The admirable biography of Tyndale by the Rev. R. Demaus appeared after my early sheets were printed off; but I owe to the kindness of the author several criticisms and corrections of which I have gladly availed myself. In expressing the hope that he will be encouraged to continue his exhaustive labours upon the great leaders of our Reformation, I say only what all must feel who have had occasion to profit by his researches. To Mr F. Fry and Professor Moulton my warmest thanks are due. Both placed at my disposal extensive collections, which I have used only partially, yet, as I hope, in such a manner as to shew how highly I value the generosity which allowed me to gather the fruits of long and unattractive work1. TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, Nov. 7, 1872. B. F. W. 1 As this last sheet is passing through the press, I have noticed a very remarkable detail in the History of the English Bible, which seems to call for further investigation. In the Library of the House of Lords there is a draft of An Act for reducing of diversities of Bibles now extant in the 'English tongue to one settled Vulgar translated from the original.' The draft is not dated, but is referred to the reign of Elizabeth, and is certainly after 1560 from internal evidence. 'Great errors,' it is recited, 'arise and 'papistry and atheism increase from the variety of translations of Bibles, 'while many desire an authorised translation, which the Lords spiritual 'could complete had they power to compel assistance from students of the 'Universities. The Lords spiritual or any six of them (of whom the Arch'bishop of Canterbury for the time being is to be one) may assemble, treat, 'and deal touching the accomplishment of the work, and may call for the 'assistance of students of either University, and pay them out of moneys 'to be levied on such cathedral churches or colleges as shall be thought ' requisite, and any temporal person may give gift or legacy for further'ance of the work.' I owe this abstract of the draft to the kindness of Mr R. W. Monro. CONTENTS. Vernacular versions of Scripture among the first works of Chris- The progress of the work checked Manuscripts of the version still remaining CHAPTER II. Position of the Bible at the beginning of the xvith century The first New Testament finished at Worms in two editions Copies of the translation received in England 25-28 33, 34 44 Tyndale translates the Pentateuch, 1530, I Joye's New Testament. Tyndale's revised New Testament Q. Anne Boleyn's copy A New Testament printed in England, 1536 His last revision of the New Testament, 1535 Coverdale's connexion with More and Crumwell His Bible printed, 1535. Different title-pages Coverdale's first edition not sanctioned by the king. A council held by Crumwell (1537) in which the use of Scrip- Coverdale's second edition printed in England, and published 53-55 $9. THE RHEMES and Doway VERSION, pp. 105–109. Vernacular Versions of Roman Catholics The English Version of the New Testament Materials available for a translation of the Bible at the beginning of 140 Note. Comparison of readings in Tyndale's second and third re- Different revisions, 1539, 1540 April, 1540 November The revision of the New Testament based on Erasmus |