The First Printed English New Testament (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Excerpt from The First Printed English New Testament

At the outset, however, we must limit this testimony to these first two editions only. Afterwards came 'thicker and threefold' into England, editions both of the New Testament and of the Bible. Some of these attempted an accurate authenticity, being produced solely from a love to God and Truth others were surreptitiously and often carelessly produced by speculators, for the mere sake of money. All these can only be rightly analysed and adjudged in a thorough and complete History of the English Bible, both manuscript and printed.' A work yet to be written; though the way has been made smoother by such pioneers as Rev. J. Fqrshall, Sir F. Madden; Revs. J. Lewis, H. Cotton, Canon B. F. West cott Messrs. Lea wilson, C. Anderson, G. Offor, F. Fry, and others. Such a work would be based upon deep sacred interest. It would record a marvellous story of human heroism and self denial, of untiring effort and labour. It would catalogue all known editions, all accessnble early copies, and point out their various difl'erences. And, with it, would be largely in terwoven the political and social history of what may be looked upon as our Biblical Century - that hundred years, roughly speakin of incessant Biblical translation and revision, which was crowned wit]? That literary marvel, the present authorized version. What Froude has done for the Court and Political History of our Reformation what Macaulay for twenty years later on in our National History; might, with even a more interesting subject - the most interesting of all literary subjects to many - be done for the Story of the Word of God in English. Is any man so bold, so earnest, so devout, as to attempt this work i In adducing this Testimony from original sources, and in eliminating it from the confusion of many conflicting and perplexing statements, it will be convenient to quote each passage, once for all, in its principal place though it may occasionally anticipate somewhat in time, or contain traneous matter.

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