren of Cain." Just as Nicolson bought the entire edition of the 1535 Bible from Jacob Van Meteren, so Hester did of this reprint from Christopher Froschover, and replaced the preliminary matter printed with the text for fresh, printed in small old English letter. Even this did not enable Hester to get the copies off his hands, and Richard Jugge bought up the remainder, and re-issued it in 1553, with another new title and new preliminary leaves, to try to pass the book off as a fresh edition. ... I have in my possession a perfect copy of this Bible, as published by Hester, in exceed- ingly fine condition, and almost uncut. The size of the book is 9jin. by 7^ in., and it is 3^ in. thick. The seam lines of the watermark going across the page prove it to be a quarto. The title is, "CThe whole | Byble, | that is the holy scripture | of the Olde and New testament | faythfully translated into | Englyshe by Myles | Couerdale and | newly ouer | sene and correcte. | Coverdale's Bible. 105 (sic) m.d.l. Pray for vs that the worde of God maye | haue free passage and be glorified. II. Tes. iij. I " Prynted for Andrewe Hester, dwellynge | in Pauls church yard at the sygne | of the whyte horse and are | there to be solde." | Within a woodcut architectural border, and under it in large letters : " Set forth with the Kynges | mooste gracious licence ; " reverse of title blank. Next page is : " f[ The bokes of the hole Byble, | how they are named in Englyshe and I Latyn, and how longe they are | wrytten in the allegations." | The books are divided into six parts. First part, " Genesis to Deutero- nomio." Second part, " Josue to Hester " ; " The Apocripha : Third book of Esdras to II. Machaborum." Third part, "Job to Salomo ballettes"; " The Prophetes — Esay to Malachy.'' " The New Testament : Math., Mar, Luc, Joh, Acts, Rom, j Cor, ij Cor, Gal, Ephe, Phil, Col, j Tess, ij Tess, j Tim, ij Tim, Tit, Phile, j Pet, ij Pet, j Joh, ij Joh, iij Joh, Heb, Jac, Jud, Apo." On the reverse of this leaf is a dedication, of the most fulsome and servile kind, in which the juvenile King is urged to keep the Church under his feet, and to allow no toleration, or religious liberty, but to prevent by the sword any (what Coverdale considers) heresy being preached. In the most coarse language the Bishop of Rome is called Balaam and Antichrist. This dedication begins as follows : " >J< Vnto the moost victorious Prince and our moost gracious soueruigne lorde,kynge Edward Dedication to King Edward VI. D 5 io6 Old Bibles. the sixth, kynge of | Englonde, Fraunce, and of Irlonde, &c, Defoundor of | the Fayth, and under God the chefe | and supreme heade of the | Church of Englande. | " H The right and just administracyon of the lawes that God gaue vnto Moses and | vnto Josua: the testimonye of faythfulnes that God gaue of David : the plenteous | abundaunce of wysdome that God gaue vnto Salomon : the lucky and pros- perous | age with the multipliacyon of sede, whiche god gaue vnto Abraham and Sara | his wyfe, be giuen vnto you moost gracious Prynce." | Eight columns of this sort follow, and the " epistle to the Kynges highnesse " concludes : " Considering now (moost gracyous prynce) the inestimable treasure, fruit and prosperitie everlasting, that God geueth with his worde, and trusting in his infinite goodnes that he wold bring my simple and rude labour herin to good effect, therfore was I boldened in God sixtene yeares agoo, not only to laboure faythfully in the same, but also in most humble wyse to dedicate this my pore traslation to your graces moost noble father, as I do now submit this and all other my pore corrections, labours, and interprises, to the gracious spirite of trewe knowledge, vnderstanding, and judgmet, which is in your highnesse, most humbly besech- ing the same that though this volume be small, and not wholly the texte appoynted for the churches, it maye yet be exercised in all other places so long as it is vsed within the compasse of the feare of God, and due obedience vnto Coverdale's Bible. 107 your moost excellente maiestie, whome the same eternal god saue and preserue ever- more. Amen. " Your graces moost humble and faithful subject, Myles Couerdale." After this epistle there is "A prologue to the reader," of five pages. The prologue thus begins : " Myles Couerdale, to the Christen reader. Consyderynge how excellent knowledge and learnyng an interpreter of scripture ought to haue in the tungs, and ponderynge also myne owne insufficiecy therin, and how weake I am to perfourme the office of a translator, I was the more loth to medle with this worke. Not- withstandynge whan I consydred how great pytie that we shuld wante it so longe, and called to my remembraunce the aduersite of them which were not onely of rype knowlege, but wold also with all theyr hartes haue perfourmed that they began yf they hadde not had impedimentes : consyderynge (I saye) that by reaso of their aduersitie it could not haue so soone haue been broughte to an ende, as our moost prosperous nacyon wolde fayne haue had it : these and other reasonable causes consydered I was ye more bolde to take it in hade, and to help me herin I haue had sodry traslacyons, not only in latyn but also in other laguages : who (because of their syngular gyftes and specyall diligence in the Bible) I haue ben glad to follow accordyng as I was requyred. Coverdale's prologue. io8 Coverdale certainly the translator. Old Bibles. " But to say the trueth before God it was nother my labour nor desyre, to haue this worke put in my hande, neuerthelesse it greued me that other nacyons shuld be more pleteously prouyded for with the scripture in theyr mother tunge, the we in oures, therefore wha I was instantly requyred (though I could not do so well as I wolde) I thought it yet my dewtye to do my best, that the scripture might wholly come forth in englishe." In the third column he says : " For the which cause (accordynge as I was desyred anno 1.5.34) I to ^e the more vpon me, to set forth this specyall translacyon, not as a checker, not as a reprouer, or despiser of other mens translacyons, but lowly and faythfully haue I followed myne interpreters, and that under cor- rection." It is evident, from the above, that Coverdale was employed and paid for his work ; " at the coste and charges of others," are his own words. Next to the prologue is the "Almanacke." All writers, from Lewis down to Mr. Stevens, say that it commences from the year i55°> Dut my copy is from m.d. li, to m,d, lxiii. It has been the fashion in certain quarters for some years to regard Coverdale merely as the " proof reader and corrector " of the first English Bible, and not as its translator, but I think no one can read this prologue without coming to the conclusion that either Myles Coverdale was the translator, or that he claimed more than his due. Had he been employed Coverdale's Bible. solely to see the book through the press, his claim to be the translator thus publicly put forward would have been disputed. We know that there was not much love lost between Tyndale and his assistants. Tyndale and Joye speak of each other in very plain and no doubt well deserved terms, and had Cover- dale dared to take credit for work done by others, we should have heard of it very soon. Excepting an ambiguous passage in a Dutch biography, which states that Van Meteren was the "begetter" of this "specyall translacyon," and for this purpose " he employed a certain learned scholar, named Miles Coverdale " ; and also the fact that a few words in the book imply a foreign parentage, no doubt has ever been thrown on the truthfulness and justice of Cover- dale's claims. It is quite true it has been denied that Coverdale translated the Bible from its original tongues, but this he does not pretend to have done. The Vulgate was one of the principal bases of his translation, and fortunate it would have been had it been the only source from which his translation was made ; but he owns to having consulted " five sundry interpreters," and it is evident that, in many cases, he was led astray by Luther, and by the Swiss Bible. The Kalendar in this copy begins 1551 and ends 1563. I am puzzled about the Saints' days in it, for it should agree with the Reforma- tion' Prayer Book of IS49J but it does not do so exactly, nor does it correspond with the Kalendar IO9 no Prologue to the Apocrypha. Old Bibles. in Jugge's revision of Tyndale's New Testament, issued in July 1552, which has the Kalendar of the debased Prayer Book of November 1552. The Kalendar occupies four pages ; then comes the text, printed in the angular German type so often seen in the productions of Fros- chover's Zurich press, and, although much smaller, resembling the type used in Cover- dale's Bible of 1535. At the top of the page on which the book Genesis begins, is a woodcut of the creation of Eve, the only engraving in the book, excepting the initial letters, some of which are singularly inappropriate — e.g., S. John and the Eagle in the first letter of Genesis. Many of these initial letters contain engravings representing the well- known dance of Death. Genesis begins on Sig. A, folio 1, and Malachi ends on verso of folio cccxcix., Sig. D D v. The Apocrypha begins on folio 400, and is thus prefaced : " Apocripha. I "The bokes and treatises which | amongethe fathers of olde are not rekened | to be of like authoritie with the other bo | kes of the Byble, neyther are they founde in the j Canon of the Hebrue. "The translatoure vnto the reader. | These bokes (good reader) which be called Apocrypha, are not judged among the doctours to be of lyke reputacion with the other scripture, as thou mayst perceaue by S. Jeronyme in Epistola ad Paulinu. And the chiefe cause therof is Coverdale's Bible. ii i this : there be many places in them, that seme to be repugnaunt vnto the open and manyfest trueth in the other bokes of the Byble. Neuer- theles, I haue not gathered them together to the intent that I wolde haue them despysed, or little set by, or that I shoulde think them false, for I am not able to proue it. " Yee, I doubte not verely, if they were equally conferred with the other open Scripture (time, place and circumstance in all thinges con- sydered) they shoulde neyther seme contrary, nor be vntruly and peruersly aledged. " Trueth it is a mans face can not be sene so well in a water, as in a fayre glass, neyther ca it be shewed so clearly in a water that is stered or moued, as in styl water. " These and many other darke places of scripture haue bene sore stired and myxte with blynd and coueteous opinions of me, which haue cast such a myst afore the eyes of the symple, that as longe as they be not conferred with the other places of scripture they shall not seme otherwyse to be under- stande then as coueteousnes expoundeth them. But whosoever thou be that readeth scripture, let the holy ghoost be thy reader, and let one text expound another vnto the. As for such dreames, visyons and darke senteces as be hyd from thy understandynge, commytte them vnto God, and make no articles of them : But let the playne text be thy gyde, and the sperete of God (whiche is the author therof) shall lede the in al trueth. 112 Colophon, Old Bibles. "As for the prayer of Salomon (which thou findest not herein) the prayer of Azarias, and swete songe that he and his two fellowes songe in the fyre, the fyrst (namely the prayer of Salomon) readest thou in the eight chapter of the thirde boke of the kinges, so that it appeareth not to be Apocryphum : The other prayer and songe (namely of the thre children) haue I not founde amonge any of the inter- preters, but onely in the olde latyn texte, whiche reporteth it to be of Theodotions translacion. Neuertheles, both because of those that be weake and scrupulous, and for their sakes also that loue such swete song-es of thankes- geuinge I haue not left them out : to the intent that the one shoulde haue no cause to com- playne, and that the other also mighte haue the more occasyon to giue thankes vnto God in aduersyte, as the thre chyldren dyd in the fyre. Grace be with the. Amen." There is no separate title to the New Testa- ment, which begins on folio I, sig. A A, and ends on reverse of folio cxxj., sig. Q Q I. The New Testament is followed by three leaves of Table of Epistles and Gospels after the use of Salisbury, for Sundays and " diuerse saynctes dayes in the yeare." The imprint is on the fifth page, and reads thus: " To the honoure and prayse of God, was this | Byble prynted and fynished in the year of oure | Sauioure Jesu Christ m.d.l. the | xvj daye of the moneth | of August." | Matthew's Bible. Matthews Bible. THE second version of the Bible in English was brought out under the superinten- dence of John Rogers, a friend of William Tyndale. It is a composite book, made up of Tyndale's Pentateuch and New Testament of 153 5—4, and, from Deuteronomy to the end of the 2nd book of Chronicles, taken from a manuscript transla- tion left behind by Tyndale with Rogers, his literary executor. The rest is from Coverdale's Bible, excepting the Prayer of Manasses, which was translated by John Rogers, the editor of this Bible, from the French Bible printed at Neufchastel by Pierre de Wingle in 1535. Why Rogers did not utilise Tyndale's trans- lation of the Book of Jonah is not known, but there can be no doubt that Jonah in Matthew's version is Coverdale's translation and not Tyndale's. John Rogers was born about the beginning of the 16th century; he took his B.A. degree at Cambridge in 1525, and, seven years after, obtained a Rectory in London. In 1537 he married Adriana Pratt, by whom he had eight children. He left London during the latter part of the reign of Henry VIII., and took up his residence at Antwerp, where he acted as Chaplain tp the 113 Matthew's Version a composite book. John Rogers, Editor of Matthew's Bible. ii 4 Old Bibles. Record of a daughter of John Rogers. Title of Matthew's Bible. Merchant Adventurers, and was also engaged on press work by Jacob van Meteren. He remained abroad some years after the death of Tyndale. In 1548 he returned to England, and was, on the 10th of May, presented to the Rectory of S. Margaret Moses, and the Vicarage of S. Sepulchre. On August 24th, 155 1, he obtained the Pre- bendal Stall of S. Pancras, at S. Paul's Cathe- dral, where he was Divinity lecturer. He was afterwards preferred to the Rectory of Chig- well, Essex. In August 1553 the Lords of the Council ordered John Rogers, alias Matthew, to re- main in his residence at S. Paul's as a seditious preacher, and on the 4th of February 1555 he was put to death. In the register of the united parishes of S. Mary Woolnoth and S. Mary Woolchurch Haw, London, is the following entry : " Suzanna wief of William Shorte, Grocer, and daughter to Mr. Rogers late burned at Smithfield." Thomas Matthew was either the name as- sumed by Rogers when at Antwerp, or a pseudonym adopted to conceal the fact that a considerable part of this Bible was the translation of Tyndale, whose writings had been condemned by the English authorities. The title, "CThe Byble, | which is all the holy Scrip | ture : In whych are contayned the I Olde and Newe Testament truly | and Matthew's Bible. purely translated into En | glysh by Thomas | Matthew. "C Essaye j. | Hearken to ye heauens and | thou earth geaue eare : " For the | Lorde speaketh | m,d, xxxvii." | " Set forth with the Kinges most gracyous lycece." On reverse of title, "These thynges ensuynge are ioyned with | thys present volume of the Byble." | Sig. ,s ij. has, " The Kalendar and Almanack for xviii yeares," beginning 1538, four pages. Sig. °iiij. begins, "f An exhortacyon on to the studye of the holy Scripture," one page, in red and black, and at the bottom the letters I. R., nearly 2\ inches high ; on the reverse is, " C The summe & content of all the holy j Scripture." The Dedication is on the reverse of the fifth leaf, " © To the moost noble and gracyous | Prynce Kyng Henry the eyght," 3 pages, the last signed, " Youre graces faythfull & true subiect | Thomas Matthew," and at the bottom H.R. in similar ornamental letters to the previous I.R. Then follows on the next leaf, "CTo the Chrysten Readers," and "A table of the pryncypall matters conteyned | in the Byble," | 26 pages. Then comes, " «[ The names of all the | bokes of the Byble," and " C A brief rehersall of the yeares passed sence the begynnynge of the worlde vnto this yeare of our Lorde m.ccccc xxxvii," one page ; on the reverse of which is a full page woodcut representing Adam and Eve in the Garden of 115 Collation of Matthew's Bible of 1537. n6 Old Bibles. Eden, making twenty leaves of preliminary matter. The text begins on Sig. a, Genesis to Solo- mon's Ballet, fol. i. to Ccxlvii., reverse of the last being blank. The second title is in red and black, "The Prophetes | in Englysh," | with a border of six- teen woodcuts. On the upper corners of the reverse are the letters R.G., and on the lower E.W., with a woodcut of " The Prophete Esaye " across the page. Then follows the text on Sig. A A, fol. i. to xciiij, and at the end the initials W. T. in large capitals. The third title is also in red and black, " <[ The volume of | the bokes called Apocripha: contayned in the comen Transl. in Latyne, whych are not founde in the Hebrue nor in the Chalde," | within a border of 15 woodcuts. On the reverse is an address, "tTTo the Reader," in long lines, fol. ij. to lxxxj., followed by a blank leaf. The New Testament title is like the first title page, "The newe j Testament of | oure sauyour Jesu Christ, | newly and dylygently translated | into Englyshe with annotations | in the Mergent to help the | Reader to the vnderstan | dynge of the | Texte | C Prynted in the yere of | oure Lorde God j m.d. xxxvii." Reverse blank. Text begins on Sig. Aii. " S. Mathew" to " The Reuelacyon," fol. ii. to Cix., ending on the recto. On the reverse is, "This is the Table | wherin ye shall fynde the Epi | sties Matthew's Bible. 117 and the Gospels, after the | vse of Salisbury," 5 pages. Next is the colophon, " f[ The ende of the newe Testament | and of the whole | Byble. | C To the honoure and prayse of God [ was this Byble prynted and fy | nesshed in the yere of oure | Lorde God a, | m,d, xxxvii." A full page has sixty lines beside heading ; the printed matter measures 1 1£ by 6| inches, not including marginal notes, which occupy one inch of space on each side. There are 1 1 10 pages, and nearly 80 wood- cuts, those before the Psalms and Proverbs filling the whole breadth of the page. Three verses of the 14th Psalm, " not being in the Hebrew," are omitted. There is no printer's name on the colophon, but doubtless it was printed by Jacob van Meteren, Antwerp. It is folio size, B. L., with marginal notes, the canticles are printed in red and black, the running titles, signatures, marginal notes, &c, are all in black letter. Grafton brought a copy of this Bible into England in the early part of the year 1537, and showed it to Arch- bishop Cranmer, and begged him to obtain permission for its distribution, and the King allowed it " to be sold and read of every per- son without danger of any Act, Proclamation, or Ordinance heretofore granted to the contrary." Grafton presented Cromwell with six copies, and petitioned for a license under the Privy Seal, to prevent German printers residing in England from competing with, and underselling Grafton pre- sents a copy to Cranmer. n8 Old Bibles. Second folio. Raynalde and Hyll's Edition of 1549- him, as he had 1,500 copies to dispose of, which represented considerable capital ; but whether he obtained protection or not is not very clear. The second folio edition of Matthew's Bible was printed in 1538 ; it is much more rare than the first edition, and a i6 mo - in five volumes is said to have been printed by Robert Redman in 1540. A very faithful and accurate reprint of Matthew's Bible of 1537 was issued in 1549, "Imprinted | at London By Thomas | Raynalde, and William Hyll, dwelling- | in Paules Churche yeard." My copy is absolutely perfect, and as clean as it left the printers' hands. The woodcut border of the title page of this book is made up of the same blocks as were used for Coverdale's Bible of 1535. The colophon on recto of last leaf reads, " The ende of the newe testa | ment and the whole I Byble [ « To the Honoure and Prayse of God I was this Byble prynted and | fynisshed, in the yeare | of oure | Lorde | God | a | MDXxxvii I and nowe agayne accordyngly im- prented, and finy | shed the leaste daye of Octobre. In the yeare | of oure Lord God m.d. xlix. I At London | By William Hyll, and Tho I mas Reynaldes Ty | pographers. | God saue the kynge | Cum priuilegio." I have not found a single word of difference in the text of the two editions, but in the 1549, Tyndale's prologues to the Pentateuch are in- serted as well as to the book of Jonah, and to the Epistle to the Romans. Matth ews Bibl e. The initial letters of the prologues to Levi- ticus and Deuteronomy are very large flourished German text capitals, much like some used in Jugge's revision of Tyndale's New Testament. A full page generally contains 53 lines, but in some cases 54. Before Exodus is an explanation of the follow- ing words : " Albe, a longe garmente of whyte lynen. " Arcke, a cofer or cheste as oure shrynes, saue it was flatte and thee sample of oure shrynes was taken therof. " Boothe, an house made of bowes. "Brestlappe or brestflap, is soche a flap as thou seest in the brest of a cope. " Consecrate, to appoint a thynge to holye vses. "Ephod, is a garment somwhat lyke an amyce, saue the armes came thorowe and it was gyrd to. " Geeras, in weyght as it were an englyshe halfpeny or somwhat more. " Heue offrynge, because they were houen vp before the Lorde. " House, he made them houses : yt is he made a kynred or a multitude of people to spring ovt of them, as we save the house of Dauid for the kynred of Dauid. " Peace offring, offeringes of thankes- geuinge of deuotion, and not for con- science of synne and trespace. " Reconcyle, to make at one and to bringe in greace or fauoure. II 9 Meaning of certain words. 120 Old Bibles. Daye and Seres' Edi- tion of 1549. " Sanctifye, to dense and purifye, to ap- poynt a thinge vnto holye vses and to seperate from vncleane and vnholy vses. " Sanctuarye, a place halowed and dedy- cate vnto God. "Tabernacle, an house made tentwyse, or as a pauelion. " Tunicle, moche lyke the vppermost gar- ment of the deaken. "Waue offring, because they were wauen in the prestes handes of dyuers quarters. " Worship, by worshippyng whether it be in the old testament or ye newe, vnder- stand the boweng of a man's self vpon the ground as we (oftymes we knele in oure prayers) bowe our selues and lye on our armes and handes, wyth our face to the ground." Another folio edition of Matthew's Bible was printed the same year, under the editorship of Edmund Becke, by whom the dedication was written, as well as many objectionable notes which are to be found in no other edition of the Bible. The title (in red and blacks is, " The Byble, that is to say all the holy Scripture : In whych are cotayned the olde and New Testament, truly and purely traslated into English, & nowe lately with greate industry and diligece recog- nised. Essaye I. Hearken, &c." " Imprynted at London by Ihon Daye, dwell- ing at Aldersgate and William Seres, dwelling in Peter College. Matthew's Bible. 121 " Cum gratia ad imprimendum solum, xvj daye of August m.d.xlix." On reverse is " An Almanack for xxix yeares." Kalendar, 2 leaves. " An exhortation " and " The summe and content," i leaf. Dedication, in which the Judges, Justices, and Lawyers are very severely dealt with, and which concludes, " geue you honorable & triuphant victory our all your enemies Cyuyl and foren, and in all other your princely affayres, be your guyde, protection and assistance. Your graces faythfull & humble subiect Edmunde Becke," 3 pages. " C A description and successe of the kinges of Juda and Hierusalem declaringe when and vnder what kinges euery Prophet lyued. And what notable thynges happened in theyr tymes, translated out of the Hebrew," finishing with " carried Israel and many of the stocke of Dauid and Jehuda into Spayne," i page. Address to Christian readers. " A Table of pryncipal matters," &c, and a j perfect " supputacion " of the years, by Edmund Becke, 12 leaves. A prologue and a register, 2 leaves. Altogether 20 leaves. Then follows the text. This Bible has five title pages. It has wood- cuts, and before each Gospel is a figure of the Evangelist with his emblem. In addition to the prologues to the Penta- teuch there is an address by W. T. "to the 122 Old Bibles. Ed. Becke'5 notes. Woodcuts in Revelation. Christen Reader," of &| columns of small type, prefaced to " f[ The boke of | the Prophete Jonas," and after the New Testament title another address by " William Tindale vnto the Christen Reader" of 4^ columns, and one column of explanation of the words " Repentaunce " and " Elders," in which Tyndale tries to prove that Bishops and Elders are all one. A list of " The bokes conteyned in the new Testament " completes the page. The notes are very long, and printed in the same type as the text; for instance, those to S. Matthew, chapter vi., occupy nearly 1^ columns, and may be said to be a sermon on the Lord's Prayer. The notes to S. Matthew, chapter xix., are indecent, and many others are most objection- able, mainly consisting of abuse of the Church, her doctrine, and her Clergy. The following is the note to I. S. Peter iii. : "He dwelleth wyth his wyfe according to knowledge, that taketh her as a necessarye healper, and not as a bonde seruaunte or a bonde slaue. And yf she be not obedient and healpfull vnto hym endeuoureth to beate the feare of God into her heade, that therby she maye be compelled to learne her dutie, and to do it." No doubt such annotations were disapproved of at the time, for they were never reprinted. The woodcuts in the Revelation closely re- semble those in Flemish and other Bibles printed about the same period ; but in this Matthew's Bible. Bible the woodcuts are explained by the fol- lowing doggerel, one line being printed on each side the cut: — 1st Figure. " By the Stars in hys hand we may wel se What maner of men our preachers should be." 2nd Figure. " In the middest of his church sytteth God in majestie, To whom al hys faythfull geue honoure, and glorye." 3rd Figure. " Pale hypocrytes, enemies to Goddes Gospel, Bring death in their doctrine and dryue vs to hell." 4th Figure. " The sainctes that we prayed to, lo, where they lye, And they that were our spokes men herke how they crye." 6th Figure. " The Lord hath his numbre, whom he doeth preserue ; Their soules shall not perishe, though theyr bodies sterue. " 7th Figure. " The prayers of godly men that do lyue here, And they that before God so pleasant appere." 8th Figure. " Oute of the dark pytte came locustes fell, To vex them that lyueth not after the Gospell." 9th Figure. " The doctrine and laws of these beastes cruel Drawe the thyrde part of men unto hell." loth Figure. " Goddes worde is swete in the mouth of the faythful, But bitter in the bealy, to the flesh it is painiul." nth Figure. " The Popes parte is caste out and geuen to the sworde When the Churche is measured wyth Goddes word." 1 2th Figure. " Goddes chosen Churche trauayleth here alwaye, And bringeth forth Christe both nyght and day." 123 124 Old Bibles. N.Hyll's edition of 1551- 13th Figure. " The open enemye is most ougly in syghte, But the wolfe in the Lambes skyne doeth al the spight." 14th Figure. " The electe of God onely can singe the songe That soundeth on the herte, and not on the tonge." 15th Figure. " At the tyme appointed by God's secret wyll, The sykle shal cut downe boeth good and yll." 1 6th Figure. " The seuen trompettes and the seuen scales, Declare the same thinges that the seuen vialles." 17th Figure. " The Princes of the earth euerye one Have with this whore wrought fomicacyon." 1 8th Figure. " The Romyshe marchauntes, the Priestes of Bal Do wepe, houle, and crye, at Babylons fall." 19th Figure. " All flesh is kylled with the ij edged sworde, Which after the spirit is called Goddes worde." 20th Figure. " For euer lyeth Sathan bounds in chayne, Though in his members he be louse agayne." 21st Figure. "A beautyfull cytye, most semelye to se Are the faythfull folowers of Godde's verytye." The last issue of Matthew's Bible was by Nicholas Hyll in 1551, a certain number of copies being taken by various booksellers, whose names were placed on the copies for which they subscribed. The names of eight honest booksellers de- serve to be recorded ; they are : Richard Kele, John and Thomas Petyt, R. Toye, Abraham Matthew's Bible. Veale, John Whyte, John Walley, L. Harrison. The colophon of this book is as follows : " Here endeth the whole | Byble after the translation | of Thomas Mathew, with all hys Prologues, | that is to say, vpon the v bokes of Moses, the pro | phet Jonas, and to euery of the four Euangelistes. | " And after euerye Chapter of the boke are there ad | ded many playne Annotacions and exposicions of | suche places as vnto the symple vnlearned seame | heard to vnderstand. With other dyuers | notable matters as ye shall fynde no | ted nexte vnto the Callender. | Diligentlye perused and | corrected. | " C Imprinted at London by Nicolas | Hyll, dwelling in Saynt Johns streate. | at the coste and charges of certayne | honest menne of the occu [ pacyon whose names | be vpon their j bokes." | The following is an extract from the Act of Par- liament prohibiting Tyndale's translation at the time Matthew's Bible was authorized by Royal licence, although Matthew's Bible is mainly Tyndale's translation under another name : "Anno xxxiiij Henrici Octavi. 0543) " C An acte for the aduauncement of true reli- gion and for the abolishment of the con- trary. Cap. j. " Whereas the kinges most royal maiestie our gracious and natural soueraigne liege lord, supreme head of the churche of Englande, and also of Irelande, and his honourable counsayle, 125 126 Old Bibles. perceiueth the ignoraunce, fonde opinions errours, and blindnes of diuers and sundrye his subiects of this his realme, in abusinge and not obseruinge, nor folowinge the commaund- mentes, preceptes and lawes of almyghtie god, nor the verie true and perfecte religion of Christe, notwithstandyng suche holsome doc- trines, and documentes as his maiestye hath heretofore caused to be set forth for that pur- pose beside the great libertie graunted to them in hauing them amonges them and in theyr handes the new and old testament, which not- withstanding many sedicouse people, arrogant and ignorant persons, whereof some pretend- inge to be learned and to haue the perfite and true knoweledge, vnderstanding, and iudgment of the sacred and holy scriptures and some other of theyr peruerse, frowarde and malicious mindes, willes and intentes, entending to subuert the veray true and perfect exposicion, doctrine, and declaracion of the saide scripture, after their peruers fantasies : haue taken vpon them, not onely to preache, teach, declare, and set forthe the same by wordes, sermons, disputa- cions, and argumentes, but also by printed bookes, prynted balades, playes, rimes, songes, & other phantasies subtelly and craftely in- structyng his highnes people, and specially the youthe of this hys realme, vntruly, and otherwise than the scripture ought, or should be taught, declared, or expounded, & contrary to the veray sincere, and godly meanyng of the same, wherevpon diuersity of opinions, sayinges, Matthew's Bible. variaunces arguments & tumultes & scismes haue been sprong and arysen amonges his sayd subiects, within this his realme, to the greate inquietacion of his sayd people, and great displeasure of his maiestie, and contrary to his graces true meaninge, good intencion, & moste goodly purpose. " tt For reformacion therof, his maiestie most vertuousely, and prudentlye considereth, and thinketh that it is & shalbe most requisite, ex- pedient, and necessarye, not onely by lawes dredful, and penall, to take awaye, purg, and dense this his highnes realme, territories, con- fines, dominions, and countries, of all such bookes, writinges, sermones, disputacions, ar- gumentes, balades, plaies, rimes, songes, teach- inges and instructions, as be pestiferous and noysome, with all the causes instrumentes and meanes of the same : But also to ordeine and es- tablishe a certaine forme of pure and sincere teachinge, agreable with goddes woorde, and the true doctrine of the catholike and Apos- tolicall churche, whereunto men maie haue recourse for the true desision of some such controuersies as haue in times past & yet do hapen and arise amonges them. And there- fore be it enacted, ordeyned and established, by our sayde soueraygne lord the kynge, the lordes spirytuall and temporall, and the com- mons in this present parliament assembled, and by the authoritie of the same, that all manner of bookes of the old and newe testament in englishe, beinge of the craftie, false, and vntrue 127 128 Old Bibles. translacion of Tindall, and all other bookes and writinges in the englishe tongue, teachinge or comprisinge any matters of christen religion, articles of the faithe, or holy scripture, or any part of them, contrary to that doctrine, which sins the yere of our lorde mdxl. is, or at any time duringe the kinges maiesties lyfe, our saide souerainge lorde that now is kinge Henry the eyght, whiche our lord longe preserue, shalbe sette forth by his highnes, with such superscrip- tion and subscription, as hereafter shalbe de- clared, shall be by auctoritie of this present acte clerelyand vtterlie abolished, extinguished, and forbidden, to be kept or vsed in this realme, or elswhere in anie the kinges dominions. " €E And also be it enacted by the auctoritie aforesaid, that if any printer, bokebinder, boke- seller, or anie other person or persons shall after the firste daie of July next ensuinge, printe or cause to be printed, or vtter, sell, gyue, or delyuer within this realme or elswhere within anie the kinges dominions anie of the bookes or writinges afore abolished, or prohibited, or play in enterludes, sing or rime, any matter contrarie to the said doctrine, which sins the said yere of our lorde m.d. xl. is or at anie time (as is aforesaid) shal be set forthe by the kinges maiestie, our saide soueraigne lorde that now is, and be of any the offences aforesaide con- uicted, by sufficient witnes, before anie two of the kinges counsaile, or the ordinare of the diocesse, where anie such offence shalbe com- mitted, and two Justices of peace of the same Matthew's Bible. 129 shyre where anie such ordinarie shall sitte within his diocesse, for that purpose, as before anie other person or persons, whome for this purpose the kinges maiestie shall appoint by his highnes commission, shall haue and suffre for the first time, imprisonment of his bodie for three monethes, and also lose and forfaite for euery such booke or writing', printed vttered, and solde, giuen, or delivered (as is aforesaid) the sume of x/. sterling. And for the second time so offending in anie of the said offences, and being therof conuicted, as is aforesaide, shall lose and forfaite all his goodes, and his body, to be committed to perpetuall prison. " C And be further enacted by the auctorite aforesaid, that if any person or persons, after the first day of Julye next comminge, reteine in his handes or custodie, anie englishe bookes or writinges concerning matter against the holy and blessed sacrament of the aulter, or for the maintenaunce of the damnable opinions of the secte of anabaptistes or anie other Englishe bookes or writinges, which heretofore haue been abolished and condemned by the kinges proclamacions, and shalbe therof conuict, in maner and fourme aforesaid, That than euery such offendour shall for euerie such boke or writing so reteined as is aforesaid, lose and forefait the summe of vl. sterlinge. And if any person or persons, after the first daie of Octobre next comminge shall reteine in his handes or custodie, within this realme or elles where within any the kinges dominions, anie 130 Old Bibles. other of the said bookes or writinges before prohibited, and shal be therof conuicted, in maner and fourme aforesaid, that the saide person or persons, so being- coniiicte shall for euery such booke or writinge, conteininge speciall treatie or chapter against anie doc- trine, set foorthe or to be set foorthe by the kinges maiestie as is aforesayd, so by him or them retayned, forfait and pay the summe of vl. sterling. And if the booke or writing haue onely wordes or sentences enterlaced, contrary to the said doctrine, Then the fine shall be moderate by the discrecion of the iudge : so that it excede not xh. " C Prouided alwayes, that the bibles and newe testament in englishe, not beinge of Tindalles translacions, shall stande in force, and not be comprised in this abolicion or acte. Neuerthelesse if there shal be found in anie such bibles or newe testamentes, any anno- tacions or preambles, That then euerie person or persons, hauinge anye bibles or newe testamentes with any such annotacions or pre- ambles, shall before the sayd first day of Octobre, cutte or blotte the same, in such wise, as they cannot be perceiued nor red, vpon payne to lose and forfaite for euerie bible and newe testament that any person or person shall have in their handes or custodie, after the sayd first daie of Octobre, with any such annotacions or preambles as is aforesayd, contrary to this acte xlj. " C Prouided alway, that this article next Matthew's Bible. 131 aboue specified, do not extend to the blotting or cutting out of any quotacions or summaries of chapters expressed or conteyned in anye such bibles or newe testamentes any thinge afore mentioned to the contrary notwithstanding. " G Prouided also, that all bookes in englishe, printed before the yere of our lorde m.d. xl. intiteled, the kinges highnes proclamations, in- junctions, translacions of the Pater nostre, the Aue maria, and the Crede, the psalters, primers, praiers, statutes and lawes of the realme, cronicles, Canterbury tales, Chaucers bookes, Gowers bookes, & stories of mens Hues, shall not be comprehended in the prohibicion of this acte, onlesse the kinges sayde maiestie shall hereafter make speciall proclamacion for the condemnacion and reprouing of the same, or any of them. " f[ Prouided alwaye and be it enacted by the auctoritie aforesayd, that all printers maye lawfully printe all suche bookes conteyninge matters of religion as the kinges maiestie shall by his bill assigned allow, and aproue, whervnto the same printers shall be bound to put the superscripcion and subscripcion in this fourme, that is to saye, by the kinge and his clergie, with adieion in the ende of the printers name, his dwellinge place, the daie and the yere of the printing of the same, which if the said printer do omitte, he shall incurre such penal- ties, as before is limitted for printing, selling, giuynge, or diliueringe of vnlawfull bookes. " C Prouided alwaies, and be it enacted by 132 Old Bibles. the auctoritie aforesayde, that it shal be lawfull to all and euerie person and persons to sette forthe song-es and plaies, and interludes for the rebuking and reproachinge of vices, and the settinge forthe of virtue : So alwayes the said songes, plaies, interludes medle not with inter- pretacions of scripture, contrary to the doctrine set forth or to be set forth by the kinges maiestie. Anye thing contayned in thys acte to the contrarye notwithstanding. " C And be it further enacted by the auctoritie aforesayde, that no manner of person or persons after the first daye of Octobre next ensuinge, shall take vpon him or them to read preach or teach openly to other, in anye churche or open assembly, within any of the kinges dominions, the bible, or any part of scripture in englishe onlesse he be so appoynted therunto by the kinges maiestie, or by any ordinarye, or by such as haue rule, gouernment and auctoritie vpon peine that euery such offendour, shall suffre imprisonment of one moneth. " C Prouided also that it shall be lawfull to euery noble man and gentleman being a house- holder, to rede or cause to be reade by anie of his familye servauntes, in his house, orchyardes or gardeine, and to his own familye, any text of the bible or new testament so the same be done quietely and without disturbance of good order. And also that it shal be lawfull for euerye marchanteman, being a housholder and occupiyng the seat of marchaundyse, to read to himself priuately, the bible and new testament, Matthew's Bible. anye thynge in this acte to the contrarye not- withstanding-. "©And where the kinges maiestie, of hys moste gracious and blessed dysposicion, hath heretofore caused to be set forth the bible and new testament in the Englyshe tonge, to be read by his louing subiectes, to the intent that they might therby better know theyr dutye to almightie god, and to his maiestie, and also increace in vertue for the welth of their soules. All be it his maiesties said most godly purpose and intent, hath taken good effecte amonges great multitude of his subiectes, and specially amonges the highest and most honest sort, accordynge to hys highnes good expectacion therof, yet for as much as his highnes per- ceiueth, that a great multitude of his saide subiectes, moste especially of the lower sorte haue so abused the same, that they haue there- by growen and increaced in diuers naughty and erronious opinions, and by occasion therof fallen into great diuision and disscencion among them selves, to the great vnquietnes of the realme and other his maiesties dominions. For remedy wherof be it enacted by the auctoritie aforesayde, that from and after the first day of Julye next commynge no women, nor arti- ficers, prentyses, iorneymen, seruyng men of the degrees of yeoman or vnder husbandmen, nor labourers, shal reade wythin thys realme, or in any other the kinges dominyons the bible or new testament in Englishe to hymself, or to any other priuately or openly, vpon payne of 133 134 Old Bibles. one monthes imprisonment for euery tyme offendyng- contrary to thys acte, and beynge therof conuicte in such manner and fourme as is aforesayde, onlesse the kinges maiestie perceiuing- such reformacion and amendement in theyr lyues and behauiour, by the diligent and dyscrete readyng and imprinting - in their hartes of the most blessed doctrine set forthe, and hereafter to be set forthe by hys sayde maiestie, shal of his clemency thinke good otherwise, to enlarge and giue libertie for the reading of the same. " ft Prouided alway, that all maner of per- sons, other than women, artificers, prentises, iourneymen, seruing men of the degrees of yomen or vnder, husbandmen, and labourers, maye read to themselves, and to none other, any text of the bible and new testament, for theyr own edefieng, and increase of vertue, anything in this acte to the contrary notwyth- standyng. " ft Prouided alwaies, that euery noble wo- man and gentelwoman maye reade to them- selues alone, and not to others, any textes of the bible or new testament, anything in this act to the contrary notwythstanding. " ft And it is also ordeined and enacted by the auctoritie aforesaide, that the one moitie of all the penalties and forfaitures of summes of money aboue specified, shall be to the kinge our soueraine lorde, and the other moitie therof to such person or persons as will detecte and sue for the conuiction of any of the offendours Matthew's Bible. contrary to this acte, in such fourme as is aboue limitted by this acte, and that the moitie of such forfaitures limitted to the partye detect- inge and suinge as is aforesayde, shall be leuied of the offendours, that shal be conuicte by auctoritie of this acte as is aforesaid, after such fourme, fashion and order of processe, as shal be deuised by the iudge or iudges afore whome any such conuiction shal be had : and the other moitie of such forfaitures, limitted to the kinges maiestie, shall be estreated by writyng into the kinges escheker, by the said iudge or iudg-es, within xl dayes next after such conuiction had : if it be in the term tyme, and if it be out of the terme, then within xx dayes nexte after the begininge of the terme follow- ing after such conuiction. " C And be it further enacted by the aucto- ritie aforesaid, that in triall by witnes of any of the matters or offences aboue specified in this acte, the person or persons beinge detecte or complained on, shal be admitted to purge and trie his or theyr innocency by other witnesse, as many or mo in numbre, and of as good honesty and credence as those which be de- posed against them or any of them, in whiche case the said iudge or iudges which shall haue auctoritie to examine here and determine the offences aboue saide, by auctoritie of this acte, shall aduisidely and deliberately suruey and consider the witnes brought in by bothe partes, and theyr disposicions and circumstances therof, and there vpon condempne or dismisse from 135 136 Old Bibles. punishment and lose, the person detecte or complained vpon, as to his owne discretion shall seeme best to agree with with conscience and equitie. " C Prouided alwaies and be it enacted, that for the more spedie execution of this act, euery ordinary aforesaid, shall haue full power and auctoritie, by vertue of this act, to giue notice to two justices of the peace being vnder the degree of barons, and being- residaunt and in- habitaunt within such shyre where any such ordinary shall set, for the execucion of this acte, and require them to come to suche place, and at suche time as suche ordinary shall name and assigne, to ioine with the said ordinary in ex- amination and determinacion of any offence or offences committed or done against the tenour of this act. And in case any such iustices, being so required, as is aforesayde, hauing convenient and reasonable warning and know- ledge in writinge from and at suche time, of the day and place appointed, do not come to suche place and at such time as shal be ap- pointed, hauing no lawfull and iust impediment to the contrary, shall forfaite and lose to the kinges highnes, for euery such offence xh. to be estreated, as is aforesaide. Ta verner s Bibl e. 137 Taverner's Bible. LESS is commonly known of Taverner's ver- j sion than of any other. It was issued the same year as the Great Bible, folio size. The title is within architectural compartment, surrounded with a double black line. " The Most I Sacred Bible | Whiche is the holy scripture, con | teyning the old and new testa- ment, I translated into English, and newly ( re- cognised with great diligence | after most fayth- ful exem | plars, by Rychard Taverner. " flip Harken thou heuen, and thou earth gyue I eare : for the Lorde speaketh. Esaie i. | " SOT Prynted at London in Flete strete at | the sygne of the sonne by John By | ddell, for Thomas Barthlet. | "JW Cvm Privilegio ad imprimendum solum. I m.d. xxxix." I Reverse blank. Dedication, " To the most noble, most mighty, and most | redoubted prynce, Kinge Henry the viij.," 1 page ; on the reverse, " These thynges ensuynge are | joyned with this present vo- | lume of the bible," and " An exhortacion to the diligent studye of the holy scripture | gathered out of the Bible," 1 page. The third leaf begins, "TheContentes of the Scriptvre," 2 pages, in long lines. The fourth leaf begins, " The Names of the Bokes of the Byble," 1 page, in two columns ; on the reverse, Collation of Taverner's Bible. 138 Old Bibles. " A briefe rehersall of the yeres passed," filling about a quarter of the page ; then comes, " A Table of the principal maters conteyned in the Bible," filling 1 , in double columns, that and the next twenty-four pages, making in all sixteen preliminary leaves. Text, in double columns, Genesis to Solomon's Ballet, ccxxx. folioed leaves, with signatures A to Z ; A a to O o in sixes, and Pp in eight leaves. Then follows, on a separate leaf, the title without any border, " The Boke of | the Pro- | phetes," &c. ; reverse blank. Text, beginning on signature A A ij, Esaye to Malachy, lxxxxj folioed leaves, sigs. A A to P P vij ; then comes on P P viij a third title, like the second with- out any border, " The Volume of | the Bokes cal | led Apocripha," &c. ; reverse blank. Text — Third book of Esdras to second of " Machabees," lxxv folioed leaves, followed by one blank leaf. Signatures Aaa to Mmm in sixes, and N n n in four leaves. Then comes the New Testament title, having a border similar to the first title ; reverse blank. Text — S. Matthew to Revelation, folio ij to cj, ending near the centre of the reverse. Signa- tures, A ij to R v. At the end of the Testament follows a table, " €L This is the table wherin ye shall | fynde the Epistles and the Gospels | after the vse of Salis- bury," 5 pp. in double columns, ending at the bottom of the fifth page with the Colophon, " C To the honour and prayse of God, was this Byble [ printed : and fynyshed, in the yere Taverner's Bible. 139 of I our Lorde God, a | m.d. xxxix." The last page is blank. Richard Taverner was born in 1505. Of his childhood little is known ; there is no doubt he sprang- from a good family, and one of con- siderable fortune. He graduated at Benet Col- lege, Cambridge, but attracted by the fame of Cardinal Wolsey's College, he transferred himself to Oxford, where he would find con- genial society with men of the " new learning," and the love he afterwards showed for the Greek language and literature no doubt was here implanted in his breast. Foxe says that about this time Taverner recanted his opinions, and publicly bore his fagot. Anthony a Wood, in his Athena Oxonienses, says that Taverner " went to an inn of Chan- cery, near London, and thence to the Inner Temple, where his humour was to quote the law in Greek when he read anything thereof." Thomas Cromwell, who had a keen eye for all whom he thought would promote his interest and aid his aggrandisement, took Taverner into his employ in the year 1534, and pro- cured him the position of a clerk of the signet. When, in 1 540, Cromwell's conduct brought his well-merited doom, Taverner's prosperity was clouded, and he was committed to the Tower of London, from which so many better men than he never returned. Taverner's imprison- ment there did not last long; he submitted to the Royal tyrant, Henry VIII., and was restored Richard Taverner. 140 Old Bibles. Tavemer's renderings. to the royal favour. This speaks much for his prudence, but shows he was not made of the stuff that Sir Thomas More, and Fisher the good Bishop of Rochester, were. When King Edward came to the throne, Taverner boldly resumed his principles, and, although he was not in Holy Orders, he was licensed to preach, preaching being then thought more important than anything else. His party very strongly objected to the proper ecclesi- astical vestments, but Taverner preached before the King at Court, and at other places, wearing a velvet bonnet, a damask gown, and having a chain of gold about his neck. During the next reign he prudently retired from public life, and remained unmolested, but as soon as Elizabeth came to the throne, he re- sumed his self-imposed vocation, and preached at St. Mary's Church, Oxford, in a similar dress and adornments to that worn by him in King Edward's time. Although not such a favourite with Queen Elizabeth as the Earl of Essex was, Taverner was shown special marks of the royal approval, and was made High Sheriff of the county of Oxford. He died in the year 1575. Nearly all the changes Taverner made in his version, appear to be in order to give more vigorous and idiomatic renderings. For instance, in I. S. John, second chapter and first verse, most versions give, " We have an advocate with the Father;" but Taverner renders it, "We have a spokesman with the Father": Taverner's Bible. again, in the next verse, Tyndale's New Testa- ment and Cranmer's Bible read, " For he it is that obteyneth grace for our sins," the Bishops' Bible has, "For he is the atonement for our sins," the Genevan Bible, " For he is the re- conciliation for our sins," the Authorized Ver- sion, " For he is the propitiation for our sins," Taverner's translation is, " For he is the mercy- stock for our sins." In S. Matthew xii. 12, we now have, "and he was speechless:" Taverner reads, "had never a word to say." In S. Luke xii. 19, Tyndale has, " neither climb ye up on high," and King James' version, " neither be ye of doubtful mind :" Taverner has, " and be not carried in the clouds." Taverner's Psalms follow the Vulgate numbering. Taverner says in his dedication to the King, " This one thyng I dare ful wel affirm, y' amongst al your Majesties deservings, your highnesse never did any thinge more accept- able to God, more profitable to the advance- ment of true Christianity, more unpleasant to the enemies of the same and also to your graces enemies, than when your majestie lycenced and wyled, the moost sacred Bible, contaynge the unspotted and lively word of God, to be in the Englyshe tonge set forthe to your highnesse subjects. " Wherefore the premises well consydered, for as much as the prynters hereof were very dysourous to have this moost sacred volume of the Bible come forthe as faultless and emend- HI Dedication. 142 Daye's Taverner, folio, 1551. Old Bibles. ably as the shortness of the tyme for the recog- nising- of the same would require, they desired me your moost humble servant, for default of a better learned, dygilently to oversee and pe- ruse the whole copy, and in case I should find any notable default that needed correction, to amende the same, according- to the true ex- emplars, which thing according to my talent I have gladly done." Two editions of this book were issued the same year (15 39) , one in folio and the other in quarto, and also two editions of the New Testament by itself, printed by T. Petit for T. Berthelet. The title page of the quarto reads, " The New Testament in Englysshe after the Greke Exemplar : Dilygently translated and corrected by Rycharde Tauerner m.d. xxxix. Cum Privilegio ad Imprimendum solum," sur- rounded by a border of grotesque and not very decent figures. In the year 1549, Daye and Seres published an edition of Taverner's Bible in five I2 m0> volumes, said to be for the convenience of those who were unable to purchase an entire Bible at one time, I never possessed the whole of the five volumes. I once picked up the Apocrypha part, but a friend having the other four volumes, I gave him mine to complete his set. This Apocrypha was remarkable for having three books of Maccabees. This is the first instance in which the third book of Maccabees appears as a portion of the English Bible. In 1551, John Daye printed a composite Bible Taverner's Bible. 143 in small folio. It consists of the Old Testa- ment and Apocrypha of Taverner's version, with the New Testament of Matthew's, which substantially was taken from Tyndale's small octavo of 1535-4, known as the "G.H.," from the initials of the publisher, Godfried von der Haghen, on the second title. The first title reads, " The Byble, | that is to say, al the holy | Scripture conteined in the olde I and newe Testament, faythfully set | furth according to ye Coppy of Thomas | Mathewes translatio, wherunto are I added certaine learned Prologes, and | Annotacios for the better under- | standing of many hard places | thorowout the whole I Bible." | "Essaye 1. | C Hearken to ye heuens, and thou earth | giue eare, for the Lorde speaketh. | Imprinted at | London by Ihon Daye | dwellyng ouer Al | dersgate. | " gIP Cum gracia et priuilegio ad impri- mendum solum. | Anno a m.d.li." At the bottom of the page is the printer's rebus, with the words, "Arise for it is day." This title is very interesting, and shows how careful we ought to be in accepting for facts the statements we find on title pages. It ap- pears as if in many early printed books the publisher, and not the author drew up the title page, and put on them not a true description of the book, but what he thought most likely to cause the volume to be purchased. The various titles to Coverdale's folio of 1535 are instances of this. Title page. i 4 4 Collation. Old Bibles. Although the above title states that the book is " faythfully set furth according to ye coppy of Thomas Mathewes translatio," the fact is that, excepting- from the 3 ist chapter of Deuter- onomy to the 13th of Joshua, and the Psalter, the whole is Taverner's translation, with some verbal alterations by Edmund Becke. The few chapters referred to above are from Matthew's Bible of 1537. In the Apocrypha, the 3rd book of Esdras, Tobit, and Judith, are an independent translation, unlike any other Bible ever printed, of which I will give a short specimen. As the preliminary matter in existing copies of this Bible is often defective, it may be useful to give a collation. The reverse of title is said by Cotton to be blank, but mine has on it "©An Almanacke for 27 yeares " from 1551 to 1577, in four columns, " The number of the yeares, Easter, The golden numbre or prime, The letter domi- nical," and the information at the bottom of the page that, " The yeare hath xij monethes, lij wekes and one day, and it hath in al thre hundred and lxvj dayes, and vj houres." Then a " Calendar," 3 pages, Edmund Becke's dedication to King Edward VI., 3 pages, in which he urges " all from the honourable lord Chanchlar to the honest Constable" to study this book. "Then shuld the ouer long and greate trauayle, the immoderate expences and costes whyth the pore man dayly susteneth in hys endles suites, pearse and moue their stony Taverner's Bible. 145 hertes, wyth pitye and compassion." Next, " To the Christen readers, A table of principall matters " arranged alphabetically. " ft A ga- theryng of certayne harde wordes in the newe Testament with their exposicion," also the fol- lowing preface, " Because there are in ye newe Testament some wordes which should not of euery body be well understated because they are not accustomed in common speach, we have made a lytle gathering and an exposicio of them not thoroughly to treate them as learned men myghte, nor to delaye them with longe circum- stance, but only that the rude ignoraunt may knowe what they signifie and so not be troubled in the readinge." "fAn exhortacion to the studie of the Holy Scripture gathered out of the Byble." " C The summe and content of al the holy Scrypture, both of the Old and new Testa- ment." Then, " A perfect supputation of the yeres and tyme from Adam vnto Christe, proued by the Scryptures, after ye colleccion of dyuers Authors, by Edmund Becke," concluding, "And ye whole summe and number of yeares from the begynnyng of the worlde vnto this present yeare of oure Lorde God, a thousand, v hun- dred, li. are just v thousand v hundreth, and xxv yere vj monethes, and the sayde od x dayes." Next, "The names of al the bookes of the Bible, and the content of the Chapters of euery booke," ending, "C Al these thynges are the booke of lyfe, the couenaunt of the 146 Old Bibles. Tyndale and Taverner. hyest and the knowledge of the truth, Eccle- sisticus xxiiij c." "A Regyster or a bryefe re- hersall of names of the most famous and notable persons mencioned in the old and new Testa- ment," giving the names of the " famous men, the wycked men, the famous wemen, the wycked wemen," the last being " Babilon the great harlot," &c. On reverse of last leaf but one of preliminary is, " A discripcion and successe of the Kynges of Juda and Hierusalem, de- clarynge when and vnder what Kynges euerye Prophete lyued, and what notable thynges hap- pened in their tymes, translated out of the Hebrew." The last leaf contains the well- known prologue of William Tyndale. These preliminary pieces occupy twenty-two leaves beside the title. The variation between Tyndale's rendering of the Pentateuch and that of Taverner is not great. As a specimen, I give the opening passage. Taverner has : " In the begyninge created God heauen and earth. The earth was voyde and emptie, and darcknesse was vppon the depe, and the spiryt of God was borne vppon the waters. And god sayde, lette there be lyghte, and there was lyghte. And God sawe the lyghte that it was good, and deuided the lighte from the darcknes, and called the light the day, and the darknes the night. And the eueninge and morninge was made one daye." In Genesis iij., where Matthew reads, "Ye shall be as God," Taverner has, "God dothe Taverner's Bible. 147 know that whensoeuer ye shud eate of it, your eyes should be opened, and ye shoulde be as goddes and knowe bothe good and euyl." In Genesis xlix. Matthew reads, " they houghed an oxe : " Taverner has introduced, "Thy hrethren Simeon and Leui, wicked in- strumentes are their weapons, Into their se- cretes come not my soule, and vnto their con- gregacion be my honour not coupled: for in their wrathe they slewe a man and in their luste they threwe downe the walles of the cytye." In II. Chronicles ii., and also in chapter iv., this book is the last English Bible which gives the name of the artist sent to King Solomon by the King of Tyre as Hiram Abif or Abi. The xci st Psalm varies only in spelling from the early versions. We here have : " He shal couer the vnder hys wynges that thou maiest be safe vnder hys fethers : hys faythfulnesse and truthe shal be thy shylde and buckler. " So that thou shalt not nede to be afraied for any bugs by night, nor for the arrowe that flyeth by day." The last paragraph of the viii* chapter of "Jeremy" is, " The haruest is gone, the sommer hath an ende, and we are not healped, I am sore vexed, bycause of the hurt of my people : I am heauye, and abashed : for there is no more Tryacle at Galaad, and there is no Physycion that can heale the hurte of my people." 148 Taverner's Apocrypha. Old Bibles. In " Exechyel " ix. we have, " He called the man that had the linnen rayment vpon hym, and the writers ynckhorne by hys syde, and the Lorde said vnto hym, Go thy way thorowe the cytye of Jerusalem, and set this marke, Thau vpon the foreheades of them that mourne and are sorye for all the abbomynacions that be done therein." To show that a portion of the Apocrypha in Taverner's version is an entirely new translation a passage is appended from the second chapter of the third book of Esdras. The 1st and 2nd books of Esdras are now called Ezra and Nehemiah. Coverdale's, Matthew's, the Great Bible (com- monly called Cranmer's), are all alike, and the Bishops' Bible only varies in a few unimportant words, but this Bible will be seen to have an independent translation. Third Book of Esdras, chapter second. Co- verdale's, Matthew's, Cranmer's, and substan- tially the Bishop's version, read as follows ': " Now when kynge Cyrus raigned over the Persians, and when the Lord would performe the worde that he had promysed by the mouthe of the prophete Jeremy : the lord raysed up the sprete of Cyrus, the kyng of Persians, so that he caused this writinge to be proclaymed thorowoute his whoole realme, sayinge : Thus saythe the kynge of Persians : The lorde of Israeli that hygh lorde hathe made me kynge of the Lande, and commaunded me to buylde hym an house at Jerusalem in Jewrye. If Taverner's Bible. 149 there be any now of youre people, the lorde be wyth hym, and go up wyth hym to Hierusalem. "And all they that dwell roUde aboute that place, shall helpe them whether it be wyth golde, wyth silver, wyth giftes, wyth horses and necessary catel, and all other thynges that are brought wyth a fre wyll to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem." Third Book of Esdras, chapter second, Taverner's version (numbered iii. in error) : " The first yeare of Cirus kinge of Persians, the lord entending to performe that he had promised bi the mouth of the prophet Jeremi, he stirred up the mind of Cirus king of Persians to make proclamation thorowout all hys realme, writing on this wyse. These things comaundeth Cirus the king of the Persians. The Lord of Israel, that hieste Lorde, hathe made me kynge of the worlde, and hathe commaunded me for to builde uppe hys Temple of Hierusalem, whych is in Jurye, wherefore if there be any of your people the lord be with hym, and let him go to Hierusalem which is in Jury, and buyld the temple to the lord of Israeli. This is the Lorde that had a tabernacle at Hierusalem. As manie therefore as dwell there aboute, Lette theym helpe them, whether it be wyth golde, or wyth silver, with giftes, wyth horses, or necessary cattel, and al other thinges that are brought to the house of the Lorde in the temple of Hierusalem." This Bible has an additional book at the IS© The Third Book of Maccabees. Old Bibles. end of the Apocrypha, viz., the Third Book of Maccabees, consisting of seven chapters. To give some idea of this almost unknown book, I append the table of contents at the head of each chapter: The first chapter : " C Philopater overcometh Antiochus. The Jewes declare the joy for hys vyctorye. He desyreth to enter into the holyest place. They denye hym." The second chapter : " C The Jewes fel to prayer to let the kyng of hys purpose. He was punyshed by God, but he repented not." The third chapter : " C The kyng maketh a sore decree, and writeth a letter that they shuld be broughte to Egypte as traytoures and there kylled." The fourth chapter : " C The people had pyty to se them so greuouslye handled, and said they were so many that the names coulde not be wrytten." The fifth chapter : " C The kyng called for Hermon the Master of hys Elephants and bad hym prepare them that they myght kyll the Jewes, but by the myght of God the kyng fel into such forgetfulnes that he wyst not what he commaunded : and they were saued." The sixth chapter : " tL Eleazarus maketh hys prayer. The kyng commaundeth yet agayne to kyll the Jewes by T averner s Bibh the force of Elephants. Angels appere and save them. The kyng is tourned to mercye." The seventh chapter : " ff The king- wrytteth to all the rulers in Eygipte to suffer the Jewes to g"o home. They take shippynge. They put troubles in wryting, and praise the Lord God of Israel for euer." The last chapter concludes : " for al men receyued their goodes, as they were named in the bill of atteindure, so that whosoeuer had anything of theyrs, restored it againe wyth greate feare, the hie God finishing theyr matters to al their healthes. Praysed be God the delyuerer of Israeli worlde wythout ende." The New Testament title is in a border like the first title. The letterpress reads : " The Newe | Testament of oure Sa | uioure Jesu Christe, diligently | translated, accordynge to the Greke | with certayne Notes folowynge | the chapters. Wherin the | hardest doutes are decla | red for the better vn | derstandyng of | the unlear | ned rea | der. | " II Timoth. ij. All Scrypture geuen by in- spiracyon of God, is profytable to teache, to improue, to amend, and to instruct in right- eousnes, that the man of God maye be perfect and prepared to al good workes." On reverse of title begins a prologue of "Wyllyam Tyndall vnto the Christyan Reader" of four pages in double columns, then the text, beginning on verso of signature Aaaa iij., and 151 152 Old Bibles. Colophon. headed by a woodcut of S. Matthew, with his usual emblem of a man, on the sides of which are the following lines : " A Prince of the Publicans, a taker of tolles, Is become a preacher, a feder of soules. — Math. ix. " The text is that of Matthew's Bible, the only difference being- that the summary of contents at the head of each chapter is longer. At the end are "Tables of Epistles, &c, ac- cordyng- to the boke of Common Praier," two leaves (i.e., the first book of Edward VI.), and "The Epystles and Gospels for Sayntes dayes." The Colophon is : " C The ende of the old and newe Testa- ment." " To the honour and prayse of God was thys Byble prynted and fynyshed in the yeare of our Lord and Saufour Jesus Christ. M.D.LI. The xxiij daye of Maye. Imprinted at London by Jhon Daye, dwellyng ouer Aldersgate beneth Saynt Martyns. Cvm privilegio ad imprimen- dvm solvm." The Great Bible. 153 The Great Bible. Between April 1539 and December 1541, seven editions of this version were printed, each of which was more or less revised. There is sufficient difference between the issues to enable any leaf to be recognised, and assigned to the edition to which it belongs, although they all have the same catchwords, excepting the November issues of 1540 and 1 54-1- The title page of the first edition reads, "CThe Byble in | Englyshe, that is to saye the con | tent of all the holy scripture, bothe | of y e olde and newe testament, truly | translated after the veryte of the | Hebrue and Greke textes, by y e dy | lygent studye of dyuerse excellent | learned men, expert in the for- sayde | tonges. | C Prynted by Rychard Grafton & Edward Whitchurch, j Cum priuilegio ad imprimen | dum solum. | 1539." | There are twelve preliminary pages. The colophon is, "The ende of the new Testamet : | and of the whole Byble, Fynisshed in Apryll, | Anno m.ccccc. xxxix. | A dno facta est istud." I Myles Coverdale was the editor and chief translator, but there is no record of the names of the " dyuerse excellent learned men " by Title of Great Bible of April 1539. 154 Old Bibles. Cromwell beheaded. Dean Hook 1 ! opinion of Cromwell. whom he was assisted; most likely they were Bishops of the English Church, who did not care to have their names prominently brought forward. A number of letters from Coverdale to Cromwell are in existence which throw con- siderable light on the history of the genesis of this book. They are dated from Paris, where Coverdale, accompanied by one of the publishers, had gone to see the book through the press. Cromwell was evidently paymaster, as Cover- dale speaks of the book as "your work." Cromwell by this time had been raised by King Henry VIII. to the dignity of Vicar- general. His conduct to the bishops was most overbearing, and at length retribution over- took him; for having been proved to have enriched himself by taking bribes to pervert justice, and being found guilty of other mal- practices, the disgraced favourite ended his days on the scaffold, July 1540. He enjoyed the earldom of Essex only 102 days. He fell into a pit he had digged for another, for he was condemned under the Act of Attainder, without trial, a process of his own devising. Dr. Hook says : " Cromwell's haughty demea- nour when in power contrasted strongly with the abject cowardice of his last letter to the King, which concludes, ' Written at the Tower, with the heavy heart and trembling hand of your Highness most miserable prisoner, and poor slave, I cry for mercy, mercy, mercy.'" The Great Bible. His great friend, Cranmer, voted for his attainder. The Bible of 1539 was a great improvement on Coverdale's Translation of 1535 ; the divers excellent learned men who assisted the editor did not slavishly follow the first version. In the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, for example, they made about forty alterations. Great efforts were made to induce the people of England to accept this translation, for the majority were hostile to a vernacular Bible, hence the number of injunctions and even penal laws that were required to force it into circulation. Besides the proclamation issued by the King- himself, the Archbishop urged the clergy to provide themselves with copies of the Scriptures. The Vicar-general also commanded " that one book of the whole Bible of the largest volume in English should be set up in some convenient place within the church " that "ye have the care of whereat your par- isioners may most commodiously resort to the same and read it." This Bible might well be referred to as " of the largest volume," as its pages are 15 inches in length, and more than 9 inches in breadth. It was without marginal notes, but Coverdale intended to add them to subsequent issues. He promised he would " avoid any private opinions or contentious words, and obtain Bishop Bonner's sanction to each note before it was printed." Coverdale, with several assistants, was for 155 Purchase of Bibles ordered by proclama- tion. i 5 6 Old Bibles. Regnault engaged to print the Great Bible. Coverdale and Grafton's acknowledg- ment of Bp. Bonner's assistance. Bp. Bonner conveys por- tions of the Great Bible to London. some years privately engaged on the transla- tion of this Bible. Early in 1538 it was com- pleted and ready for the press, but the art of printing- not being as far advanced in England as in France, and Cromwell being determined that this book should be a typographical won- der, as indeed it proved to be, sent Grafton and Coverdale to Paris, to place the work in the hands of the celebrated French printer, Regnault ; having first induced Henry VIII. to enter into direct communication with Francis I., and obtain from him a special licence for Richard Grafton and Edward Whitchurch to have the Scriptures printed in his dominions. Dr. Bonner, Archdeacon of Leicester, then Bishop elect of Hereford, afterwards Bishop of London, rendered most essential service in the issue of this version. Bonner was at that time ambassador from the Court of England, and by his official position, as well as from the high estimation in which he was personally held, was able to afford protection to Coverdale and Grafton, and he did so to the utmost of his power, and they gratefully acknowledged in several letters still extant, his great liberality and kindness to them. Knowing the great efforts that were being made to induce Francis to withdraw the licence he had granted to the printers, and that thus the undertaking was liable to immediate inter- ruption, Bonner conveyed portions of the im- pression as they issued from the press, to London; an ambassador having the right to The Great Bible. travel without his lug-gage being- examined. On the 13th of December Coverdale writes to Cromwell : " Rig-ht honorable and my syngular g-ood Lorde (after all dow salutacions) I humbly beseche youre Lordshippe that by my Lorde Electe of Herdforde I maye knowe your plea- sure concernyng the Annotacions of this Byble, whether I shall proceade therin or no. " Pitie it were that the darck places of the text (vpon the which I haue allwaye set a hande) shulde so passe vndeclared. As for anye pryuate opynion or contencious wordes, as I wyll utterly auoyde all suche, so wyll I offre the Annotacions first to my sayde Lorde of Herdforde, to the intent that he shall so examen the same afore they be put in prynte, yf it be your Lordshippes good pleasure, that I shall do so. " As concernyng the New Testamentes in English and Latyn, wherof your good Lord- shippe receaued lately a boke by your seruaunt Sebastian the cooke, I besech your Lordshippe to consydre the grenesse therof, which (from lack of tyme) can not be so apte to be bounde as it shulde be. And where as my sayde Lord of Herdforde is so good vnto vs as to conuaye thus moche of the Byble to your good Lord- shippe, I humbly beseche the same to be the defender and keper therof; to the intent that yf these men proceade in their cruelnesse agaynst vs, and confiscate the rest, yet this at the leest maye be safe by the meanes of your 157 Coverdale's letter to Cromwell. i 5 8 Old Bibles. Regnault for- bidden by the French authorities to print the Great Bible. Press and type pur- chased. Title page. Lordshippe, whom God the Almightie euer- more preserue to His good pleasure. Amen. Written somwhat hastely at Parys the 13 day of Decembre [1538]. "Your Lordshippes humble and faithfull seruitour Myles Couerdale." Superscribed — " To my most singular good Lorde and Master the Lorde Cromwell. Lorde Preuye Seale. This delyuer." These gloomy anticipations were fully rea- lised; for four days after the date of this letter, the work was stopped, and by the permission of Francis, an order was issued, dated Decem- ber 13th, 1538, signed Le Tellier, citing Reg- nault, and all others it might concern, to answer for what they had already done, and inhibiting the further printing of the Bible, and ordering the sheets already printed to be delivered up. All the printed leaves the authorities could lay their hands on were ordered to be destroyed. Instead of strictly obeying orders, the Lieu- tenant sold four great dry vats full to a haber- dasher, from whom they were rescued and conveyed to England. Cromwell then sent to Paris and purchased from Francois Regnault the presses and type, and had them removed to London, where they were used in the production of this and the six succeeding editions. The border of the title page is an elaborate engraving, said to have been designed by Hans Holbein. The Great Bible. 159 It represents our Lord in the clouds, with stretched out arms ; underneath is the King sitting on a throne, with Bishops on one side and Nobles on the other. The Bishops stand bareheaded, with their mitres on the ground at the King's feet, a fitting emblem of Henry VIIFs supremacy over the Church. The King is re- presented as holding a book in each hand, which he is presenting to the Bishops and Nobles, and on the cover of each book, is inscribed the words " Verbum Dei." On the right side of the letter press is Crom- well giving a Bible to some laymen, and on the left, Cranmer handing a Bible to a Priest. Below are represented all sorts and condi- tions of men, supposed to be shouting " Vival Rex." This Bible is without notes ; the editor says in his prologue, " We have added many hands in the margent of this Byble vpon which we purposed certen godly annotacyons, but for so moch as yet there hath not bene sufficient tyme mynystored to the Kinges moost honorable councell for the ouersyght and correcyon of the sayde annotacyons, we wyll therfore omyt them tyl their more conuenient leysour." This " leysour " never came ; for a hint was conveyed to Coverdale from the King that the Bible had better be left without note or comment. Grafton and Whitchurch took the pecuniary risk of the publication of the various editions of the Great Bible, materially helped by Anthony Coverdale's preparation for notes. Anthony Marler pro- vides funds for printing the Great Bible. i6o Price paid for the Great Bible. Without dedication. Old Bibles. Colophon. Marler, a merchant of London. The price was fixed at 10s. unbound, and 12s. bound ; and a royal proclamation was issued forcing- the curates and parishioners of every parish, under a penalty of double the cost of the book per month, to purchase a copy for the common use of the people before the Feast of All Hallows 1540. No version since this one has been formally authorised by the Crown, nor has any authority, excepting that of the Church, been required. Although Anthony Marler was authorised to charge the sum of 12s. for each bound copy, we find from the Churchwardens' books in various parishes that the price at which the Great Bible was actually sold was much less; for instance, the Ashburton entry is as follows : "a.d. 1 540-1. Paid vs. iiijrf. for a new booke called a Bybyll ; Paid viijV. for a chaine for fas- tenynge the sayde booke." At S. Michael's Church, Bishop Stortford, we have : "a.d. 1542. For a newe Bybill and ye bryng- yng home of it, v)s. and ]d." There is no dedication in this Bible; perhaps the representation on the title page, of the Almighty saying of Henry VIII., in Latin, " I have found a man after my own heart, which shall fulfil all my will," was considered flattery gross enough to gain the King's favour, without making other untruthful statements. On the colophon is, " The ende of the new Testamet, and of the The Great Bibl( 161 whole Byble. Fynisshed in Apryll, Anno m.ccccc. xxxix. " A dno facta est istud." Influenced by his vicegerent, Henry, on the 14th of November 1539, issued a proclamation, of which the following is the substance, "Being desirous to have our people attaining the know- ledge of God's word, whereby they will the better honour Him, and keep his command- ments, and do their duty better to vs, being their Prince and Sovereign Lord, and consider- ing that this our zeal and desire cannot by any means take so good effect as by the granting to them the free and liberal use of the Bible in our own maternal English tongue ; so lest the diversity of translations bring forth manifold inconveniences, we have appointed our well beloved counsellor, the Lord Cromwell, Keeper of our Privy Seal, to take special care that no manner of person within this our realm attempt to print any Bible in the English tongue for five years next ensuing, but such as be deputed, assigned, and admitted, by the said Lord Crom- well." Per ipsum Regem. No one who had once seen the first edition of the Great Bible could mistake any of the sub- sequent issues for it, as it varies from them in particulars which at once strike the eye ; for instance, the numerous woodcuts are supported by a border or column on each side, while in all other editions the woodcuts are without borders. The pointing hands in the margins and text, Cromwell empowered to grant licences for printing Bibles. Difference between the first and subsequent editions. l62 Old Bibles. Cranmer nothing to do with the issue of the Great Bible. Second edi- tion, with Cranmer's prologue showing- the passages Coverdale considered "dark," and wished to annotate, have ruffles about the wrist, while 'the hands in other editions have a cuff only. The stars in the text of the 1539 edition are double trine, or six-pointed, while the stars in other editions are some of them five-pointed. Even an imperfect copy can be recognised by observing the above three particulars. If the copy has its title pages complete, this edition will be found to differ from others, in having the Apocrypha title (there called Hagio- grapha) surrounded by a border like the first title page, and the New Testament title having a border of six woodcuts, which no other edition has. It has been proved most conclusively that Archbishop Cranmer had no share directly or indirectly in the translation, revision, printing, or publication of the Great Bible issued in 1539; therefore the common practice of designating it " Cranmer's Bible " is erroneous and unfair. It was the enterprise of Cromwell ; to whom the illuminated copy on vellum, with his coat of arms in colours, now in the library of S. John's College, Cambridge, was presented. The second edition of the Great Bible is dated April 1540. Cranmer wrote a long preface for it, which was re-published not only in almost every sub- sequent edition of the Great Bible, but also of the version which afterwards took its place, namely, the Bishops' Bible, down to the year The Great Bible. 1606; and this was the cause of Cromwell's undertaking becoming popularly known as Cranmer's Bible, and Cranmer having been credited with being its translator. Cranmer begins, " Concernyng two sundry sortes of people it seemeth much necessarie that some thyng be sayde in the entrie of thys booke by way of a Preface or Prologue, whereby hereafter it may be both the better accepted of them whiche hytherto coulde not wel beare it, and also the better vsed of them whiche here- tofore haue misused it, For truely some there are that be to slowe, and neede the spurre, some others seeme to quicke, and neede more of the brydle. " In the former sorte be all they that refuse to read the scripture in the vulgar tongue, much worse they that let also or discourage other from the readyng or hearyng thereof. " In the latter sorte be they which by their inordinate reading, vndiscrete speaking, con- tentious disputing, or otherwyse by their licen- tious living, slaunder and hynder the worde of God most of all other, wherof they woulde seeme to be the greatest furtherers." Then he quotes, " of a people whiche neuer saw the sunne, by reason that they be situated farre towarde the North pole and be enclosed and overshaddowed with hygh mountaynes : it is credible and lyke yenough, that yf by the power and wyll of God, the mountaynes shoulde syncke downe, and giue place, that the lyght of the sunne myght haue entraunce to them, 163 Cranmer's prologue. 164 Old Bibles. Triacle. Collation of second adition. at the first some of them woulde be offended therewith." He then states that " out of the most venem- ous wormes is made triacle, the most souer- ainge medicine for the preseruation of mans health in tyme of daunger." The title of the second edition reads, " C The Byble in | Englyshe, that is to saye the con | tet of al the holy scrypture, both | of ye olde, and newe testamet, with | a prologe therinto, made by | the reuerende father in I God, Thomas | archbysshop | of Cantor | bnry. | C This is the Byble apoynted J to the vse of the churches. " C Prynted by Edward whytchurche | Cutei priuilegio ad imprimendum solum. | m.d. xl." Title,reverse blank; "The Kalender;" "Alma- nacke," 4 pages. " An exhortacyon to the studye of the holy Scripture," 1 page. "The summe and content," 2 pages. " A prologue express- ynge what is meant by certayn sygnes," 1 page. " €[ Descripcyon and successe of the kynges," 2 pages. Cranmer's prologue, 6 pages. " C The names of all the bookes of the Byble," 1 page. In all ten preliminary leaves. One half the edition had the name of "Rychard Grafton" on the title as printer, and the rest " Edward whytchurche." Text, " Genesis to Deuterono- mium," folio i to Ixxxiiij. Title to " C The seconde parte of the Byble contaynyng these bookes" between 16 wood- cuts. "Josua to Hiob," folio ij to cxxiij. The Great Bible. Title to " C The thirde parte of the Byble " between 16 different cuts. " Psalmes to Ma- lachy," folio ij to cxxii. Title to " C The Volume of the bokes called Hagiographa " between 16 cuts ; on the reverse, "To the Reader." Esdras to II. Mac, fol. ii to lxxx. Title to " C The newe Te | stamet in englyshe translated | after the Greke," exactly like thefirst title page. " S. Mathewto Reuelacion," folio ii to ciiii, falsely numbered for ciii. "CA Table to fynde | the Epistles and Gospels vsually red in the | church." On the bottom of the last page is the colophon, " The ende of the newe Testament : | and of the whole Byble, Fynisshed in Apryll, | Anno. M.ccccc. xl. A dno factu est istud." This edition may be known by large woodcut initials before the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, S. Matthew, and Romans. Also by the printer's name being spelled " Whytchurche." This spelling is likewise adopted in the edition of 1553. Grafton, the printer, describes himself as being a grocer. He became poor towards the latter part of his life, and applied for the situ- ation of Government informer. Whitchurch married the widow of Archbishop Cranmer, and it is to be hoped he treated her with more respect than her first husband did ; for, in the words of an eminent writer, " Cranmer's treatment of his second wife shows to what con- temptible shifts he could be driven in order to escape the consequences of his own acts." 165 Grafton. Whyt- churche. Cranmer's ill treatment of his wife. 1 66 Old Bibles. Title of third edition. Fourth edi- tion. Cromwell's arms oblite- rated. Title of the November edition. The third edition of this version was pub- lished in July 1540. It has a similar title to the previous ones, and bears for the second time the words, "This is the Byble apoynted to the vse of the churches." The preliminary matter differs from the first and second editions. It consists of Kalendar, Almanac, 4 pages ; Prologue, 6 pages ; Names of books, 1 page ; all the rest being omitted. For the first time a translation is given of the Latin motto at the end of the colophon, " This is the Lordes doynge." S. Mark, in the woodcut at the beginning of the New Testament, is seated behind a table, his hat hanging in the front. The fourth edition is dated November 1540, and bears a remarkable likeness to the edition of November 1541- Both have 65 lines to a full page, while all the other editions have 3 lines less. They are printed on thinner paper, and were afterwards re-issued with certain sheets re- printed. For the first time the title page is seen with Cromwell's coat of arms obliterated, and the pointing hands are removed from the margins, and also the flourished capitals from the text, excepting one at the beginning of the Old Testament. The title of this edition is : " C The Byble [ in Englyshe of the largest and grea | test volume, auctorysed and apoynted | The Great Bible. by the commaundemente of oure moost | re- doubted Prynce, and soueraygne Lorde | Kynge Henrye the viii., supreme heade | of this his churche and Realme of | Englande : to be fre- quented and | vsed in every churche within this his | sayd realme, accordynge to the | tenour of his former In | iunctions geven in | that behalfe. | 9L Oversene and perused at the co | maundemet of the kynges hyghnes, | by the ryghte reuerende fathers in God | Cuthbert bysshop of Duresme, and Ni | colas bisshop of Rochester." | Cuthbert Tunstall is described by Sir Thomas More as so " excelling in learning, wit and virtue, that the whole world hath not at this day any more learned, wiser, or better." He was consecrated Bishop of London in 1522, and translated to Durham, March 25, 1530. Nicholas Heath also was a distinguished scholar. The reason the King selected these two Bishops to revise this and the November 1541 edition was to inspire the people of England with confidence in the accuracy of the translation. Bishop Tunstall has been branded with the accusation of having been one of the greatest opponents of the translation of the Bible, be- cause he tried to prevent the circulation of copies not faithfully representing the original Scriptures, and loaded with notes and annota- tions, calculated to bring the Church of England and her ministers into contempt. The colophon of the fifth edition states that it was " Fynysshed in Maye, Anno, m.ccccc. xli." 167 Bishop Tunstall. i68 Fifth edition. Sixth edition. Seventh edi- tion. Bp. Bonner sets up Bibles in S. Paul's for public use. Old Bibles. It may be distinguished from all other editions, even if all the title pages and the imprint are wanting, by the woodcut prefixed to S. Matthew's Gospel, in which S. Mark is represented sitting at a writing desk, and looking to the left, and having his hat upon his head. The sixth edition corresponds so closely with the fourth that it will not be necessary to say more about it than that it is dated November The seventh and last of this noble series of Bibles was issued in December 1541. Bishop Bonner, who, when filling the post of Ambassador at Paris, rendered such important service to Coverdale in conveying portions of the 1539 Bible from France to England, and afterwards assisted in importing from Paris the presses, type, and workmen, by which the Great Bible was so beautifully executed, had been translated to the See of London ; he there, in the most practical and unmistakable manner, proved his anxiety that the people should read the Scriptures for themselves, by setting up at his own expense six of these stately folios in certain convenient places in S. Paul's Church, London, for the good of the public. Unfor- tunately, owing to disregard of the Royal in- junction, that the Bible should be read with charity, so much contention, ill-feeling, disturb- ance, and irreverence was the result of the Bishop's encouragement of biblical research, that he was obliged to threaten the removal of the books, " which," said he, " I should be The Great Bible. 169 right loth to do, considering I have been always, and still am, right glad that the Scripture, the Word of God, should be well known, and also set forth accordingly." The directions issued by Bonner were, " The Bible is to be read with all deuocion humilitie, and quyetnesse, the reader leuing behynde hym vayne glorye hypocrisie, and all other carnall and corrupte affection, bring with hym discretion, honeste intente, charytie reuerence, and quyet behauiour, he is not to expound, nor to reade with a lowde voyce, and without disputacion." On the nth May 1542, he issued a formal injunction that every clergyman should read a chapter of the Bible a day, with the gloss of some expositor, approved and allowed by the Church of England. The great anxiety on the part of the majority of the people of England to possess a vernacular Bible existed only in the imaginations of Foxe and other party writers ; for in spite of all the arbitrary proceedings taken to force the Bible into circulation, we find the printers often com- plaining of the large stocks remaining on their hands, and begging that persons might be compelled to purchase, and that no fresh edi- tions might be issued. The demands made by Yorkshiremen proved the feeling existing in the North of England ; and in less than eigh- teen months from the accession of Edward VI. the male population of Devonshire and Corn- wall were in arms by thousands, and there were Bonner's declaration. Bonner's direction. Little desire in England for a ver- nacular Bible. F5 170 Old Bibles. Convocation desired a revision. Bishop Gardyner. No edition printed be- tween 1541 and 1549. popular risings in most parts of England, show- ing- that the hearts of Englishmen revolted from the teaching of Bucer, Peter Martyr, and other foreigners. The Cornishmen objected to have the new translation of the Bible forced upon them, as the Latin Bible was far more intel- ligible to them than the English. Early in 1542 Convocation made an effort to obtain another revision of the Bible. The Lower House sent to the Bishops a list of those pas- sages that required improved translation. Two companies were formed, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Ely, and others, being on the Old Testament, and Bishops Gardyner, Tunstall, Thirlby, and others, being on the New Testament company ; but Cranmer got the work taken out of the hands of Convoca- tion, and eventually it came to nothing. The cause of this unfortunate failure was the objection raised to the introduction of Latin words into a translation of the Bible, many thinking with Sir John Cheke that the English language was already sufficiently copious. Bishop Gardyner was not opposed to the introduction of a properly translated English Bible. A letter of his is still in existence, dated Waltham, June I, 1535, in which he says, " I have finished the translation of S. Luke and S. John, wherin I bestowed great labour, though I had as great cause as any man to desire rest and quiet for the health of my body." No edition of the Great Bible appeared after the end of the year 1541, until 1549. Most likely The Great Bible. 171 Grafton and Whitchurch's seven editions and two reprints, and Berthelet's edition of 1540, were far in excess of the demand. The last-mentioned Bible is interesting from its having its first and New Testament title printed from the very blocks used in printing Coverdale's Bible of 1535. No one could mistake the woodcuts for a moment. On the top left-hand corner are Adam and Eve ; next below, Christ giving the keys to His Apostles ; next, The day of Pentecost ; on the opposite side, Christ's triumph, Moses receiving the law, The reading of the law; below, David on one side, and S. Peter on the other, and in the middle, Henry VIII. seated on the throne, with the Bishops and Nobles kneeling at his feet. The title is, " The Byble | in Englyshe, that is to saye, | the content of all the holye | scrypture, bothe of the olde, | and newe Testament, truly | translated after the veryte | of the Hebrue and Greke | textes, by the diligent stu | dye of dyuers excellent | lerned men, experte | in the foresayde tongues. | " €1 Prynted at London by Thomas | Petyt and Roberte Redman for | Thomas Berthelet : Prynter | vnto the Kinges grace. | " ft Cum Priuilegio ad impri | mendum solum. | 1540." On the reverse, "An Almanac for xxx yeares," beginning 1540. " The Kalender," 2 leaves. The King's printer's edi- tion of 1540. 172 Old Bibles. Reprint of the 1539, by authority, in I54°- New Testa- ment of 1547, "The names of all the bok.es " and " A Pro- logue," 1 leaf. The text, Genesis to Job, i. to ccxiiij. Apocrypha ends on folio ccxxvij. The New Testament, said to be "after the last recognition of Erasmus." The colophon is, "The ende of the newe Testament, and of the whole Byble. Finished in Apryll. Anno. M.CCCCC. XL." This is a reprint of the 1539 Great Bible, and the name of the King's Printer, on the title, shows the issue of this Bible must have had Royal sanction. In the year 1547 an edition of the New Testament, by itself, was printed, in small octavo size, by Whitchurche. "The New Testament in Englyshe, accord- ing to the translation of the Great Byble," in red and black ; reverse, " An Almanache for xxv yeres " (from 1546 to 1560) ; " Kalendar," 6 pages ; " Tables for the foure Euangelists and the Actes," 22 pages ; " Rehersall of all the Contents &c," 2 pages ; making 16 leaves of preliminary. S. Matthew begins on A i., and Revelation ends on recto of R iv. ; on reverse is, " Table to fynde the Epistles &c." ; this ends on recto of R vij. The last page has the imprint, " Imprinted at Londo [ in Flete strete at the sy | gne of the Sune ouer a | gainst the Coduit, by Ed | warde whytchurche | the first day of De | cember. | m.d. xl vij. cum priuilegio ad impri | mendum solum." The Great Bible. 173 The small folio edition of the Great Bible, printed by " Edwarde Whitchurche " in 1549, presents many peculiarities. The title page border is the well known one used by E. W. in various books, e.g., for the translation of the paraphrase of Erasmus on S. John by " the Princesse Marie ;" also for " a treatise by the excellent Clerke Bocatius." This Bible was intended to be a companion to the Reformation Prayer Book issued the same year, as it supplied the Psalms, which were not printed in that volume, as well as enabled the First and Second Lessons, and the Epistles and Gospels, according- to the new Calendar, to be read as directed by the table, which for the first time is headed, " The Table to finde the Epistles and Gospels, vsually read in the Churche accordyng vnto the booke of Common prayer," &c. In this Bible, as well as in the folio editions of 1553 and 1562, this table is not inserted in its usual position at the end of Revelation, but immediately follows the New Testament title page, in fact begins on verso of that page. It provides for two celebrations on Easter day and Christmas day, and for one on S. Mary Magdalene's day. This title is shorter than former ones, as they followed the Sarum use, and appointed Epistles and Gospels for Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent and Advent, and also for the Nativity of our Lady, and her Assumption, and for S. George's, All Souls', and other days. Great Bible of T549, folio. The Table follows New Testament title. 174 Old Bibles. The table in harmony with the Prayer Book. This book printed at two different presses. Peculiar ini- tial letters. So closely does the table agree with the Prayer Book, that although the title " Saint " is invariably prefixed to all other names, it is omitted before " Symon and Jude " in both books. A remarkable peculiarity of this edition is that a portion of it appears to have been printed abroad, or from foreign type. There are five foliations: the first, from Genesis to Deuteronomy ; the second, from Joshua to Job; the third, from the Psalms to Malachi; the fourth, the Apocrypha; and the fifth, the New Testament. The difference in the appearance of the pages is very striking. The first part, from Genesis to folio 88 inclu- sive, where sheet L ends, and the Apocrypha, being of one kind, and the rest of the volume being of another. All the text is printed in ordinary black letter ; but the first part has the running titles at the top of the pages, as well as the headings of the contents of the chapters, printed in foreign type, very much resembling that used at Zurich. The initial letters of the chapters with the Zurich type headings are printed with a strange variety of flourished capitals. There are seven different and most fantastic forms of the letter A, three of the letter T, and two of M and S. The fifth chapter of I. Chronicles begins with a T in a vignette, and the rest of the The Great Bible. 175 capitals not in vignettes are printed in ordinary English type. * The words GOD and LORD are printed in large peculiar Roman capital letters. In the New Testament the use of larger type for the holy name is rare, and chiefly occurs in S. Luke's Gospel. All the initial letters are in vignettes. The initials of the books of Leviticus, Joshua, Judges, Kings, and I. Chronicles contain the letters I. R. in white on a black ground. The date on the title of this book is Dec. 29, 1549. It was printed before the changes in the Book of Common Prayer had been finally settled; for the passages marked in the text with crosses and half-crosses for the begin- nings and endings of the Gospels are more than double the number required by the new table, which was evidently printed after the Bible was finished. S. Matthew's Gospel begins on fol. 1 ; this shows the Table of Epistles and Gospels was a subsequent insertion, otherwise the first chapter would have been on folio 3. In this Bible the fourth chapter of Malachi is separated from the third, whereas in the Great Bible of 1539, and in the edition of April 1540, they form one chapter only. In the following year the same printer issued a 4'°- edition of the Great Bible, andjhon Oswen, of Worcester, printed a quarto New Testament of the Great Bible version, "with notes and expositions of the darke places therein." Printed be- fore the first book of Edward VI. was com- pleted. Worcester Bible. 176 Conclusion of the notes in Oswen's Bible. Old Bibles. The colophon occupies the whole of the last page, " Newly Imprinted | at Worceter byjhon Oswen, Prynter ap | poynted by the Kynges Maiestie, & his | highnes Honorable Counsaill for I the Principalitye of Wales, | and Marches of the same. | " <[ They be also to sell at | Shrewesbury. | Cum Gratia et Priuilegio ad imprimendum solum." The type is a clear black letter. There are 40 lines to a full page. The type (without margins) measures 6 by 3| inches. The notes conclude as follows : " |gr* Thus haste thou, gentle reader, suche thynges as are darke and hyd from the naturall vnderstandynge briefelye touched, that thou mayste wyth lesse laboure come to the know- ledge and vnderstandynge of the whole. Howe be it the study to be bryefe woulde not suffer me to be so playne as I wyshe that I mighte be, wherefore I thynke it necessary that thou playe not the slouggarde folowyng the example of the unprofytable drone be, who liueth onely by honye that the diligent bees gather. But contrarye wyse, be thou a good bee, search for the swete honye of the moost holesome floures of Gods holye worde. And in all this geue ouer thy selfe to the teachynge of Gods holy Spirite, who enstructeth none but the humble spirited & suche as seke reformation of theyr own mysse Iyuinge and all suche he enstructeth to the ful makynge theyr hertes a mete temple for hym to dwell in, Yet in the meane tyme, The Great Bible. refuse not the gyftes of God, whyche are offered vnto the by the laboures of other men whom God hath endued with the moost excellente gyfte of interpretyng, but vse them as meanes. And yet geue no credence lyghtelye vnto euery enterpretation, but fyrste proue the spirites. And if they confesse not Christe to be comen into the fleshe, that is, that there is no maner salua- tion besyde hym, beleue them not, for they are the spirite of Antichriste. " ff Here endeth the notes of the newe Testament." In 1552 the Great Bible was reprinted by Hyll in 4'°. The title within an architectural border is, " C The Byble in Englishe, that is to saye, The content of al the Holy Scripture, both of the olde, and newe Testament, Accord- ynge to the translation that is appointed to be reade in the Churches. N. H. Printed at London by Nycholas Hyll. Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum." [1552.], in red and black letters. On reverse, " An Almanack for xxvj yeares " (from 1552 to 1577)- The running- titles, notes, and chapter head- ing's are in black letter. Woodcut initials. A full page has 61 lines. The last edition of the Great Bible printed by R. Grafton was the small quarto of 1553. This Bible differs from all others in having the name of the month placed at the top of each page containing the chapters appointed by the Church to be read for lessons, so that the Bible is divided into twelve unequal parts. 177 Hyll's 4to. of 1552. Grafton's last quarto of 1553. 178 Old Bibles. Queen Mary's primer. Whyt- churche's last folio of 1553- Although bearing the imprint of R. Grafton, this book was printed abroad, as the type is evidently foreign. The words on the title are, " The Bible in Englishe according to the trans- lation of the Great Byble. 1553"; verso blank. My copy has only one leaf of preliminary, " The names of al the bookes of the Byble, and the content of the chaptres of euery boke with the numbre of the leafe." Then follows the text, without headings of chapters, notes, or wood- cuts. Another singular feature in this Bible is that at the end of the "newe Testamente in Englishe " is a " Table to fynd the Epistles and Gospels after Salysbury vse." This looks as if Grafton was aware in 1553, that the second Book of Common Prayer of Edward VI. would not long be used in the Church of England. When Queen Mary's first Prayer Book was issued, care was taken not to offend any reason- able Churchman. Great prejudice existed against the word " Church," as shown by its omission from all early editions of the New Testament, therefore in the translation of the " Te Deum " (called in Mary's book " the Songe of Austin and Am- brose "), " Te per orbem terrarum : sancta con- fitetur ecclesia" reads, "The holy cogregacyo of faithfull throughe all the worlde, magnyfye the." The last folio edition of the Great Bible printed by Edward Whytchurche was issued in the year 1553. The title is entirely in black ; the border consists of eleven woodcuts. The Great Bible. 179 It is difficult to make out what they are in- tended to represent, as the blocks from which they are printed appear almost worn out. Those at the top and bottom of the page are scenes from Old Testament history, as in one of them a man with horns is a prominent figure, and in early prints Moses is always so depicted. The six smaller engravings at the sides had pro- bably been used to illustrate books of devotion, as they portray events in the life of Our Lady. A considerable portion of this edition is a "remainder" of the 1549 issue. There are no woodcuts, except 1 in title page and initial letters. The passage in S. John, known as the " three heavenly witnesses," and also Latin titles of the Psalms, are printed in Roman type. The Epistles and Gospels in this book are not said to be after the " Use of Salisbury," but " accord- inge to the boke of Common-prayer." John Cawoode printed six editions of the Great Bible, all in quarto. That of 1561 is printed in Gothic type, and has some singular errors. The numbering is regular and con- tinuous to cciiii.; then comes the second title, "The thirde parte of the Byble contaynynge these bokes (from the Psalter to Malachy) :" the leaves follow in regular numerical order to 197 ; then come folios 200, 199, 202, 204, 203, 202, 207, 201, 201, 203, 211, 223. The text is correct, excepting the heading of the 25th, 26th, and 27th chapters of Job is " the boke of Hester." At the Psalter the signature and Cawoode's series of 4to. editions. i8o Old Bibles. The Epistles and Gospels in early PrayerBooks do not ex- actly corre- spond with any edition of the Bible. The Prayer Book version of the Decalogue differs from all Bibles. paging begin afresh, and continue through the books called Hagiographa, which has a separate title and address to the reader. At the end of the Second Book of Maccabees is a woodcut of the Baptism in Jordan, and another of the Good Samaritan. The title page to the New Testament is without the printer's monogram, but it appears on the rest of the titles. The last two leaves of this Bible are not numbered ; they contain " A table to fynde the Epystles and Ghospelles usuallye reade in the Churche." Cawoode's last edition came out in 1569. Until the year 1662, when our present Book of Common Prayer came out, the Epistles and Gospels were taken mainly from the Great Bible, but they do not follow with exactness any particular edition of it ; like the sentences from Scripture interwoven into various parts of the Church service, they are to some extent independent translations. Very many instances might be given of verbal differences between the Great Bible and the early Prayer Books. That glorious version of the Psalms used in the services of the Church, which is endeared to the hearts of the people of England, not only from old association, but from its intrinsic sweetness and beauty, is taken from the No- vember 1 540 edition of the Great Bible. It is worthy of notice that the ten command- ments in the Prayer Book differ in wording from the decalogue in every Bible that has ever been printed. The Great Bible. 181 In comparing the different versions of the Bible no one can fail to be struck with the fact of there being a great deal of force and meaning in some of the old renderings that have been discarded. For instance, in the account of the finding in the Temple, given by S. Luke, the Great Bible reads, "And it fortuned that after thre daies they founde hym in the tempell siteinge in the myddes of y e doctoures hear- inge them and posynge them." This gives an idea not conveyed by " asking them questions," the rendering in our present Bible. Matthew's Bible adds to the above, "And all that hearde hym meruaylled at his wit and aunswers." In S. Luke, ivth chapter, and 5th verse, the Authorized Version has, "And the Devil taking Him up into an high mountain shewed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time." The Great Bible says, " in the twynklelynge of an eye," thereby intensifying the thought of the rapidity with which the panorama passed before the eyes of our Blessed Lord. In I. S. Timothy, ivth chapter, and 14th verse, we now have, " Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." Matthew's Bible has, "with the laying on of the hands of an Elder." The Great Bible reads, "With the layinge on of handes by the autoritie of priesthode." In the Great Bible of 1553 and of 1569 the passage in the xixth. chapter of Job, so often quoted in support of one of the articles of the Early ren- derings of various pas- sages. 182 Old Bibles. Henry VIII's primer, 1545. Queen Mary's Prayer Book. Apostles' Creed, viz., the Resurrection of the Body, is thus rendered, " For I am sure that my redemer liveth, and y' I shal ryse oute of the earth in the latter day, that I shal be clothed again with this skynne and se God in my flesh, yea, I my selfe shal beholde hym, not with other, but wyth these same eyes." The Prayer Book of 1552, the second of Edward VI., gives it, " I know that my redemer liveth, and y' I shal rise out of the earth, in the laste daye, and shal be covered agayne with my skynne, and shal se God in my fleshe, yea, I myselfe shal behold hym not with other, but with these same eyes." The Bishops' Bible reads, " For I am sure that my redeemer liveth, and he shal rayse up at y e latter day, them that lye in the dust, and though after my skin (wormes) destroy this body, yet shal I se God in my fleshe, whom I mee selfe shal se, and mine eyes shal behold and none other for me." In the Primers, or Prayer Books of the Church of England which immediately pre- ceded Edward VI's book of 1549, this pas- sage reads, " I knowe that my redemer liueth and that I, the last day shal rise from the yearth, and shal be cladde agayne with myne owne skinne, and in myne own fleshe I shall se God, and myne eyes shall loke vpon, and none other : this hope is layed vp in my bosome." The rendering in Queen Mary's Prayer Book of 1555 is, " Who shall warrante me that my dedes shal be wrytten The Great Bible. " Or who can promyse me other that they shall " Be regysteryd so/ they shall nat be forgetten " In yron/ lede/ or in the stony wall " But one thing I know that fyrst is of all " That my redemer shall euer lyue/ this I knowe for trewe " And in the laste daye that I shall ryse anewe " And with this skyne agayne tham {sic) I shal be clad " And in my flesshe I shall playnly se " My sauyour and my god/ whyche hathe me wrought and made " And as I am now so shall I then be " I shall nat beholde hym by no depute " But these same eyes shall se hym manyfeste " This comforte sure remayneth in my breste." In 1562 a folio came out of "The Bible in Englishe, according to the translation that is appointed to be read in Churches. " Imprinted at London, in White Crosse strete, by Richarde Harrison." The date on the colophon is, "the yeare of oure Lorde, a thousande fyue hundred thre score and two." One remarkable feature of this edition is that the Psalter is divided into verses. The last folio edition of the Great Bible is dated 1566. It does not resemble any previous issue : the title is in outline; the text is printed with larger and more heavily leaded type. The title reads, "The Bible. In Englyshe of the largest and greatest volume, that is to 183 Harrison's folio of 1562. The last folio edition of the Great Bible. 1 84 Old Bibles. Collation of the Car- mardin folio. Notes for the months in Calendar of the Rouen Bible. saye the contentes of all the holye Scripture, booth of the oulde and newe Testament. "According- to the translation apoynted by the Queene's Maiesties Iniunctions to be read in all churches within her Maiesties Realme. "At Rouen, at the coste and charges of Richard Carmarden. Cum privilegio. 1566." Reverse blank. Twenty-one leaves of preliminary. The New Testament title is like the first title, but printed in black ink. The Latin titles of the Psalms are in Roman capital letters. The initial letters of the chapters are woodcuts. There are 58 lines to a full page. The Calendar of the last edition of Cranmer's Bible has notes peculiar to it. The note in the middle of January is, " C The xv. daye of January, the daye is en- creased an whole houre, and so the sunne aryseth three quarters after seuen, and goeth downe a quarter after foure : and so the daye is nyne howres and a halfe long." "CThe xvij. day of Februarye, the sunne aryseth thre quarters after vj. and goeth downe a quarter after fiue, and so the daye is x howres & a halfe long, fro sunne to sunne." There are three notes in March : " ©The iiij. daye of Marche, the sunne arys- eth a quarter after vj. and goeth downe three quarters after fiue, so the day is xj howres and a halfe long, from sunne to sunne." " fl The xj. daye of Marche, the sunne ryseth The Great Bible. at vj. and goeth downe at vj. and so the daye is xij howres long-, from sunne to sunne." " C The xix. daye of Marche, the sunne arys- eth iij. quarters after fiue, and goeth downe a quarter after vj. and so the daye is xij howres and a halfe long." "ft The iij. daye Apryll, the sunne aryseth a quarter after fiue, and goeth downe thre quarters sixe : and so the daye is xiij. howres and a halfe long." " ft The xix. daye of Apryll, the sunne aryseth thre quarters after foure and goeth downe a quarter after sixe, and so the daye is xiiij. houres and a halfe long." " ft The vij. daye of Maye, the sunne aryseth a quarter after foure, and goeth down thre quarters after seuen : and so the daye is fiftene houres and a halfe long." " ft The xij. daye of June, the sunne aryseth iij. quarters after thre, and goeth downe a quarter after viij. and so the daye xvj. houres, and a halfe long." " ft The viii. daye Julye the sonne aryseth at foure, and goeth down at eighte : and so the daye is xvj houres long." " ft The xix daye of Julye, the sonne aryseth a quarter after foure, and goeth downe three quarters after seuen, and so the day is fiftene houres and a halfe long." " ft The vj. of Auguste, the sonne aryseth thre quarters after foure, and goeth downe a quarter after seuen, and so the day is xiiij. houres and a halfe long." I8 5 i86 Old Bibles. " C The xxj. daye of Auguste, the sonne arys- eth a quarter after flue, and goeth downe three quarters after vj. and so the day is fourtene houres and a halfe long." "©The yj. daye of September, the sonne aryseth three quarters after fiue, and goeth downe a quarter after vj. and so the daye is xii. houres and a halfe long." " © The xiiij. daye of September the sonne aryseth at vj. and goeth downe at vj. and so the daye and nyght be lyke long." "•[The xxj. daye of September, the sonne aryseth a quarter after vj. and goeth downe three quarters after fyue : and so. the daye is x. houres and a halfe long." " © The vj. daye of October the sonne arys- eth three quarters after vj. and goeth downe a quarter after v. and so the daye is x. houres and a halfe long." " C The xxij, daye of October the sonne aris- eth three quarters after seuen, and goeth downe three quarters after foure : and so the day is ix. houres and a half long." " © The eyght daye of Nouember, the sonne aryseth three quarters after seuen, and goeth downe a quarter after foure : and so the daye is eyghte houres and a halfe long, from Sonne vnto Sonne." " © The xij. daye of Decembre, which is the shortest daye in the yeare, the sonne aryseth a quarter of an houre after viij. and goeth downe iij quarters after three, and so the daye is vij houres long and a halfe from sunne to sunne." The Great Bible. The last edition but one of the Great Bible version is a quarto bearing the imprint of Richard Jugge and John Cawoode, dated 1568. No edition is known of later date than Cawoode's quarto of 1569. As a specimen of the translation of the Great Bible I append a few of the first and last verses of the Benedicite omnia opera from the Hagiographa, said or sung in churches during Lent and other seasons when the Te Deum is not used. It is called in the Great Bible "The songe of the thre chyldren whiche were put into the hote brennynge oiren. The commen translacion read- eth thys songe in the thyrde chapter of Danyel." No doubt by " the common translation " the Vulgate is referred to-, as in it the "Benedicite" forms part of the 3rd chapter of Daniel. " O all ye worckes of the Lorde, speake good of the Lorde :■ prayse hym and set hym upe for euer. " O ye Aungeles of the Lorde, speake good of the Lorde : prayse hym, and set hym upe for euer. " O ye heauens speake good of the Lorde prayse hym and set hym vp for euer. " O all ye waters y' be aboue the fyrmament speake good of the Lorde : prayse hym, and set hym up for euer. « " O ye Prestes of ye Lorde, speake good of the Lorde : prayse hym, and sete hym up for euer. 187 Benedicite in edition of of 1566. i88 Old Bibles. " O ye servauntes of the Lorde speake good of the Lorde : prayse hym, and set hym vp for ever. " O ye spretes and soules of the ryghteous, speake good of the Lorde, prayse hym, and set Hym up for euer. " O ye holy and humble men of hert, speake ye good of the Lorde : prayse ye hym, and set hym upp for euer. " O Ananias, Asarias, and Myseal, speake ye good of the Lorde : prayse ye hym, and set Hym upe for euer. " Whiche hath delyured vs from the hel, kepte vs from the hande of death, ridde vs from the myddest of the burynge flamme, an saued vs euen in the myddest of the fyre. " O giue thanckes therfore vnto the Lorde : for he is kynde herted, and hys mercye eduereth for euer. " O al deuoute men, speake ye good of the Lorde : euen the God of al goddes : O prayse hym and giue hym thanckes for his mercye endureth worlde wythouteende. " The ende of ye songe of the thre chyldren." The Douai Bible of 1610 thus renders the chorus, " Al workes of our Lorde, blesse ye our Lorde, prayse and superexalt him for euer. o « O o « "All religious blesse ye our Lorde the God of goddes, prayse and confesse ye to him, be- cause his mercie is vnto al worldes." Whittingham's N. Testament. Whittinghams New Testa- ment. ON the ioth of June 1557 there was issued a New Testament from the press of Conrad Badius, of Geneva, the title page of which reads, "The Nevve Testament of ovr Lord Iesus Christ. Conferred diligently with the Greke, and best approued translations with the arguments as wel before the Chapters as for euery boke and Epistle, also diversities of readings and the most profitable annotations of all harde places, where- unto is added a copious Table." Under this is a rude woodcut of Time, with his scythe and hour-glass, drawing a nude female figure out of a well. On the right-hand side of this wood- cut are the words, " God by Time restoreth Truth ; " and on the left, " and maketh her victorious;" and below, "At Geneva. Printed by Conrad Badius m.d.lvii." On the reverse of the title is a table of "The ordre of the bookes of the Newe testament with the nomber of Chapters." Next, "The Epistle declaring that Christ is the ende of the Law by Iohn Caluin," 8 leaves ; " The Translator to the Reader," 2 leaves ; "To the reader mercie and peace through Christ ovr Sauiour," 1 leaf; "The Holy Gospel of Iesus Christe, writ by S. Matthew," signature a, 189 Whitting- ham's Testa- ment, 1557. 190 Whitting- ham, Lay Dean of Durham. Old Bibles. folio 1. The "Revelation of S Iohn" ends on verso of Sig. H h 7, folio 430. " The table and the supputation of the yeares from Adam to Christe" extends from folio 431 to 455, and thus ends, "The whole sum and number of yeres from the begynnyng of the worlde vnto this presente yere of ovr Lord God 1557, are iust 5531, six monethes and the said odde ten dayes." The colophon is at the foot of the page, " Printed by Conrad Badius m.d.lvii this x of Ivne." The last leaf has a table of errata, " Fautes committed in the printing." In some copies this table is on verso of colophon. The size of the book is duodecimo. The seam wires go down the leaf. My copy measures 5-J- in. by 3^ in., but most copies do not exceed 4^ in. by 3 in., owing to the margins being cut down. It is an excessively rare and very interesting book. The principal, if not sole, translator of this version was William Whittingham, who was born at Lanchester, near Durham, in 1524, and is said by Lewis to have been made a Fellow of All Souls', and afterwards one of the senior students of Christ Church, Oxford. In May 1550 he had leave to travel for three years; the latter part of the time he resided at Geneva, where his tendency to depart from the teaching of the Church of England developed. He re- turned home just before Queen Mary came to the throne, but soon after left England again, and we find him settled at Frankfort -on-the- Maine in June 1554. Here, on 15th Nov. 1556, Whittingham's N. Testament. 191 Whittingham married Catherine Jaquemayne, the sister of John Calvin's wife, and when John Knox left Geneva, in IS59> Whittingham was appointed his successor as "pastor" of the congregation. In 1560 he returned to England, and by the influence of the Earl of Leicester (at that time Queen Elizabeth's favourite) he was made Dean of Durham, although a layman, never having been ordained or admitted to Holy Orders. Whittingham considered himself a poet, and his doggerel imitation of several Psalms may be found in the old version of Sternhold and Hopkins, and may be recognised by the letters "W. W." appended to them. No second edi- tion of Whittingham's New Testament was ever published, and to this fact, as well as to the circumstance that its convenient size for carriage in the pocket, is due the very few perfect copies of this book now in existence; for of course, a large folio that could only with difficulty be removed from a library was not so likely to be worn out as a I2 m0 pocket Testament. Whittingham's version may be considered rather as a revision of Tyndale's than as a new translation. The Testament that was issued with the 4'° Genevan, or "Breeches," Bible, of 1560, has been supposed to be the same as the i2 mo of 1557; but a slight examination will show that the two differ on every page. No doubt the translators of the 1560 version were much 1557 issue differs from the Genevan 156°' 192 Old Bibles. indebted to Whittingham and adopted many of his readings. The fifteenth chapter of S. Luke's Gospel contains a considerable number of renderings, evidently taken from the 1557, still it varies from Whittinghara in thirty-eight places. The most striking innovation made by Whit- tingham in this version was the division of the chapters into verses, and his use of italics to mark words not in the Greek. Chapters were first introduced in the year 1248 by Cardinal Hugo de Santa Caro, and in 1528, Pagninus, a Dominican monk, published a Latin Bible at Lyons, in small folio, with the chapters divided into verses ; which, however, do not correspond with our present ones, being in most cases three or four times as long. Coverdale must have been acquainted with this work, as he copied into his Bible of 1535 several notes from it. Whittingham adopted his verse division from the Testament published by R. Stephens, in i2 m °, at Geneva, in 1551. This Testament has three columns : the left, the Vulgate version ; the centre, Greek ; and the right, Erasmus. Another respect in which Whittingham's New Testament differed from all that had previously been printed in the English language was the employment of Roman type in the place of black letter or old English. This plan was copied in all the early issues of the Genevan Bible in folio, 4'°, and 8 V0 , and was a cause of their popularity. Still many editions of the Whittingham's N.Testament. 193 " Breeches " Bible were printed in black letter, even down to the last printed in England by R. Barker in 1615. No revision was made of the New Testa- ment issued in 1560, except that of L. Tomson in 1576, and this was more the substitution of Beza's notes for those of the Genevan trans- lators, than any very extensive alteration of the text. The verbal change of the word " child " for "babe" in the 8 V °- printed in 1576 by T. Vautroullier for Christopher Barker, which until recently had escaped the notice of all bibliographers, can hardly be classed as a revision. I will now point out a few of the places in which Whittingham's New Testament of 1557 differs from all other versions. S. Matthew, chapter i. verse 19, reads : " Then Joseph her housband beyng a just man, and loth to make her a publike exem- ple of infamie, was mynded to put her a way secretly." Tyndale has : "Joseph her husbande beynge a perfect man, and loth to make an ensample of her, was mynded to put her away secretly." Coverdale (1535) reads: "Joseph her hosband was a perfecte man/ and wold not bringe her to shame/ but was mynded to put her away secretly." Matthew's Bible (1537) and Taverner's (1539) follow Tyndale. The Great Bible (1539) and Cranmer's (1540) Readings from Whit- tingham's Testament of ; 1557- 194 Old Bibles. read: "Joseph her hosband because he was a righteous man and would not put her to shame, was mynded priuily to departe from her." The Genevan version (1560) omits "of infamie." The Bishops' translation (1568) is, "Joseph her husband beying a ryghteous man, and not wyllyng to make her a publique example, was minded priuily to put her awaye." The Rheims (1582) has, "Joseph for that he was a just man, and would not put her to open shame, was minded secretly to dismisse her." Whittingham's Testament reads in S. Mark, chapter ii., verse 21 : "Also no man soweth a peece of newe and undressed cloth in an olde garment." No other version has the word "un- dressed : " the nearest to it is the Rheims, " No body soweth a peece of raw cloth to an olde garment." In S. Luke, chapter ii., verses 7, 12, and 16, both the 1557 and the 1560 have the word " cretche ;" all other versions have " manger." This word " cretche " occurs in an old English poem on " le enfaunce ih'u crist." (Bodleian MS. Laud 108) : " Zwane ih'u crist was i bore To saue this worlde that was for loue, In one Crachche he was leid Bi fore oxe and ass, soth it is said." The 1557 is the only early English Testament in which the Lord's Prayer concludes with " de- Whittingham's N.Testament. 195 liuer vs from the Euyl : " nor has any other the rendering- (S. John i. 13), "Which are borne not of bloud, nor of the lust of the fleshe, nor of the lust of man, but of God." In " The Actes of the Holy Apostles, called the second booke of S. Luke, the Euangeliste," chapter i., verse 18, reads, "and he therefore hath now gotten a plat of ground, with the re- warde of iniquitie." The 1557 thus renders Romans ii., verse 20 : " An informer of them which lake discretion, a teacher of vnlearned, which hast the informa- tion of knowledge, and of the treweth in the Lawe." Tyndale's reading is, "Which has the en- sample of that which ought to be knowen, and of the treueth in the lawe." Coverdale's (15^0) quarto is, "an enfourmer of the vnwyse : a teacher of the symple which haste the ensample of knowlege and the trueth in the lawe." Matthew, Taverner, and Cranmer follow Tyndale. The "Breeches" Bible has, "which hast the form of knowledge, and of the trueth in the lawe." The Rheims, "A teacher of the folish, a maister of infants, hauing the forme of science, and of veritie in the lawe." I. Cor. ii. 1, 2, in the 1557, reads: "And brethren when I came to you, I came not in Places in which the 1557 differs from all other Testa- ments. 196 Old Bibles. gloriousnes of wordes, or of wysdome, shewyng vnto you the testimonie of God. For I dyd not vendicat to my selfe to knowe any thyng among you." Tyndale has, " Neyther shewed I myselfe that I knewe any thyng among you." Coverdale : " I came not with high wordes, or high wysdome to show vnto you the preach- inge of Christ." II. Cor. viii. 19 : " Chosen by election of the churches." Galatians v. 1 : " Stand faste therfore and not contrarely, wrap yourselves in the yoke of bondage." Ephesians i. 9 : " According to his fre bene- uolence." Philippians ii. 13 : "his fre beneuolence." Col. ii. 2 : "In all riches of persuaded vnder- standing." I. Thes. i. 4: "Because we knowe brethren beloved that ye are elect of God." II. Thes. i. 5 : " fre beneuolence." I. S. Timothy i. 1: "by the commission of God our Saviour." Titus i. 5 : " That thou shoudest continue to redresse that which resteth." Philemon 15: "Perchance he therfore de- parted for a season." Heb. i. 3 : " Sytteth at the right hand of that moste highest maiestie." Whittingham's N.Testament. 197 Heb. ii. 1 : " Lest at any tyme we should not keep them." S. James i. 20 : " For the wrath of man doth execute the righteousnes of God." I. S. Peter i. 11: " Searchyng when or what time that forwaring Sprite of Christ that was in them should declare the suffrings that shoulde come vnto Christe." II. S. Peter i. 15: "I will enforce therfore, that ye may be able to haue remembrance of those thyngs after my departing." I. S. John i. 6 : " an yet walke in darkenes, we lye and do not syncerely." S. Jude 4 : " For there are certayne men craftely crepte in which were before euen of olde ordeyned to this condemnation." Revelation i. 8 : " Which is, Which was, and Which is to come, the almyghty I say." Should the title-page and colophon be lost, Whittingham's Testament may be identified by any of the above passages, which differ from every other version. It may be noticed that the words Alpha and Omega do not occur in Whittingham's New Testament, the Greek characters being substituted in Revelation i. 8, 11, as well as in the 13th verse of the last chapter. The only other Testament I know in which Greek letters are used for Alpha and Omega is the very rare octavo edition of Laurence Tomson's revision, printed by C. Barker in IS77- 198 Old Bibles. The following is a favourable specimen of Whittingham's poetical talent : " Nisi Dominus. Psal. Cxxvij. W. W. " C It is not mans witte, power, or labor, but the free goodnesse of God that geueth riches, preserveth townes & coutreys, grauteth nourishrnet & childre. " Sing this as the Lordes prayer. " Except the Lord the house do make, And therevnto do let his hand : What men do build it cannot stand. Likewise in vaine men vndertake, Cities and holdes to watch and ward, Except the Lord be their safegard. 2 Though ye rise early in the morne, And so at night go late to bed, Feeding full hardly with browne bread Yet were your labour lost and worne, But they whom God doth loue and keepe Receiue all things with quiet sleepe 3 Therfore marke well when euer you see That men haue heiies to enioy then land It is the gift of Gods owne hand, For God him selfe doth multiply, Of his great liberalitie, The blessing of posteritie. 4 And when the children come to age, They grow in strength and actiuenes, In person and in comelines, So that a shaft shot with courage Of one that hath a most strong arme, Flieth not so swift nor doth like harme. 5 O well is him that hath his quiver Furnished with such artillerie. For when in perill he shall be Such one shall neuer shake nor shiuer, When that he pleadeth before the iudge. Against his foes which beare him grudg." Whittingham's N.Testament. The first edition of Sternhold's Psalms (1548) contained versions of 19 Psalms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 20, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 41, 49, 73, 78, 103, 120, 122, 138). The first edition of Sternhold and Hopkins' (London, 1549) contained 44 Psalms, 37 by Sternhold and 7 by Hopkins. The next enlarged edition (Geneva, 1556) contained 51 Psalms, 37 + 7 + 7, by W. Whittingham. The edition of 1560 contains 65 Psalms, " newly set fourth and allowed according to the order appointed in the Queenes Maiesties Injunc- tions;" these are followed by the "Benedictus," "Magnificat," &c. In 1561 the number was increased to 87, with the Song of Simeon, the ten Commandments, &c. In 1562 the first complete English version was issued by Jno. Daye, and again in 1563. The same year, and again in 1565, Daye published "the whole Psalms in foure parts," preceded by the " Veni Creator " and other hymns. This version was adopted by the Church of England, and used until Tate and Brady's version supplanted it. 199 200 Translators of the "Breeches" Bible. Christopher Goodman's tractate, I558- Old Bibles. The Genevan Version. THIS Bible was translated by Noncon- formists who took up their residence at Geneva, soon after the death of Edward VI. William Whittingham acted as editor; his assistants were, Cole, Goodman, Gilby, Samp- son, and others. Before the translation was finished Queen Mary died, and most of the party hurried back to England in search of preferment; one or two, however, remained at Geneva until the work was completed. Sampson succeeded in obtaining the Deanery of Christ Church, Oxford. Gilby was made Vicar of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Cole became Archdeacon of Essex; he had also the living of High Ongar. Christopher Goodman was appointed to S. Andrew's. Just before Goodman returned home he pub- lished a tractate intitled, " How superior powers oght to be obey'd of their subiects : and where- in they may lawfully by God's Worde be dis- obeyed and resisted. Wherin also is declared the cause of all this present misery in England, and the onely way to remedy the same." This was printed by John Crispin (the printer of Whittingham's New Testament), at Geneva, 1558, in small octavo. In it the author says, "If it be treason to defend the Gospel and his countrie from cruel strangers and enemies, The Genevan Version. then was Wyatt a traytor and rebell, but if this was his duetye, and all others that professed Christe amongst you, then are all such traytours as did deceave him, and such as toke not his parte also ; when tyme and occasion by him was justly offered." The title of the first edition of the Genevan Bible is, — "The Bible | and | Holy Scriptvres. | Con- teyned in | the Olde and Newe [ Testament. | Translated accor | ding- to the Ebrue and Greke, and conferred with | the best translations in diuers langages. | with moste profitable an- nota | tions vpon all the hard places, and other things of great | importance as may appeare in the Epistle to the Reader. | "Feare not, stand stil, and beholde | the saluacion of the Lord, which he wil shewe to you this day. Exod. 14, 13." Then a woodcut of the Passage of the Red Sea. "At Geneva | Printed by Rovland Hall | M.D.LX." On reverse of the title is, " The names and order of all the bo | okes of the olde Testamet with the nombre of | their chapters, and the leafe where thei begyn." Next, " an Epistle," beginning, " To the Moste Ver I tvovs and Noble Quene Eli | sabet, Quene of England, France ad Ireland, &c, Your hum | ble subjects of the English Churche at Geneua wish I grace and peace from God the Father, through I Christ Iesvs our Lord." 20I Title of the Genevan Bible of 1560. Collation of the first Genevan Bible. G 5 202 Collation. First Genevan New Testa- ment, 1 6 mo. Old Bibles. Then an address, "To ovr beloued in the Lord." After these four preliminary leaves comes the text, Genesis to II. Maccabees, 474 folioed leaves. The second title page is, "The | Newe Testament " | &c, with a small woodcut of the Passage through the Red Sea; then, " The de- scription of the holy Lande, conteyning the places mentioned by the foure Euangelists, &c," and a map. S. Matthew to Revelation, 122 leaves. "A briefe table of the interpretation of the proper names," 7 pages; "A table of the principal things," 17^ pages; "A Perfite Svppvtation of | the yeres and times from Adam vnto I Christ, proued by the Scriptvres, after the collection of diuers Autors." The last leaf contains, "The order of the yeres from Paul's conuersion." Reverse blank. The book is printed in two columns. A full page has 63 lines. There is at Numbers xxxiii. a map of the journey of the Israelites. At Joshua xv. a smaller map of the division of the land of Canaan for the twelve tribes. At the end of " Ezechiel," a map of the Tem- ple and City restored. Before " The Acts of the Holy Apostles " a map of the places mentioned therein. The book is dated April 10, 1560. The size is a rather larger quarto than the series of the Great Bible issued by J. Cawoode. The same year the Genevan Bible came out, a i6 mo - edition of the New Testament appeared The Genevan Version. without printer's name. Most likely it was from the press of Rouland Hall, Geneva. The notes are shorter, but the text is exactly the same as the first 4 t0 - edition. The following comparison of three passages will show that the i6 mo - is not a reprint of Whittingham's New Testament of 1557, but of the original Genevan version : 1557 : S. Matthew, chap. i. v. 19, " exemple of infamie." 1560: ,, ,, " publike example. " 1557 : S. Mark, chap, ii., v. 21, "undressed cloth." 1560: „ ,, "newe cloth." 1557 : Romans, chap, ii., v. 20, "information of knowledge." 1560 : ,, ,, " forme of knowledge. " The changes made in the Geneva Bible were the adoption of Roman type instead of the black letter, in which all English Bibles had previously been printed, and the division of the chapters into verses. These changes were the principal cause of the wonderful popularity of this version, of which about 200 editions are known. From 1560 to 1616 no year passed without one or more editions issuing from the press, in folio, quarto, or octavo. In 1599 no less than ten distinct editions were printed, each of which consisted of a large number of copies. The last quarto printed in England is dated 161 5, and the last folio 1616. After this time a great many editions were printed at Amsterdam by Joost Broerss and other Dutch printers; the last folio bears the imprint of Thomas Stafford, and the date 1644. 203 Divided into verses, and printed in Roman letter. Dutch editions. * 204 Old Bibles. The Apo- crypha ordered by the Synod of Dort to be omitted. Reason of its common name. It professes to be copied from the Bible printed by Andrew Hart, Edinburgh, in 1610. In the place where the Apocrypha ought to be, there is an address from the Synod of Dort, ordering this portion of Holy Scripture to be omitted, and speaking of it in far less respect- ful terms than Coverdale did. 150,000 copies were imported from Holland after this version had ceased to be printed in England. On account of the numerous errors in these foreign printed editions, Archbishop Laud prohibited their importation, and the Puritans brought this against him as a crime at the trial which terminated in his martyrdom. Owing to the vast number of copies in circu- lation during the three-quarters of a century that this version was the household Bible of England, it is now the most common of all early printed Bibles. The division into verses, introduced by the Genevan translators, was found to be much more convenient for reference than the old method of placing letters of the alphabet down the sides of the page. The singular rendering of the 7th verse of the third chapter of Genesis in every edition of the Genevan version, has caused it to be com- monly known as the " Breeches " Bible. This word is peculiar to this version, for in every other English Bible the word " aprons " is employed. No doubt the translators took it from Wycliffe's MS. Bible, which reads, "And whan yei knewen yat ya were naked The Genevan Version. 205 ya sewiden ye levis of a fige tre and madin brechis." Voragine's " Golden Legend," printed by William Caxton at Westminster, Nov. 20, 1483, contains a translation of the Pentateuch, and most of the Gospels. In it this verse is thus rendered, " And thus theye knewe then that they were naked/ and they toke figge leuis and sewed them to gyder for to couere theyr membres in maner of brechis." In addition to the word " breeches," every chapter of the Genevan version has some read- ing by which it may be distinguished from all other Bibles ; for instance, the 2nd chapter of S. Luke's Gospel, wherever the word "manger" occurs in other versions, in this " cratch " is substituted. Several duodecimo editions of the Genevan New Testament were published between 1560 and 1575, of which no record exists in any book on the subject. I have two copies of different editions, unfortunately without title pages, but evidently printed soon after the Genevan Bible came out : both unknown at the British Museum. Strange to say, the annotations, or glosses, in the margin of this version were regarded with favour by many persons of that day, and even as late as 18 10 they were added to the text of King James's Bible. Geneva was so permeated with Calvin's in- fluence, it was almost impossible for the trans- lators of this version to have resided there Voragine's " Golden Legend." " Cratche" substi- tuted for " inanger." Genevan glosses popular. John Calvin. 206 Specimens of the German notes. Note to II. Chron- icles xv. 16. Genevan Bible never revised. Old Bibles. without being - drawn away from the doctrine and practices of the church of their baptism, consequently we find that almost every chapter has voluminous notes full of Calvinistic doctrine. The note to S. Matthew ii. 12 is, " Promes oght not to be kept when God's honour and the preaching - of his trueth is hindered, or els it oght not be broken," This specimen of German ethics was omitted from the 1599 an d 1600 editions. The note to Rev. ix. 3 is, " Locusts are false teachers, heretikes, and worldlie suttil prelates, with Monkes, Friars, Cardinals, Patriarkes, Archbishops, Bishops, Doctors, Baschelers, and Masters which for- sake Christ to mainteine false doctrine." The note to Romans ix. 15 is, "As the onelie wil and purpose of God is the jjhief cause of elec- tion, and reprobacion : so his fre mercie in Christ is an inferiour cause of saluation, and the hardening- of the heart an inferiour cause of damnacion." The note to II. Chronicles xv. 16 is, " Herejn he shewed that he lacked zeale, for she oght to have dyed," or, in other words, the mother of King Asa ought to have been mur- dered. Characteristically enough, the Puritans made allegiance to the monarch depend on the soundness of his or her faith (they being the judges). This feeling culminated in the Puritan persecution of King Charles I., on account of his religion, and his ultimate martyrdom. Nearly every edition of early printed English Bibles differs from its predecessor, and even the few reprints that appeared professed on the The Genevan Version. title to be " newly revised and overseen," but nothing of this sort took place with the multi- tudinous re-issues of the Genevan version. The edition of 1616 is an accurate reprint of that of 1560, excepting that Tomson's New Testament takes the place of the Genevan. It will not therefore be of any use to trace edition after edition, but will suffice to mention those that from accidental circumstances present some feature of interest. The second edition of the Genevan version was issued 1 562-1, in folio, without printer's name. It is known as the " Whig " Bible, from the beatitude, " Blessed are the peace makers," reading, owing to a typographical error, " Blessed are the place makers." The third edition was printed at Geneva, by John Crispin. Like most other early English Bibles, it was found much more easy to print than to sell, there being very little desire on the part of English people, generally, for a vernacular Bible; so the plan resorted to in the case of Coverdale's first Bible of 1535, and also of Coverdale's quarto of 1550, of inserting a new title page, and representing the book to be a fresh edition, was adopted by the publisher of the third edition of the Genevan Bible. This was a fraud ; for the editions of 1 568 and of 1569 are, as far as the text is concerned, identical, and were evidently printed from the same setting up of the type; for not only are all errors repeated, but the faults in composition 207 Second edi- tion, 1562-1, folio. Third edi- tion, 1568, small 4to. 208 Old Bibles. are the same. This could not possibly have been the case had one edition been set up in 1568 and the other the following- year. The fact that the date on the New Testament title page is 1568 shows that it is the edition of that year. I have called this Bible a small quarto, be- cause the wire lines in the water mark go across the page, although to all appearance the size is octavo, the leaves measuring 8^ in. by Si in. The size of a book is no criterion to judge if it is folio, quarto, or octavo ; this depends on the size of the paper before it was folded. Whatever the dimension of the book, if the wire-lines go down the page it is folio or octavo; if they go across the page, the size is quarto. This is plain enough if we remem- ber that a folio is a sheet folded once, a quarto four times, and an octavo a sheet folded eight times. I do not now refer to the smaller sizes, such as i2 mo , ifr" , and 24""°, &c. The title-page of the third edition of the " Breeches " Bible reads as follows : " The Bible | and | Holy Scriptvres con | teyned in the ol | de and newe [ Testament. | " Translated according | to the Ebrue and Greke, and conferred with the best | transla- tions in diuers languages. | With moste profit- able anno | tations vpon all the hard places, and other things of great im | portance as may appeare in the Epistle to the Reader. | At Geneva, | Printed by John Crispin. | MDLxviij." The Genevan Version. 209 On the title page issued in 1569 is added, " There is added in this second edition certeine tables, one for the Explication of the degrees in ma I mage in Leuiticus, with another for the Maccab, and a calender historical, with other things." On signature a 9 2 of preliminary is an ad- dress, "To the moste vertvovs and noble Quene Elisabet, Qvene of England, France, and Ire- land, &c. Your humble subiects of th English Churche at Geneua, wish jjrace and peace from God the Father through Christ Iesus our Lord." This address begins by comparing the virgin Queen to Zerubbabel, then speaks of " the enemies which labour to stay religion," such as ''Papistes," "worldings," and "ambicious prelats," and "The necessitie of gods worde for ye reforming of religion." "Wherefore great wisdome, not worldelie, but heauenly, is here required, which your grace must earnestly craue of the Lord, as did Salo- mon, to whom God gaue an vnderstanding heart to iudge his people aright, and to discerne be- twene good and bad, For if God for the furnish- ing of the olde temple gaue ye spirit of wisdome and vnderstanding to them yt shulde be ye work- men thereof, as to Bezaleel, Aholiab and Hiram, how much more will he indewe your grace, and other godly princes, and chefe gouernours, with a principal Spirit that you may procure and commande things necessarie for this moste holy Temple, forese and take hede of things Title page of re-issue of 1569. 2IO Old Bibles. Preliminary matter. that might hinder it, and abolish and destroy whatsoeuer might impere and ouerthrowe the same." After this there is about half a page on "what policie must be vsed for the planting of reli- gion." This epistle fills three pages, and is dated, " From Geneua 10. April 1569." Then comes the address : " To ovr beloved in the Lord, the brethren of England, Scotland, Ireland, &c, Grace, mercie, and peace through Christ Iesus." This occupies one page and a half, and is dated, " From Geneua 10. April 1560." The epistle to Queen Elizabeth is omitted from late issues of this version, but the address, "To ovr beloved," is usually inserted; just as the learned and very valuable address from the translators of King James's Bible of 161 1 is omitted from most of the modern editions of the " Authorised " Version, while the fulsome dedication to King James is retained. The last page of the preliminary matter has " The najnes and order of all the Bookes of the olde and newe Testament, with the nombre of their chapters, and the leafe where they begyn." It is singular that " the prayer of Manasseth," which in all other Protestant Bibles is placed among the apocryphal books, is here inserted between Chronicles and Ezra. I must now give an account of four leaves inserted before the title-page. The first con- tains : " A svppvtation of the yeares (of the) world The Genevan Version. 21 I from the creacion thereof vnto this present yeare 1 569, according as it is counted by D. M. Luther. " From the creation to the floode 1656 " From the floode to Moyses 797 " From Moyses to Christ 1514 " From Christ vnto this yeare 1569 " Somme total 5536 " The yeare containeth 365 daies and 6 houres. The day artificial xij houres, the natural xxiv. The Jevves count there (sic) houres shart or long as the season maketh the daie and count xij in a daie, thus, 1.2. 3.4.5.6.7. 8.9.10.11. 12. We count owres thus, 7. 8.9. 10. 1 1. 12. 1.2. 3.4.5.6." On verso is, " A table of the cycle of the Sunne, Letter Dominical, Leape yeare, Easter, golden Nombre, and Indiction. from Anno Domini 1570 to 1594." Then follow four pages of an almanac, with woodcuts over each month illustrating the season. " Januarje. This moneth figureth the death of the bodie. " " Feburarie. This moneth hedges ar closed." " Marche. Sowe barly and podware." "April. Leade the flockes to fielde." " Maye. Walke the liuing fieldes." " Iune. Sheare the Shepe." " lulje. Make haye," "Auguste. Reape come." " September. Time of vinedage." "October. Tille the grounde. " " Nouembre. The fields make heuy chere." " Decembre, This moneth keepeth men in house. " In the middle of each month is a circular woodcut of the signs of the zodiac. One Almanac in first small 4to edition. 212 Old Bibles. column contains a few of the festivals of the Church, some events in ancient history, the exact dates of which are stated with precision and absence of doubt that must have been most enjoyable. In addition to others, there are notes of the following events that had then recently occurred : "Jany. 22. The Duke of Somerset beheded, 1552." " Feby. 19. Martin Luther the seruant of God died 1546." ' ' March 7. Martin Bucer a greate clerk and notable godlie man died, 1551." " May 27. M. Iohn Caluin Gods seruant died, 1564." " July 6. The Iosiah of oure age Edoward the sixth, King of Englond, died, 1553." "August 27. Religion reformed, according to Gods expresse trueth in the moste renommed citie of Geneve, 1 535-" The text of this Bible is numbered from folio 1 to 410, the Apocrypha from folio I to 94, the New Testament from folio 2 to 129. There are seventeen woodcuts, a map of " The situacion of the garden of Eden," "A table of the de- grees of consanguinitie and affinitie which do hindre mariage," and a map of the countries mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. At the end of II. Maccabees is, "A brief table of the interpretation of the propre names which are chiefly founde in the olde Testament," with the note : " It is placed now in this edition here, because that the most vse of the same is in the old Testament," &| pages. Readers are exhorted to choose names for their children from this list, which is thus headed : "Whereas the wickednes of time, and the The Genevan Version. blindnes of the former age, hathe bene suche that all thing's altogether bene abused and corrupted, so that the very right names of diuerse of the holie men named in the Scriptures bene forgotten, and now seme strange vnto vs, and the names of infants that shulde euer have some godlie aduertisements in them, and shulde be memorials and marks of the children of God receiued into his housholde, haue bene hereby also changed and made the signes and badges of idolatrie and heathenish impietie, we have now set forthe this table of ye names that be moste vsed in the olde Testament with their interpretation, as the Ebrewe importeth, partly to call back the godlie from that abuse, when they shal know the true names of the godlie fathers and what they signifie, that their chil- dren nowe named after them may have testi- monies by their verie names that they are within that faithful familie that in all their doings had euer God before their eyes, and that they are bounde by these their names to serue God from their infancie, and haue occa- sion to praise him for his workes wroght in them and their fathers : but chiefly to restore the names to their integritie, whereby many places of the Scriptures and secret misteries of the holie Gost shall better be vnderstand. We haue medled rarely with the Grekes names, because their interpretation is vncertaine and many of them are corrupted from their original, as we may also se these Ebrewe names set in the margent of this table, which have bene cor- 213 214 Old Bibles. Christian names re- commended. Heading of Epistle to the Hebrews, rupted by the Grecians. Now for the other Ebrewe names that are not here interpretate, let not the diligent reader be carefull : for he shall finde them in places moste conuenient amongs the annotations, at least so many as may seme to make for any edification, and vnderstanding of the Scriptures." In the list are such charming names as Ahasueros, Artahshaste, Beraiah, Caseluhim, Dositheus, Eleadah, Elichoenai, Gazabar, Hana- meel, Jephunneh, Kerentrappuch, Lysimachus, Mahazioth, Noadiah, Orthosias, Pedahel, Retra- beam, Sabteca, Tanhumeth, Vopsi, Zaccur, &c. The heading of Hebrews, in this and all pure Genevan Testaments, is : "THE EPISTLE TO the Ebrewes. " THE ARGVMEKT. " Forasmuche as diuers, bothe of the Greke writers & Latines witnesse, that the writer of this epistle for iuste causes wolde not haue his name knowen, it were curiositie of our parte to labour muche therein. For seing the Spirit of God is the autor thereof, it diminisheth no- thing the autoritie, althogh we knowe not with what penne he wrote it. Whether it were Paul (as it is not like) or Luke, or Barnabas, or Clement, or some other, his chief purpose is to persuade vnto the Ebrewes (whereby he prin- cipally meaneth them that abode at Ierusalem, and vnder them all the rest of the Iewes) that Christ Iesus was not onely the redemer, but The Genevan Version. 215 also that at his comming all ceremonies must haue an end : forasmuche as his doctrine was the conclusion of all the prophecies, and there- fore not onely Moses was inferior to him, but also the Angels : for they all were seruants, & he the Lord, but so Lord, that he hathe also taken our flesh, & is made our brother to assure vs of our saluation through him self, for he is that eternal Priest, whereof all the Leuitical Priests were but shadowes, & therefore at his comming they oght to cease, & all sacrifices for sinne to be abolished, as he proueth from the seuenth chap. ver. 11. vnto the 12. chap. ver. 18. Also he was that Prophet of whome all y Pro- phetes in time past witnessed, as is declared from the 12. chap. ver. 18. to the twentie & fiue verse of y same chap, yea, & is the King to whome all things are subiect, as appeareth fro that ver. 25. to the beginning of the last chap. Wherefore according to the examples of the olde fathers we must constantly beleue in him, that being sanctified by his iustice, taught by his wisdome, & gouerned by his power, we may stedfastly & courageously perseure euen to the end in hope of that ioye that is set before our eyes, occupying our selues in Christian exer- cises, that we may bothe be thankeful to God, and duetiful to our neighbour." The heading of Tomson's version is, "The drift and ende of this Epistle is to show that Iesus Christe the Sonne of God both God & man is that true eternall and onely Prophet, King, and high Priest, that was shaddowed by 2l6 Old Bibles. Psalter. Calvin's Catechism. the figures of the old Lawe, and is now indeed exhibited : of whom the whole Church ought to be taught, gouerned, and sanctified." At the end of the New Testament is, "A table of the principal things that are conteined in the Bible, after the ordre of the alphabet," 62 columns. "A perfite svppvtation of the yeres and times from Adam vnto Christ, proued by the Scriptures after the collection of diuers autors." On the last page of the Bible is, " The order of the yeres from Paul's conuersion shewing the time of his peregrination, and of his Epistles written to the Churches," 1 page. Next follows, " The whole booke of Psalmes, collected into Englishe metre by Sternhod (sic) I. Hopkins and others, conferred with the Ebrue, with apt notes to synge them withall. Faithfully perused and allowed, according to thorder appointed in the Quenes maiesties In- iunctions. lames v. C If any be afflicted, let hym praye, and if any be mery, let hym sing Psalmes." (Crespin's mark — Anchor and Ser- pent.) "At Geneva, Printed by Iohn Crespin, m.d.lxix," 63 leaves. Then 5 pages of prayers, followed by "The Catechisme, or maner to teache children the Christian religion wherin the minjster demandeth the question, and the childe maketh answer. Made by the excellent Doctor and Pastor in Christes Churche, Iohn Caluin." The unfortunate child who had to learn this catechism was to be pitied. The following is an example of the answers : "<[ The minister — The Genevan Version. 217 What is the sence of that clause as touching his descendyng into hell ? C The childe — The righte meanynge therof is : That Christ dyd not onelye suffre a naturall deathe, which is a departyng and goyng asunder of the body and soule : but also that his soule was in wonderfull dystresse beyng wofully pressed and enduring grieuous tormentes, which Sainct Peter calleth ye sorowes, or pangues of deathe." In 1568 a quarto Testament was printed by John Crespin at Geneva, and also a quarto Bible, which is dated 1 568-70. The first edition of the Genevan New Testa- ment printed in England appeared in 1575, octavo. " The I Newe Te | stament of | ovr Lord Iesvs | Christ. I Conferred with the Greke, | and best approued | translations. | With the arguments, as wel before the [ chapters, as for euery Boke and Epistle. | Also diuersities of readings, and j most profitable annotations of all harde places : where | unto is added a co | pious Table. | " Imprinted at | London by T. V. for | Chris- topher Barker. | Cum privilegio." This edition is taken from the 1560, and not from Whittingham's 1557. There is, however, a certain amount of revision peculiar to this edition alone, and by which it may be distin- guished from all other Testaments. For example, the word " babe," which occurs so often in all other versions, is omitted, both in the singular and plural form. In S. Luke i. 41, King James's version of Octavo New Testament, 1575- 2l8 Old Bibles. 1611 has, "the babe leaped in her womb:" the 1575 reads, "the childe sprang in her bellie ; " the same in the 44th verse, " the childe sprang in my bellie for joye." In S. Luke ii. 12 the 161 1 has, "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger:" the 1575 reads, "Ye shal finde the childe swadled, and layd in a cratch ; " the 16th verse the same, "the Child layd in the cratch." Heb. v. 13: " For every one that useth milke is inexperte in the worde of righteousnes : for he is a childe." S. Matt. xi. 25 : " because thou hast hid these things from the wise and men of understanding and hast opened them unto children." Rom. ii. 20 : " An instructor of them which lacke discretion, a teacher of the unlearned." 1 Cor. iii. 1 : " Even as unto Children in Christ." 1 S. Pet. ii. 2 : "As newe borne children." The royal arms are at the top of the title ; on the reverse is, "The ordre of the Books," in Italic type ; then Calvin's Epistle, 8 leaves ; "To the Reader," 5 pages; and on the reverse, " The argvment of the Gospell," 1 page. The text is in Roman type, and on page 813 is the colophon, "Imprinted at London by Thomas Vautroullier, for Christopher Barker." After this, "A declaration of the Table to the New Testament," 1 page ; " A table of the principall thinges," 35 pages; and the volume The Genevan Version. finishes with "A perfite supputation of the yeres," 3 pages; last page blank. The declaration and table at the end, and the preface and epistle in the preliminary, are copied from Whittingham's New Testament of 1557. The first folio Genevan Bible printed in England was Christopher Barker's edition of 1576. Of this there were two entirely distinct issues bearing the same date. The type used for the titles is quite different, and so is the arrangement of the words. In No. 1, verso of title is blank : in No. 2 is Barker's mark on verso. In No. 1 the map and explanation reaches to bottom of page : in No. 2 the map, &c. only reaches part way. The initial letters used in No. 1 are much larger than in No. 2. In No. 1 the signature is below the notes : in No. 2 it is above the notes. No. r has long running titles : No. 2 has short ones, in different words. The wood-cut of the royal throne of Solomon, on folio 145, Sig. B b 1, in No. 1, is before the 19th verse : in No. 2 it is at the bottom of the page. The running title to Ecclesiastes is dupli- cated in No. 2, but is correct in No. 1. The two issues read together on every page up to recto of 316; but here in No. 1 a half- page woodcut is introduced, which causes a different setting up of the type, so making the catchwords differ all through Ezekiel. 219 First folio Genevan Bible printed in England, 1576. Two distinct 220 Old Bibles. Barker's patent. In No. i, on page 333, is a large French woodcut, " Le parvis de dedans." On recto of 334 and 335 are woodcuts in No. 1, but not in No. 2. No. 1 only has the double-page French map of the Temple at the end of Ezekiel. Both editions thus end, "Then the whole summe and number of yeres from the beginning of the worlde vnto this present yere of our Lord God 1576, are iust 554.0, and the said odde sixe moneths and ten dayes. " The end. Ioshua. Chap, j., verse 8. Let not this Booke of the Lawe depart out of thy mouth, but meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest obserue and do according to al that is written therein : for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou haue good successe." These books were well printed, and have wide margins. Christopher Barker purchased a patent from Queen Elizabeth for the exclusive printing of Bibles, and we find from the year 1576 to 1587 only about 6 editions have any other printer's name; from 1587 to 1599 "Deputies of Chris- topher Barker" appear, and from 1599 to 1618 seldom is any other name seen but Robert Barker. Bonham Norton and John Bill obtained from the Barkers permission to print the Bible, and in the year 1635 Robert Barker paid 600/. to give his younger sons, Charles and Matthew, a The Genevan Version. 221 reversionary interest in the patent already held by his two elder sons. After keeping- the patent about 130 years, it passed from the Barkers to the Baskets, who held it for 60 years, and then sold it to John Eyre of Landford, Wilts. It was subsequently taken up and worked by John Eyre's youngest son, Charles Eyre. C. Eyre took William Strahan into partnership, and they handed it down to the worthy hands of its present possessors, Eyre and Spottiswoode. The first Bible printed in Scotland was taken from the folio issued at Geneva, in 1562, without printer's name. The title page reads : " The Bible and Holy Scriptvres conteined in the Olde & Newe Testament Translated according to the Ebrue & Greke, & conferred with the beste transla- tions in diuers languages (.•.) With moste profitable annotations vpon all the hard places of the Holy Scriptvres, and other things of grete importance mete for the godly Reader. God save the King . Printed in Edinbvrgh Be Alexander Arbuthnot, Printer to the Kingis Maiestie, dwelling at ye Kirke of feild. 1579. Cvm gratia et Privilegio regiae maiestatis." There are nine preliminary leaves. On the title page is a rough woodcut of the arms of Scotland, and the words, " In defens." On the Lion banner, " Iacob ; " on the S. Andrew's cross, " Sextus." On the reverse of title, "The names and order of all the Bookes of the olde & New Testament," one page. The second leaf begins on Sig. (.-.) ij : "To the Richt Ex- The Bassandyne Bible, 1579, folio. Collation. 222 Old Bibles. cellent Richt heich and Michtie Prince lames the Sixt King- of Scottis," &c, 3^ pages, dated at the end, "From Edinburgh in our general assemblie the tent day off Iulie 1579." The rest of the page blank. Then comes, "An dovble Calendare to wit, the Romane and the Hebrew Calendare," &c, " Ane Almanake," &c, 7 pages. On reverse of the seventh leaf is, "|A table to find out what signe the Moone is at any tyme for euer," half page, under which is, " Rvles for vnderstanding of this double Calendare," &c, occupying that and half the next page, signed " R. Pont ;" then follow the verses found in nearly all copies of the Genevan Bible : " Here is the Spring where waters flow," and the usual prayer. On reverse of eighth leaf is, "A discription and svccesse of the Kinges of Ivda and Ieru- salem," i-| pages ; then follows, "An exhortation to the studie of the holie scriptvre." On the reverse, " How to take profite in reading of the holie Scriptvre," signed "T Grashop," 1 page; at the bottom of which is Arbuthnot's device, copied from Richard Jugge's. Then comes the text, evidently set up from the first Genevan folio, Genesis to II. Macca- bees, 503 folioed leaves, ending with : " The Third Boke of the Maccabees newlie translated out of the original Greke ; " there is, however, no third book printed, nor does it exist in any English Bible excepting Daye's Taverner of 1551. Then follows the New Testament title : " The I Newe Testament I of ovr Lord Ie | svs The Genevan Version. 223 Christ. I Conferred diligently with the Greke, and best approued translations in diuers lan- guages I " Then the Scottish arms, with " God save the King " at the sides. The imprint is, "At Edinbvrgh printed by Thomas Bassandyne, mdlxxvj. cvm privilegio." Reverse of title blank; the text, Sig. Aij, folioed 2 (misprinted 1) to 125, ending on middle of reverse. Then comes, "A briefe Table of the Proper names which are chiefly founde in the Old Testament," in double columns, not paged or folioed, but beginning on the recto of Xvj., and ending at the middle of the verso of Yiij. Then follows, "A table of the prin- cipal things that are conteined in the Bible," &c, in treble columns, ending on the middle of the reverse of Z vj. The rest of that page and the next are filled with, " A Perfite svppvtation of the yeres and times from Adam vnto Christ," brought down "vnto this present yere of our Lord God 1576." On the reverse is, " The order of the yeres from Paul's conuersion," &c, I page. Seven English Bibles had been printed before this one, in Roman letter, and Bassandyne used the same kind of type, Roman being easier to read than black letter. The first Scottish printer who obtained license to print the Bible was R. Lekprevik, but he does not appear to have availed himself of the privilege. This license is dated April 14, 1568, and reads as follows : — "Ane Letter maid with auice of my Lord Regent, To Robert Lekprevik ovr Souerane Robert Lekprevik's license to print the Bible. 224 Old Bibles. Lordis imprentare Given granted and committed to him ful license priuilege and power To im- prent all and haill ane buke callit the Inglis bybill, imprintit before at Geneua, and that continuallie induring the space of tuenty yeires nixt following- the dait heirof. Chargeing all and sindrie imprintaris, writtaris, and utheris, his hienes liegis within this realme That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to imprint or caus be imprintit be quhatsumeuer persoun or persounis within this realme in ony tyme heireftir induring the said space vnder the panis of confiscatioun thairof The said buke callit the Inglis bibill viz. samony as salhappin to be imprintit and payment of the soume of twa hundreth pundis money of this realme &c. At Glasgw the four- tene day of Aprile, The yiar of God. 1568." For the sake of capital to carry on business Bassandyne was obliged to take into part- nership a wealthy burgess named Alexander Arbuthnot, as Guttenberg did Fust, and the General Assembly ordered that each parish should purchase a copy of the Bible to be printed by Bassandyne and Arbuthnot, and pay 5/. in advance; 4/. 13^. $d. was fixed as the price of the book, the remaining 6s. 8d. for expenses. The Bibles were not delivered until about three years after the money was paid. The sureties for the delivery of the book were David Guthrie, of Kilcaldrum ; William Guthrie, of Halkerton ; William Rynd, of Carse ; and James Arnot, of Lentusche, Forfarshire. The General Assembly appointed certain The Genevan Version. persons to " oversee " the printing-, and Salomon Kerknett was brought from Flanders to act as "composer," at the weekly wage 0149s. ; and a license, dated June 30, 1576, was granted to Bassandyne and Arbuthnot, similar to that pre- viously issued to Lekprevik. The publication of this Bible was much delayed owing to dissensions between the partners; even the workmen were not paid their wages with regularity. Salomon Kerknett was obliged to complain to the Regent, who ordered the sum agreed on to be paid the "composer" until the work was completed. Before the printing was finished, the partner- ship between Bassandyne and Arbuthnot was dissolved, and Bassandyne was compelled to give up the printing-house and plant to Arbuth- not. This accounts for the name of Thomas Bassandyne being on the New Testament title, and that of Alexander Arbuthnot being alone on the first title page. Bassandyne did not live to see the book issued, and left no record of his version of the dispute. It seems strange that there should have been so many impediments, and so much difficulty in the production of this Bible, which, from a typographical point of view cannot be compared with the Bibles printed in England at the same period. The " intense desire " for a vernacular Bible we read about in the works of nearly all writers on the subject, had no existence, and it was 225 226 Old Bibles. Searchers appointed. only by penal enactments that the Bible could be forced into circulation. The Privy Council were obliged to pass a law " that each house- holder worth three hundred merks of yearly rent, and all substantious yeomen and burgesses esteemed as worth £500 in land and goods, should have a Bible in the vulgar tongue, under the penalty of £10," double the price at which the book was authorised to be sold, and three or four times the sum at which it could be pur- chased. To enforce this enactment, searchers were appointed to go from house to house throughout Scotland, and each householder was required to produce a Bible or pay the penalty. As it was found that Bibles were made to do duty for more houses than one, the searcher or inquisitor was furnished with a warrant, under the privy seal, " to require the sicht of their Bible, gif they ony haue, to be marked with their own name for eschewing of fraudful dealing in that behalf." The magistrates and Town Council of Edin- burgh commanded all householders to purchase Bibles under severe pains and penalties, and informed them that Bibles are to be " sauld in the merchant buith of Andrew Williamson on the north side of this burg, besyde the Meill Mercat." In spite of this pressure, we find from the Privy Council Records, that many householders " incurrit the payne of the Act " rather than purchase a Bible. Sixteen years after the Genevan New Testa- ment was printed, Laurence Tomson, who was The Genevan Version. 227 in the service of Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth, under- took to "English" it afresh. The first edition of Tomson's New Testament was small 8 V0 - size. It is said on the title to be, "The new Testament of our Lord Iesvs Christ, translated out of the Greeke by Theod. Beza. Wherevnto are adjoyned briefe Summeries of doctrine vpon the Euangelistes and Actes of the Apostles, together with the methode of the Epistles of the Apostles : by the said Theod. Beza. "And also short expositions on the phrases and hard places, taken ovt of the large annota- tions of foresayd Author and loach. Camerarius, by P. LoselerVillerius. Englished by L. Tom- son." Then follows a woodcut of the Angels appearing to the Shepherds, and the words " Beholde I bring you tidings of greate ioy that shalbe to all the people. Luk 2. 10." Below is, " Imprinted at London by Christopher Barkar dwelling in Poules churchyeard at the signe of the Tigres head. 1576. Cum privilegio." On the back of the title is, " The order of the books." "An epistle to the right honorable M. Francis Walsingham Esquier and to the right worship- full M. Francis Hastings," 12 pages. This is followed by an address from " Theo- dorus Beza to the most famous Prince Lewys of Bourbon, Prince of Conde &c and to the rest most famous and noble Dukes, Marqueses, Earles, Barons, and Gentlemen which have L. Tomson's New Testa- ment, 1576. Collation. 228 Old Bibles. Popularity of Tomson's revision. Tomson's opinion of the marginal readings. embraced the true Gospell of Christ, in the King-dome of Fraunce." This takes twenty- nine pages, and is dated " at Geneua, the tenth of the Calendes of March 1565." " The printer to the diligent reader," ending, " this haue I faithfully done for thy commoditie, reape thou the fruite, and giue the praise to God," 2 pages. "The Description of the holy Lande, con- teyning the places mentioned by the foure Euangelistes. &c," 2 pages. The text, folio I to 460. On one side of the last leaf is the imprint, and on the other Barker's well-known device, the ribbon bearing the words, " Tigre : Reo. ANIMALE DEL ADAM. VeCCHIO. FIGLIVOLO MERCE L'Evangelio fatto. n'estat. agnello ; " then follows, " A Table of the principall things that are conteined in the Newe Testament, after the order of the Alphabet," in two columns ; lastly, " A perfect supputation," &c. This revision became popular at once, and was re-printed as a separate book twelve times between 1576 and 1587; and in 1587 it sup- planted the Genevan translation of 1560 in most editions of the " Breeches " Bible, al- though the Genevan New Testament continued to be issued also, and was usually printed in black letter, and Tomson's in Roman type. L. Tomson had a very high opinion of Beza's notes. In the preface he says, " I dare avouch it, and whoso readeth shall so find it, that there is not one hard sentence, nor dark speech, nor The Genevan Version. 229 doubtful word, but is so opened, and hath such light given it, that children may go through with it, and the simplest that are may walk without any guide, without wandering, or going astray." It is to teaching like that of the Genevan Bible, that no guide is necessary in spiritual matters, that we are indebted for the many dif- ferent sects that divide the people of England, and embitter our social and political life. A New Testament of 1560 may be distin- guished from the one " Englyshed by Tomson " by referring to I. Corinthians xvi. 22, which in the former reads, " If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be had in execration, yea excommunicate to death," but in the latter, "let him be had in execration, maranatha." It may also be known by the heading of the Epistle to the Hebrews being short in Tomson's, and long in the Genevan. The second edition of Tomson's Testament is much rarer than the first. Christopher Barker printed it in 1577, and re-issued the same book with fresh printed preliminary matter. There is no copy of either issue in the British Museum. I have only seen two. One of Barker's first issue is the property of the Rev. Nicholas Pocock, M.A., and a copy of the second is in my collection. An edition of the Genevan Bible in 5 volumes, I2 m0 - (4^ by 3 inches), was printed in London by Christopher Barker in 1580. No one has a complete set of these volumes, Means of distinguish- ing different editions. Rare 2nd edition of Tomson's New Testa- ment. Duodecimo edition of 1580. 230 Questions and answers on predes- tination. F. Junius on Revelation. Old Bibles. and it is supposed that only the third part, viz., Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Solo- mon's Song's, now remains. The title of this rare book is, " The third of the Bible, conteyning five excellent Bookes, most commodious for all Christians, faithfully translated out of the Ebrew, and expounded with most profitable annotations vpon the harder places." All pure quarto Genevan Bibles, and one folio, printed in England from the year 1579 have certain questions and answers upon pre- destination bound up between the Old and New Testament, but they are not in the copies made up of the 1560 Old Testament with Tomson's version of the New. The editions of 1598 and 1600 have at the end the Revelation repeated, with " copious annotations by Franciscus Junius." This was also published by itself several times. It con- sists of 22 pages, the last being blank. It has no title page. The colophon on page 23 is, " Imprinted at London, by Richard Field, .for Robert Dexter dwelling in Paules Churchyard at the signe of the Brazen Serpent." From the year 1599 the title pages of Tomson's version in quarto have the addition of the words, " together with the Annota- tions of Fr Junius upon the Revelation of S. John." The Apocrypha is omitted from most of the Bibles printed in 1599, but it is always to be The Genevan Version. 231 found in pure Genevan Bibles, even in the octavo editions. The Genevan translators adopted a novel orthography for Hebrew proper names, such as Heuah, Habel, Iaakob, Izhak, Rahe"l, &c. To the quarto of 1578 and to most subsequent issues of the Genevan Bible, and even to some editions of the 161 1 Bible, there were added — " ^f Two right profitable and fruitfull Concor- dances, or large and ample Tables Alphabeticall. The first containing the interpretation of the Hebrew, Caldean, Greeke, and Latine words and names scatteringly dispersed through- out the whole Bible, with their common places following euery of them. And the second comprehending all such other principall words and matters, as concerne the sense and meaning of the Scrip- tures, or direct vnto any neces- sary and good instruction. ^The further contents and vse of both the which Talles (for breuitie sake) is expressed more at large in the Preface to the Reader: And will serue as well for the Translation called Geneva, as for the other authorized to be read in Churches. Collected by R. F. H." There is a preface of two pages beginning, " Good Christian Reader, because thou may- Ortho- graphy of the " Breeches '" Bible. Concord- ance. 232 Old Bibles. Description of title page. est enioy and reape the profite of these two Alphabets of directions vnto Common places hereafter following, which I haue in maner of a briefe Concordance, or. large & ample Index, collected, digested, and caused to be imprinted for thy comoditie : I thought it not amisse to aduertise thee somewhat touching the principal! contents, vse, and commoditie of them," and ending, " And so beseeching Almightie God to giue vs his grace to be studious of vnitie, and bring- ing forth such fruites, as may declare our vndoubted election in Christ Iesus, I take my leaue of thee, this xxij of December. Anno Domini. 1578. " Thine in the Lord, Robert F. Herrey." This Robert Fitz Herry was the Norfolk Brownist, Robert Harrison : and he thus formed his name, — Harrison=Henry-son=Fitz -Herry. During the long series of years the Genevan Bible continued to be printed, very few changes were made in its title pages. Nearly always on the left side may be seen the standards of the twelve tribes of Israel, and on the right the twelve apostles ; over the letterpress is a dove, and at the foot the Agnus Dei ; representations of the four Evangelists are at the corners of the letterpress ; and in the centre of the bottom of the page are the initials of the reigning monarch. The same title page, with different letterpress, was used for the early quarto editions of the The Genevan Version. Authorised Version. Next to the title page of most " Breeches " Bibles will ,be found the fol- lowing- doggerel lines : " Of the incomparable treasure of the holy scriptures, with a prayer for the true use of the same. Isa. 12. 3. and 49. 10. Revel. 21. 16. and 22. 17. Jerem. 33.15, Psal.11g.160. Revel. 2. 7. and 22. 2. Psal.11g.142, 144. John 6. 35. Luke 2. 10. " T T Ere is the spring where waters flow, Lx to quench our heat of sin : Here is the tree where truth doth grow, to lead our lives therein : Here is the judge that stints the strife, when mens devices fail : Here is the bread that feeds the life, that death cannot assail. The tidings of salvation dear : comes to our ears from hence ; The fortress of our faith is here, and shield of our defence. Then be not like the hog that hath a pearl at his desire, And take more pleasure in the trough, and wallowing in the myre. Read not this book in any case but with a single eye, Read not but first desire Gods grace, to understand thereby, Pray still in faith with this respect to fructifie therein. That knowledge may bring this effect, to mortifie thy sin. Then happie thou in all thy life, what so to thee befalls ; Yea, double happy shall thou be, when God by death thee calls." and this prayer, " O Gracious God, and most merciful father, which hast vouchsafed us the rich and precious jewel of thy holy word, assist us with thy spirit, Ephes. 6. 16. Matth. 7. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 22. Matth. 6. 22. Ps. 112. 27, 73- Jude 1. Psal. i Joshua 1. 8. Psal. 1. 1, 2. Psal. 94. 12, '3- 233 H 5 234 4to Genevan Bible, dated Genevan and Tomson's 'New Testa- ments. Old Bibles. Booksellers' frauds. that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting- comfort, to reform us, to renew us, according- to thine own image ; to build us up, and edifie us into the perfect building- of thy Christ, sanctifying- and increasing in us all heavenly vertues. Grant this O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christs sake. Amen." A quarto Genevan Bible was issued in 1594, on the New Testament title page of which two figures in the date were transposed. Fre- quently the first title with the true date is lost, and the book is exhibited as an English black letter Bible of the fifteenth century. A very large number of editions of the Genevan New Testament, and of Tomson's version, were published separately in all sizes, from the extra large quarto of 1583, to the minute 48 mo - printed at Cambridge in 1589. Some of them are re-issues of old editions with new title pages. We find that in the year 1596 Monsieur Adam d'Orival, minister of the congregation at San- cerre, was ordered by the Protestant Synod of Saumur, to acquaint the authorities at Geneva with the frauds practised by their booksellers, who vended New Testaments of the old trans-' lation prefixed by new title pages, to pass off the books as new impressions and translations. The first edition of the Genevan New Testa- ment by itself was the i6 m °- of 1560. The first quarto was printed by J. Crespin, Geneva, in 1568. The quarto of 1583 is the finest edition of the The Genevan Version. 235 Genevan New Testament ever issued; the 1595 much resembles it, but can be distinguished by the absence of the two black lines at the head of each page, which are so conspicuous in the 1583- The first Testament printed in Cambridge was by John Legate. My copy measures 2.\ inches by 1^ inch. It has no preliminary matter, contents, nor marginal references ; it is printed in very small Roman type, and capitals are used for the heads of chapters. No Testament was printed at Cambridge for 39 years after this one was issued. I have copies of the octavo Tomson, 1580; the i2 mo - of 1581 ; the octavos of 1582, 1602, 1610 and 1606. ' The 1616 is the last edition that was published. First New Testament printed at Cambridge. 236 Old Bibles. Reading of the Bible confined to certain classes. Repeal of this pro- hibition. New version required. The Bishops Bible. THERE was no prohibition of the circula- tion or reading- of the Bible during the reigns of Edward VI. or of Mary, but no new version was made. In 1543 Parliament re- stricted the use of the Bible to certain grades of society, forbidding the lower classes to read it to themselves, or to others, under pain of imprisonment for one month. Tyndale's New Testament was specially condemned, as "crafty, false, and untrue," and ordered to be destroyed, and forbidden to be kept or used in any of the King's dominions. This Act was introduced and passed by the influence of Cranmer, who, not satisfied with having been indirectly a party to the death of Tyndale, vented his spite against the translation of Tyndale, even after the trans- lator's body had been burnt. Soon after Ed- ward's accession to the throne this Act was repealed, and during the next six-and-a-half years, although no new translation was issued, yet many editions of previous versions found ready sale. Thirty-one out of 57 English printers were engaged in the work of printing Bibles or Testa- ments, each selecting the version he thought most likely to sell. Soon after Elizabeth ascended the throne it was felt to be necessary that another translation of the Bible should be undertaken. The Bishops' Bible. 237 The Genevan version had obtained a large circulation, and its mischievous glosses were undermining the Church of England. Archbishop Parker at first favoured the use of this Bible, but becoming aware of its animus he decided to introduce a translation which should be free from party spirit and fairly represent the Biblical knowledge of the day. It was not his wish to confine the work to Bishops, but his efforts to obtain lay assistance failed. In a letter to Cecil, Lord Burleigh, dated November 26th, 1566, he says, "I haue dis- tributed the Bible to diuers men, and I am desirous if you could spare so much leasure either in morning or euening, we had one Epistle of SS. Paul, Peter, or James, perused by you, that ye may be one of the builders of this good work in Christes Churche." Being unable to obtain the assistance of lay- men, he entrusted the work to the following clergymen, whose initials may be seen at the end of their contributions. The initials and places at which they occur are as follows : At the end of the Pentateuch, " W. E." (W. Exon, William Alley, Bishop of Exeter); II. Samuel, " R. M." (R. Meneven, Richard Davies,, Bishop of S. David's) ; II. Chronicles, " E. W. " (E. Wigprnen, Edwyn Sandys, Bishop of Worcester) ; Job and Pro- verbs, " A. P., C." (Andrew Pearson, Canon of Canterbury) ; Song of Solomon, " A. P., E." (Andrew Perne, Canon of Ely) ; Lamentations, "R. W." (R. Winton, Robert Home, Bishop Archbishop Parker's letter to Lord Burleigh. Translators of the Bishops' version. 238 Old Bibles. The Bishops the best scholars of their day. Parker's share in the translation. of Winchester) ; Daniel, "T. C, L." (Thomas Cole, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry) ; Mala- chi, " E. L." (E. Londin, Edmund Grindal, Bishop of London) ; II. Maccabees, "J. N." (J. Norvic, John Parkhurst, Bishop of Norwich); Acts and Romans, " R. E." (R. Elien, Richard Cox, Bishop of Ely) ; I. Corinthians, " G. G." (Gabriel Goodman, Dean of Westminster). As these initials are only in Bishops' Bibles of folio size, to identify smaller sized copies we have to rely on peculiarity of translation. This was the second attempt made by the heads of the English Church to translate the Bible for the use of all English-speaking people. The first, in Henry VIII's time, failed, from their being unable to decide how many Latin words should be retained. But that the Bishops at both periods should be equal to such a task, one requiring- biblical research, and accurate critical scholarship, is a proof that in those days the sees were filled by the Bishop of Rome, and afterwards by the Crown, not from favouritism, and political motives only, as has often been represented, but by men of the highest attain- ments. Although initials were affixed by most of the translators to their work, it was the de- sire of Parker that the translation should be regarded as the work of the Church, and not of private men. As each translator finished the parcel (as it was called) assigned to him, he returned it to the Primate, who supervised it. In addition he translated Genesis and Exodus, the Gospels of SS. Matthew and Mark, and The Bishops' Bible. 239 most of the Epistles of S. Paul, and also wrote the prefaces. When complete it was properly and formally sanctioned by Convocation, and a copy was presented to Queen Elizabeth on Oct. 5, 1568. Nineteen editions of this version were printed (12 folio, 6 quarto, and I octavo), all of which bear marks of having been more or less revised. The dates of publication are : 1st edition, 1568, folio; 2nd edition, 1569, quarto; 3rd edition, 1572, folio; 4th edition, 157.3, quarto; 5th edi- tion," 1574, folio; 6th edition, 1575, folio; 7th edition, 1575, quarto; 8th edition, 1576, quarto; 9th edition,. 1577, quarto; 10th edition, 1577, octavo; nth edition, 1578, folio; 12th edition, 1584, folio; 13th edition, 1584, quarto; 14th edition, 1585, folio; 15th edition, 1.588, folio; 16th edition, 1591, folio; 17th edition, 1595, folio; 18th edition, 1602, folio; 19th edition, 1606, folio. The following is a collation of the Bishops' Bible of 1568: Title, within a border, '-The holi Bible conteynyng the Olde Testament and the newe," with a copperplate engraving of Queen Elizabeth. At the bottom is a lion and a dragon, with the motto, " Non me pudet Evangelii Christi," &c. ; reverse blank. "The summe of the whole Scripture of the bookes of the Old and New Testament," I leaf. "A table of the genealogie from Adam to Christ," 1 1 pages. The running title of this is, " Christ's line." In the initial T are Arch- bishop Parker's paternal arms, empaled with Collation of first edition of 1568, folio. 240 Old Bibles. those of Christ Church, Canterbury, also M [atthew] P [arker], with the date 1568 at the bottom, and underneath a cypher. Through the stem of the T is run the crosier-staff, the head of which appears above in the place of the crest, and round the arms, within a double circle, is the motto : " Mvndvs transit et con- cvpiscentia eivs." The recognition of the crosier is interesting at this moment. ".A table of the books of the Old Testament: the Newe in lyke manner," two pages; then follows one blank page ; " Proper lessons for Sundays, and for holydayes," two pages. "Proper psalms for certayne days;" "The order howe'the reste of holy Scripture is to be read;" "A brief declaration when every terme beginneth and endeth ;" " An almanacke for xxix. years," beginning 1561 ; "To fynde Easter for euer ;" " These to be obserued for holy dayes ; " "A table for the order of the Psalmes." These pieces occupy four pages. "A calendar," 12 pages. In the inner margin are notes of the sun's rising and setting. At the bottom of January is this : "Admoni- tion to the Reader. Where in this Calendar be appointed almost to all the dayes of euery moneth names of Saintes, this we have done gentle reader, not for that we accompte them all for saintes, of whom we repute some not good, or yet for that eyther, howe holy soever they be, we judge any divine worship or honour to be referred to them, but rather that they should be as notes and markes of some certayne The Bishops' Bible. 241 matters, whose appoynted tymes to knowe, as it maye do much good : so to be ignoraunt of the same, may do to men much hurt. And this is the reason of this fact and purpose. Farewell." Parker's preface, in Roman letter, six pages ; Cranmer's prologue, in black letter, five pages ; "A description of the yeeres from the creation of the world until this present yere, 1568," one page; "The order of the bookes of the Old Testament ; and of the Newe Testament," one page ; reverse blank. Then comes the text, paged, Genesis, fol. I to 128. There is a woodcut at the beginning, representing the history of the Creation. After the second chapter is a map of the Garden of Eden. To some verses, in various places, are placed inverted commas, that the public reader may know what verses may be omitted if desirable. After the 10th verse of the 18th chapter of Leviticus is a table of the kindred or affinity within which marriage is unlawful, i.e., by the laws of God — human laws change. After " Deuteronomium " comes the second title : " The seconde part of the Byble conteyn- ing these bookes," &c, with an engraving of the reigning favourite of Queen Elizabeth, the profligate Earl of Leicester, within an oval. In a panel of the border are the figures, — 123 ^.56 7S9 This part is paged from folio 2 to 185, one blank. 242 Old Bibles. The third title has a woodcut of King- David, and on the reverse: "A prologue of S. Basill the great upon the Psalmes : " the paging is from folio 2 to 204. At the beginning is an engraved portrait of Cecil, Lord Burleigh, with a Hebrew psalter, and his motto, " Cor vnvm via vna." At the end of the Psalms is a table of how the Psalms are numbered according to the Hebrews. The fourth title is, " The volume of the bookes called Apocrypha;" underneath is the wood- cut of the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The Apoc- rypha is numbered from folio 2 to 118. There are only three woodcuts in the Apocrypha — one, in the book of Tobit, one of Judith and Holo- phernes, and the last on L 8 verso. The fifth and last title is that of " The newe Testament of our Sauiour Iesus Christe ; " text, folio 2 to 156. On the reverse of the New Testament title is a preface in Roman letter by Archbishop Parker. Prefixed to each of the Gospels is a representation of its author, with the usual emblems of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. Before S. Paul's Epistles is, "The Cart Cosmographie, of the peregrination or iourney of Saint Paul, with the distaunce of the myles." In the book of the Revelation are figures of remarkable things, twenty in number. After the word " Finis " is, "A Table to fynde the Epistles and Gospels -read in the Church of Englande Wherof, &c," continued to the next leaf, and erroneously numbered 159 for 157. The Bishops' Bible. The whole number of engravings, woodcuts, maps, &c, is 143. The imprint is : " Imprinted at London in powles Church-yarde, by Richarde J u gg e > printer to the Queenes Maiestie. Cum priuilegio Regiae Maiestatis." The second edition of the Bishops' Bible was published in the year 1 569, in quarto (about 8 in. by 6 in.), by the Queen's printer, R. Jugge. This book is interesting for many reasons : the first is, that it shows the transition from the old plan of continuous chapters, merely broken by paragraphs, to the new system of verses. In it the letters of the alphabet still continue in their old place, down the margin of the text, which is not separated into verses, but the figures are intermixed with the letterpress. In the Psalter the verses are separated. The Psalms are the Bishops' translation, and not those of the Great Bible of Nov. 1540, usually known as the Prayer Book version. The collation is as follows : Title — On the upper part is an engraving of Queen Elizabeth on a throne, with two of the cardinal virtues, viz., Justice and Mercy, one on each side of the Queen, holding a crown over her head ; a little lower down are Fortitude and Prudence, reaching out their hands to uphold her throne. The words, "The holi bible," are below the Queen's feet. At the bottom of the title is re- presented a preacher habited in a chimere, facing an audience, and the words, " God save the QVEENE," are at the bottom of the page ; reverse blank ; " The preface," five pages ; 243 Second edi- tion, 1569, 4to. Collation. 244 Old Bibles. " The Prayer," one page ; " The whole Scrip- ture of the Bible is divided," &c, three pages ; ■"The newe Testament in lyke manner," &c, two pages; "A Kalender," in black and red, twelve pages; "The order howe the rest of holy Scripture," &c, and "Proper Lessons," &c, altogether eight pages ; " The order of Morning and Euening prayer," eight pages. Genesis to Deuteronomy, folio i to 105. A representation of the Creation is over the first chapter of Genesis, and the initial letter has Archbishop Parker's arms. With the next chapter is a map 6f the Garden of Eden, giving the exact position of the four rivers, but evi- dently not drawn to scale. Between the 27th and 28th chapters of Exodus is a plan of the encampment of the children of Israel in the wilderness, with the Tabernacle in the centre (situated due east and west), and the tents of the twelve tribes in proper position, and the standards of the four divisions of the army of Israel at the corners, bearing respectively the emblematic devices of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. At the end of Numbers (chap. 33) is a chart or map : "^[ This Charte sheweth the way that the people of Israel passed the space of fourtie yeres, from Egypt (through the desertes of Arabia) tyll they entred into the lande of Chanaan, it contayneth also the fourtie and two iourneyes or stations, with the obseruations of the degrees, as well of the longitude, as of the The Bishops' Bible. latitude of the places of the saide iourneyes, and also the order of the numbers of them." At "the ende of the fifth booke of Moyses, called in the Hebrewe Ellehaddebarim, and in the Latine Deuteronomium," is Jugge's well- known device, — an oval picture of a pelican feeding her young; no doubt an allusion to the sacrament of the altar. The space at the top is blank. Inside the oval is the motto, " Pro lege rege et grege," and outside, "Love kepyth the lawe, obeyeth the kynge, and is good to the commen- welthe." On the right of the oval is a female figure representing Prudence, and on the left Justice ; beneath are the following lines — " Matris vt hsec proprio stirps est saciata cruore : Pascis item proprio Christe cruore tuos. " This leaf must be intended as a second title page, for although the numbering of the leaves is continuous from Genesis to Job (i to 261), yet the title before the Psalter is said to be "The thirde part of the Bible contayning these bookes ;" but there are actually only four parts and not five. At the end of the Second Book of Chronicles is, " A very profitable declaration for the vnder- standing of the Histories of Esdras, Nehemias, Ester, Daniel, and diuers other places of scrip- ture, very darke by reason of the discorde that is among Historiographers, and expositours of the holy scriptures touchyng the successiue order of the kinges," &c. 245 R. Jugge's device. 246 Old Bibles. Address to the reader. After the Psalter title page is " a prologue of saint Basil the great;" then, after a short quotation from S. Austen, follows this excuse for a new translation of the Psalms : — " Nowe let the gentle reader have this chris- tian consideration within hym selfe that though he findeth the psalmes of this translation follow- ing, not so to sounde agreeably to his ears in his wonted wordes and phrases, as he is accus- tomed with, yet let hym not be to muche offended with the worke, which was wrought for his owne commoditie and comfort. And if he be learned, let hym correct the worde or sen- tence (whiche may dislike hym) with the better, and whether his note ryseth eyther of good wyll and charitie, eyther of enuie and contention not purely, yet his reprehension, if it may turne to the finding out of the trueth, shall not be repelled with greefe, but applauded to in gladnesse, that Christe may euer haue the prayse. To whom with the father and the holy spirite, be all glory and prayse. for euer. Amen." The Apocrypha title, like that of the third part, is in plain Roman type. At the end is "A Table to make playne the difficultie that is founde in S. Matthewe and S. Luke, &c." The New Testament title has only the words, " ^f The newe | Testament of our | Lorde and saui I our Iesus | Christ. | 1569, | Cum priuile- gio," within a woodcut border. Page 1 (in- correctly numbered 2) to 127. On page 74 is, "^[The Cart Cosmographie The Bishops' Bible. of the peregrination or iourney of Saint Paul, with the distaunce of the myles," and then, "the order of times," reprinted from the first edition of the previous year, 1 568. After the New Testament are six columns of table " to fynde the Epistles and Gospels read in the Churche of Englande," and then Richard Jugge's imprint, who does not seem to have had the right to print the Metrical Psalms, for they are printed by John Daye, Aldersgate, "cum privilegio regise maiestatis per Decen- nium." They have the usual title page : "The whole booke of psalmes, collected into Englishe metre by Thorn Sternh (sic), Iohn Hopkins and others, conferred with the Ebrue, with apt Notes to sing them withall." This Bible is printed in black letter, with all the headings in Roman type, except the heading of page 89 of the New Testament, which is in Italic ; the marginal references are also in black letter, but the notes are in Roman. It is an im- provement on the first edition, for not only are many printer's errors corrected, but a thorough revision of that edition had been made, hundreds of passages having been altered. It is true that whole books, e.g., the prophet Hosea, remained nearly unaltered, but many of the historical books are considerably revised; in one instance twenty alterations were made in one chapter. The New Testament was revised to a less exterit than the Old; generally the alteration consisted of the substitution of a different word 247 Metrical Psalms printed by John Daye, 248 Old Bibles. Headings of chapters shortened. Psalm xix., Bishops' version. in the text, while the reading of the first edition was preserved in the margin. As the 1569 edition was in small quarto, it was necessary, to save space, to abridge the head- ings of the chapters. This apparently was done by the printer to suit his own convenience. For the same reason for which the headings were abbreviated, all the woodcuts so liberally used in 1568, were now omitted, though one would have thought they would be more appro- priate for a Bible intended for family use and private study than in the large edition issued for use in the church. Perhaps it was thought the explanatory tables and maps were sufficient. To give an idea of the Bishops' version of the Psalms, I will insert a short one, which the reader can compare with the same Psalm as given in the Authorised Version and in the Prayer Book : The argument of the xix Psalme. 51 Gods glorie wherby he may be knowen, appeareth sufficiently in all his workes, in heaven, ayre, and earth ; but especially to his chyldren in his holy worde, which there- fore ought to be of more value and commendation then all other worldly thynges. Vpon consideration hereof, Dauid confesseth his secrete and presumptuous sinnes, he craueth pardon and mercie at gods handes. Cceli Enarrant. To the cheefe musition a Psalme of Dauid. A The heauens declare the glorie of god : and the firmament sheweth his handie worke "powrethout 2. A day " occasioneth talke thereof vnto t wordes a for the better vnder | standing of the text, and specially for the discouerie of the j Corrvptions of diuers late translations, and for j cleering the Controversies in Religion, of these daies : | In the English College of Rhemes. | Psal. 118. Da mihi intellectum, & scrutdbor legem tuam & custodiam \ illam in toto corde meo. That is, Giue me vnderstanding and I will searche thy lawe, and | will keepe it with my whole hart. I S. Aug. tract. 2, in Epist loan. | Omnia quae leguntur in Scripturis Sanctis, ad instructionem & salutem nostram intente oportet | audire : maxime tamen memoriae commendanda sunt quae aduersus Haereticos valent plu | rimum : quorum insidiae, infirmiores quosque & negli- gentiores circumuenire non cessant. | That is, I Al things that are readde in holy Scrip- tures, we must heare with great attention, to Rheims & Douai Version. 295 our I instruction and saluation : but those things specially must be commended to me | morie which make most against Heretikes : whose deceites cease not to cir | cumuent and beguile al the weaker sort and the more neligent per- sons. I Printed at Rhemes, | by Iohn Fogny. | 1582. I Cvm privilegio." On reverse of title is, " The censvre and approbation," Signed, " Petrus Remigivs," " Hvbertvs Morvs," " Ioannes le Besgve," " Gvlielmvs Balbvs ; " " The Preface to the Reader treating of these three points : of the translation of Holy Scriptvres into the vulgar tongues, and namely into English : of the causes why this new Tes- tament is translated according to the auncient vulgar Latin text : & of the maner of translating the same," 22 pages ; "The signification or meaning of the Nvm- bers and Markes vsed in this New Testament," 1 page ; " The bookes of the new Testament, accord- ing to the counte of the Catholike Churche," 3 pages ; "The svmme of the New Testament," 4 page; "The argument of S. Matthewes Gospel," I page ; The text, page 3 to 74S ; "A table of the Epistles and Gospels, after the Romane vse, vpon Svndaies, Holidaies, and other principal daies of the yere, for such as are desirous to know and reade them according Collation of the Rheims Testament. 296 Old Bibles. Reason why translated from the Vul- gate. to this translation. And therfore the Epistles taken out of the old Testament are omitted, till the edition thereof," 4 pages ; "An Ample and particvlar table directing the reader to al Catholike truthes, deduced out of the holy Scriptures, and impugned by the Aduersaries ; " " The explication of certaine wordes in this translation, not familiar to the vulgar reader, which might not conueniently be vttered other- wise ; " errata, altogether, 27 pages. In the preface the translators say that the Scriptures have been translated into the vul- gar tongue of divers nations from the time of S. Chrysostom and S. Jerome, and that at the provincial Council holden at Oxford, by Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, versions approved and allowed by the Diocesan were not forbidden to be read. The following reasons are given why this Testament was translated from the Vulgate : 1. Because the Vulgate is the most ancient. 2. It was corrected by S. Jerome. 3. It was commended by S. Augustine. 4. It was used and expounded by the Fathers. 5. It was declared authentic by the Council of Trent. 6. It is the most grave and majestic of all versions. 7. It is exact and precise according to the oldest Greek. 8. That even Beza preferred it to all the rest. Rheims & Douai Version. 9. That all other translations are acknow- ledged to be imperfect. 10. That it is purer than the modern Greek text, which has been corrupted, and Beza bears testimony that the Vulgate was taken from more ancient and purer Greek copies than were known to be extant in his day. 11. The Vulgate agrees with the earliest quotations from Holy Scriptures in the writings of the primitive Fathers. The translators then defend the use of cer- tain words not then in ordinary use ; for instance the word "Amen " at the beginning of a solemn sentence : they say that, — " Verily, verily, doth not expresse the asseueration and assurance signified by this Hebrue word, besides that it is the solemne and vsual word of our Saviour to expresse a vehement asseueration, and therefore is not changed, neither in the Sy- riake nor Greeke, nor vulgar Latin Testament, but is preserued and vsed of the Euange- listes and Apostles themselues euen as Christ spake it." They also prefer to keep " Hosanna," " Al- leluia," "pascha," "neophite," &c, and justify themselves by showing that while in English Bibles words like "Pentecost," "raca," "phy- lacteries," and other words are left untranslated, they cannot be blamed. They say that the full signification of many words is lost by translation ; for example, that to " evangelize " means more than the English translation, " to bring good tidings." 297 Untranslat- able words. k 5 298 Old Bibles. Second edi- tion, 1600, quarto. They conclude by admitting- that they some- times take a word that is in the Latin margin, instead of that in the text, when it agrees better with quotations in the Fathers and the best Greek MSS. The title of the second edition is as follows : "The I New Testament | of Iesus Christ faith- | fvlly translated into English, j out of the au- thentical Latin, diligently conferred with the | Greeke, and other Editions in diuers lan- guages : With Ar | gvments of bookes and chapters : Annotations, [ and other helpes, for the better vnderstanding of the text, | and specially for the discouerie of Corrvptions in di ] uers late translations : and for cleering Controver | sies in Religion of these daies : By the English | College then Resident in Rhemes. | Set Forth the second time, by the same College now | returned to Doway. With addition to one new Table of Heretical Cor I rvptions, and other Tables and Anno- tations somewhat augmented. | Search the Scriptures, loan 5. Giue me vnderstanding, and I wil search thy Law: and | wil kepe it with my whole hart. Psalm 118, v. 34. I S. Augustin, Tract 2, in Epist. loan. Al things that are readde in holie Scriptures &c. Printed at Antwerp by Daniel Vervliet 1600. With Privilege." Rheims & Douai Version. 299 On the reverse is the " Approbation " of both editions ; that of the second is dated, "Duaci, 2 Nouemb. 1599," and signed "Gvi- lielmvs Estivs," "Bartholomsevs Petrvs," " Ivdo- cvs Heylens " ; " The Preface to the Reader treating of these three points," &c, 22 pages ; " A Table of cer ] taine places of the New | Testament corrvptly translated | in favovr of heresies of these daies in ) the English Edi- tions : especially of the yeares 1562 | 77, 79, and 80 by order of the Bookes, Chapters, | and Vefses of the same. "Wherein we do not charge our Aduer- saries for disagreeing from the authentical Latin text (wherof much is saide in the Pre- face) but for corrupting the Greeke it selfe, which they pretende to translate." Concluding, "The blessed Confessour, Bishop Tonstal noted no lesse than two thousand cor- ruptions in Tindals translation, in the New Testament only. Wherby, as by these few here cited for examples, the indifferent reader may see, how vntruly the English Bibles are commended to the people, for the pure word of God," 51 pages ; " The explication of certaine wordes in this translation, not familiar to the vulgar reader, which might not conueniently be vttered other- wise," 1^ page ; "The bookes of the New Testament, ac- cording to the counte of the Catholike Church ; " Followed by 7.\ pages of quotations from Collation of second edi- tion. Bishop Tunstal. 3oo Old Bibles. " S. Augstin " (sic), " Turtellian," " S. Hierom," " Vincentius Lirinensis," and " S. Basil," in five divisions : — "i. The infallible authoritie and excellencie of the Scriptures, above all other writings. "2. The discerning of Canonical from not Canonical, and of their infallible truth, and sense, commeth unto vs, only by the credite we give vnto the Catholike Chvrch : through whose commendation we belieue both the Gospel and Christ himself, whereas the Sectaries measure the matter by their fantasies and opinions. "3. No heretics haue right to the Scriptures, but are vsurpers : the Catholike Church, being the true owner, and faithful keeper of them. Heretics abuse them, corrupt them, and vtterly seeke to abolish them, though they pretend to the contrarie. "4. Yet do they vaunt themselves of Scrip- ture exceedingly, but they are neuer the more to be trusted for that. " 5. The cause why, the Scriptures being perfit, yet we use other Ecclesiastical writings and traditions," 3 pages ; " The summe of the | New Testament," and "The Argument of S. Matthewes Gospel," 2 pages ; The text, from page 3, sig. A ij, to page 744, sig. A a a a iiij verso ; "A Table of the Epistles and Gospels," 4i pages; " An ample and particular table, &c," con- cluding, "The faultes escaped in printing, we Rheims & Douai Version. 301 trust the gentle reader vvil of his curtisie easily amend and pardon. Lavs Deo," 33 pages. This edition is well printed in good Roman type, but with all quotations from the Old Testament in Italic letters, which shows clearly how much more of the Old Testament is con- tained in the New than we imagine. The text is not broken up into verses, but the verse numbers are placed on the inner margin, within a black line, outside of which are refer- ences to parallel passages. The notes are on the opposite margin ; for instance, S. Matthew, chap, xvij, v. 27, reads, "Iesvs said to him, then the children are free.f But that we may not scandalize them, goe thy waies to the sea, and cast a hooke : and that fish which shal first come vp, take : and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a:: stater: take that, and giue it them for me and thee." The note is, " : : This stater was a double didrachme, and therfore was payed for two." The annotation at the end of the chapter is, " A great mysterie in that he payed not only for him self, but for Peter bearing the Person of the Church, and in whom as the cheefe, the rest, were conteyned. Aug. q. ex no Test. q. 75 to 4-" At the end of the Acts of the Apostles is a table of the life of S. Peter, and another of S. Paul, with short notices of the other Apostles, ending with, "Before they departed one from an other al Twelue assembling together, and Quotations from the Old Testament in Italics. Not divided into verses. Rheims notes. 302 Apostles' creed. Old Bibles. ful of the Holy Ghost, eche laying- downe his sentence, agreed vpon twelue principal Articles of the Christian faith, and appointed them for a rule to al belieuers : Which is therfore called and is The Apostles Crede : Not written in paper, as the Scripture, but from the Apostles de- liuered by tradition. Which, as of old, so at this day al solemnely professe in their Bap- tisme, either by them selves or by others : and al that be of age and capacitie, are bound to know and beleeue euerie article of the same. Which are these that follow : The Apostles Crede or Symbolvm Apostolorvm. i. I beleeue in God the Father almightie, creator of heauen and earth 2. And in Iesvs Christ, his only Sonne, our Lord. 3. Who was conceiued by the Holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Marie. 4. Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate, was cruci- fied, dead, and buried : Descended into hel. 5. The third day he rose againe from death. 6. Ascended into heauen : sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almightie. 7. From thence he shal come to iudge the quicke and the dead. 8. I beleeue in the Holy Ghost. 9. The holy Catholike Church : the com- munion of saincts. Rheims & Douai Version. 303 10. Remission of sinnes. 11. Resurrection of the flesh. 12. Life euerlasting. Amen." Then on page 377, " The Argvment of the Epistles in general," i\ pages. "The time when the Epistle to the Romanes was written, and the Argument therof;" in which it is said that the first Epistle written by S. Paul was to the Galatians. "So then, the Epistle to the Romanes was not the first that he wrote. But yet it is, and alwaies was set first, because of the primacie of that Church," &c. The translation of the Rheims Testament differs from all others on almost every page ; for instance, in Hebrews xii. 18 Tyndale has, " For ye are not come vnto the mounte that can be touched, and vnto burnynge fyre, nor yet to myst and darknes, and tempest of wedder : " Coverdale, Matthew, Taverner, the Great, and the Bishops' Bible all read nearly the same ; but this version has, " For you are not come to a palpable mount." A very considerable number of the Rhemish renderings, which they introduced for the first time, were adopted by the revisers of King James's Bible of 161 1, and still more by the revisers of the 1881 version. The third edition of this version was issued in I2 m0 - by James Seldenflach, Antwerp, 1621. The "Approbation " on reverse of title is dated "Antwerp, die 10 Aprilis, 1620," and is signed, Why the Epistle to the Romans placed first. Difference in translations. Third edi- tion of the Rhemish New Testa- ment. 304 Fourth edi- tion, quarto. Title page of Cousturier's Testament. Old Bibles. "L. Beyerlink, Archipresbyter." After the title is a preface of 2 1 pages. "The signification or meaning of the nvm- bers and'marke vsed in this New Testament;" " The favltes in this text correct thvs," with a list of 21 printer's errors, 1 page. The text is an accurate reprint of the pre- vious quarto edition, without note or comment. The Apocalypse ends on page 285. The annotations are placed at the end and occupy 349 pages. The book concludes with, "A table for the controversies of these times;" "Places to proue that the Church hath alwayes visible pastors, &c. ; " "The necessity of Baptisme." On verso of last leaf is, "The favltes in the annotations correct thvs," and a list of 15 errors. ' The fourth edition has two title-pages : the first an elaborate engraving of an entrance to a temple. The words in the centre are, " The New Testament of Jesus Christ." On one side is the figure of a man, and on the other of a, woman. On the upper part is a crucifix. At the foot of the woman is the word " Ecclesia," and from her mouth proceed the words, "Absit mihi gloriari nisi in cruce." At the foot of the man, who is habited as a Jewish High Priest, is the word " Synagoga." In an ornamental panel below are the words, " Printed By Iohn Cousturier, mdcxxxiii." The letterpress title is the same as the pre- vious quarto, excepting that this is said to be, "The fourth Edition, enriched with Pictures.'' Rheims & Douai Version. 305 My copy has seven full-page engraving's : — S. Matthew, with a winged man, and be- low, " Diuo Hominis fades Matthseo adstare videtur Qui Christum vere natum hominum esse docet. " S. Mark, with a lion, " Forma Leonis Marco : instar namq leonis, Rugit et exclamat : sit via plana Del" S. Luke, with an ox, " Effigies Vituli, Lvca, tibi conuenit : exstat Zacharise in scriptis mentio prima tuis." S. John, with an eagle, " Sanctus Ioannes, Aquilse instar, celsa reuelat Altinolans, Verbum prcedicat esse Deum." (All the four signed " Picquet, f.") The day of Pentecost (no engraver's name), " In nouissimis diebus Dominus, efmndam de spti meo super oem carnem, et prophetabunt filii uestri, et filise uestras. " S. Peter, with sword (Michel van Lochom, fecit), ' ' In medio Ecclesiae aperuit os eius, et impeuit eum Dominus Spiritu : sapientise et intellectus. " S. John in Patmos (Michel van Lochom, f.), ' ' Ecce puer meus electus quem elegi posui super eum spiritum meum." At the end of the book is, " The explication of certaine words, &c." Many of these words have been incorporated into our language, and are now familiar to every one : "Abstracted Advent Adulterating Allegorie Amen. i.e. drawen away, the comming, corrupting, a mystical speech. Engravings. List of new words intro- duced. 306 Old Bibles. Mary, Queen of Scots, not allowed to take an oath on this Testament. Anathema. Assist. Assumption Cathechize. Catechumens. Condigne. Co-operate Co-operation. Euangelize. Gratis Neophyte. Sacrament Sancta Sanctorum Tetrarch Christ's departure out of this world. working with others. for nothing, freely. mystene. Holie of Holies. Gouernour of the fourth part of a countrie." The hatred of this version of the New Testa- ment by the dominant party of the day was so bitter that an oath sworn on it was not deemed valid. A touching incident in the life of the unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, about five years after the first edition was published, shows this. When Mary offered to pledge her word upon it that she had not conspired against the life of Queen Elizabeth, the Earl of Kent exclaimed, "The book is a popish Testament and of course an oath on it is of no value." "It is a Catholic Testament," re- joined the Queen, " and on that account I prize it the more, and therefore according to your own reasoning you ought to judge my oath the more satisfactory." Rheims & Douai Version. 307 THE DOUAI OLD TESTAMENT. The title is, "The | Holie Bible | Faithfully trans [ lated into English | ovt of the avthen- tical I Latin. | Diligently conferred with the Hebrew, Greeke, | and other Editions in diuers languages. | With Argvments of the Bookes, and Chapters : | Annotations, Tables : and other helpes, I for better vnderstanding of the text : for discouerie of | corrvptions in some late translations : and | for clearing Controversies in Religion. By the English College of Doway. Haurietis aquas gaudio de fontibus Saluatoris. Isaiae 12. You shal draw waters in ioy out of the Sauiours fountaines. Printed at Doway by Lavrence' Kellam, at the signe of the holi Lambe. M.DCIX." On verso is " Approbatio ; " dated " Duaci 8 Nouembris, 1609." Signed, " Gvilielmvs Es- tivs," " Bartholomaevs P'etrvs," "Georgivs Col- venerivs." On sig. f2 is an address, "To the right wel- beloved English reader, grace and glorie in Iesvs Christ everlasting." First is an explanation of the cause of delay in setting forth this English Bible, viz. : " Our poore estate in banishment." " VVherfore we The Douai Bible, 1609-10, quarto. Address to English readers. 3 o8 Old Bibles. No early co- dex known at that time. Care taken to correct errors. nothing doubt, but you our dearest, for whom we haue dedicated our Hues, wil both pardon the long- delay, which we could not wel preuent, and accept now this fruict of our laboures, with like good affection, as we acknowledge them due, and offer the same vnto you." " Now since Luther, and his folowers haue pretended, that the Catholique Romane faith and doctrine, should be contrarie to Gods written word, and that the Scriptures were not suffered in vulgar languages, lest the people should see the truth, and withal these new maisters corruptly turning the Scriptures into diuers tongues, as might best serue their owne opinions, against this false suggestion, and practise, Catholique Pastores haue, for one especial remedie, set forth true and sincere Translations in most languages of the Latin Church." If it is asked, " Why we translate the Latin text, rather then the Hebrew, or Greke, which Protestantes preferre, as the fountaine tongues, wherin holie Scriptures were first written ? To this we answer, that if in dede those first pure Editions were now extant, or if such as be ex- tant were more pure then the Latin, we would also preferre such fountaines before the riuers, in whatsoeuer they should be found to dis- agree." They say the MSS. now existing are not as free from error as those used by S. Jerome were, and that while the Latin copies have re- mained more pure than any other, yet even Rheims & Douai Version. they in long process of time have differed in words, and some also in sense, by the mistakes of their writers ; therefore they have corrected the Latin Text, by restoring to the text words omitted by scribes, or placed in the margin ; this they have done solely " for the more se- cure conseruation of the true text." They then explain why some words are not translated into English. Next they compare the translation of English Bibles printed in 1552 and 1557 with the Bibles of 1579 and 1603, and show the earlier editions to be more correct than the latter. In another place they point out the 1552 (N. Hylls quarto Great Bible) and the 1577 (Bishops' quarto) translate Theraphim, "images," which the 1603 (Genevan quarto) changes to "idols." They then dedicate this Bible to all English speaking people in these words, " With this then we wil conclude most deare (we speake to you al, that vnderstand our tongue, whether you be of contrarie opinions in faith, or of mundane feare participate with an other Con- gregation ; or professe with vs the same Catho- lique Religion) to you al we present this worke : dayly beseaching God Almightie, the Diuine VVisedom, Eternal Goodnes, to create, illu- minate, and replenish your spirites, with his Grace, that you may attaine eternal Glory, euery one in his measure, in those manie Mansions, prepared and promised by our Sauiour in his Father's house. Not only to 309 Early Eng- lish Bibles compared. Dedication to the public. 3io Old Bibles. The Bible contains all things neces- sary to be believed. Division of the Books. those which first receiued, and folowed his Diuine doctrine, but to al that should after- wardes beleue in him, and kepe the same preceptes. For there is one God, one also Mediatour of God and men : Man Christ Iesus. Who gaue himself a Redemption for al. VVherby appeareth his wil, that al should be saued." "From the English College in Doway, the Octaues of al Sainctes, 1609." This address fills 12 pages, "The Svmme and partition of the Holie Bible. "With a brife note of the Canonical and Apochryphal Bookes." "By the vniform consent of al learned Di- uines, the holi Bible, or written word of God, conteyneth expressed or implied, al thinges that man is to beleue, to obserue, and to auoide, for obtayning of eternal saluation. That is, al matters of faith and maners, by which we may know and serue God, and so be spiritually ioined with him in this life, and in eternitie." The marginal notes are, "How the holie Scriptures conteine al knowlege necessarie to saluation. The Old and new Testament show the same God, Christ, Church, and other Mys- teries of Religion." " The old more obscurely, with lesse helpes, the new more expresly and yeldeth more grace." " In both Testaments there are foure sortes of Bookes — Legal— Historical — Sapiential — Prophetical." Rheims & Douai Version. 3ii A list is then given of the Canonical Books. Apocryphical Books are divided into two classes : First, Books not declared Canonical, such as the Prayer of Manasses, the Third Book of Esdras, and the Third Book of Mac- cabees ; the second class are rejected as erro- neous. " The svmme of the old Testament, as it is distinguished from the new." The marginal summary is, " The old Testa- ment conteyneth figures of the new." "A continual visible Church from the be- ginning of the world to Christ, the same Mysti- cal bodie, but different in state." " Diuided into six ages, — The first continued 1656 yeares. The second 368 or 398. The third about 430. The fourth 480. The fifth 430. The sixth nere 640." "Of Moyses the Avthor of the fiue first bookes." "The argvment of the Booke of Genesis" finishes the preliminary matter, 18 pages in all. The text is in Roman type, not divided into verses, but numbered down the inner margins. The first tome concludes with the Book of Job, sig. T 1 1 1 1 1 5, page 1 1 14. On the last leaf (11 15) is the following ad- dress, " To the cvrteovs reader. We haue al- ready found some faultes escaped in printing, but fearing there be more, and the whole Six ages of the world. Address to the reader. 312 Old Bibles. Second part of the Douai Bible, 1610, quarto. volume being ouerlong, to be examined agayne, we pray the curteous reader to pardon al, and amend them as they occure. "Two tables, one of the times of the old Testament : an other of the principal matters in the Annotations therof, shal folow (God willing) with the other Tome : which we desire and hope to send you shortly. In the mean time the gentle reader may please to supplie the want therof, as he may by the Recapitula- tions of the Historie, and pointes of Religion, in the first fiue ages, already contayned in this Volume, in their proper places : in the pages 29, 47, 196, 701, and 934." The second volume of the Douai Bible has a title similar to the first, excepting that it begins, " The seconde tome of the Holie Bible," and in place of the quotation from Isaiah it has one from II. S. Peter i., " Spiritu Sancto inspirati, locuti sunt Sancti Dei homines. "The holie men of God spake, inspired with the Holie Ghost." The date is " m.dcx." Reverse, the same as first tome. On sig. A 2, page 3, " Proemial Annotations vpon the Booke of Psalmes," which, after 11 pages of interesting matter, thus finishes : "As for the name, S. Ierom, S. Augustin, and other Fathers teach, that wheras amongst in- numerable musical instruments, six were more specially vsed in Dauids time, mentioned by him in the last Psalme, Trumpet, Psalter, Harpe, Timbrel, Organ, and Cimbal. Rheims & Douai Version. "This booke hath his name of the instrument called Psalter, which hath tenne strings, signify- ing the tenne commandements, and is made in forme (as S. Ierom, and S. Bede suppose) of the Greke letter A delta, because as that instrument rendreth sound from aboue, so we should at- tend to heauenlie vertues, which come from aboue : Likewise vsing the harpe, which sig- nifyeth mortification of the flesh, & other in- instruments, which signifie and teach other vertues, we must finally referre al to Gods glorie, reioyce spiritually in hart, and render al praise to God." The following is appended as an example of the Douai translation of the Psalms (the 23rd of all English versions except Coverdale's) : " Paslme (sic) xxij. A forme of thankesgeuing for al spiritual benefites (described vnder the metaphor of temporal pros- peritie) euen from a sinners conuersion, to final perseuerance, and eternal beautitude. 1. The Psalme of Dauid. 2. Ovr (a) Lord ruleth me, and nothing shal be wanting to me : in place (6) of pasture there he hath placed me. (a) Christ the good pastor gouenieth, protecteth, (3) and feedeth his faithful flocke. 3. Vpon (c) the water of refection he hath brought me vp : he hath (d) conuerted my soule. {c) Baptisme of regeneration {d) which is the first justification. 313 xxij. Psalm. 3H Old Bibles. Tables of the Douai Bible. He hath conducted me vpon (e) the pathes of justice {/) for his name. (?) Gods precepts which the baptised roust obserue. (/) Sana- tion is in the name and power of Christ, not in mans owne merites. 4. For, although I shal walke in the (g) middes of the shaddow of death, I wil {h) not feare euils : because thou art with me. [g) In great danger of tentation to mortal sinne, (A) yet by Gods grace we may resist. Thy (z) rod and thy (k) staffe, they haue comforted me. (i) Gods direction and law is streight, (£) and strong. 5. Thou hast prepared in my sight (/) a table against them that truble me. (/) Christ hath prepared for our spiritual foode the B Sacrament of the Eucharist. Thou (n) hast fatted my head with oyle : and my (0) chalace inebriating how goodlie is it ! {«) Christian souls are also strengthened by the other Sacraments. (0) The B Sacrament and Sacrifice of Christs bodie and bloud. 6. And thy merce shal folow me (p) al the dayes of my life. (p) Continual and final perseuerance is by Gods special grace And that I may dwel in the house of our Lord, (q) in longitude of dayes. (?) in eternal life." This Bible ends with IV. Esdras, chapter xvi., on page 107 1, on verso of which is, "A table of the Epistles, taken forth of the old Testa- ment, vpon certayne festiual dayes, &c. ; " then follows a list of 22 festivals. Next are 24 pages of "An historical table of the times, special persons, most notable thinges, and canonical bookes of the old Testament," Rheims & Douai Version. 3i5 divided into six ages; then 27 pages of "A particvlar table of the most principal thinges conteyned as wel in the holie text, as in the Annotations of both the Tomes of the old Testament." On page 1124 is, "Censura trium Theolo- gorum Anglorum, extra collegium commoran- tium." Signed, "Ioannes Wrightvs," "Matthaevs Kellisonvs," " Gvilielmvs Harisonvs." On recto of last leaf is, "You may please (curteous reader) to amend the more especial errors happened in this Edition, by reading thus." The second edition of the Douai version of the Old Testament was printed by John Cous- turier in 1635, one hundred years after Cover- dale's Bible appeared. It may be described as an accurate reprint of the first edition. It has no colophon, but on the first title are the words, " Printed by Iohn Covstvrier Permissv Svperiorvm m.dc.xxxv." Should the titles be missing, a copy of the second edition may be distinguished by having a double black line around each page, and the verse numbers being embodied in the text as they were in the quarto edition of the Bishops' Bible of 1569, the first edition having the num- bers in the margin and not introduced into the text. The reason the Douai version is sometimes called the " Rosin " Bible, is from the render- ing of the last verse of the eighth chapter of "the prophecie of Ieremie : " "18. My sorow Second edi- tion of the Douai Old Testament, 1635, quarto. " Rosin" Bible. 3i6 Old Bibles. Translated from the Vulgate- is aboue sorow, my hart mourning' within me. 19. Behold the voice of the daughter of my people from a farre countrie : Is not our Lord in Sion, or is not her king in her ? Why then haue they prouoked me to wrath in their sculp- tils, and in strange vanities ? 20. The haruest is past, somner is ended : and we are not saued. 21. For the affliction of the daughter of my people I am afflicted, and made sorowful, as- tonishment hath taken me. 22. Is there noe rosin in Galaad ? or is there no phisition there ? Why then is not the wound of the daughter of my people closed ? " At the end of Cousterier's edition, after the errata, is : " Extraict dv privilege dv Roy. Par grace & priuilege du Roy, II est permis a. lean le Covstvrier, Marchand Libraire & Imprimeur en ceste ville de Rouen, d'Imprimer, vendre & distribuer, pendant le temps & espace de dix ans, la Bible en language Anglois, de 1'edition de Laurens Kellam Imprimeur de Douay, Et def- fences sont faictes a tous Marchands Libraires & Imprimeurs de ce Royaume, d'en vendre, ny distribuer pendant le dit temps, d'autre Impression que de celle du dit Covstvrier, sur peine de 500 liures d'amende, & de confiscation des Exemplaires, ainsi que plus au long est contenu es-dites Lettres de Priuilege, Donnees a Paris le 3 iour d'Aoust, l'an de grace 1634. Et de nostre regne le 25. Signe", Par le Roy en son Conseil." The Douai Bible is, as it professes to be, a literal translation of the Vulgate, and in some Rheims & Douai Version. places more accurately hands down the very words of the inspired writers than any English translation then existing-. This is owing to the Latin having been taken from earlier MSS. than were accessible to later translators. The exact time the old Latin translation was made is not known, but in all probability it was used by the Church in North Africa in the second half of the second century. The text used by the revisers of our present version of the New Testament was Beza's fourth edition of the Greek Text, published in 1589, and the fourth edition of Stephens', pub- lished in 1557, or, as these editions were little more than reprints of preceding editions, they may be said to have used the third edition of Beza's Greek Testament of 1582, and Ste- phens' of 1550, and these followed the very imperfect and defective fourth edition of the Greek Testament of Erasmus, prepared by him in 15 16, based on late and untrustworthy manuscripts, without regard to more ancient and accurate authorities that were even then within his reach. The text of Erasmus has been proved not accurately to represent the apostolic originals. Since the sixteenth cen- tury Greek MSS. have been discovered of far greater antiquity than those of Erasmus and Stephens, as well as others in Latin, Syriac, and Coptic, into which languages the Scrip- tures were translated before the fourth century; and long quotations occur in the works of the early fathers, from the original sacred text, 317 Source of Authorised Version. 3i8 Old Bibles. Discovery of Codex Sinai- ticus. Agreement with quota- tions in writings of SS. Ignatius, Irenzeus, and Clement. which serve as a test of genuineness. The most ancient MS. was discovered by the late Professor Tischendorf in 1844, in the Monas- tery of St. Catherine, on Mount Sinai, and pre- sented at his instance, in 1859, to the Emperor of Russia, Alexander II., by the monks of St. Catherine. It is known as the Codex Si- naiticus, and is in all probability one of the fifty copies of the Bible made in the year 331, under the care of Eusebius, by order of the Emperor Constantine. The readings in this MS., when tested by the quotations from the sacred writings in the works of SS. Ignatius, Irenaeus, and Clement, agree in every particu- lar. This MS. contains the Old Testament in the Septuagint version, and the whole of the New Testament ; also the Epistle of Barnabas. It consists of 345 leaves, each page having four parallel columns. The Epistles of S. Paul are placed immediately after the Gospels, and before the Acts of the Apostles. As an ex- ample of the fidelity of the Rheims version, and its agreement with the ancient MSS., the following may be cited : In St. Luke ii. 14, in the A. V., " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men:" S. Jerome gives it, " and on earth peace among men of good pleasure (or will)." The Alex- andrian, the Vatican, and the Sinaitic Codices all agree with the Latin, which has handed down to us what is now generally acknow- ledged to be the true rendering of the very words of the song of the angels. Rheims & Douai Version. 3i9 S. Jerome, by his great knowledge of lan- guages, and his wonderful industry, did more than any other man that ever lived towards the interpretation of Holy Scripture. He was born in Stridon, in Dalmatia, about the year 329. In the deserts of Syria he perfected himself in the Hebrew language so as to be able to translate the Old Testament into Latin. He studied at Constantinople, under the great orator and theologian, S. Gregory of Nazianzum, and learned from his eloquent lips the great trea- sure to be found in the Scriptures. Afterwards, at Rome, he revised the Latin translations of the New Testament and the Psalter, which even at that early date, varied considerably from the original text. Considering it neces- sary for the preservation of religion that the ascetic and cloisteral life should be encouraged, he retired to a hermitage at Bethlehem, where he watched over the sacred deposit of the Scriptures, and devoted himself to its study and translation, until, at length, worn out by ceaseless toil and great age, he died in the year 420. S. Jerome's version was not universally ac- cepted until the 8th century. In the beginning of the 9th century Alcuin revised the Vulgate, and by the aid of early MSS. restored it to its early purity. Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 1089 corrected the text, and removed from it many clerical errors. Early in the 16th century Cardinal Ximenes S. Jerome. Corrections of the text made by Lanfranc. 320 Old Bibles. Comparison of the 1610 and 1853 edi tions. made a considerable revision, and another was made by Pope Sixtus V. in 1 590, but in passing- through the press so many printer's errors were made that in 1592 Pope Clement VIII. issued a corrected edition. Greater changes have been made in the various editions of the Douai Bible than in any other English version. This will be at once seen by comparing' any of the chapters. We append two in parallel columns as an example. The version of 1610. The edition of 1853. The Threnes that is to say, The lamentations of Ieremie the Prophet. 1 How doth the citie fill of people, sitte solitarie: how is the ladie of the Gentiles become as a widow : the prin- cesse of prouinces is made tributarie ? 2 Weeping she hath wept in the night, and her teares are on her cheekes: there is none to comfort her of al her deare ones : al her freindes haue despised her, and are become her enimies. 3 Iudas is gone into trans- migration because of afflic- tion, and the multitude of bondage ; she hath dwelt a- mong the Gentiles, neither hath she found rest: al her persecuters haue apprehend- ed her within the straites. The lamentations of Jere- mias. 1. How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of peo- ple ! how is the mistress of the Gentiles become as a Widow, the princess of the provinces is made tributary ! 2. Weeping she hath wept in the night and her tears are on her cheeks, there is none to comfort her, all her friends have despised her, and are become her enemies. 3. Juda hath removed her dwelling place because of her affliction, and the great- ness of her bondage, she hath dwelt among the na- tions, and she hath found no rest, all her persecutors have taken her in the midst of straits. Rheims & Douai Version. 4 The waies of Son mourne, because there are none that come to the so- lemnitie : al her gates are destroyed : her priestes sigh- ing : her virgins lothsome, and herself is oppressed with bitternes. 5 Her aduersaries are made in the head, her ene- mies are enriched : because our Lord hath spoken vpon her for the multitude of her iniquites: her little ones are led into captiuitie, before the face of the afflicter. 4. The ways of Zion mourn, because there are none that come to the solemn feast, all her gates are bro- ken down, her priests sigh, her virgins are in affliction, and she is oppressed with bitterness. 5. Her adversaries are be- come her lords, her enemies are enriched, because the Lord hath spoken against her for the multitude of her iniquities, her children are led into captivity before the face of the oppressor. 321 322 Old Bibles. Hampton Court Con- ference. King James's opinion of the early ver- sions. King yamess Version. AT the Hampton Court Conference between ,_ the Church party and the conforming Dissenters, held January 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1604, it was decided that a new translation of the Bible should be made. This was at the suggestion of Dr. Reynolds, the leader of the Puritan party, who " moved his Majesty that there might be a new transla- tion of the Bible, because those which were allowed in the reign of King Henry VIII. and Edward VI. were corrupt, and not answerable to the truth of the original." King James said he did not consider any translation into English, that had hitherto been made, to be satisfactory, but the worst of all versions was the Genevan ; some of the notes of which were very partial, untrue, seditious, and savoured too much of dangerous and traitorous conceits. Steps were immediately taken to carry the suggestions into effect. 54 translators were appointed, and divided into six companies. They met at Oxford, Cambridge, and West- minster, and the following rules were framed for their guidance : — "1. The ordinary Bible read in the Church, commonly called the Bishops' Bible, to be fol- King James's Version. lowed, and as little altered as the truth of the original will admit. "2. The names of the prophets and the holy writers, with the other names of the text, to be retained as nigh as may be, accordingly as they were vulgarly used. " 3. The old ecclesiastical words to be kept, viz., the word church not to be translated congre- gation, &c. " 4. When a word hath divers significations, that to be kept which hath been most com- monly used by the most of the ancient fathers, being agreeable to the propriety of the place and the analogy of the faith. " 5. The division of the chapters to be al- tered either not at all, or as little as may be, if necessity so require. " 6. No marginal notes at all to be affixed, but only for the explanation of the Hebrew or Greek words which cannot, without some cir- cumlocution, so briefly and fitly be expressed in the text. " 7. Such quotations of places to be margin- ally set down as shall serve for the fit reference of one Scripture to another. " 8. Every particular man of each company to take the same chapter or chapters ; and hav- ing translated or amended them severally by himself where he thinketh good, all to meet together, confer what they have done, and a- gree for their parts what shall stand. " 9. As any one ..company hath dispatched any one book in this manner, they shall send 323 Rules to guide the re- visers. 324 Old Bibles. it to the rest to be considered of seriously and judiciously, for his Majesty is very careful in this point. " 10. If any company, upon the review of the book so sent, doubt or differ upon any place, to send them word thereof, note the place, and withal send the reasons ; to which if they con- sent not, the difference to be compounded at the general meeting-, which is to be of the chief persons of each company at the end of the work. " II. When any place of special obscurity is doubted of, letters to be directed by authority to send to any learned man in the land for his judgment of such a place. " 12. Letters to be sent from every bishop to the rest of his clergy, admonishing them of this translation in hand, and to move and charge as many as being skilful in the tongues, and having- taken pains in that kind, to send his particular observations to the company either at Westminster, Cambridge, or Oxford. " 13. The directors in each company to be the Deans of Westminster and Chester for that place, and the king's professors in the Hebrew or Greek in either university. " 14. These translations to be used when they agree better with the text than the Bishop's Bible : Tindale's, Matthew's, Cover- dale's, Whitchurch's, Geneva. " 15. Besides the said directors before men- tioned, three or four of the most ancient and grave divines in either of the universities, not King James's Version. 325 2. 3- 4- 5- 6. employed in translating-, to be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor upon conference with the rest of the Heads to be overseers of the translations, as well Hebrew as Greek, for the better obser- vation of the fourth rule above specified." The Bible was divided among the six com- panies as follows : — 1. Genesis to II. Kings. I. Chronicles to Ecclesiastes. Isaiah to Malachi. The Apocrypha. The Gospels, Acts, and Apocalypse. The Epistles. The Bible being the property of the Church, its translators were, very properly, remune- rated for their work out of Church funds ; Archbishop Bancroft and other Bishops pre- sented the translators, or more correctly speak- ing the revisers, with Church preferment as vacancies arose. This revision has long been commonly called "The Authorised Version," but it has been ques- tioned whether it was ever formally authorised by Convocation, Council, or Parliament. Matthew's Bible of 1537 was licensed by the King, and the Great Bible was specially sanc- tioned by proclamation. The Bishops' Bible was duly approved of by Convocation, and as the Bishops' Version was the legal successor of the Great Bible, it in- herited royal authority. So the Bible of 161 1, being a revision of the 1602 edition of Parker's Bible, may justly be The version of 1611 never specially authorised. 326 Old Bibles. "Appointed to be read in Churches." First folio of King James's Bible. deemed to possess all the rights and privileges belonging to the version of which it was a re- vision ; just as the Book of Common Prayer of 1604 was regarded as merely a revision of Elizabeth's book of 1559, and therefore to pos- sess all the authority of its predecessor. The words, " Appointed to be read in Churches," to be found on the ti,tle pages of all modern Bibles, are absent from many of the early issues, especially from the smaller editions not intended for use in Church, and they are absent from the New Testament title of the first folio edition of 161 1. They are not to be seen on the title of the first 12 mo Testament, the first octavo Bible, the second quarto, the folio of 1616 in Roman letter, the quarto of 1613-12, the octavos of 1615 and 1617, nor on the octavo of 1621 and others. " Appointed " can hardly be regarded as sy- nonymous with "Authorised." It only means that this version was to be read in the service of the Church for lessons, in place of the ver- sion which had then been in use for forty-three years. Although the lessons were to be read from King James's Version, the Epistles and Gospels used at the Sacrament of the Altar were taken from the Great Bible until the year 1662. The title of the first issue of King James's Bible is, " The Holy Bible, Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New : Newly Translated out of the Originall Tongues: and with the King James's Version. former Translations diligently compared and reuised, by his Maiesties special Comande- ment. Appointed to be read in Churches. Im- printed at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Maiestie. Anno Dom. 1611." In some copies these words appear in a very handsome copper-plate engraving, representing Moses on one side and Aaron on the other, the four Evangelists at the corners, and the Sacred Name above. The engraving is signed " Cornelius Boel fecit in Richmont." In other copies the same words are printed within a woodcut (so frequently seen in the Genevan Bible) of the Twelve Apostles on the right hand, and the Twelve Tribes with their tents and armorial bearings on the left ; at the corners are the Evangelists with their symbols, the same as were borne by the four divisions of the army of Israel ; above is the Lamb tri- umphant, and, at the top of all, the Holy Name (Jehovah) in Hebrew characters. This woodcut was used for the New Testa- ment title in 161 1 ; and for both titles in the large folios of 1613, 1617, 1634, and 1640. The collation is as follows : verso of title blank; "The Epistle Dedicatorie," A 2, ending on A 3 recto ; Verso, " The Translators to the Reader," extending to verso of B4; " Kalen- der," 6 leaves, C 1, A 2 (for C2), &c. ; "An Almanack for 39 years," on D I ; "Table to find Easter for ever," verso of D 1 ; "Table and 327 Title page not always the same. Collation. 328 Title page of the New Testament. The issues of the folio of i&ii. Old Bibles. Kalender," D2; Verso, "Proper Lessons;'' " The names and order of all the Bookes," on verso of D4, printed wholly in black. Then follow the "Genealogies" and map, 18 leaves, with distinct register. The text begins A 1. Gen. i. has the rose and thistle in the initial I. Apocrypha ends on C c c c c 6 verso. The New Testament has a separate register running from A to A a 6. There are altogether 119 signatures and 714 leaves of text. The letterpress of the second title reads : "The Newe Testament of our Lord and Sa- uiour Iesvs Christ. 5f Newly Translated out of the Originall Greeke : and with the former Translations diligently compared and reuised by his Maiesties speciall Commandment. Im- printed at London by Roleri Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Maiestie. Anno Dom. 161 1." The text is in black letter, the chapter head- ings and marginal references, as well as words supplied by the translators in the text, are in Roman type, and the alternative readings in Italic. There are three issues assigned to the year 161 1, each of which bears that date on the New Testament title-page. The first is the one already described. It is commonly known as the great " He " Bible, because it reads in Ruth iii. 15, "Also he said, Bring the vaile that thou hast vpon fhee, and holde it. And when she helde it; he measured King James's Version. sixe measures of barley, and laide it on her : and he went into the citie." This is the correct rendering- of the Hebrew text; but the second issue and almost all sub- sequent editions read, " and she went into the citie." There are several other passages which serve to differentiate the issues. Every edition that has '•' she " has one series of errors, and all that read " he " have another series, no doubt owing- to a " He " Bible being used as "copy" at one printing office, and a " She " Bible at another ; for instance, the first quarto has "he"; the quarto of 1613-12 has "she"; the folio of 161 3 has "she"; the quarto of 1613 has "he." Some errata of first issue of 1611. Genesis x. 16, " Emorite " for "Amorite." Exodus xiv. 10, Repetition of three lines. Exodus xxxviii. 11, "hoopes" for "hooks." Leviticus xiii. 56, "the plaine be" for "the plague be." Leviticus xvii. 14, "ye shall not eat" for "ye shall eat." Jeremiah xxii. 3, " deliver the spoiler " for " deliver the spoiled." Ezra iii. 5, " offred, offered," repetition. Micah iv., Heading " Ioel." Ezek.vi.8, "that he may have some" for "ye." Ezek. xxiv. 7, " She poured it upon the ground " for " poured it not." I. Esdras iv. " Anocrynha " for "Apocrypha." S. Matthew xvi. 25, " his " repeated. 329 Errata of the~ "He "Bible. L 5 33Q Old Bibles. The "She" Bible, 1611. Third issue of King James's Bible of 1611. The second and third folios bear a general resemblance to the first, but differ in the fol- lowing particulars : — The first page of the Dedication, "To the most high and mightie Prince," "oe" should be "of," and in the eighth line, "Chkist" should be "Christ." On the page which faces the first chapter of Genesis, between " 2 Kings " and "Ezrah" is placed "I.Corinthians," "II. Corinth- ians" for "Chronicles." Sig. D 2 of preliminary- has a woodcut of Neptune and his sea-horses. Exodus ix. 13 has, "let my people goe that they may serue thee " for " may serue me." S. Matthew xxvi. 36, "Judas" for "Jesus." In the upper part of the letter P beginning Psalm cxii. is Walsingham's crest. None of the before-mentioned errata of the first issue are to be found in these Bibles, ex- cepting the two in Ezekiel. From the third issue the first title is so often absent that it is difficult to say positively what date it ought to bear, but most likely it should be 1613. In the British Museum is a copy, once the property of Lea Wilson, with the date 161 1 ; but it looks like ah insertion. At Oriel College, Oxford, is a copy of this issue, with a title dated 161 3, and a similar one at All Souls' College, Oxford, is also dated 161 3, and several others in private hands bear the same date. These 1613-n Bibles differ in every sheet from the first issue, sometimes in minute points, but always sufficiently to indicate a separate setting up. King James's Version. 33i The two " She " issues are in most of their sheets identical, but some of them have been reprinted. Different copies are most curiously and ca- priciously mixed up in respect of these varying sheets, it being almost impossible to find two copies made up exactly alike ; for instance, two British Museum copies contain between them almost all the " reprints," but very seldom is the same reprinted sheet found in both. The following are the sheets which have been found to be " reprints : " E 3, 4 ; P 2, 3, 4, 5 ; X 2, 5 ; A a 2, 3, 4, 5 ; the whole of the sheets BbtoEe; Ff 1,3,4,6; G g 3, 4; Hh; I i ; K k 2, 3, 4, 5 ; from L 1 to S s and VvtoZz; A a a 1, 3, 4, 6 ; B b b 1, 2, 5, 6 ; from C c c to H h h ; I i i 1, 3, 4, 6 ; K k k ; L 1 1 2, 3, 4, 5 ; Mmm; Nun; Oooi, 6; Ppp; Qqqi, 2, 5,6; Rrn, 2, 5,6; the whole of Ttt to Yyy; Zzz 1, 2, 5, 6; I i i i 1, 6; S sss 4; Xxxx2, 5. The following table gives tests for distin- guishing between the three large folio Bibles, with the date 161 1 on the New Testament title page. It has been drawn up by a comparison be- tween four Bibles in the collection of the Rev. W. E. Smith, M.A., Vicar of Corton. One of these is a Bible of the first issue ("He"). Two are almost exactly like each other, and represent the standard second issue ("She"). The fourth contains most of the "reprint" sheets which are so curiously divided be- tween the two British Museum copies. Reprinted sheets in third issue of i6zi. 33* Old Bibles. Second Issue, Second Issue, First Issue, 1611. without with Reprints. Reprints. E3 Genesis 46.32.mrg. fHebr. they f Heb. they t Heb they 47. 27, possessions possession possessions P 2 Numbers 21. 4. mrg. shortened shortned shortned 21. 18. direction directions direction Ee6 2 Samuel 6. 8. marg. Uzzah Uzzah Vzzah 6.9. Arke of the Lord Arke of God Arke of the Lord 6. 16. citie of Dauid house of Dauid citie of Dauid Ii2 I Kings 9. 22. no bondmen no bondman no bondmen 9. 25. mrg. f Hebr. vp- f Heb. vp. + Heb. vp- Ll3 2 Kings 5. 12. he turned, hee returned, hee turned, Nni 2 Kings 19- 15- before vnto before 19. 18. work worke worke Ooi I Chron. 4. 14. marg. craftesmen craftsmen craftsmen and text 4- 3°- and at Hormah, and Hormah, and at Hormah, Nnn2 Isaiah 18.3- see yee, see ye, see yee, 19- 5- riuer riuers riuer Qqqi Isaiah 59- 14- a faiTe off farre off a farre off Ttt2 Jeremiah 29. 1. the words the words ye words 29. 11. mrg. f Hebr. ende f Hebr. end f Hebr. end Xxxi Jeremiah 48. 34. Nimrim shall be Nimrim shall be Nimrim shalbe Yyy3 Ezekiel 5. 3. marg. f Hebr. wings. f Hebr. wings. f Heb. wings. 5- 5- ' This is Thus is This is King James's Version. 333 The three issues distinguished above, as well as the folio editions of 1617, 1634, and 1640, all bear a strong resemblance to each other. The type is so set up that each leaf ends with the same word : hence the sheets can be mixed together at pleasure, and much trouble is there- by caused to the collator. The first quarto edition of the Bible of 161 1 was printed in Roman letter in 1612. The title page is a reduced copy, on copper, of the first issue ; it has the Agnus Dei on the upper part, and the pelican feeding her young from her own blood at the lower. It is signed, " Iasper Isac, fecit." It is on very smooth paper, without water mark or wire lines, quite different to the paper on which the rest of the book is printed. The New Testament title is within a heart- shaped woodcut border, with the crowned let- ters " I. R." at the bottom. It was taken from the " He " Bible. At the end is the Metrical Psalms, " with apt notes to sing them with all," printed the same year (1612) " for the Companie of Stationers." Two editions of this book were issued. In one the head line of sig. H 5 verso is, " The Galatians reproued. To the Galaitans. The Law a Scholemaster to Christ." In the other, " The Galatians reprooued. To the Galatians. The Law a Schoolemaster to Christ." The orthography of the two editions is to- tally different, and the initial letters are not from the same fount. First quarto edition of King James's Bible, 1612. 334 First octavo of 1612. First quarto New Testa- ment, 16 1 2. Folio of 1613, No. 10 (Rev. W. J. Loftie's). Old Bibles. The first octavo was also printed in 1612. The same woodcut used for the numerous editions of Tomson's New Testament, pro- duced by R. Barker, was utilised for this Bible. It was again issued the same year with slight variations. The first quarto New Testament came out this year (1612). It is a handsome book, printed in rather heavy black letter type on good paper. It has a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, at the corners of the title page, without pictures of the Evangelists, and " Fides " and " Hvmili- tas " represented by full length female figures at the sides. " The names and order of all the Bookes of the New Testament, with the num- ber of their Chapters " is on verso. There is no preliminary matter. One would suppose that the Testament of 1 63 1 was a re-issue of this book, but close in- vestigation shows that although both read to- gether, and appear to be printed from the same type, there are minute differences in the setting up ; for instance, the fourth line of S. Matt. i. 2 reads in the 1612, "Abraham be- gat Isaac, and"; but the 163 1 has, "Abraham begat Isaac, and I-." The folio of 161 3 was printed with smaller type, and has 72 instead of 59 lines to a full column. The Psalms begin on Kk, Job end- ing on the twenty-first line of the previous page. The Prophets end on G g g 2 verso. King James's Version. The Apocrypha ends on Ttt5 recto, verso being blank. The New Testament begins on Vvvi, the title being Ttt6, and ends on N n n n4. There is no colophon. It is full of mistakes, as the following list, which might easily be made longer, will show : Genesis xxvii. 44, " passe " for " turn." Leviticus vii. 25, "fast" for "fat." I. Samuel x. 16, "water" for "matter." I. Kings iii. 15, four words omitted. II. Kings xxii. 3, " were " for " year." II. Chronicles vi. 10, " throne " for " roome." Nehemiah x. 31, " not leave " for " leave." Job xxix. 3, " shined " for " walked." Psalm xi. 1, " flie " for "flee." Ezekiel xxiii. 7, " delighted " for " defiled." Habakkuk ii. 5, six words omitted. Ecclus. xvi. 13, 14, both verses omitted. S. Matthew xiii. 8, three words omitted. S. Matthew xvi. n, seven words omitted. S. Matthew xxvi. 68, two words omitted. S. John xx. 25, ten words omitted. Acts xiii. 51, four words omitted. I. Corinthians xi. 17, "I praise you" for "I praise you not." I. Corinthians xvi. 14, "doings" for "things." II. Corinthians ii. 8, "continue" for "confirm." II. Timothy iv. 16, the word " not " omitted. I. S. Peter i. 22, " selves" for " souls." The first quarto Bible of King James's re- vision printed in black letter is dated 161 3. It was taken from the " He " Bible, and has the usual errors of that edition. 335 Errata in folio of 1613. First quarto of 1613, No. 11. 336 Black letter quarto of 1613-14, No. t 4 (Mr. Lottie's). Roman letter quarto, 16 1 4-1 5, No. 18. First folio in Roman letter, 1616, No. 24. Old Bibles. The black letter quarto of 1613-14 reads in Isaiah xxviii. 9, "Milke and drawen from the beasts " instead of " drawn from the breasts." It is singular that in this edition the date on the New Testament title is a year later than that on the first title. Like the last edition noticed, the colophon of this book is dated the succeeding- year to that in which the Old Testament was printed, viz., 1614. The first title has "The Bible" only, like the earliest versions. All the rest of R. Barker's editions have the words "Holy Bible" on the title page. The first Bible of King James's revision in small folio size was issued by Robert Barker in 1616. My copy begins with the Genealo- gies by J[ohn] S[peed], 34 pages ; after which comes the double-page map of Canaan so fre- quently missing. The title page has the old woodcuts so often used by Christopher Barker, with the initials "C.B." still at the bottom, in spite of the book having been printed by Robert Barker. The lion and unicorn on each side the words, " Cum Privilegio Regiae Majes- tatis," cannot be mistaken. There are 16 pages of preliminary. On verso of " The names and order " is the full- page engraving of the Tree of Knowledge found in some editions of the Bishops' Bible. The New Testament title is exactly like the first title, excepting the letterpress. It is a beautifully printed book with wide margins, and has very tasteful headpieces King James's Version. 337 found in no other Bible. This edition is the first in which any serious attempt was made to revise the text. The large folio of 1617 closely resembles the rest of this series. The title has the Twelve Tribes on the left hand and the Twelve Apostles on the right, with large pictures of SS. Mat- thew, Mark, Luke, and John, all engaged in writing. The Agnus Dei is below the Sacred Name, and the Dove below it. It has 68 pages of preliminary, the Prayer Book, &c, coming after the Dedication and Preface. The New Testament title is like the first, but in my copy is a much finer impression. Jeremiah xviii. 3, has "Whelles " for "Wheels." The first duodecimo Bible of this version was printed by R. Barker in 1617. There is an architectural border to title page. It is without the words, "Appointed to be read in Churches," and has no chapter head- ings. Dedication on sig. A. On verso is " Names and order of Bookes." Genesis begins on Sig. A 2. Sig. B 3 is by mistake printed A 3. New Testament ends on verso of Xxij. It has no colophon. Bonham Norton and John Bill succeeded Robert Barker as Bible printers late in the year 161 8. The first time the names of Norton and Bill are seen on a colophon, is in the Bishops' New Testament of 1618; but the first com- plete Bible they printed was the quarto of 1619. It has the Book of Common Prayer at Large blade letter folio of 1617, No. 27. First i2jno., 1617, No. 29. Norton and Bill's first quarto, 1619, No. 32. 338 Old Bibles. Black letter quarto, 1619-20, No. 36. Black letter quarto, 1619-20-24, No. 37. i2mo. and i8mo. New Testaments. the beginning, in the Litany of which King James, Prince Charles, Frederick the Prince Elector Palatine, and the Lady Elizabeth, his wife, are prayed for. Both titles are alike. The Metrical Psalter at the end, dated 1619, was printed by the Company of Stationers. The Old Testament title of "Holy Bible, London, 1619-20," has on it, " Norton and Bill, 1619." The New Testament title has the names of "Robert Barker and John Bill, 1620." The colophon is without either Norton's or Bill's name ; it has Robert Barker only. A Bible composed of portions of several editions was next issued. It is a black letter quarto. It has on the first title, " Norton and Bill, 1619." The second title has the names of "Barker and Bill, 1620." The colophon has, " Norton and Bill, 1624." In one place " Corinthians " reads " Coain- thans." This mistake occurs also in the black letter quarto of 1620-1. A number of small black letter New Testa- ments came out about this time, all printed by Norton and Bill; a I2 m0 - in 1621, and similar ones the two following years. In 1625 another I2 m0 - came out, and in 1626 an i8 m0 - After this rather larger sizes began to be printed, and octavos were produced in 1627 and 1628. After this date we find the names of other Bible printers appear. A small octavo Testa- ment was issued at Edinburgh, by the Heirs King James's Version. 339 of Hart, in 1628 (the Andro Hart whose "Breeches" Bibles were so highly esteemed). This is the first Testament printed in Scot- land of King- James's Version. Although the Universities always claimed the right to print the Bible, Cambridge had not exercised that right since the year 1589; but in 1628 a duodecimo Testament was published at Cambridge, by the printers to the University, and the following year Thomas and John Buck issued the first Cambridge Bible. It is small folio size, Roman letter, the cop- per-plate title page is a very fine work of art. There is a globe at the top, and an angel at each side holding a scroll with the words, "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good." Below is a representation of the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The engraving is smaller than usually seen in folios, and was afterwards used for quarto issues. The New Testament title is a very plain one ; it has the Cambridge arms in an oval, with "Alma mater Cantabrigia," and " Hinc lvcem et poccvla sacra." This is the first Bible containing the mis- print in I. S. Timothy iv. 16, " Take heed unto thyself and unto thy doctrine," instead of " the doctrine," which was copied into such a vast number of succeeding editions. This edition was carefully revised, and many blemishes of the first edition were removed, but the inordinate use of Italics was introduced ; First Cam- bridge n: t. of the 1611 version, X2mo., 7628. First Cam- bridge Bible, 1629. 34° Table of the number of words in Italics. **' Wicked" Bible, octavo, E631, No. 84. Old Bibles. and since then insignificant words have been Italicised with minute accuracy more pedantic than scholarly. The climax of absurdity in this respect is reached by the Cambridge Paragraph Bible, as will be seen by the following table, giving the number of Italicised words and phrases in S. Matthew's Gospel : — Place of No. OF Issue. Year. Italic Words London 161 1 43 Cambridge 1629 165 yt 1638 224 >y 1762 352 Oxford 1739 375 Cambridge 1870 583 About the year 1630 several small Bibles were printed by " Robert Barker and assigns of John Bill," notably the octavo of 163 1, com- monly called the " Wicked " Bible, from the word " not " having been omitted from the seventh commandment. We often find the statement that there are only two copies, or only four copies, in exis- tence ; but this is a "Queen Anne's farthing" story, for I know of several : one is in the possession of H. J. Akinson, Esq., M.P., of Gunnersbury House, Acton, W. This error must have been discovered before the printing of the edition was finished, for I have several copies in which the seventh com- mandment is correctly printed; no doubt the King James's Version. 34i correction was made during the passage of the sheets through the press. The quarto black letter Testament, in long lines, printed by Robert Barker and assignes of John Bill, 163 1, reads with the first quarto; from which it can only be distinguished (if the title and imprint are missing) by the spelling of certain words, the division of a few words at the end of some lines, and from the type used for the running titles and numbering the pages being rather larger in the 163 1 than in the 1612. The first complete Bible printed in Scotland of King James's revision, was the Roman letter octavo, " printed by the printers to the King's most excellent Majestie : cum privilegio," in 1633. It had in it a number of woodcuts, not printed with the book, but inserted in some copies dur- ing the process of binding. They are Dutch work, and were originally intended for a his- tory of the Bible. The Puritans were- enraged at these pictures being bound up with the Bible, although they thought it no harm to insert in the Bible the productions of Luther and Calvin. At the trial of Archbishop Laud, these pic- tures were brought as a serious charge against him, and formed one excuse for his martyrdom. Most likely they were only bound up with a portion of the edition, for I have two copies in original binding into which no pictures were ever inserted. Black letter New Testa- ment, in long lines, quarto, 1631, No. 88. First Bible printed in Scotland, octavo^ No. 104. 34 2 Buck and Daniel. Foreign printed Bibles. Errata in the I2D10. Of 1638. ' Old Bibles. The title pag-e is engraved. It has a "Jesse tree," and in the corners of the plate are four ovals, with the usual representation of the Evangelists. The Sacred Trine is above, with the Holy Name. The Dedication is on Sig. A 2, with, on verso, "The Order of the Books." Text begins on A 3 and ends on recto of Mm 1114. The New Testament title has, on verso, the arms of Scotland, quartering France with Eng- land in the second place, and Ireland in the third, within the garter. As there are three editions of the same date and very much alike, it may be well to notice that Archbishop Laud's Bible has the first five psalms on a page. In the year 1635, Thomas Buck and Roger Daniel, of Cambridge, printed two quarto Bibles, one in black letter and the other in Roman; and Robert Young, of Edinburgh, printed a I2 m °- black letter New Testament. Many editions of the Bible circulated about this time were printed at Amsterdam, some ar- rangement having been made with the holders of the Bible patent to allow the words, " Bar- ker and assignes of Bill, London," to be placed on the title page and imprint. The compositors' work must have gone un- corrected to the press, for errors appear on almost every page. The I2 m °- of 1638 has the following in addi- tion to other misprints : — Genesis i. 26, " Let us make men " for "man." King James's Version. Genesis xxxvii. 2, " sons of Belial " for " Bil- hah." Numbers xxv. 18, "vex you with their wives" for "wiles." Numbers xxvi. 10, "two thousand" for "hun- dred." II. Samuel xxiii. 20, " slew two lions like men" for "lion-like men." II. Chronicles xxxiv. 2, " that which was evill " for " that which was right." II. Chronicles xxxvi. 14, "had polluted" for " hallowed." Nehemiah iv. 9, "read our prayer" for "made our prayer." Isaiah i.6, "purifying sores" for "putrifying." Isaiah xxix. 1 3, " taught by the people " for " taught by the precepts." Isaiah xlix. 22, "their sons" for "thy sons." Ezekiel v. 11, "any piety" for "any pity." S. Luke vii. 47, " her sins which are many are forgotten " for " forgiven." S. Luke xix. 29, " ten of his disciples " for " two." S. John xviii. 29, "Pilate then went not" for " went out." I. Corinthians vii. 34, " praise her husband " for "please." I. S. Timothy ii. 9, " shamefulness " for " shamefastnesse." The folio published in 1638, by Thomas Buck and Roger Daniel, the University printers, is in clear but rather small Roman type. Most of the copies are hand ruled with red lines. 343 Cambridge Bible of 1638, No. 145. 344 Old Bibles. Barker's last black letter folio, 1640. The text was carefully revised by Dr. Goad, Dr. Ward, Mr. Boyse, and Mr. Mead. Mr. Kilburne (1659) calls it, "the authentic corrected Cambridge Bible, revised Mandato Regio." The mistakes in the issue of 161 1 are for the most part corrected, and but few new ones in- troduced ; it, however, continues the serious mistranslation of the first Cambridge Bible in Acts vi. 3, " Look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdome, whom ye may appoint over this busi- nesse," instead of "whom we (the Apostles) may appoint." It is probably the best edition of King James's Version ever published. The last of Barker's grand series of black letter folios was brought out in 1640. Its ap- pearance is improved by the alternative read- ings in the margin being in Roman letter (a peculiarity of this edition). A comparison of this book with those that preceded it, shows the change that was gradu- ally taking place in the mode of spelling; for instance, in the earlier black letter Bibles " u " is used in the middle of a word, and "v" as an initial letter; but in the 1640 edition, as in modern black letter, "u" is used for the vowel and "v" as the consonant, without regard to their position in the word; e.g., in the 161 1 we find "vnto, haue," but in this book, "unto, have" is used. A copy of this edition may be recognised by King James's Version. the words, "To the Most High," in the first line of the Dedication, being in capital letters. As before stated, many Bibles bearing Eng- lish imprints were imported from Holland, and the first Bible said to be printed in America, has the imprint of "Mark Baskett, London." In the year 1642, a folio edition of King James's Version was printed at Amsterdam by "Joost Broersz, dwelling in the Pijlsteegh, in the Druckerije." The title is a full-page en- graving of the nave and chancel of a church; on the altar are two lights, but where the cross or crucifix should be is an enormous alms-dish. Below is a representation of the institution of the Holy Eucharist, with the Apostles reclining around a square table. At the top of the page is a picture of the Ascension. After the Dedication, "To the most high and mighty Prince," and the Translators' Preface, comes, "A briefe table of the interpretation of the proper names, &c," and a second table of principal things, concluding with the verses, " Here is the spring where waters How, To quench our heat of sin," &c, and the usual prayer. On verso is, "The names and order of all the books," followed by another large engraving of the Garden of Eden. The notes of King James's Bible are omitted, and the arguments and annotations of the " Breeches " Bible are inserted in their place. The New Testament has " Brief summaries and expositions of Theod. Beza upon the hard 345 Amsterdam Billies, with Genevan notes. 346 Canne's Bibles. Common- wealth Bibles. The first Bible printed at Oxford. Old Bibles. places. Tog-ether with the annotations of Fr. Junius upon the Revelation of S. John. The which notes have never been till now set forth with this new translation. Placed in order by I. C." (John Canne). Many Bibles and Testaments were afterwards introduced from Amsterdam to England (mostly in small sizes), known as Canne's Bibles, from their having a prologue, or address, written by John Canne, a prominent leader among the Brownists. There seems to be no alteration made in the text, but the margins are loaded with refer- ences to parallel passages, Canne holding that " Scripture is the best interpreter of Scrip- ture.''" During the Commonwealth many editions of the Bible were published, nearly all very badly printed, and full of errors, containing such statements as, " The unrighteous shall inherit the king-dom of God." Many of these corruptions were exposed by William Kilburn, Finsbury, in a tract printed in the year 1659. The University of Oxford did not begin to print Bibles until the year 1675, when the first was issued in quarto size ; the spelling was revised by Dr. John Fell, Dean of Oxford. It has two titles, both to the Old and the New Testament. The first is an engraving re- presenting the Transfiguration of our Blessed Lord. The words, "The Holy Bible," are in a label across the centre. King James's Version. In the foreground are two seated female figures, the one veiled representing- " The Law," the other, with a nimbus, "The Gos- pell." On the base of a broken column are the words, "At the Theater in Oxon." The se- cond title is an ordinary letterpress one, with the date 1675. The first New Testament title is a rather good engraving- of an obelisk, on which an angel is writing with an arrow, "The Law of Loue from the Hill of Sion." A label, sup- ported by angels, has the inscription, "The New Testament." On a step below are the words, " At the Theater in Oxford, A 1675." This title is followed by a printed one. The colophon of my copy is, " At the Thea- ter in Oxford, mdclxxiii." ; but in other copies the colophon is dated 1675. The Apocrypha is printed in smaller type than the rest of the Bible. In the year 17 17, J. Baskett printed a large folio Bible, in two volumes, known as the " Vinegar " Bible, from the head line of S. Luke, chapter xx., having the word "Vine- gar " in mistake for " Vineyard " — " The para- ble of the Vinegar." Several copies were printed on vellum. It is a beautifully printed book, and contains many copperplate illustrations of considerable merit. Baskett issued two Bibles nearly the same size, and both contain the same mistake. They 347 New Testa- ment title of the first Ox- ford Bible, Two editions of the ' ' Vinegar " Bible. 348 Old Bibles. may be distinguished by noticing that the first has the date 1717 on the first title and 1716 on the New Testament title, while the other has 17 17 on both title pages. The illustrations in the second are not as numerous nor as well executed as in the first issue. In 1762 was published a Bible in folio and quarto, 2 vols., printed by Joseph Bentham, printer to the University of Cambridge. It was edited by Dr. Paris, and is of great im- portance, as being in the main the foundation of our modern Bible. The use of Italics was considerably extended, the language was modernised, many marginal references were added. Much care was expended over it, but it may well be doubted whether it was an improvement upon the Cambridge edition of 1638. It is reported that all the folio copies except six were destroyed by fire. There is one copy in the British Museum, another in the Library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and a third in the Ewing collection at Glasgow. Probably a little research would reveal the existence of many more than the traditional six copies. The quarto edition is not un- common. A fine copy of the 1762 folio is in my collec- tion. In 1768 a Bible was published at Oxford, also in folio and quarto, edited by Dr. Blayney, following very much the same lines as that of King James's Version. 349 Dr. Paris, but carrying- the alterations a little further. These Bibles were issued with no small pre- tensions to excellence (" many errors that were found in former editions have been corrected, and the text reformed to such a standard of purity, as, it is presumed, is not to be met with in any other edition hitherto extant"). They are larger and handsomer books than the Cambridge Bible of 1762, and they are com- monly regarded as the standard from which modern Bibles are printed. This, however, is happily not the case in one conspicuous respect. Dr. Blayney writes : " Considerable alterations have been made in the Heads or Contents prefixed to the Chapters, as will appear on inspection; and though the editor is unwilling- to enlarge on the labour bestowed by himself in this par- ticular, he cannot avoid taking notice of the peculiar obligations, which both himself and the public lie under, to the Principal of Hert- ford College, Mr. Griffith, of Pembroke Col- lege, Mr. Wheeler, Poetry Professor, and the late Warden of New College, so long as he lived to bear a part in it ; who with a prodi- gious expense of time, and inexpressible fatigue to themselves, judiciously corrected and im- proved the rude and imperfect Draughts of the Editor." It is a pity the learned men did not spare themselves this " inexpressible fa- tigue; "for their endeavours to reduce the chap- ter headings to the standard of 1 8th century 35° Old Bibles. taste cannot be pronounced altogether a suc- cess, as will appear from a comparison of Dr. Blayney's headings to the first four chap- ters of the Epistle to the Romans with those of 1611. 1611. Chap. I. I Paul commendeth his calling to the Romanes, 9 and his desire to come to them. 16 What his Gospel is, and the righteousnesse which it sheweth. 18 God is angry with all maner of sin. 21 What were the sinnes of the Gentiles. Chap. II. I They that sinne, though they condemne it in others, cannot excuse themselues, 6 and much lesse escape the iudgement of God, 9 whether they be Iewes or Gentiles. 14 The Gentiles cannot es- cape, 17 nor yet the Iewes, 25 whom their Circumcision shall not profit, if they keepe not the Law. 1769. Chap. I. Paul, commending to the Romans his calling, greeteth them, 8 and professeth his concern for, and desire of coming to see, them. 16 He sheweth that the gospel is for the justification of all man- kind through faith; 18 and having premised that sinners in general are' obnoxious to God's wrath, he describeth at large the corruption of the Gentile world. Chap. II. I They that condemn sin in others, and are guilty of the like themselves, cannot escape God's judgement ; 6 which will be according to every man's deserts, without distinction of Jew or Gen- tile. 14 The Gentiles are not left without a rule of conduct. 17 The Jew, who boasteth of greater light, is doubly criminal in sinning against it; nor will circum- cision profit him except he keep the law. King James's Version. 35i Chap. III. I The Iewes prerogatiue : 3 which they haue not lost : 9 Howbeit the Law con- uinceth them also of sinne : 20 Therefore no flesh is iusti- fied by the Law, 28 but all, without difference, by faith onely : 31 And yet the Law is not abolished. Chap. III. 1 The Jew's prerogative : 3 which is not vacated by the unbelief of some ; 5 nor is God's justice impeached in punishing their sinfulness. 9 The law itself convinceth the Jews also universally of sin ; 20 so that no flesh, is justified by the deeds of the law ; 21 but all indiscriminately by God's grace through faith in Christ : 31 yet without an- nulling the obligations of the law. Chap. IV. I Abraham himself was justified by faith : 9 which was imputed to him for right- eousness before circumcision, that he might be the common father of believers, whether circumcised or not. 13 The promise was not given him through the law, else had it been void from the very na- ture of the law ; but being of faith by grace is sure to all the destined seed, and not to those of the law only. 18 The acceptableness of Abra- ham's faith ; 23 which stands recorded not for his sake only, but for the sake of all who shall profess a like faith in God through Christ. Probably the printers of later editions con- sidered it an "inexpressible fatigue" to print Chap. IIII. I Abrahams faith was im- puted to him for righteous- nesse, 10 before he was Circumcised. 13 By faith only hee and his seed re- ceiued the promise. 16 Abra- ham is the father of all that beleeue. 24 Our faith also shall be imputed to vs for righteousnes. 35 2 Old Bibles. such wordy "copy," so they soon reverted to the 1611 headings, which are to be found in all modern Bibles. The running- headings at the top of each page are necessarily modified to suit the pag- ing of each edition. This is doubtless the reason why we have entirely lost those of 161 1. These are so terse and vigorous that they might well be restored as far as circum- stances admit. The very rare black letter New Testament issued in the year 1679, without place or prin- ter's name, affords an instance of the different classification of the size of a book adopted by competent authorities. My copy measures 6J by 4 inches. The Rev. W. J. Loftie, in his " Century of Bibles," page 161, calls this book a i6 m °- In Lea Wilson's list it is described as a I2 m0 , and in the list of the Canterbury Cathedral Library it is called an octavo. By Mr. Francis Fry's rule this book would be classed as a small quarto, because the wire lines go across the leaf. The signature is in twelves ; seven numbered, and five blank. The headings and the initial letter of each chapter are in Roman letter. In 1833 was published at Oxford, "The Holy Bible, an exact reprint page for page of the Authorized Version published in the year mdcxi." This is a very useful, because ex- tremely exact, reprint of the first issue of 161 1. King James's Version. 353 It is a large quarto, and, so far as it goes, re- presents the edition of 1611 so completely that it may be consulted with as much confidence as an original. The spelling, punctuation, italics, capitals, and distribution into lines and pages are all followed with the most scrupulous care. It is, however, printed in Roman instead of black letter type, the ornamental initials at the beginning of the chapters are mere fancy work, which does not attempt to imitate the original, and (gravest defect of all) the register of the original is not given, but in its place is sub- stituted the quarto register of the reprint. fe&mjs&ls^^ Jmmzie teas Ms* »»»;? ,iw4*«Btms;wif ss 2»s$p«»aSaY87878Y!K8w Appendix No. i. Preface to King fames s Bible of 1 6 1 1 . THE TRANSLATORS TO THE READER. ZEAL to promote the common good, whether it be by devibing any thing our selves, or revising that which hath been laboured by others, deservelh certainly much respect and esteem, but yet findeth but cold entertainment in the world. It is welcommed with suspicion in stead of love, and with emulation in stead of thanks : and if there be any hole left for cavill to enter, (and cavill, if it do not finde a hole, will make one) it is sure to be misconstrued, and in danger to be condemned. This will easily be granted by as many as know storie, or have any experience. For, was there ever any thing projected, that savoured any way of newnesse or renewing, but the same endured many a storm of gain-saying, or opposition ? A man would think that Civility, wholesome laws, learning and eloquence, Synods, and Church-maintenance, (that we speak of no more things of this kinde) should be as safe as a Sanctuary, and out of the danger of the dart, as they say, that no man would lift up the heel, no, nor dogge moove his tongue against the motioners of them. For by the first, we are distinguished from bruit beasts led with sensualitie : By the second, we are bridled and restrained from outragious behaviour, and from doing of injuries, whether by fraud or by violence : by the third, we are enabled to inform and reform others, by the 355 The best things have been calum- niated. 356 Old Bibles. light and feeling that we have attained unto our selves : Briefly, by the fourth being brought together to a parle face to face, we sooner compose our differences then by writings, which are endlesse : And lastly, that the Church be suffi- ciently provided for, is so agreeable to good reason and conscience, that those mothers are holden to be lesse cruell, that kill their children assoon as they are born, then those nourcing fathers and mothers (wheresoever they be) that withdraw from them who hang upon their brests (and upon whose breasts again themselves do hang to receive the Spirituall and, sincere milk of the word) livelihood and support fit for their estates. Thus it is apparent, that these things which we speak of, are of most necessarie use, and therefore, that none, either without absurdity can speak against them, or without note of wickednesse, can spurn against them. Yet for all that, the learned know that certain worthy men have been brought to untimely death for none other fault, but for seeking to reduce their country-men to good order and discipline : and that in some Common-weals it was made a capital! crime, once to motion the making of a new Law for the abrogating of an old, though the same were most pernicious : And that certain, which would be counted pillars of the State, and patems of Vertue and Prudence, could not be brought for a long time to give way to good Letters and refined speech, but bare themselves as averse from them, as from rocks, or boxes of poison : And fourthly, that he was no babe, but a great cleark, that gave forth (and in writing to remain to posteritie) in passion peradventure, but yet he gave forth, that he had not seen any profit to come by any Synode, or meeting of the Clergie, but rather the contrary : And lastly, against Church-maintenance and allowance, in such sort, as the Embassadours and messengers of the great King of kings should be furnished, it is not unknown what a fiction or fable (so it is esteemed, and for no better by the reporter himself, though superstitious) was devised : Namely, that at such time as the professours and teachers of Christianitie in the Church of Rome, then a true Church, were liberally endowed, a voyce forsooth was heard from heaven, saying ; Now is poyson poured down into the Church, &c. Thus not onely as oft as we speak, as one saith, but also as oft as we do any thing of note or consequence, we subject our selves to every ones censure, and happy is he that is least tossed upon tongues : for utterly to escape the" snatch of them it is impossible. If any man conceit, that this is the lot and portion of the meaner sort onely, and that Princes are priviledged by their high estate, he is deceived. As the sword Appendix No. 357 ■devoureth aswell one as the other, as it is in Samuel, nay as the great Commander charged his souldiers in a certain battell, to strike at no part of the enemie, but at the face ; And as the king of Syria commanded his chief captains to fight neither with small nor great, save onely against ihe King of Israel : so it is too true, that Envie striketh most spitefully at the fairest, and at the chiefest. David was a worthy Prince, and no man to be compared to him for his first >deeds, and yet for as worthy an act as ever he did, (even for bringing back the Ark of God in solemnitie) he was scorned and scoffed at by his own wife. Solomon was greater then David, though not in vertue, yet in power : and by his power and wisdome he built a Temple to the LORD, such a one as was the glory of the land of Israel, and the yonder of the whole world. But was that his magnificence liked of by all ? We doubt of it. Otherwise, why do they lay it in his sonnes dish, and call unto him for easing of the burden, Make, say they, the grievous servitude of thy father, and his sore yoke, lighter. Belike he had charged them with some levies, and troubled them with some cariages ; Here- upon they raise up a Tragedie, and wish in their heart the Temple had never been built. So hard a thing it is to please all, even when we please God best, and do seek to approove our selves to every ones conscience. If we will descend to latter times, we shall finde many the like examples of such kind, or rather unkind acceptance. The first Romane Emperour did never do a more pleasing deed to the learned, nor more profitable to posterity, for conserving the record of times in true supputation, then when he corrected the Calender, and ordered the yeer according to the course of the Sunne : and yet this was imputed to him for novelty, and arrogancy, and procured to him great obloquie. So the first Christened Emperour (at the leastwise that openly professed the faith himself, and allowed others to do the like) for strengthning the Empire at his great charges, and providing for the Church, as he did, got for his labour the name Pupilhis, as who would say, a wastefull Prince, that had need of a Guardian, or overseer. So the best Christened Emperour, for the love that he bare unto peace, thereby to enrich both himself and his subjects, and because he did not seek warre but finde it, was judged to be no man at arms (though indeed he excelled in feats of chivalry, and shewed so much when he was provoked) and condemned for giving himself to his ease, and to his pleasure. To be short, the most learned Emperour of former times, (at the least, the greatest polititian) what thanks had he for cutting off the su- perfluities of the laws, and digesting them into some order The highest personages have been calumniated. 35% Old Bibles. His Majes- ties constan- cie notwith- standing calumnia- tion, for the survey of the English translations. The praise of the holy Scriptures. and method ? This, that he hath been blotted by some to be an Epitomist, that is, one that extinguished worthy whole volumes, to bring his abridgements into request. This is the measure that hath been rendred to excellent Princes in former times, even Cum benefacere?it, male audire. For their good deeds to be evill spoken of. Neither is there any likelihood, that envie and malignity died, and were buried with the ancient. No, no, the reproof of Moses taketh hold of most ages ; You are risen up in your fathers stead, an increase of sinfutt men. What is that that hath been done ? that which shall be done : and there is no new thing tender the Sunne, saith the wise man : and S. Steven, As your fathers did, so do you. This, and more to this purpose, His Majestie that now reigneth (and long, and long may he reign, and his off-spring for ever, Himself, and children, and childrens children alwayes) knew full well, according to the singular wisdome given unto him by God, and the rare learning and experience that he hath attained unto ; namely, that whoso- ever attempteth any thing for the publike (specially if it pertain to Religion, and to the opening and clearing of the word of God) the same setteth himself upon a stage to be glouted upon by every evill eye, yea, he casteth himself headlong upon pikes, to be gored by every sharp tongue. For he that medleth with mens Religion in any part, medleth with their custome, nay, with their freehold ; and though they finde no content in that which they have, yet they cannot abide to hear of altering. Notwithstanding his Royall heart was not daunted or discouraged for this or that colour, but stood resolute, as a statue immoveable, and an anvile not easie to be beaten into plates, as one saith ; he knew who had chosen him to be a Souldier, or rather a Captain, and being assured that the course which he intended, made much for the glory of God, and the building up of his Church, he would not suffer it to be broken off for whatsoever speeches or practises. It doth certainly belong unto Kings, yea, it doth specially belong unto them, to have care of Religion, yea, to know it aright, yea, to professe it zealously, yea, to promote it to the uttermost of their power. This is their glory before all nations which mean well, and this will bring unto them a fane most excellent weight of glory in the day of the Lord Jesus. For the Scripture saith not in vain, Them thai honour me, I will honour, neither was it a vain word that Eusebius delivered long ago, that piety towards God was the weapon, and the onely weapon that both preserved Constanlines person, and avenged him of his enemies. But now what piety without trueth ? what trueth (what saving trueth) without the word of God ? what word of God Appendix No. 359 (whereof we may be sure) without the Sciipture? The Scrip- tures we are commanded to search, Joh. 5. 39. Esa. 8. 20. They are commended that searched and studied them, Act. 17. 11. and 8. 28, 29. They are reproved that were un- skilfull in them, or slow to beleeve them, Mat. 22. 29., Luk. 24. 25. They can make vs wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. 3. 15. If we be ignorant, they will instruct vs ; if out of the way, they will bring us home ; if out of order, they will reform us ; if in heavinesse, comfort us ; if dull, quicken us ; if cold, inflame us. Telle, lege ; Telle, lege, Take up and read, take up and read the Scriptures, (for unto them was the direction) it was sayd unto S. Augustine by a supernaturall voyce, Whatsoever is in the Scriptures, believe me, saith the same S. Augustine, is high and divine ; there is verily trueth, and a doctrine most fit for the refreshing and renewing of mens miudes, and tritely so tempered, that every one may draw from thence that which is sufficient for him, if he come to draw with a devout and pious viinde, as true Religion requireth. Thus S. Augustine. And S. Hicrome, Avia Scripturas, & amabii te sapientia, &c. Love the Scriptures, and wisdome will love thee. And S. Cyril against Julian ; Even boyes that are bred up in the Scrip- tures, become most religious, cW. But what mention we three or four uses of the Scripture, whereas whatsoever is to be beleeved or practised, or hoped for, is conteined in them ? or three or lour sentences of the Fathers, since who- soever is worthy the name of a Father, from Christs time downward, hath likewise written not onely of the riches, but also of the perfection of the Sciipture ? / adore the fulnesse of the Scripture, saith Tertullian against Hermogenes. And again, to Apel/es an Heretike of the like stamp, he sayth, J do not admit that which thou bringest in (or concludest) of thine own (head or store, de tuo) without Sciipture. So Saint Justin Martyr before him ; We must know by all means, saith he, that it is not lawfull (or possible) to learn (any thing) of God or of right pictie, save onely out of the Prophets, who teach us by divine inspiration. So Saint Basil after Tertullian, It is a manifest falling away from the Faith, and a fault of presumption, either to reject any of those things that are written, or to bring in (upon the head of them, eTreurd-yetv) any of those things that are not written. We omit to cite to the same effect, S. Cyril B. of J-Iierusalem in his 4. Cataches. S. Hierome against Helvidius, Saint Augustine, in his third book against the letters of Petilian, and in very many other places of his works . Also we forbear to descend to latter Fathers, because we will not weary the reader. The Scriptures then being acknowledged to be so 360 Translation necessary. Old Bibles. full and so perfect, how can we excuse our selves of negli- gence, if we do not studie them, of curiosity, if we be not content with them ? Men talk much of tlpeffitbvr), how many sweet and goodly things it had hanging on it ; of the Philo- sophers stone, that it turneth copper into gold : of Cornu- copia, that it had all things necessary for food in it, of Fanaces the herb, that it was good for all diseases : of Catholicon the drugge, that it is in stead of all purges : of Vulcans armour, that it was an armour of proof against all thrusts, and all blows, &c. Well, that which they falsely or vainly attributed to these things for bodily good, we may justly and with full measure ascribe unto the Scripture, for spirituall. It is not onely an armour, but also a whole armory of weapons, both offensive, and defensive ; whereby we may save our selves, and put the enemy to flight. It is not an herb, but a tree, or rather a whole paradise of trees of life, which bring forth fruit every moneth, and the fruit thereof is for meat, and the leaves for medicine. It is not a pot of Manna, or a cruse of oyl, which were for memoiy onely, or for a meals meat or two, but as it were a showre of heavenly bread, sufficient for a whole host, be it never so great ; and as it were a whole cellar full of oyl vessels, whereby all our necessities may be provided for, and our debts discharged. In a word, it is a Panary of wholesome food against fenowed traditions ; a Physitions shop (Saint Basil calleth it) of preservatives against poysoned heresies ; a Pandect of profitable Laws against rebellious 'spirits ; a treasury of most costly jewels, against beggerly rudiments ; Finally, a fountain of most pure water springing up unto everlasting life. And what marvell ? The originall thereof being from heaven, not from earth ; the author being God, not man ; the enditer, the holy spirit, not the wit of the Apostles or Prophets ; the Pen-men such as were sanctified from the womb, and endued with a principall portion of Gods spirit ; the matter, verity, piety, purity, uprightnesse ; the form, Gods word, Gods testimony, Gods oracles, the word of trueth, the word of salvation, &c. the effects, light of under- derstanding, stablenesse of perswasion, repentance from dead works, newnesse of life, holinesse, peace, joy in the holy Ghost ; lastly, the end and reward of the studie thereof, fellowship with the Saints, participation of the heavenly nature, fruition of an inheritance immortall, undefiled, and that never shall fade away : Happy is the man that delighteth in the Scripture, and thrice happy that meditateth in it day and night. But how shall men meditate in that, which they cannot understand ? How shall they understand that, which is kept Appendix No. 361 close in an unknowen tongue ? as it is written, Except I know the power of the voyce, I shall be to him that speaketh, a Barbarian-, and he that speaketh, shall be a Barbarian to me. The Apostle excepteth no tongue ; not Hebrew the ancientest, not Greek the most copious, not Latine the finest. Nature taught a naturall man to confesse, that all of us in those tongues which we do not understand, are plainly deaf ; we may turn the deaf ear unto them. The Scythian counted the Athenian, whom he did not understand, barbarous : so the Romane did the Syrian, and the Jew, (even Saint Hierome himself calleth the Hebrew tongue barbarous, be- like because it was strange to so many) so the Emperour of Constantinople calleth the Latine tongue, barbarous, though Pope Nicolai do storm at it : so the Jews long before Christ, called all other nations, Lognazim, which is little better then barbarous. Therefore as one complaineth, that alwayes in the Senate of Rome there was one or other that called for an interpreter : so lest the Church be driven to the like exigent, it is necessary to have translations in a readinesse. Transla- tion it is that openeth the window, to let in the light ; that breaketh the shell, that we may eat the keinell ; that putteth aside the curtain, that we may look into the most holy place ; that removeth the cover of the well, that we may come' by the water, even as Jacob rolled away the stone from the mouth of the well, by which means the flocks of Laban were watered. Indeed without translation into the vulgar tongue, the unlearned are but like children at Jacobs well (which was deep) without a bucket, or something to draw with : or as that person mentioned by Esay, to whom when a sealed book was delivered, with this motion, Read this, I pray thee, he was fain to make this answer, / cannot, for it is sealed. While God would be known onely in Jacob, and have his Name great in Israel, and in none other place, while the dew lay on Gideons fleece onely, and all the earth besides was dry ; then for one and the same people, which spake all of them the language of Canaan, that is, Hebrew, one and the same originall in Hebrew was sufficient. But when the fulnesse of time drew neer that the Sunne of righteousnesse, the Sonne of God should come into the world, whom God ordained to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood, not of the Jew onely, but also of the Greek, yea, of all them that were scattered abroad ; then lo, it pleased the Lord to stirre up the spirit of a Greek Prince, (Greek for descent and Language) even of Ptolome Philadelph King of Egypt, to procure the translating of the Book of God out of Hebrew into Greek. This is the translation of the Seventy Inter- The Trans- lation of the old Testa- ment out of the Hebrew into Greek. M S 362 Old Bibles. preters, commonly so called, which prepared the way for our Saviour among the Gentiles by written preaching, as Saint John Baptist did among the Jews by vocall. For the Grecians being desirous of learning, were not wont to suffer books of worth to lye moulding in Kings Libraries, but had many of their servants, ready scribes, to copie them out, and so they were dispersed and made common. Again, the Greek tongue was well known, and made familiar to most inha- bitants in Asia, by reason of the conquests that there the Grecians had made, as also by the Colonies, which thither they had sent. For the same causes also it was well under- stood in many places of Europe, yea, and of Afrike too. Therefore the word of God being set forth in Greek, be- cometh hereby like a candle set upon a candlestick, which giveth light to all that are in the house, or like a proclamation sounded forth in the market place, which most men presently take knowledge of ; and therefore that language was fittest to contain the Scriptures, both for the first Preachers of the Gospel to appeal unto for witnesse, and for the learners also of those times to make search and triall by. It is certain, that that Translation was not so sound and so perfect, but that it needed in many places correction ; and who had been so sufficient for this work as the Apostles or Apostolike men ? Yet it seemed good to the holy Ghost and to them, to take that which they found, (the same being for the greatest part true and sufficient) rather then by making a new, in that new world and green age of the Church, to expose themselves to many exceptions and cavillations, as though they made a Translation to serve their own turn, and therefore bearing witnesse to themselves, their witnesse not to be regarded. This may be supposed to be some cause, why the Translation of the Seventy was allowed to passe for currant. Notwith- standing, though it was commended generally, yet it did not fully content the learned, no not of the Jews. For not long after Christ, Aquila fell in hand with a new Translation, and after him Theodotion, and after him Symmachus : yea, there was a fift and a sixt edition, the Authours whereof were not known. These with the Seventie made up the Hexapla, and were worthily and to great purpose compiled together by Origen. Howbeit the Edition of the Seventy went away with the credit, and therefore not onely was placed in the midst by Origen (for the worth and excellency thereof above the rest, as Epiphanius gathereth) but also was used by the Greek Fathers for the ground and foundation of their Com- mentaries. Yea, Epiphanius above named doeth attribute so much unto it, that he holdeth the Authours thereof not onely for Interpreters, but also for Prophets in some respect : Appendix No. i, 363 and "Justinian the Emperour enjoyning the Jews his subjects to use specially the Translation of the Seventie, rendreth this reason thereof, because they were as it were enlightened with propheticall grace. Yet for all that, as the Egyptians are said of the Prophet to be men and not God, and their horses flesh and not spirit : so it is evident (and Saint Hierome affirmeth as much) that the Seventy were interpreters, they were not Prophets ; they did many things well, as learned men ; but yet as men they stumbled and fell, one while through oversight, another while through ignorance, yea, sometimes they may be noted to adde to the Original!, and sometimes to take from it ; which made the Apostles to leave them many times, when they left the Hebrew, and to deliver the sence thereof according to the trueth of the word, as the Spirit gave them utterance. This may suffice touching the Greek Translations of the old Testament. There were also within a few hundred yeers after Christ, Translations many into the Latine tongue : for this tongue also was very fit to convey the Law and the Gospel by, because in those times very many countreys of the West, yea, of the South, East, and North, spake or understood Latine, being made Provinces to the Romanes. But now the Latine Translations were too many to be all good, for they were infinite (Latini Interpretes nullo modo numerari possunt, saith Saint Augustine.) Again, they were not out of the Hebrew fountain (we speak of the Latine Translations of the Old Testament) but out of the Greek stream, therefore the Greek being not altogether clear, the Latine derived from it, must needs be muddie. This mooved S. Hierome a most learned father, and the best Linguist, without controversie, of his age, or of any that went before him, to undertake the translating of the Old Testament, out of the very fountains themselves, which he performed with that evidence of great learning, judgement, industry and faithfulnesse, that he hath for ever bound the Church unto him, in a debt of speciall remembrance and thankfulnesse. Now though the Church were thus furnished with Greek and Latine Translations, even before the faith of Christ was generally embraced in the Empire : (for the learned know that even in S- Hieroms time, the Consull of Rome and his wife were both Ethnicks, and about the same time the greatest part of the Senate also) yet for all that the godly- leamed were not content to have the Scriptures in the Language which themselves understood, Greek and Latine, (as the good Lepers were not content to fare well themselves, but acquainted then- neighbours with the store that God had sent, that they also might provide for themselves) but also for The translat- ing of the Scripture in- to the vulgar tongues. Translation out of He- brew and Greek into Latine. 364 Old Bibles. the behoof and edifying of the unlearned, which hungred and thirsted after Righteousnesse, and had soules to he saved aswell as they, they provided Translations into the vulgar for their Countrymen, insomuch that most nations under heaven did shortly after their conversion, hear Christ speaking unto them in their mother tongue, not by the voice of their Minister onely, but also by the written word translated. If any doubt hereof, he may be satisfied by examples enough, if enough will serve the turn. First Saint Hierome saith, Mullarum gentium Unguis Scriptura ante trauslata, docet falsa esse quce addita sunt, (SrV. i. The Scripture being translated before in the languages of many Nations, doeth shew that those things that were added (by Lucian or Hesychius) are false. So S. Hierome in that place. The same S. Hierome elswhere affirmefh, that he, the time was, had set forth the translation of the Seventy, sua lingua hominibiis i. for his countreymen of Dalmatia. Which words not onely Erasmus doeth understand to purport, that Saint Hierome 'translated the Scripture into the Dalmatian Tongue, but also Sixtus Sinensis, and Alphonsus a Castro (that we speak of no more) men not to be excepted against by them of Rome, do ingenuously confesse as much. So S. Chrysoslo?ne that lived in S. Hieromes time giveth evidence with him : The doctrine of S. John (saith he) did not in such sort (as the Philosophers did) vanish away : but the Syrians, Egyp- tians, Indians, Persians, Ethiopians, and infinite other nations being barbarous people, translated it into their (mother) tongue, and have learned to be (true) Philosophers, he meaneth Christians. To this may be added Theodoret, as next unto him, both for antiquity, and for learning. His words be these, Every country that is under the Sunne, is full of these words, (of the Apostles and Prophets) and the Hebrew tongue (he meaneth the Scriptures in the Hebrew tongue) is turned not only into the Language of the Grecians, but also of the Romans, and Egyptians, and Persians, and Indians, and Armenians, and Scythians, and Sauromatians, and briefly into all the Languages that any Nation useth. So he in like manner, Vlpilas is re- ported by Paulus Diaconus and Isidor (and before them by Sozomen) to have translated the Scriptures into the Gothicke tongue : John Bishop of Sivil by Vasseus, to have turned them into Arabick, about the yeer of our Lord 717 : Beda by Cistertiensis, to haue turned a great part of them into Saxon: Ethnard by Trithemius, to have abridged the French Psal- ter, as Beda had done the Hebrew, about the yeer 800 : King Alured by the same Cistertiensis, to have turned the Psalter into Saxon : Methodius by Aventinus (printed at Ingolstad) Appendix No. 365 to have turned the Scriptures into Srtavonian : Valdo, Bishop of Frising by Beatus Rhenanus, to have caused about that time, the Gospels to be translated into Dutch- rithme, yet extant in the library of Corbinian : Valdus, by divers to have turned them himself, or to have gotten them turned into French, about the yeere 1 160 : Charles the fift of that name, surnamed The wise, to have caused them to be turned into French, about 200 yeers after Valdus his time, of which translation there be many copies yet extant, as witnesseth Beroaldus. Much about that time, even in our King Richard the seconds dayes, John Trevisa translated them into English, and many English Bibles in written hand are yet to be seen with divers, translated, as it is very proba- ble, in that age. So the Syrian translation of the New Testament is in most learned mens Libraries, of Widmin- stadius his setting forth ; and the Psalter in Arabick is with many, of Augustinus Nebiensis setting forth. So Postel affirmefh, that in his travail he saw the Gospels in the Ethiopiaii tongue. And Ambrose Thesius alledgeth the Psalter of the Indians, which he testifieth to have been set forth by Potken in Syrian Characters. So that, to have the Scriptures in the mother tongue, is not a quaint conceit lately taken up, either by the Lord Cromwell in England, • or by the Lord Radeuil in Polonie, or by the Lord Ungnadius in the Emperours dominion, but hath been thought upon, and put in practise of old, even from the first times of the conversion or reformation of any Nation ; no doubt, because it was esteemed most profitable to cause faith to grow in mens hearts the sooner, and to make them to be able to say with the words of the Psalm, As we have heard, so we have seene. Now the Church of Rome would seem at the length to bear a motherly affection towards her children, and to allow them the Scriptures in their mother tongue : but indeed it is a gift, not deserving to be called a gift, an unprofitable gift : they must first get a Licence in writing before they may use them, and to get that, they must approve themselves to their Confessor, that is, to be such as are, if not frozen in the dregs, yet sowred with the leaven of their superstition. How- beit, it seemed too much to Clement the 8. that there should be any Licence granted to have them in the vulgar tongue, and therefore he overmleth and frastrateth the grant of Pius the fourth. So much are they afraid of the light of the Scripture, (Lucifugce Scriptuarum, as Tertullian speaketh) that they wil not trust the people with it, no not as it is set forth by their own sworn men, no not with the Licence of their own Bishops and Inquisitors. Yea, so unwilling they The un- willingness of our chief adversaries, that the Scriptures should be divulged in the mother tongue, &c. 366 The speeches and reasons, both of our brethren, and of our Ad- versaries against this worke. Old Bibles. are to communicate the Scriptures to the peoples under- standing in any sort, that they are not ashamed to confesse, that wee forced them to translate it into English against their wills. This seemeth to argue a bad cause, or a bad con- science, or both. Sure we are, that it is not he that hath good gold, that is afraid to bring it to the touch-stone, but hee that hath the counterfeit ; neither is it the true man that shunneth the light, but the malefactour, lest his deeds should be reproved : neither is it the plain-dealing Merchant that is unwilling to have the weights, or the meteyard brought in place, but he that vseth deceit. But we will let them alone for this fault, and return to translation. Many mens mouthes haue been open a good while, (and yet are not stopped) with speeches about the Translation so long in hand, or rather perusals of Translations made before : and ask what may be the reason, what the necessitie of the employment : Hath the Church been deceived, say they, all this while ? Hath her sweet bread been mingled with leaven, her silver with drosse, her wine with water, her milk with lime? (Lacte gypsum male miscetur, saith S. Ireney.) We hoped that we had been in the right way, that we had had the Oracles of God delivered unto us, and that though all the world had cause to be offended and to complain, yet that we had none. Hath the nurse holden out the breast, and nothing but winde in it? Hath the bread been delivered by the Fathers of the Church, and the same proved to be lapidosus, as Seneca speaketh ? What is it to handle the word of God deceitfully, if this be not ? Thus certain brethren. Also the adversaries of yudah and Hierusalem, like Sanballat in Nehem iah, mock, as we hear, both at the work and work- men, saying ; What do these weak jfews, &c. will they make the stones whole again out of the heaps of dust which are burnt ? although they build, yet if a fox go zip, he shall even break down their stony wall. Was their Translation good before? Why do they now mend it? Was it not good? Why then was it obtruded to the people ? Yea, why did the Catholicks (meaning Popish Romanists,) alwayes go in ieopardie, for refusing to go to heare it ? Nay, if it must be translated into English, Catholickes are fittest to do it. They have learning, and they know when a thing is well, they can manum de tabula. We will answere them both briefly : and the former, ' being brethren, thus, with S. Hierome, Damnamus veteres ? minimi, sed post priorum studia in do?no Domini, quod possumus laboramus. That is, Do we condemn the ancient ? In no case : but after the endeuours of them that were before vs, we take the best paines we can in the house of God. As if he said, Being provoked by the Appendix No. 367 example of the learned that lived before my time, I have thought it my duetie, to assay whether my talent in the knowledge of the tongues, may be profitable in any measure to Gods Church, lest I should seeme to have laboured in them in vain, and lest I should be thought to glory in men, (although ancient,) above that which was in them. Thus S. Hiero?ne may be thought to speak. And to the same effect say we, that we are so farre off from condemning any of their labours that traveiled before us in this kinde, either in this land or beyond sea, either in King Henries time, or King Edwards (if there were any translation, or correction of a translation in his time) or Queene Elizabeths of ever-renouned memorie, that we acknowledge them to have been raised up of God, for the building and furnishing of his Church, and that they deserve to be had of us and of posteritie in everlasting remembrance. The judgement of Aristotle is worthy and well knowen : If Timotheus had not beene, we had not had much sweet musicke ; but if Phrynis (Timotheus his master) had not been, we had not had Timotheus. Therefore blessed be they, and most honoured be their name, that breake the yce, and give the onset upon that which helpeth forward to the saving of souls. Now what can be more availeable thereto, then to deliver Gods book unlo Gods people in a tongue which they understand ? Since of an hidden treasure, and of a fountaine that is sealed, there is no profit, as Ptolomee Philadelph wrote to the Rabbines or masters of the Jews, as witnesseth Epiphanius : and as S. Augustine saith ; A man had rather be with his dogge then with a stranger (whose tongue is strange unto him. ) Yet for all that, as nothing is begun and perfited at the same time, and the later thoughts are thought to be the wiser : so if we building upon their foundation that went before us, and being holpen by their labours, do endeuour to make that better which they left so good ; no man, we are sure, hath cause to mislike us ; they, we perswade our selves, if they were alive, would thanke us. The vintage of Abiezer, that shake the stroake : yet the gleaning of grapes of Ephraim was not to be de- spised. Se Judg. 8. verse 2. Joash the king of Israel did not satisfie himself, till he had smitten the ground three times ; and yet he offended the Prophet, for giving over then. Aquila, of whom we spake before, translated the Bible as carefully, and as skilfully as hee could ; and yet he thought good to go ouer it again, and then it got the credit with the Jews, to be called Kar' aKplfSeiav, that is, acurately done, as Saint Hierome witnesseth. How many bookes of profane learning have been gone over again and again, by A satisfac- tion to our brethren. 3 68 Old Bibles. the same translators, by others ? Of one and the same book of Aristotles Ethikes, there are exstant not so few as sixe or seven several! translations. Now if this cost may be be- stowed upon the gourd, which affordeth us a little shade, and which to day flourisheth, but to morrow is cut downe ; what may we bestow, nay, what ought we not to bestow vpon the Vine, the fruit whereof maketh glad the conscience of man, and the stemme whereof abideth for ever? And this is the word of God, which we translate. What is the chaffe to the wheat, saith the Lord ? Tanti vitreum, quanti verum Margaritum ? (saith Teriullian) if a toy of glasse be of that reckoning with us, how ought we to value the time pearl? Therefore let no mans eye be evill, because his Majesties is good ; neither let any be grieved, that we have a Prince that seeketh the increase of the spirituall wealth of Israel (let Sanballats and Tobiahs do so, which therefore do bear then' just reproof) but let us rather blesse God from the ground of our heart, for working this religious care in him, to have the translations of the Bible maturely considered of and examined. For by this means it cometh to passe, that what- soever is sound already (and all is sound for substance, in one or other of our editions, and the worst of ours far better then their authentike vulgar) the same will shine as gold more brightly, being rubbed and polished ; also, if any thing bee halting, or superfluous, or not so agreeable to the originall, the same may be corrected, and the trueth set in place. And what can the King commaund to be done, that will bring him more true honour then this? and wherein could they that have been set a worke, approve their duetie to the King, yea then obedience to God, and love to his Saints more, then by yeelding their service, and all that is within them, for the furnishing of the work ? But besides all this, they were the principal! motives of it, and therefore ought least to quarrell it : for the very Historicall trueth is, that upon the importunate petitions of the Puritans, at his Majesties comming to this Crown, the Conference at Hamp- ton Court having' been appointed for hearing their complaints : when by force of reason they were put from all other grounds, they had recourse at the last, to this shift, that they could not with good conscience subscribe to the Communion book, since it maintained the Bible as it was there translated, which was, as they sayd, a most corrupted translation. And although this was judged to be but a very poor and emptie shift ; yet even hereupon did his Majestie begin to bethink himself of the good that might ensue by a new translation, and presently after gave order for this Translation which is now presented unto thee. Thus much to satisfie our scrupulous Brethren. Appendix No. 369 Now to the later we answer ; that we do not denie, nay we affirm and avow, that the veiy meanest translation .of the Bible in English, set forth by men of our profession (for we have seen none of theirs of the whole Bible as yet) containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God. As the Kings speech which he uttered in Parliament, being translated into French, Dutch, Italian and Laline, is still the Kings Speech, though it be not interpreted by every Translator with the like grace, nor peradventure so fitly for phrase, nor so expresly for sence, every where. For it is confessed, that things are to take their denomination of the greater part ; and a naturall man could say, Ventm vbi multa nitent in carmine, 11071 ego paucis offendor maculis, &*c. A man may be counted a vertuous man, though he have made many slips in his life, (else, there were none vertuous, for in many things we offend all) also a comely man and lovely, though he have some warts upon his hand, yea, not onely freakles upon his face, but also skarres. No cause therefore why the word trans- lated should be denied to be the word, or forbidden to be currant, notwithstanding that some imperfections and blem- ishes may be noted in the setting forth of it. For what ever was perfect under the Sunne, where Apostles or Apos- tolike men, that is, men indued with an extraoidinarie measure of Gods spirit, and priviledged with the priviledge of infallibilitie, had not their hand? The Romanists there- fore in refusing to hear, and daring to burne the Word translated, did no lesse then despite the spirit of grace, from whom originally it proceeded, and whose sense and meaning, as well as mans weakenesse would enable, it did expresse. Judge by an example or two. Plutarch writeth, that after that Rome had been burnt by the Galles, they fell soon to build it again : but doing it in haste, they did not cast the streets, nor proportion the houses in such comely fashion, as had been most sightly and convenient ; was Catiline there- fore an honest man, or a good Patriot, that sought to bring it to a combustion ? or Nero a good Prince, that did indeed set it on fire ? So, by the story of Ezra, and the prophesie of Haggai it may be gathered, that the Temple built by Zerubbabel after the returne from Babylon, was by no meanes to be compared to the former built by Solomon (for they that remembred the former, wept when they considered the'latter) notwithstanding, might this latter either have been abhorred and forsaken by the Jews, or prophaned by the Greekes ? The like we are to think of Translations. The translation of the Seventie dissenteth from the Originall in many places, neither doeth it come neer it, for perspicuitie, gravitie, majestie ; yet which of the Apostles did condemn it? An answer to the im- putations of our Adversa- ries. 37o Old Bibles. Condemn it ? Nay, they used it, (as it is apparant, and as Saint Hierome and most learned men do confesse) which they would not have done, nor by their example of using it, so grace and commend it to the Church, if it had been unworthy the appellation and name of the word of God. And whereas they urge for their second defence of their vilifying and abusing of the English Bibles, or some pieces thereof, which they meet with, for that heretikes (forsooth) were the authors of the translations, (heretikes they call us by the same right that they call themselves Catholikes, both being wrong) we marveile what divinitie taught them so. We are sure Terlullian was of another minde : Ex personis probamus fidem, an ex fide personas ? Do we trie mens faith by their persons ? we should trie their persons by their faith. Also S. Augustine was of an other minde : for he lighting upon certain rules made by Tychonius a Donatist, for the better understanding of the word, was not ashamed to make use of them, yea, to insert them into his own book, with giving commendation to them so fane forth as they were worthy to be commended, as is to be seen in Saint Angusiines third book de doctrina Christiana. To be short, Origen, and the whole Church of God for certain hundred yeers, were of an other minde : for they were so fane from treading under foot, (much more from burning) the Transla- tion of Aquila a Proselyte, that is, one that had turned Jew ; of Symmachus, and Theodotion, both Ebionites, that is, most vile heretikes, that they joyned them together with the He- brew Originall, and the Translation of the Scuenty, (as hath been before signified out of Epiphanius) and set them forth openly to be considered of and perused by all. But we weaiy the unlearned, who need not know so much, and trouble the learned, who know it already. Yet before we end we must answere a third cavill and objection of theirs against us, for altering and amending our Translation so oft ; wherein truely they deal hardly, and strangely with us. For to whom ever was it imputed for a fault (by such as were wise) to go over that which he had done, and to amend it where he saw cause ? Saint Augustine was not afraid to exhort Saint Hierome to a Palinodia or recantation ; the same S. Augustine was not ashamed to retractate, we might say, revoke, many things that had passed him, and doeth even glory that he seeth his infirmities. If we will be sonnes of the Trueth, we must consider what it speaketh, and trample upon our own credit, yea, and upon other mens too, if either be any way an hinderance to it This to the cause : then to the persons we say, that of all men they ought to be most silent in this case. For what Appendix No. i 37i varieties have they, and what alterations have they made, not onely of their Service books, Portesses and Breviaries, but also of their Laline Translation? The Service Book sup- posed to be made by Saint Ambrose (Officium Ambrosianum) was a great while in speciall use and request : but Pope Hadrian calling a Council with the ayd of Charles the Emperour, abolished it, yea, burnt it, and commanded the Service Book of Saint Gregory universally to be used. Well, Officium Gregorianum gets by this means to be in credit, but doeth it continue without change or altering ? No, the very Romane Service was of two fashions, the New fashion, and the Old, (the one used in one Church, the other in another) as is to be seen in Pamelius a Romanist, his Preface, before Micrologus. The same Pamelius reporteth out of Radulphus de Rivo, that about the yeer of our Lord, 1277, Pope Nicolas the third remooved out of the Churches of Rome, the more ancient books (of Service) and brought into use the Missals of the Friars Minorites, and commaunded them to be observed there ; insomuch that about an hundred yeers after, when the above-named Radulphus happened to be at Rome, he found all the books to be new, (of the new stamp. ) Neither was there this chopping and changing in the more ancient times onely, but also of late : Pius Quintus himself confesseth, that every Bishoprick almost had a peculiar kinde of service, most unlike to that which others had : which moved him to abolish all other Breviaries, though never so ancient, and priviledged, and published by Bishops in their Diocesses, and to establish and ratifie that onely which was of his own setting foorth, in the yeer 1568. Now, when the father of their Church, who gladly would heal the sore of the daughter of his people softly and sleightly, and make the best of it, findeth so great fault with them for their oddes and jarring ; we hope the children have no great cause to vaunt of their uniformity. But the difference that appeareth between our Translations, and our often correcting of them, is the thing we are specially charged with ; let vs see therefore whether they themselves be without fault this way, (if it be to be counted a fault, to correct) and whether they be fit men to throw stones at us : tandem major pareas insane minori : they that are lesse sound themselves, ought not to object Infirmities to others. If we should tell them that Valla, Slapulensis, Erasmus, and Vives found fault with their vulgar Translation, and consequently wished the same to be mended, or a new one to be made, they would answer peradventure, that we produced their enemies for witnesses against them ; albeit, they were in no other sort enemies, then as Saint Paul was to the Galatians, for telling them the Old Bibles. trueth : and it were to be wished, that they had dared to tell it them plainlier and oftner. But what will they say to this, that Pope Leo the tenth allowed Erasmus Translation of the New Testament, so much different from the vulgar, by his Apostolike Letter and Bull; That the same Leo exhorted Pagnin to translate the whole Bible, and bare whatsoeuer charges was necessary for the work ? Surely, as the Apostle reasoneth to the Hebrews, that if the former Law and Testament had been sufficient, there had been no need of the latter : so we may say, that if the old vulgar had been at all points allowable, to small purpose had labour and charges been undergone, about framing of a new. If they say, it was one Popes private opinion, and that he consulted onely himself ; then we are able to go further with them, and to averre, that more of their chief men of all sorts, even their own 7>-««^-champions Paiva and Vega, and their own In- quisitor Hieronynms ab Oleastro, and then- own Bishop Jsidorus Clarius, and their own Cardinall Thomas a Vio Caietan, do either make new Translations themselves, or follow new ones of other mens making, or note the vulgar Interpreter for halting ; none of them fear to dissent from him, nor yet to except against him. And call they this an uniform tenour of text and judgement about the text, so many of their Worthies disclaiming the now received conceit ? Nay, we will yet come neerer the quick : doth not then Paris edition differ from the Lovaine, and Hentenius his from them both, and yet all of them allowed by authority ? Nay, doth not Sixhis Qnintus confesse, that certain Catholikes (he meaneth certain of his own side) were in such an humour of translating the Scriptures into Latine, that Satan taking occasion by them, though they thought of no such matter, did strive what he could, out of so uncertain and manifold a varietie of Translations, so to mingle all things, that nothing might seem to be left certain and firm in them, &c? Nay further, did not the same Sixtus ordain by an inviolable decree, and that with the counsell and consent of his Car- dinals, that the Latine edition of the Old and New Testa- ment, which the Councill of Trent would have to be authentike, is the same without controversie which he then set foorth, being diligently corrected and printed in the Printing house of Vatican ? Thus Sixtus in his Preface before his Bible. And yet Clement the eight his immediate successour, to accompt of, publisheth another edition of the Bible, containing in it infinite differences from that of Sixtus, (and many of them weighty and materiall) and yet this must be authentike by all means. What is to have the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with Yea and Nay, if this be not ? Again, what is sweet harmony and consent, if this be ? Therefore as Demaratus of Corinth advised a great King, before he talked of the dissensions among the Grecians, to compose his domestick broils : (for at that time his Queen and his son and heir were at deadly fuid with him) so all the while that our adversaries do make so many and so various editions themselves, and do jarre so much about the worth and authority of them, they can with no shew of equity challenge us for changing and correcting. But it is high time to leave them, and to shew in brief what we proposed to our selves, and what course we held in this our perusall and survey of the Bible. Truely (good Christian Reader) we never thought from the beginning, that we should need to make a new Translation, nor yet to make of a bad one a good one, 1 (for then the imputation of Sixlus had been true in some sort, that our people had been fed with gall of Dragons in stead of wine, with whey in stead of milk ;) but to make a good one better, or out of many good ones, one principall good one, not justly to be excepted against ; that hath been our indeavour, that our mark. To that purpose there were many chosen, that were greater in other mens eyes then in then- own, and that sought the trueth rather then their own prayse. Again, they came or were thought to come to the work, not exercendi causa (as one saith) but exercitati, that is, learned, not to learn : For the chief overseer and ipyo^LcvKTTis under his Majestie, to whom not only we, but also our whole Church was much bound, knew by his own wisdome, which thing also Nazianzen taught so long ago, that it is a preposterous order to teach first & to learn after, yea that rb iv irlBt/i Kepafilcai inavBaveiv, to leam and practise together, is neither commendable for the workman nor safe for the work. Therefore such were thought upon, as could say modestly with Saint Hierome, El Hebraum Sermoncm ex parte didicimus, cV in Latino pene ab ipsis incunabulis &c. detriti sumus. Both we have learned the Hebrew tongue in part, and in the Latine we have been exercised almost from our verie cradle. Saint Hierome maketh no mention of the Greek tongue, wherein yet he did excell, because he translated not the old Testament out of Greek, but out of Hebrew. And in what sort did these assemble ? in the trust of their own knowledge, or of their sharpnesse of wit, or deepnesse of judgement, as it were in an arm of flesh ? At no hand. They trusted in him that hath the key of David, opening and no man shutting ; they prayed to the Lord the Father of our Lord, to the effect that Saint Augustine did ; O let thy Scriptures be my pure de- light, let me not be deceived in them, neither let me deceive by The purpose of the Trans- lators, with their num- ber, furni- ture, care, &c. 374 Old Bibles. them. In this confidence, and with this devotion did they assemble together ; not too many, lest one should trouble another ; and yet many, lest many things haply might escape them. If you ask what they had before them, truly it was the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, the Greek of the New. These are the two golden pipes, or rather conduits, wherethrough the olive branches emptie themselves into the gold. Saint Augustine calleth them precedent, or ori- ginall Tongues ; Saint Hierome, fountains. The same S. Hierome affirmeth, and Gratian hath not spared to put it into his Decree, That as the credite of the old Books (he meaneth of the Old Testament) is to be tried by the Hebrew Volumes, so of the New by the Greek tongue, he meaneth by the originall Greek. If trueth be to be tried by these tongues, then whence should a translation be made, but out of them ? These tongues therefore, the Scrip- tures we say in those tongues, we set before us to tran- slate, being the tongues wherein God was pleased to speak to his Church by his Prophets and Apostles. Neither did we run over the work with that posting haste that the Septuagint did, if that be true which is reported of them, that they finished it in seventy two dayes ; neither were we barred or hindred from going over it again, having once done it, like Saint Hierome, if that be true which himself reporteth, that he could no sooner write any thing, but presently it was caught from him, and published, and he could not have leave to mend it : neither, to be short, were we the first that fell in hand with translating the Scripture into English, and con- sequently destitute of former helps, as it is written of Origen, that he was the first in a manner, that put his hand to write Commentaries upon the Scriptures, and therefore no marveil, if he over-shot himself many times. None of these things : the work hath not been hudled up in seventy two dayes, but hath cost the workmen, as light as it seemeth, the pains of twise seven times seventie two dayes and more : matters of such weight and consequence are to be speeded with matu- ritie : for in a businesse of moment a man feareth not the blame of convenient slacknesse. Neither did we think much to consult the Translators or Commentators, Chaldee, He- brew, Syrian, Greek or Latine, no nor the Spanish, French, Italian, or Dutch; neither did we disdain to revise that which we had done, and to bring back to the anvill that which we had hammered : but having and using as great helps as were needfull, and fearing no reproach for slownesse, nor coveting praise for expedition, we have at the length, through the good hand of the Lord upon us, brought the work to that passe that you see. Appendix No. i, 375 Some peradventure would have no varietie of sences to be set in the margine, lest the authoritie of the Scriptures for deciding of controversies by that shew of uncertainitie, should somewhat be shaken. But we hold their judgement not to be so sound in this point. For though, whatsoever things are necessarie, are manifest, as S. Chrysostome saith, and as S. Augustine, In those things that are plainely set down in the Scriptures all such matters are found that concern Faith, Hope, and Charitie. Yet for all that it cannot be dissembled, that partly to exercise and whet our wits, partly to wean the curious from loathing of them for their every- where-plainnesse, partly also to stirre vp our devotion to crave the assistance of Gods Spirit by prayer, and lastly, that we might be forward to seek ayd of our brethren by con- ference, and never scorn those that be not in all respects so complete as they should be, being to seek in many things our selves, it hath pleased God in his divine providence, here and there to scatter words and sentences of that difficultie and doubtfulnesse, not in doctrinall points that concern salvation (for in such it hath been vouched that the Scriptures are plain) but in matters of lesse moment, that fearfulnesse would better beseem us then confidence, and if we will resolve, to resolve upon modestie with Saint Augustine, (though not in this same case altogether, yet upon the same ground) Melius est dubitare de occullis, quant litigare de incertis, it is better to make doubt of those things which are secret, then to strive about those things that are uncertain. There be many words in the Scriptures, which be never found there but once, (having neither brother nor neighbour, as the Hebrews speak) so that we cannot be holpen by conference of places. Again, there be many rare names of certain birds, beasts and pre- cious stones, &c. concerning which the Hebrews themselves are so divided among themselves for judgement, that they may seem to have defined this or that, rather because they would say something, then because they were sure of that which they sayd, as Saint Hierome somewhere saith of the Septuagint. Now in such a case, doeth not a margine do well to admonish the Reader to seek further, and not to conclude or dogmatize upon this or that peiemptorily ? For as it is a fault of incredulitie, to doubt of those things that are evident : so to determine of such things as the Spirit of God hath left (even in the judgement of the judicious) question- able, can be no lesse then presumption. Therefore as Saint Augustine saith, that varietie of Translations is profitable for the finding out of the sense of the Scriptures : so diversitie of signification and sence in the margine, where the text is not so clear, must needs do good, yea, is necessary as we are Reasons moving us to set diversity of sences in the margine, where there is great pro- bability for each. 376 Old Bibles. Reasons in- ducing us not to stand curiously upon an identity of phrasing. perswaded. We know that Sixtus Quintus expresly for- biddeth, that any varietie of readings of their vulgar edition, should be put in the margine (which though it be not alto- gether the same thing to that we have in hand, yet it lookefh that way) but we think he hath not all of his own side his favourers, for this conceit. They that are wise, had rather have their judgements at libertie in differences of readings, then to be captivated to one, when it may be the other. If they were sure that their hie Priest had all laws shut up in his breast, as Paul the second bragged, and that he were as free from errour by speciall priviledge, as the Dictators of Rome were made by law inviolable, it were another matter ; then his word were an Oracle, his opinion a decision. But the eyes of the world are now open, God be thanked, and have been a great while, they finde that he is subject to the same affections and infirmities that others be, that his body, is subject to wounds, and therefore so much as he proovefh, not as much as he claimeth, they grant and imbrace. Another thing we think good to admonish thee of (gentle Reader) that we have not tyed our selves to an uniformitie of phrasing, or to an identitie of words, as some peradventure would wish that we had done, because they observe, that some learned men somewhere, have been as exact as they could that way. Truly, that we might not varie from the sense of that which we had translated before, if the word signified the same thing in both places (for, there be some words that be not of the same sense everywhere) we were especially carefull, and made a conscience, according to our dutie. But, that we should expresse the same notion in the same particular word ; as for example, if we translate the Hebrew or Greek word once by Purpose, never to call it Intent ; if one where Journeying, never Travelling ; if one where Think, never Suppose; if one where Pain, never Ache ; if one where Joy, never Gladnesse, &c. Thus to mince the matter, we thought to favour more of curiosity then wisedome, and that rather it would breed scorn in the Atheist, then bring profit to the godly Reader. For is the kingdome of God become words or syllables ? why should we be in bondage to them if we may be free, use one precisely when we may use another no lesse fit, as commodiously » A godly Father in the Primitive time shewed himself ereatly moved, that one of newfanglenes called Kp&$$a.Tov o-ki/htous, though the difference be little or none ; and another reporteth, that he was much abused for turning Cucurbita (to which reading the people had beene used) into Hedera. Now if this happen in better times, and upon so small occasions, we might justly feare hard censure, if generally we should make verbal! Appendix No. i. 377 and unnecessary changings. We might also be charged (by scoffers) with some unequall dealing toward a great number of good English words. For as it is written of a certain great Philosopher, that he should say, that those logs were happie that were made images to be worshipped ; for their fellowes, as good as they, lay for blocks behinde the fire ; so if we should say, as it were, unto certain words, Stand up higher, have a place in the Bible alwaies, and, to others oi like qualitie, Get ye hence, be banished for ever, we might be taxed peraduenture with S. James his words, namely, To be partiall in our selves, and judges of evil I thoughts. Adde hereunto, that nicenesse in words was alwayes counted the next step to trifling, and so was to be curious about names too : also that we cannot follow a better pattern for elocution then God himself; therefore he using divers words, in his holy writ, and indifferently for one thing in nature : we, if we will not be superstitious, may use the same libertie in our English versions out of Hebrew and Greek, for that copie or store that he hath given us. Lastly, we have on the one side avoyded the scrupulositie of the Puritanes, who leave the old Ecclesiasticall words, and betake them to other, as when they put washing for Baptisme, and Congregation instead of Church : as also on the other side, we have shunned the obscuritie of the Papists, in their Azymes, Tunike, Rational!, Holocausts, Prcepuce, Pasche, and a number of such like, whereof their late Translation is full, and that of purpose to darken the sense, that since they must needs translate the Bible, yet by the language thereof, it may be kept from being understood. But we desire that the Scripture may speak like it self, as in the language of Canaan, that it may be under- stood even of the very vulgar. Many other things we might give thee warning of (gentle Reader) if we had not exceeded the measure of a Preface already. It remaineth, that we commend thee to God, and to the Spirit of his grace, which is able to build further then we can aske or think. He removeth the scales from our eyes, the vail from our hearts, opening our wits, that we may under- stand his word, enlarging our hearts, yea correcting our affections, that we may love it above gold and silver, yea that we may love it to the end. Ye are brought unto foun- tains of living water which ye digged not ; doe not cast earth into them with the Philistines, neither preferre broken pits before them with the wicked Jews. Others have laboured, and you may enter into their labours ; O receive not so great things in vain ! O despise not so great ^salvation ! Be not like swine to tread under foot so precious' things, neither yet like dogs to tear and abuse holy things. Say not to our 37% Old Bibles. Saviour with the Gergesites, Depart out of our coasts, neither yet with Esau, Sell your birthright for a measse of pottage. If light be come into the world, love not darknesse more then light : if food, if clothing be offered, go not naked, starve not yourselves. Remember the advice of Naziamene, It is a grievous thing (or dangerous) to neglect a great f lire, and to seeke to make markets afterwards : also the encourage- ment of S. Chrysostome, It is altogether impossible, that he that is sober (and 7oatchfull) should at any time be neglected : Lastly, the admonition and menacing of S. Augustine, They that despise Gods will inviting them, shall feel Gods will taking vengeance of them. It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God : but a blessed thing it is, and will bring us to everlasting blessednesse in the end, when God speaketh unto us, to hearken ; when he setteth his word before us, to read it ; when he stretcheth out his hand and calleth, to answere, Here am I ; here we are to do thy will, O God. The Lord worke a care and conscience in us to know him and serve him, that we may be acknowledged of him at the appearing of our Lord Jesvs Christ, to whom with the holy Ghost, be all praise and thankesgiving. Amen. Appendix No. 2. Notes on Welsh Bibles. THIS year (1888) being the tercentenary of the first version of the Bible in the Welsh language, a few notes may be interesting anent the editions that have appeared. These are not numerous. During the sixteenth century only one translation of the New Testament by itself, and one of the whole Bible, were issued ; the first in quarto, and the second in small folio. For nearly one hundred years after the Re- formation, no Welsh Bible of a convenient size was in existence ; and during the whole of the seventeenth century, and a good way into the eighteenth, there were but two folios and four octavo editions printed. None of these editions consisted of a considerable number of copies. It is estimated that the whole of the impressions did not amount to more than 30,000 ; a very small number for the use of 300,000 persons. Only one manuscript translation of any part of the Bible into Welsh has been known, and that was a Welsh version of the Pentateuch. In the year 1551 some detached portions of the Bible were translated from the Vulgate into the Welsh language. They are entitled : Certain portions of Scripture appointed to be read in Churches in the time of Communion and Public Worship- In the year 1562 it was enacted by Parliament (5 Eliz., c. 28), " That the Bible, containing the New Testament and the Old, together with the Book of Common Prayer and the administration of the Sacraments, should be translated into the British or Welsh tongue .... should be viewed, perused, and allowed by the Bishops of S. Asaph, Bangor, S. David, Landaff and Hereford . . . should be printed and used in the churches by 3 8o Old Bibles. the i st of March, in the year 1566, under a penalty, in case of failure, of forty pounds, to be levied on each of the above Bishops. That one printed copy at least of this translation should be had for and in every cathedral, collegiate, and parish church and chapel of ease throughout Wales, to be read by the Clergy in time of Divine service, and at other times for the benefit and perusal of any who had a mind to go to church for that purpose, as the inhabitants of Wales, being no small part of the realm, are utterly destituted (sic) of God's Holy Word, and do remain in the like, or rather more, darkness and ignorance than they were in the time of Papistry." "That till this version of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer should be completed and published, the Clergy of that country should read in time of worship, the Epistles and Gospels, the Lord's Prayer, the Articles of the Chris- tian Faith, the Litany, and such other parts of the Common Prayer Book, in the Welsh tongue, as should be directed and appointed by the above-mentioned Bishops." "And not only during this interval but ever after, English Bibles and Common Prayers should be had and remain in every church and chapel throughout that country, with the Welsh translation, so that such as do not understand the English language may, by conferring both tongues together, the sooner attain to the knowledge of the English tongue, anything in this Act to the contrary notwithstanding." One year after the expiration of the time appointed by the above Act of Parliament, namely, in the year 1567, the first New Testament in Welsh was issued. It was printed by Henry Denham, at the cost and charges of Humphrey Toy, in a handsome quarto volume of 399 leaves, similar to the Blank Stone Mole, and Engraver's-mark editions of Tyndale ; black-letter type, not divided into verses, but with arguments and contents to each chapter and book. In the margins are alternative renderings of certain words, but no references to parallel passages. In the pre- liminary matter is a "calendar" and a dedication in English to " the most vertuous and noble Prince (sic) Elizabeth," and a long Epistle in Welsh, by the Bishop of S. David's to his countrymen. This version Appendix No. 2. is said to have been made from the original Greek, and the Vulgate. This Editio princeps being now excessively rare, it may be worth while to append its dedication : — " To the most vertuous and noble Prince Elizabeth, by the grace of God of England, France, and Ireland, Queene, defender of the Faith, etc. " When I call to remembrance, as well the face of the corrupted religion in England, at what tyme Paules Churcheyarde in the citie was occupied by makers of alabaster images to be set up in churches ; and they of Pater-noster-rowe earned their lyving by makyng of Pater-noster bedes only ; they of Aue-lane by selling Aue-bedes ; of Crede-lane by makyng Crede-bedes : As also the vaine rites crepte into our countrey of Wales, whan, insteade of the lyving God, men wor- shipped dead images of wood and stones, belles and bones, with other such uncertain reliques I wot not what ; and withal consider our late general revolt from Goddes most holy worde once receaued, and dayly heare of the lyke enforced uppon our brethern in forain countryes, having most piteousely susteined great calamities, bitter afflictions and merciles perse- cutions ; under which verye many doe yet styll re- main ; I cannot, most Christian Prince, and gracious Soueraine, but even as dyd the poore blynde Barti- meus or Samaritane lepre to our Sauiour, so I com before your Maiesties feete, and there lying prostrate, not onely for myself, but also for the deliuery of many thousandes of my countrey folkes, from the spiritual blyndnes of ignoraunce" and fowl infection of the old idolatrie and false superstition, most humbly and dutifully to acknowlege your incomparable benefite bestowed upon vs in graunting the sacred Scriptures (the verye remedie and salve of' our ghostly blyndness and leprosie) to be had in our best knowen tongue ; which as far as euer I can gather (thoughe Christ's trewe religion sometyme floorished emong our aun- cesters the old Britons) yet were neuer so entierlye and uniuersallye had, as we now God be thanked have them. "Our countreymen in tymes passed were indede most loth (and that not wythout good cause) to receaue the Romish religion, and yet haue they nowe synce 38l 382 Old Bibles. (such is the domage of euyll custome) bene loth to forsake the same, and to receaue the gospell of Christ. But after that thys nation, as it is thought, for their apostasie had ben sore-plagued wyth long warres, and finally vanquished, and by rigorous lawes kept under, yet at the last it pleased God of his accustomed clemencie to looke down agayne upon them, sending a most godly and noble David and a wyse Solomon, I meane Henry the Seventh and his sonne Henry the Eighth (both kynges of most famous memorie, and your Grace's father and grandfather), who graciously released their paynes and mitigated their intolerable burthens, the one with charters of liberties, and the other with Acts of Parlyament, by abandoning from them al bondage and thraldom, and incorporating them wyth his other louing subjects of England. "Thys, no doubt, was no small benefit touchyng bodyly welth ; but thys benefit of your Maiesties prouidence and goodnesse excedeth that other so far as the soule doeth the bodye. Certaine noble women (whereof some were chiefe rulers of thys nowe your isle of Britain), are by antiquitie vnto us for their singuler learning and heroical vertues highely com- mended, as Cambra the Fayre, Martia the Good, Bunducia the Wariar, Claudia Rufina mentioned in S. Paules epistle, and Helena, mother of the great and first Christian emperor Constantinus Magnus, and S. Ursula of Cornwals, with such others who are also at thys day styl renowned ; but of your Maiestie, I may as I thynk, right well use the wordes of that king who surnamed himself Lemuel. Many doughters have don vertuously ; but thou surmountest them all. Fauour is deceiptfull, and beautie is vanitie : but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praysed. For if M. Magdalen for the bestowing of a boxe of material oyntment, to annoynt Christes carnal body, be so famous throwe out all the world where the gospell is preached, howe muche more shall your munificence by conferring the unction of the holy ghost to annoynct his spiritual body the churche, be ever had in memorie ? " But to conclude and to drawe neare to offer up my vowe : where as I, by our most vigilant pastours the Bishopes of Wales, am called and substituted, though Appendix No. 2. 383 unworthy, somewhat to deale in the perusing and setting fourth of thys so worthy a matter, I thynk it my most bounden duetie here in their name, to pre- sent to your Maiestie (as the chiefest fyrst fruict) a booke of the New Testament of our Lorde Jesvs Christ, translated into the British language, which is our vulgare tongue, wyshing and most humbly pray- ing, if it shall so seme good to your wysedome, that it myght remayne in your M. Librarie, for a perpetual monument of your graciouse bountie shewed herein to our countrey, and the churche of Christ there. And would to God that your Graces subiectes of Wales might also have the whole booke of God's woord brought to like passe : then might their felow subiectes of England reioycingly pronounce of them in these wordes, The people that sate in darknes, have seen a great lyght ; they that dwelled in the land of the shadowe of death upon them hath the lyght shyned. Blessed are the people that be so, yea blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. Yea than wold they both together thus brotherly say, Come, and let us go up to the mountaine of the Lord, and he wyll teache us hys wayes, and we wyll walke in his pathes, &c. " And thus to ende, I beseeche Almyghtye God, that as your Grace's circumspect providence doth perfectlye accomplish and discharge your princely vocation and gouvernaunce towardes all your humble subiects, that we also on our part may towards God and your high- ness demeane ourselves in such wyse, that His justice abrydge not these halcyons and quiet days (which hetherto since the begynning of your happie reigne have most calmely and peaceably continued) but that we may long enioy your gracious presence and most prosperous reigne over us : which we beseche God, for our Saviour Jesus Christes sake moste mercifullye to graunt us. Amen. Your Maiestie's Most humble and Faithfull subiect William Salesbury." The translators of this Testament were : W. S. — William Salesbury ; T. H. C. M.— Thomas Huet, Chantor Menevensis; D. R. D. M. — Dr. Richard Davis, Menevensis. 8 4 Old Bibles. The Bishop of S. David's took the second Epistle to S. Timothy, the Hebrews, S. James, and the first and second Epistle of S. Peter ; Thomas Huet, Precentor of S. David's, translated the Apocalypse ; and William Salesbury the rest of the book. All three were men of eminent learning, and their work has ever been regarded as accurate but inelegant. Dr. Davis was a native of Denbigh, and was educated at Oxford. He left England at the death of Edward VI. On his return early in the reign of Elizabeth, he was conse- crated Bishop of St. Asaph (January 21st, 1560), and translated to the See of S. David May 21st, 1561. He was one of the Bishops selected by Archbishop Parker to revise the Bible of 1568, commonly called the Bishops' Version. His share was the Books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. He died November 7th, 1581, aged eighty years. The first complete Bible in Welsh is known as " Morgan's " Bible. It is small folio size, and is dated 1588. It contains the Old Testament, Apo- crypha, and New Testament. The chapters are divided into verses. It has a table of contents pre- fixed to each chapter, and marginal references. A long dedication in Latin, to Queen Elizabeth, signed GVLIELMVS MORGAN VS, also a calendar and other tables. Like the Welsh New Testament of 1 567, it is numbered, not by pages, but by leaves, of which there are 555. It was printed at London by Christopher Barker. The title is, Y Beibl Cyssegr-Lan, Sef yr hen Destament a'r Newydd. It has always been uncertain by whom Myles Coverdale was employed to translate the first English Bible, and it is equally doubtful by whom Morgan was induced to undertake the task of translating the Bible into Welsh. He mentions in his preface the support and encouragement he received from Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury. He would have sunk, he says, under his difficulties and relinquished the work, or would only have published the five books of Moses, had it not been for the Archbishop's help. Little is known of Coverdale's assistants in the work of trans- lating, although it is almost impossible he could have accomplished it single-handed, and Morgan's assis- tants are equally unknown. Morgan speaks of, as his Appendix No. 2. patrons, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of .St. Asaph and Bangor; Dean Goodman, of West- minster ; Dr. David Powel ; Archdeacon Edmund Prys, of Merioneth, author of the Welsh Psalms in metre ; and the Rev. Richard Vaughan, Rector of Lutterworth, afterwards Bishop of Bangor, Chester, and of London. During the time the book was going through the press, Morgan resided with the Dean of Westminster. The exact number of copies of which the edition consisted is not known ; there is reason to believe they did not exceed one thousand. The statute of 1562 evidently does not contemplate a household Bible but one for church use. A quarto edition of the Prayer Book and Psalter, beautifully printed in black letter, was printed the same year (1588). It is now a very rare book, much more difficult to procure than Salesbury's Testament, or Morgan's Bible. At the commencement of the seventeenth century, a revision of Morgan's Bible was undertaken by his successor in the See of S. Asaph, Dr. Richard Parry. This new version was printed in London in 1620, by Bonham Norton and John Bill, who had purchased the patent right of Robert Barker to print the Bible. It is a grand folio volume, printed in clear black letter type, on good paper. The marginal references are taken from King James's Bible of 161 1. The signa- tures of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha run to Eeee 3, and the New Testament from A to Y 2. Bishop Parry dedicated his Bible in Latin, to the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, and to King James I. In it he says, that the copies of Morgan's Bible being exhausted, and many or most of the Welsh Churches being without Bibles, or having only worn or imperfect copies, he set about revising the Welsh Bible, as the English Bible had recently been revised, for the sake pf providing for his countrymen a better and more cor- rect version than they had ever possessed. Dr. John Davis, the learned Chaplain of the Bishop of S. Asaph, had a considerable share in the work of revision. He was admirably suited for the purpose, being well versed in Hebrew and Greek, and complete master of the Welsh language. This is important, as from one rendering in the Apocalypse it has been supposed it Old Bibles. was translated solely from the English version into Welsh, without the original languages being consulted. The verse referred to is the eighth of the fifth chapter of the Revelation of S. John the Divine, which, in Morgan's Bible of 1588, reads : " The four-and- twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden fiddles full of odours," etc. " Crythau," which signifies fiddles or violins, being used instead of " phialau," the Welsh word for vials. The translator, it has been imagined, having only the English Bible before him, mistook "vials" for "viols." This may have been a printer's error, like one recently made in a rubric of a French Canon of Mass, which orders that " Ici le firetre ote sa culotte" instead of " Ici le firitre ote sa calotte." The first octavo Bible in the Welsh language is said on the title page to be. " Printiedig yn Llvndain. Robert Barker, Printiwr i Ardderchoccaf fawrhydi y Brenin : a chan Assignes Iohn Bill, A.D. 1630." It has four pages of Bishop Parry's Latin dedication ; this is followed by four pages in smaller type of Morgan's address to " Illustrissimas, Potentissimse, serenissimaeque Principi Elizabeths D. G. Angliae, Gallias et Hiberniae Reginas, fidei verse, et Apostolicse Propugnat," etc. ; then an address in Welsh of two pages, and on recto of last leaf of preliminary, " Nomina eorum qui pra; caeteris hoc opus promouere conati sunt;" and on verso, " Henwav a threfn Llyfrav 'r hen Destament a'r Newydd, a rhifedi pennodau pob Llyfr." The text is printed in Roman type. The only woodcut is the " Temptation in the Garden of Eden." The book is without pagination, and is printed in double columns, having seventy-three lines to a full column. It was undertaken, like other Welsh Bibles, not by any public authority, but by private individuals, on their own responsibility and risk. Sir Thomas Middleton, and Mr. Rowland Heylyn, both Aldermen of London, and natives of Wales, co-operating with two other gentlemen, undertook to supply the great want that had been so long felt of a Bible of a size suitable for family and private reading. The reason the Bible in Welsh was so sparingly supplied, was to induce the Welsh people to study the English language for the sake o£ obtaining a know- Appendix No. 2. ledge of the Scriptures, and thus gradually to banish the ancient British language from the principality, and to substitute for it the English tongue. The third folio edition of the Holy Scriptures in Welsh is commonly known as " Lloyd's " Bible. It was printed at the Theatre, Oxford, 1690, in Roman letter. It has two title pages to the Old Testament : one, the full plate engraving usual in Oxford Bibles of this date ; the other, a letter press title. There are also two titles to the New Testament. It is well printed, on good paper, but not nearly so handsome a book as Parry's Bible of 1620. Why Bishop Lloyd should have the credit of this edition it is difficult to say. It was brought out under the superintendence of Mr. Pierce Lewis, an Anglesea man, who discharged his trust accurately and well. It does not pretend to be a new translation, but merely a faithful reprint of the Bible of 1 620. The octavo edition of the Welsh Bible, issued in 1654, consisted of 6,000 copies. This is the first record we have of the exact number of copies of which any edition was made up. Numerous as it was, it soon became exhausted, and in 1677 another octavo edition was produced of 8,000 copies. One thousand were distributed gratuitously among the poor, and the re- mainder were offered for sale at four shillings each. An edition of the Book of Common Prayer in Welsh was published in 1664, in black letter. Many errors having been made in reprinting one edition after an- other, Mr. Stephen Hughes, of Swansea, undertook to act as editor of the 1677 octavo, and a better man for the purpose could not have been selected, as he had long been engaged in publishing Welsh literature, amongst other books the popular Welsh poetry of the Rev. Rhys Richard, of Llandovery. A great many copies of this edition were put into circulation by Mr. Thomas Gouge, a benevolent man, who always gave away two-thirds of his income, and managed to live on the remainder, which amounted to rather less than a pound a week. When over sixty years of age he used to travel about Wales, and personally distri- bute his bounty among the poor and needy. His funeral sermon was preached by Archbishop Tillotson, and afterwards published. In this sermon Tillotson 387 388 Old Bibles. states that, aided by the contributions of others, Mr. Gouge established a great number of schools in the principality, and liberally supplied them with Welsh books, particularly with the Prayer Book, the New Testament, and the octavo Welsh Bible. Mr. Gouge died in 1681, and his colleague, Mr. Hughes, in the year 1687. Sir Thomas Middleton and Mr. Rowland Heylyn were not the only Aldermen of London who exerted themselves to supply the inhabitants of Wales in their mother tongue, for in a copy of this Bible in Earl Spencer's library there is the following note : — " Pre- sented by the Publisher to Sir Richard Clayton, of the City of London, Knt., Alderman and Mayor thereof, anno 1679, m thankfull acknowledgement of his former bounty to Wales, in contributing towards the printing of this Bible, and teaching many hun- dreds of poor children to read, and some to write." The next edition of the Welsh Bible came out in quarto, in the year 1689, and was the last issued in the seventeenth century. It was printed by Bill and Newcombe, London, on rather poor paper, and from small and badly cast type. Its editor was Mr. David Jones. A considerable portion of the expense was defrayed by the Earl of Warton, once a member of Queen Anne's Cabinet. Ten thousand copies of this edition were speedily distributed. The first edition issued in 'the eighteenth century was an octavo one, dated 1718. It has two engraved maps, signed, "Llundain, loan Basged." It was edited by the Rev. Moses Williams, Vicar of Dyfynog, Brecon, an excellent scholar, who assisted Dr. Wotton in publishing the Leges Walliccz. He added to this Bible a table of interpretation of Hebrew and Greek names into Welsh. Tq the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge is due the honour of publishing this and the two following editions. The second edition is dated 1727. This is small octavo size, without contents of chapters or marginal references, and was for this reason very little valued by Welsh people. The next was printed by J. Bentham, Caer Grawnt, 1746, in octavo. In addition to the" Apo- crypha, the Old and New Testament, it has the Prayer-Book, and a Metrical Psalter, by Archdeacon Appendix No. 2. Prys. This Prayer-Book contains the Acts of Uni- formity of Elizabeth arid Charles II. The table dates from 1746 to 1785. Great prominence is given to the ornaments rubric. It is printed in larger type than any other part of the book, and occupies an entire page. The Epistles and Gospels are all given in full. The authorization of the State services is signed, " Towns- hend, 1728 ;" then follows the Ordinal and Canons of 1603. The last page has a table of affinity and con- sanguinity that "let" marriage. At the end of the New Testament are twenty-three pages of chrono- logical and five of other tables. The Psalter has a fresh signature, and after it are sundry prayers. In 1752, under the care of Mr. Morris, Baskett pro- duced an octavo edition, which could not be spoken of as some of Baskett's Bibles have been, as Basketfuls of errors, for it is considered the most correct Welsh Bible ever printed. In 1770 a quarto was printed at Carmarthen with a Welsh concordance, some notes in which were supposed to favour Sabellianism. The last Welsh Bibles to be mentioned are the octavos of 1770 and 1799. The latter consisted of 10,000 copies, and, like the 1746 issue, contained the Book of Common Prayer and the Psalms in metre. The Psalms in metre weie published separately seve- ral times — Thomas Salesbury's version in 1603, and Archdeacon Pryse's in 1648. The New Testament was also issued by itself in 1647 in i2mo. ; in 1654 in 4to. ; in 1672, and again by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, in 1752 and 1769. 389 39° Old Bibles. Appendix No. 3. THE following is an early English version of the Epistle to the Laodiceans, which was ordered by S. Paul to be also read to the church at Colosse. It is now considered Apocryphal : — "Paul apostil not of men, ne bi man, but bi Iesu Crist, to the Britherin that bin at Laodice ; grace to yhou, and pees of God the Fadir, and the Lord Iesu Crist. I do thankyngis to my God, bi al myn orisoun that ye bin dwellynge and lastynge in hym, abidinge the biheeste in the dai of doom. For neithir the vein spekynge of somme unwise men, hath lettyed yhou the whiche wolden turne yhou fro the treuthe of the Ghospel that is preched of me, and now bin of me to the profight of the truthe of the Ghospel. God schal make deseroynge and doynge benygnyte of workis of heelthe of everlastynge lyf. And How mi boondis bin open which I suffre in Crist Iesu : in whiche I glade and joye, and that is to me everlastynge heelthe, that this same thinge bin doon by yhoure preiers and mynystringe of the Holy Goost eithir bi lyf, eithir bi deeth. Forsothe to me is lyf to lyve in Crist, and to die joye withouten ende. And his merci schal do in yhou that same thing, that ye mun have the same lovynge, and that yhe be of o will. "Therfore yhe weel beloved britheren, hold yhe, and do yhe in the drede of God, as yhe han herde in the presence of me, and lyf schal bin to yhou with- outen ende. " Sotheli it is God that worcketh in yhou. And my weel beloved britheren do yhe withouten ony with- drawynge what evere thinge is that yhe doon. Ioye yhe in Crist and eschewe yhe man defouled with lucre, eithir foul wynnynge. "Be alle yhour aringis open anentis God: and be yhe stidefast in the witt of Crist, and do yhe thos thingis that hin hool, and trewe, and just, and lovable. And kepe yhe in herte thos thingis yhe have herd, and pees schal be to yhou. All holi men greeten yhou. The grace of our Lord Iesu Crist be with yhoure spirit. Do yhe that pistil of colosensis bin red to yhou. Amen." 39 2 Old Bibles. Appendix No. 4. LIST OF ENGLISH BIBLES AND TESTAMENTS IN THE AUTHOR'S COLLECTION. Title. Size. Date. N. T. - Quarto - 1536 - >» ,, 1538-7 - „ Octavo - 1550 - ,, Quarto - 1552 " .» >> - 1553 - '< )» - : Bible - Folio - 1535 - N. T. - i2mo - 1538 - ,, Quarto - 1538 - ! Bible - .. " 1550 - Bible Bible TYNDALE'S VERSION. Printer. Printer unknown Powell Gaultier Jugge- >> Watkins. COVERDALE'S VERSION. Meterin Crom - Nicolson. Hester MATTHEW'S VERSION. Folio - 1537- »» 1549 - j» 1549 - Folio Raynalde & Hyll. Daye and Seres TAVERNER'S VERSION. 1551 - I Daye - GREAT BIBLE. Bible - Folio - 1539 - »» >» 1540 - >» »» 1 541 i » J 1541 Grafton & Whitchurch. Remarks. Blank stone. 2 copies. I. C. A fragment Imperfect. Large paper. 2 copies. I 2 copies. April. May. December. ! Appendix No. 4. 393 GREAT BIBLE— continued. Title. Size. Date. Printer. Remarks. Bible - Folio - 1549 " Whitchurch. >> ,, 1553 " >> Quarto - '553 ■ Grafton. »> »> 1 561 - Cawoode. ,, ,, 1562 Harrison. " " Folio - 1566 - Hamillon, Carmarden. GENEVAN VERSION. : N. T. - i2mo - 1557 Badius. ; Bible - Quarto - Folio - 1560 1562-I. Hall 2 copies. »J Quarto - 1569 Crespin. NT. - Octavo - 1575 Vautroulier. ! Bible - Folio - 1576 Barker. N. T. - Octavo - 1576 - >> Tomson. ,, ,, 1577 _ Bible - Folio - '578 - " »» Quarto - 1579 NT. - Octavo - 1580 - . | ,, j) 1582 } " Bible - Quarto - 1582 " N T. - j j 1583 - _ Bible - „ 1585 - )J ,, 1587 - J J SJ 1589 - N. T. - i2mo - 1589 - _ 1 Bible - Octavo - 1592 - „ - - Unique. N T. - Quarto - IS93 . Tomson. Bible - j> 1594 - „ J 495- N. T. - „ I59S - Tomson. Bible - Octavo - 1596 - »» ~ Quarto - 1599 - „ 5 editions. >) Octavo - 1 601 ,, Quarto - 1602 „ Octavo - 1606 „ Folio - 1610 >» ,, 1611 N. T. - Octavo - 1613 - Bible - Quarto - 1614 „ ,, 1615 Folio - 1616 - N. T. - Octavo - 1616 Bible - Folio - 1 641 Stafford. J> j» 1644 - it 394 Old Bibles. BISHOPS' VERSION. Title. Size. Date. Printer. Remarks. Bible - Folio - 1568 - Jugge - Imperfect. 11 Quarto - 1569 - 11 11 Folio - 1572 " 11 „ Quarto - 1573 " 11 11 Folio - 1574 " It With map. ,, Sm. folio 1575 " 11 11 Quarto - 1576 - 11 1577 11 Wants 1st title. )) Octavo - 1577 >» >> Folio - 1578 - Barker. N. T. - 1 2mo - 1 581 »j Bible - Folio - 1584 - 97 11 Quarto - 1584 - )> ■ 11 Folio - 1595 " )» 11 J( 1602 91 N. T. - i2mo - 1614 Tyndale's notes. )) >» 1617 11 9) It j» 1619 Norton & Bill - )> RHEIMS ANI ) DOUAI VERSIONS. NT. - Quarto - 1582 - Fogny. )) s» 1600 Veruliet. 0. T. - j> 1609-IO- Kellam 2 vols. N. T. - I2mo - 1621 Seldenslach. ,, Quarto - 1633 " Cousturier. O. T. - >) 1635 " »» 2 vols. KING JAMES'S VERSION. Bible - Folio - 1611 Barker - 3 issues. It Quarto - 1612 )> Roman letter. It Octavo - 1612 i) >> N. T. - Quarto - 1612 » Black letter. Bible - Folio - 1613 It Quarto - 1613 » Black letter. 11 Octavo - 1613 11 Folio - 1616 - » Roman letter. 11 )> 1617 It Quarto - 1619 Norton & BilL 11 * Folio - 1629 Buck. Appen dix No. 4. 395 KING JAMES'S VERSION— continued. Title. Size. Date. Printer. Remarks. N. T. - Quarto - 1631 Barker & Bill. Bible - Octavo - l633 " Kg.'s Prntr. , Edinburgh. - Folio - 1634 Barker & Bill. 1638 - Buck & Daniel. _ , 164O Barker & Bill. . 1642 Broersz Genevan notes. n't. - Octavo - 1647 - Canne. Bible - 1 2mo - Quarto - l653 " 1 666 - Field. _ 1675 Theatre, Oxford. n"t. - Octavo - 1679 . Black letter. Bible - Quarto - 1683 - Theatre, Oxford, " - Folio - 1717 - Baskett 2 issues, " Vinegar." )» » ■ 1762 Bentham 2 vols. r - - Printed by Hyre & Spottiswoode, Queen's Printers, Downs I'ark Koad, Hackney. Title to Coverdale's Bible, 1535, of S l&xxk. $jp. pi. %.mrfz. r.lj 40.3 M.ii: ra Luc.j.a ioha-i.b Tohs.3.d Mat.j.b Luc.j-c loba.ix Mar 3 >b LlK.J.C loha.i.ii 6*m( reflfe Cbefitr|r Chapter. b, anb pjeacbeb tbe bapt-yme of amenb- mCTt.fojtberemyflionef fynnee. 2inb the- re roentc out onto bim tberobolelonbe cf ^emsy , anb tbey of ^etulilem , anb mere aH baptyfeb of bim m^etaan, anbftwrele- geb tbet'r (ynnea. 3l)oii toao clotbeb nritb CameU beer, anb nritb, a letbjon getbell about* bia loy- nea, anb ate locuffee anb roylbe bony, anb pjeacbeb.anb (aybe:Cbere comtnetb one after me, wbiti) (» (Itonger t b«n 3 : bcfo2e robom 3 am not rcoitby to (loupe bourne, ani to loTOfevpy lacbetof bia fl?ue.3 bap 'tyfe you voiti) roarer, but pe (V/al baptfft youroitb tbe boly gooff. 2lnbit bappeneb at tbe (amt tyme, tbot 3efua came out of(BMe from flajaretb, anb mas baptyfeb of 3bon in3ojban.2nt> ae fbone as be t»aa comeout of tbe water, be jatoe that tbe beauene openeb, anb tbe. tban^inb roae- roirt) tbe tuytbe beeftts JXnb tbeanfjelomynilrrcb vnrot^m. 25ut after that ^bon woe ta&n.^ua km^j, cameinto<0a(ile > anbpieacbebr^ego|fKlI Luc-,i ©ft^etyngbome ofbeiiMlrebbytbe|ee0fffiM-c (aroeSymonaiibanbKrD^rie brother, cap UK -'* tingertbew nettea to rtje fee , f« tbeytoere fy|5bera.Snb 3efk»(oybeTnto tb?:^oIonx me,anb3roilmoCeyo«fy)5b*r»ofm?.2foib fcre.ie.c immcbiatly tbey left tbarnettee, anb fo- *"■*>** lotocb him. Znt> rohen be twaa gone a hrtte further from thence, he (aroe 3« fonneof 3ebebe,airb3boti hie toot Iw.o'a tbey rocnp in tbe fbyppe irienbynge rheir net-tee. 2titb attone be calfeb tbem.3nb tbey left tbeir fa tberSebebe in tbe(r/yppe n>itbtbebyzebfer uaunte6,anb foloweb bim. 2tnbtb«y roente in to Capernaum, anb ui C . 4 d immebiatlyopontbeSabbatbee.be entreb i«ha.».b m to tbe (ynagoo;e,anbtaugbt.2tnb tbey „,. roere aftonnyeb at bie boctryne : foz b« taught tbem as one bauynge por«t,anb not as the Scrybea. 2tnbint^)eir (ynagogetbereroasaman (E pof)eflebn>ttbafoiilefpiete,rc<7icr>eriebanb Luo+J faybe : C5b tobot \>aut rue to bo roitb tbe; tbou 3e(Ii8oftTajaretb.arttboucometo befrroyeua^ 3 f noroe that tbou art euen $ b^lyone of (Bob. anb3efua repjoueb bftn, arlb (aybe: Ijolbe tbip tonge.anb beparte out ofpi'm . 2tnb tbe foule jpjete tore bim, anb crleb roi'tb a loube wyce, anb beparteb cutofbim.21nbtbcytwTeiTllfl|connycb,m fo mocb tbat tbey arebone another amon- ge tbe(eluea,r (aybe:tPb«tiat|)taf XO^at nero lernynge to tbts ^501 be comaunbetb tbe foule (pjetea roitb power, anbtt>ey>are obebient rnto bnn.2tnbimmebiatly tpe fa me ofbi'm was noyjeb rounbe aboute in tbe coaffesanb boibers of (Ealile. 2lnbfoitbn>itbtbeyroent«outoftbe|y' MataB nagoge,anb came in to tbe boufeofSymS iut *-° anb anb2ero,tJ>3ame8 anb 3bon.2tnb8y' mona motberfn latselaye,? pab tbefeuera, anb anone tbeytolbe ^>im ofl)er.2trtb beca me to ber, anb (et ber pp, anb tofre ber by ^ banbe, ani tbe feuet left ber immebiatly, 2lnb(Vemyni(lreb'pnto ttiem. 2tt euen roban tbe Sonne toae gont Mat*b- bou>ne,tbey bzougbt vnto bim alltbat roe- Luc+x re ficF anb poflejfeb , anb tbe robole c-te tbe boje , anb £C ni| Coverdale's Bible, gooff as aboue comyngeborone »pon b'm. ■fjnmbo - 2tnb tbere came a voyce from beaue:?Tbou 3™P" artmybeareronne,»intobom3^ely*- ° S •^* lb '"""ebiatly the fpiete b;oue bt'm in Mai. 4 j to tbet»ylbernea:artb be roaa in tberoylber LucJ,.^ ne8fourtyebaye8,anbnxJstemptebofSa \ twa patbereb togeftwr at tbeboje Page [Size of Original, 12J X 8 in 1535- See page 91.) %* I' ment yet once agapne cojreeteo bp wiU tyam Cinbale : tbbere Unto f ab&eb a nceeffarpt liable: tbberin eafelvanb Ufl&telptmape befoubeanpfto* rpt contapnD in t&e foure o pe into all tbe t&ojlbe /anb p;eacbe t&eglab tpbpngrsf to all creature*/ i)t. tfrat beleueti) anb is baptf * feb/Cnalbefcueb* Cf^pntft in tbeyere of oure Ho2be .anb,#f jEM* Title to Tyndai.e's Testament, 1536. ISzze of Original, 8x5 in. See page 46.) i 2 2$ C W (§ofpdfof £b,#ta* tfytw tfye %®mtam CuanseUft. CB Pjotoge of j§>.£SS)at&eto. *3-TStoucbynoethey i>tte. -ft lit *&uttl?«» (a» r« reade abattbe«.%. »ar. tf . Halif .*•) was one of Cb;f Ite» SpoiHeo/ and »a* roitb Cljjiflafl tt?e tfrae of (j t» p#a* cljpnge/and (awe and fjeard Ijfs awne felfe all/nttMU tbat fyew?ele. Cd?egeneracumof3eru<:tot(t. IlxbrsdjofjCfom. boke of the generactfiof ftetbe tonne of&auuVg (one alfo of atnatiam.lbja* (jam begat Hfcac 1 3ftaacb^ gat^acob-.jacobbegatju'- oasf anb lusf b?et$e: Ifuoaa begat 09m9 ano jacamof &tjamar:# bares begat f^e from:*?ffrom8egat 3ram: aratttbtgatamtnaoab ': %- _ mina&abwgat.0aaffc:,0a afOmbeeat Salmon: Salmon be gats 000 of Uabab:l3ooss begat £>bco of 5Rutti :£>bet) begat JefCe : 3Seffe begat Bams ttyekpnge. £>amD tbefepnge begat ^alonton/of b,er tljat teas; § topfe of mr- Solomon begat Eoboani: Uoboatn begat JJbta: aibta bf gat 3Ca : afa begat jfofcpljat : lafop&tt begat 3ojam '3* ram begat CCias : <©tta* begat 3oatfcam : 3loatljam begat a* el>aa:3eba* begate?ecb(a3:«foedna0 begat ^anato^a- naffeg begat 3mon: 3mon beaat ^otiaatJouaB begat 3edjo* masanoijiabjetljitenaboute ? tpme tljeptoere catrpeb atoaye to Babylon. -* 3nb after tbeptoete bsoogbt to EabpW/ 3Secb;on(a8begat ^alat^tcl*.^»alatl;telbegat5o?obabel;?ojobabelbtgat3blui): a abiuff Page of Tyndale's Testament, 1536. {Size of .Original, 7^ x 5 in. Seepage 45.) JLncuf.c /.p«'0.a Wuth. IHJ.fc. i.par-iirb a.pata!i= Title to Tyndale's Testament, 1538. See page 49.) %[yt netoe ttt tament botf) tttlLatineanb vSnstytye eclje cejwtpQitbcnte t9 tb e otljer after tfce buljari tepte, c om- munclp t&Uto 4.3«rotneB. ^ajths fttllpetranClateo bpSQofjan/ iBollgbutye. An»w.M.CCCCC JCXX VIII ♦, 3eremit.]rjrjri« 3b not mj totube (;h« & fpje tope tP) tV)t 3Lca&e,anD l?ke an jammer ttjet bjeahetl) tb«b a rB« ftone. |&^ttteD in Sxmtbtoarfee ges mood gtactous licence ♦ Title to Hoi.lybushe's Testament, 1538. {Size of Original, 7 x 4$,in. See page 101.) Title to Tavern er's Testament, 1539.. {Size of Original^ 7 x 4$ in. See Page 14.2.) a> trtyefiyble in^nBlpQjC tljat (a to fepe, tljc content of ail tbe |)filpe fctpptucc, botf>cof tt>t oioe anB netoe Xe ftament trulp ttanflateD after tlje btrpte of the i^e b;ue anO C5trhf tertcfi,bp tbe Dtugent ftu< ope of ojmecs ettellmt UcneD mt n.ttpcrtc in the fojcCapoe tongues;. pjpnteDat lorroonbp Ct)flma0 5rtW,ff"0 RobrrttKiDmBn foj «E6oma« i8ertt)elM:j9jpntcr tnto the fepnecB grace. 4[Cum Pnmlegioadimpn- mendum 1'clum- Title to Great Bible, 1540. {Si~e of Original, \o\ X 6$ in. See page 171.) Title to Great Bible, 1549. (Size of Original, 9x5} in. See page 173.) -WS?-=r^= tljat -is tfyt Ijol? fmptnre of tfa flDlde and iBctoe teOtammi fajtljfullp tranftateo into Couerdalcano netol? out r fern anb rojrmc pjay fo» tog tJ>atlljH*Wl»*of #»»««}><■' tiauc fr cr pafTagt j b e glo Alf 1 1 6. u - ff «f- Hi ' piyntet) to% 3n»M»« Jjfftcr. &toeIJynfl« in pauUe c&nrtfc y«» al ti?r f;0nt oC i(jc wbjt t fcwft.aiw an lbrretobtfolCf. &• sW? tt fo?tb toritb tbe lunges ttioo0c gracious licence Title to Hester's (Coverdale's) Bible, 1550. (Size of Original^ g\ x j\ in. See page 104.) Title to Cranmer's Great Bible, 1553. , o_- j- r\.-j~i — 7 .-1 v *; ,« Seepage 178.} tHE N E VV E TESTA- MgNTOrOVR LORD I E- fusChrift. Cbnreired d iligcntly wilfc the Grche, arrfbcil ij> - prouoJ tranflations. YVi'ththeSrcomms tfvri btf:tthrcfoptfrt,aifircua$B*fc aam/aliqtuef'llht/de fleets , wheruntf it idJeit Ofi^ °us Tabic. AT CENtVA Printed By Conrad Badiitf. m. D. ivii". Title to Whittingham's New Testament, 1557. [Same size as Original. See page 189.) TO THE oM O S T £ V62ij TVOVS AND NOBLE QVENE ELI- fabct,Quene of£.ngland,France,5ilreland,zfc, Yourhum- llejubieih'ofthe Engli/h Chureheat GeneM,-wi/h graceand peace jromGodthe'Father through Chrijt lefus our Lord. • * * O Wharf a thing it is,and whatgreatimpedimenteslct,toenterprife any worthie aft, not only dailieexperiencefufficientlyfheweth(mo- lle noble and vcrtuous Quene ) but alfo that no table prouerbedoeth ', cofirme the rame.whichadmoniflieth vs,thatall thTgsarehard which arefaireand excdlet.And wriatcnterprife can there be of greater importance.and more acceptablevntoGod,or more worthieoffingulcr commendation, then the building of theLordsJ Temple.rhe | houfe of God.theJ Church of Chrilt, where- '.t™!' 7 , of the || Sonneof God isthe head and perfection ? epHia. When Zerubbabel wentabout to builde thematerial Tcmple,accordingto the Wr * 6 - Comm.andementof theLordjWhatdifficulticsand ftayesfldailyarofe tohmderhis f worthy indeuours, f boo Vesof Ezra & Efdrasplaynely wi tncflfchow thatnot on ly he and the people of God wereforemolerted with||foreyn aduerfiries,(whereof i ef*.i.\L fome malicioufly || warred againft them , and corrupted the Kings officers:and o- ful therscraftcly pratfifed wider Jpretcnceofreligionjbutalfo athome withdome- fu^l iticalenemies,as|falfeProphetes,|crafrieworidlings, fainthearted foldiers , and N at thelengthwithgreatlabour and danger aftera] fort broght to pafTe, tza-i-a Which thing when we weigharight,and confiderearneftlyhow muche grea- ter chargeGod hath laid vponyouin making you a builder or his fpiritualTem- ple.wecan not butpartelyfeare, [knowing the crafteandforceof Satan our fpi- x.ftT.213 ritual enemie, and the weakencsand vnabilitieofthisournature: andpartely be feruentin our prayers toward God that he wolde bring to perfection this noble worke which he hath begon by you : and therefore weindeuour ourfeluesbyall meanes toayde,& to beftoweour whole force vnder your gracesltadard,whome God hath madeasourZerubbabelfortheereiftingofthismoft.- excellent Tem- ple, and to plant and maynteynhisholy worde to the aduancementofhisglorie, for your owne honour and faluatio of your foule , and for the fmguler comfort of **r q.»'o thatgreat flocke which ChriuUefijstlKllgreatfhepherd hath boght with his||prc- l ^"nmA cious blood.ard committed vnto your charge to be fed both in body and foule. est* labour Confidering thereforehow many enemies rhereare, which by one meanesoro- toftayreti. ther,as thefladuerfariesofludah and Beniamin went aboutto/tay thebuildingof | lon - that Temple,fo labour to hinder thecourfe of thisbuilding(w hereof fome are Pa- x'r'Z^u piftcs,who vnderpretenceoffauoringGods worde.traiteroufly feke to ereft ido- -Aw/i* latricand tode/troyyourmaicilic:fomeareworIdIings,whoas||Demashauefor- 'j^*j£, 4 fakeChriflfortheloueofthisworlde^thersareambiciousprclats.whoasjAma- ThencccC- fiah & IDiotrephes can abide none but them felucs:and as||Demetnusmanypracri- n ""fg°• IMPRINTED AT London by the Deputies of Cbri- ftophcr Barker Printer to ir Qucenasmoftcscvl - j t ... rlll!|Nj cJItmo'Dom. 1591. w ^'ifeW sm Title to Tomson's Testament, 1591. (She of Origiiial, ~ l - ■= — c " ■* — • -— * Royal Arms in Folio Bible, i6ii. {Size of Original, 10x7 in. See page 327.) THE NEW TESTA MENTOFOVR Lord Iefus Chrift,Tran{lated out of Greeke by Theod 'Beg^a. WHEREVNTO ARE ADIOYNED briefe Summaries of dotftrinevpon theEuangelifts and Aits of the Apoltles.together with the Methode of the Epifues of the Apoftles, by the iayd Theod. B e z a. %4ndal[o(hort expofitionsonthephrajes and hard placer, taken out of the krge Annotations of the forelaid Author and Joach. Camcrariui,by P.Lo.Villciius, Enghficd&J L.Ttm/en. yTigetbir'toiththeJbmotMmsoffK.lvinissVpmthe' (Rcuelaiim of S. I o h n. IMPRINTED AT LON- DON BY Robert Barker, Trinter to the Kjngs mofl excellent Mdiefifc*. 1616. q Cuht priuilegio. Title of Tomson's Testament, 161 6. (Size of Original, to4 x c^ in. See 6n.iri> mn. \