TO THE RIGHT WELL-BELOVED ENGLISH READER GRACE AND GLORY IN JESUS CHRIST EVERLASTING.

At last through God's goodness (most dearly beloved) we send you here the greater part of the Old Testament, as long since you received the New, faithfully translated into English. The residue is in hand to be finished: and your desire thereof shall not now (God prospering our intention) be long frustrated. As for the impediments, which hitherto have hindered this work, they all 1 proceeded (as many do know) of one general cause, our poor estate in banishment. Wherein expecting better means, greater difficulties rather ensued. Nevertheless you will hereby the more perceive our fervent good will, ever to serve you, in that we have brought forth this Tome, in the hardest times, of above forty years, since this College was most happily begun. Wherefore we 2 nothing doubt, but you our dearest, for whom we have dedicated our lives, will both pardon the long delay, which we could not prevent, and accept now this fruit of our labours, with like good affection, as we acknowledge them due, and offer the same unto you.

• 1 The cause of delay in setting forth this English Bible.
• 2 Anno. 1568.

If any demand, why is it now allowed to have the holy Scriptures in vulgar tongues, which 1 generally is not permitted, but in the three sacred only: for further declaration of this and other like points we remit you to the Preface before the New Testament. Only here, as by an Epitome, we shall repeat the sum of all that is there more largely discussed. To this first question therefore we answer, that both just reason, & the highest authority of the Church, judge it not absolutely necessary, nor always convenient, that holy Scriptures should be in vulgar tongues. For being as they are, hard to be understood, even by the learned, reason doth dictate to reasonable men, 2 that they were not written nor ordained to be read indifferently of all men. Experience also teaches, that through ignorance, joined often with pride & presumption, many reading 3 Scriptures have erred grossly by misunderstanding God's word. Which though most pure in itself, yet the sense being adulterated is as perilous (saith Tertul.) as the style corrupted. Saint Ambrose 4 observeth, that where the text is true, the Arians' interpretation hath errors. S. Augustin also 5 teacheth, that heresies & perverse doctrines, entangling souls, & throwing them down headlong 6 into the depth, do not otherwise spring up but when good (or true) Scriptures are not well (& truly) understood, & when that which in them is not well understood, is also rashly and boldly avouched. For the same cause S. Hierome utterly disallowed, that all sorts of men and women, old and young, 7 presumed to read & talk of the Scriptures: whereas no artisan, no tradesman dare presume to teach any faculty, which he hath not first learned. Seeing therefore that dangers and hurts happen in 8 many, the careful chief Pastors in God's Church have always moderated the reading of holy Scriptures, according to persons, times, & other circumstances; prohibiting some, and permitting some, to have & read them in their mother tongue. So. S. Chrysostom translated the Psalms & 9 some other parts of holy Scriptures for the Armenians, when he was there in banishment. The Slavonians & Goths say they have the Bible in their languages. It was translated into Italian 10 by an Archbishop of Genua. Into French in the time of King Charles the fifth, especially because the Waldensian heretics had corruptly translated it, to maintain their errors. We had some parts in English translated by Venerable Bede, as Malmesbury witnesseth. And Thomas Arundel, 11 Archbishop of Canterbury, in a Councel holden at Oxford, strictly ordained, that no heretical translation set forth by Wicliff & his complices, nor any other vulgar Edition should be suffered, till it were approved by the Ordinary of the Diocese alleging S. Hierom's judgement of the difficulty & danger in translating holy Scriptures out of one tongue into another. And therefore it must needs be much more dangerous, when ignorant people read also corrupted translations. Now since Luther and his followers have pretended, that the Catholic Roman faith & 12 doctrine should be contrary to God's written word, & that the Scriptures were not suffered in vulgar languages lest the people should see the truth, & withal these new Masters corruptly turning the Scriptures into diverse tongues, as might best serve their own opinions; against this false suggestion and practice, Catholic Pastors have, for one especial remedy, set forth true & sincere Translations in most languages of the Latin Church: But so, that people must read them with licence of their spiritual Superior, as in former times they were in like sort limited. Such also of the Laity, yea and of the meaner learned Clergy, as were permitted to read holy Scriptures, did not presume to interpret hard places, nor high Mysteries, much less to dispute and contend, but leaving the discussion thereof to the more learned, searched rather & noted the godly and 13 imitable examples of good life, & so learned more humility, obedience, hatred of sin, fear of God, zeal of Religion, & other virtues. And thus holy Scriptures may be rightly used in any tongue, to teach, to argue, to correct, to instruct in justice, that the man of God may be perfect, & (as S. 14 Paul addeth) instructed to every good work, when men labour rather to be doers of God's will & word, than readers or hearers only, deceiving themselves. 15

• 1 Why and how it is allowed to have holy Scriptures in vulgar tongues.
• 2 Scriptures being hard are not to be read of all.
• 3 Many take harm by reading holy Scriptures.
• 4 lib. de Prescrip.
• 5 lib. 2. ad Gratian. c. 1.
• 6 Tract. 18. in Ioan.
• 7 Epist. 103. c. 6.
• 8 Reading of Scriptures moderated.
• 9 Scriptures translated into diverse tongues.
• 10 Bibl. Sanct. lib. 4.
• 11 Lib. 1. Hist. c. 47. Linwod lib. 1.
• 12 A calumnious suggestion of Lutherans. excelled all other Doctors in translating & expounding holy Scriptures.
• 13 What part of Scriptures be most convenient for vulgar readers.
• 14 2. Tim. 3.
• 15 Iac. 1.

But here another question may be proposed: Why we translate the Latin text, rather than the 1 Hebrew, or Greek, which Protestants prefer, as the fountain tongues, wherein holy Scriptures were first written? To this we answer, that if indeed those first pure Editions were now extant, or if such as be extant were more pure than the Latin, we would also prefer such fountains before the rivers, in whatsoever they should be found to disagree. But the ancient best learned Fathers & Doctors of the Church, do much complain, and testify to us, that both the Hebrew and Greek Editions 2 3 are foully corrupted by Jews, and Heretics, since the Latin was truly translated out of them, whiles they were more pure; and that the same Latin hath been far better conserved from corruptions. So that the old Vulgate Latin Edition hath been preferred and used for most authentical above a thousand and three hundred years. For by this very term S. Hierome calleth that Version the vulgate or common, which he conferred with the Hebrew of the old Testament, and with the 4 Greek of the New; which he also purged from faults committed by writers, rather amending than translating it. Though in regard of this amending, S. Gregory calleth it the new version of S. Hierome: who nevertheless in another place calleth the self-same, the old Latin Edition, 5 6 judging it most worthy to be followed. S. Augustin calleth it the Italian. S. Isidorus witnesseth 7 that S. Hierom's version was received and approved by all Christian Churches. Sophronius also a 8 most learned man, seeing S. Hierom's Edition so much esteemed, not only of the Latins, but also of the Grecians, turned the Psalter and Prophets out of the same Latin into Greek. Of latter times what shall we need to recite other most learned men, S. Bede, S. Anselm, S. Bernard, S. Thomas, S. Bonaventure, & the rest? Who all uniformly allege this only text as authentical. In so much that all other Latin Editions, which S. Hierom saith were in his time almost innumerable, are as it 9 were fallen out of all Divines' hands, and grown out of credit and use. If moreover we 10 consider S. Hierom's learning, piety, diligence, and sincerity, together with the commodities 11 he had of best copies in all languages then extant, and of other learned men with whom he conferred; and if we so compare the same with the best means that hath been since, surely no man of indifferent judgement will match any other Edition with S. Hierom's: but easily acknowledge with the whole Church God's particular providence in this great Doctor, as well for expounding, as most especially for the true text and Edition of Holy Scriptures. Neither do we fly unto this old Latin text for more advantage: For, besides that it is free from partiality, as being most 12 ancient of all Latin copies, and long before the particular Controversies of these days began, the Hebrew also and the Greek when they are truly translated, yea and Erasmus his Latin, in sundry places prove more plainly the Catholic Roman doctrine, than this which we rely upon. 13 14 So that Beza and his followers take also exception against the Greek, when Catholics allege it against them. Yea the same Beza preferreth the old Latin Version before all others, and freely testifieth, that the old Interpreter translated religiously. What then do our countrymen, that 15 refuse this Latin, but deprive themselves of the best, and yet all this while, have set forth none, that is allowed by all Protestants for good or sufficient?

• 1 Why we translate the old Latin text.
• 2 More pure than the Hebrew or Greek now extant.
• 3 Tert. li. 5. cont. Marcion S. Amb. li. 3. de Spirit. San. c. 11. S. Ierom. li. 1. con. Iovinian.
• 4 in 49. Isaiae.
• 5 Received by all Churches
• 6 li. 20. c. 24. mor. Epist. dedicat. ad Leandr.
• 7 l. 2. Doc. Christ. c. 14. lib. 6. Etymol. c. 5. & li. 1. de Divin. offic. c. 12.
• 8 Turned into Greek.
• 9 Prefat. in Iosue.
• 10 All others grown out of use.
• 11 S. Hierom Translations of holy Scriptures, of purpose against Catholic doctrine.
• 12 His Edition free from partiality.
• 13 Luc. 12. v. 20. Prefat. Novi. Testam. Anno. 1556. Luc. 1. v. 1.
• 14 Preferred before all other Editions by Beza.
• 15 None yet in England allowed for sufficient.

How well this is done the learned may judge, when by mature conference they shall have made trial thereof. And if any thing be mistaken, we will (as still we promise) gladly correct it. 1 2 Those that translated it about thirty years since, were well known to the world, to have been excellent in the tongues, sincere men, and great Divines. Only one thing we have done 3 touching the text, whereof we are especially to give notice: That whereas heretofore in the best Latin Editions there remained many places differing in words, some also in sense, as in long process of time the writers erred in their copies, now lately by the care and diligence of the Church, those diverse reading were maturely and judiciously examined and conferred with sundry the best written and printed books, and so resolved upon, that all which before were left in the margent, are either restored into the text, or else omitted; so that now none such remain in the margent. For which cause we have again conferred this English translation, and conformed it to the most perfect Latin Edition. Where yet by the way we must give the vulgar reader to 4 understand, that very few or none of the former varieties touched Controversies of this time. So that this recognition is no way suspicious of partiality, but is merely done for the more secure conservation of the true text, and more ease and satisfaction of such, as otherwise should have remained more doubtful.

• 1 What is done in this Edition.
• 2 Preface before the new Testament.
• 3 Diverse readings resolved upon, & none left in the margent.
• 4 They touched not present controversies.

Now for the strictness observed in translating some words, or rather the not translating of 1 some, which is in more danger to be disliked, we doubt not but the discreet learned reader, deeply weighing and considering the importance of sacred words, and how easily the translator may miss the sense of the Holy Ghost, will hold that which is here done for reasonable and necessary. 2 We have also the example of the Latin and Greek, where some words are not translated, but left in Hebrew, as they were first spoken and written; which seeing they could not, or were not convenient to be translated into Latin or Greek, how much less could they, or was it reason to turn them into English? S. Augustin also yieldeth a reason, exemplifying in the words Amen 3 4 and Alleluia, for the more sacred authority thereof. which doubtless is the cause why some names of solemn Feasts, Sacrifices, and other holy things are reserved in sacred tongues, Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. Again for necessity, English not having a name, or sufficient term, we either keep the 5 word as we find it, or only turn it to our English termination, because it would otherwise require many words in English, to signify one word of another tongue. In which cases, we commonly put the explication in the margent. Briefly, our Apology is easy against English Protestants; 6 because they also reserve some words in the original tongues, not translated into English, as Sabboath, Ephod, Pentecost, Proselyte, and some others. The sense whereof is indeed as soon learned, as if they were turned so near as is possible into English. And why then may we not say Prepuce, Phase or Pasch, Azymes, Breads of Proposition, Holocaust, and the like? Rather than as Protestants translate them, Fore-skin, Passover, The feast of sweet breads, Shew breads, Burnt offerings &c. By which terms, whether they be truly translated into English or no, we will pass over. Sure it is an English man is still to seek what they mean, as if they remained in Hebrew or Greek. It more importeth, that nothing be wittingly and falsely translated for advantage of doctrine in matter of faith. Wherein as we dare boldly avouch the sincerity of this Translation, and that nothing is here either untruly or obscurely done of purpose, in favour of Catholic Roman Religion, so we cannot but complain, and challenge English Protestants, for corrupting the text, 7 contrary to the Hebrew and Greek, which they profess to translate, for the more shew and maintaining of their peculiar opinions against Catholics: As is proved in the Discovery of manifold corruptions. For example we shall put the reader in memory of one or two. Gen. 4. v. 7. whereas (God speaking to Cain) the Hebrew words in Grammatical construction may be translated either thus: Unto thee also pertaineth the lust Thereof, & thou shalt have dominion over It: or thus; Also unto thee His desire shall be subject, and thou shalt rule over Him: though the coherence of the text requireth the former, and in the Bibles printed 1552. and 1577. Protestants did so translate it: yet in the year 1579. and 1603. they translate it the other way, rather saying, that Abel was subject to 8 Cain, and that Cain by God's ordinance had dominion over his brother Abel, than that concupiscence or lust of sin is subject to man's will, or that man hath power of free will to resist (by God's grace) tentation of sin. But as we hear, in a new Edition (which we have not yet seen) they translate it almost as in the first. In like sort Gen. 14. v. 18. the Hebrew particle Vav, 9 which S. Hierom & all Antiquity translate Enim (For) Protestants will by no means admit it, because (besides other arguments) we prove thereby Melchisedech's Sacrifice. And yet themselves translate the same, as S. Hierom doth, Gen. 20. v. 3. saying: For she is a man's wife. &c. Again 10 Gen. 31. v. 19. the English Bibles 1552. and 1577. translate Theraphim, Images. Which the Edition of 1603. correcting, translateth Idols. And the marginal Annotation well proveth, that it ought to be so translated.

• 1 This Edition dedicated to all that understand English.
• 2 Christ redeemed all, but all are not saved.
• 3 True faith first necessary.
• 4 Act. 17. v. 18.
• 5 Ser. 42. de Sanct.
• 6 The twelve Apostles were first Reapers, before they were Sowers. S. Paul at first a Sower, or Seminary Apostle.
• 7 Corruptions in Protestants'
• 8 Against free will.
• 9 Against Melchisedech's sacrifice.
• 10 And against holy Images.

With this then we will conclude most dear (we speak to you all, that understand our tongue, 1 whether you be of contrary opinions in faith, or of mundane fear participate with another Congregation, or profess with us the same Catholic Religion) to you all we present this work: daily beseeching God Almighty, the Divine Wisdom, Eternal Goodness, to create, illuminate, and replenish your spirits, with his Grace, that you may attain eternal Glory, every one in his measure, in those many Mansions, prepared and promised by our Saviour in his Father's house. Not only to those which first received and followed his Divine doctrine, but to all that should afterwards believe in him, and keep the same precepts. For there is one God, one also Mediator of God and men, Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a Redemption for all. Whereby appeareth his will, that all should be saved. Why then are not all saved? The Apostle addeth: that they must first come to 2 the knowledge of the truth. Because without faith it is impossible to please God. This 3 ground-work therefore of our creation in Christ by true faith, S. Paul laboured most seriously by word and writing to establish in the hearts of all men. In this he confirmed the Romans by his Epistle, commending their faith, as already received and renowned in the whole world. He preached the same faith to many Nations. Amongst others to the learned Athenians. Where it seemed to some, as absurd, as strange; in so much that they scornfully called him a word-sower, and Preacher of new gods. But S. Augustin alloweth the term for good, which was 4 reproachfully spoken of the ignorant. And so distinguishing between Reapers and Sowers in 5 God's Church, he teacheth, that whereas the other Apostles reaped in the Jews, that which 6 their Patriarchs and Prophets had sown; S. Paul sowed the seed of Christian Religion in the Gentiles. And so in respect of the Israelites, to whom they were first sent, calleth the other Apostles Messores, Reapers, and S. Paul, being specially sent to the Gentiles, Seminatorem, a Sower, or Seminary Apostle: which two sorts of God's workmen are still in the Church, with distinct offices of Pastoral cures, and Apostolical missions; the one for conversion of such, as either have not 7 received Christian Religion, or are relapsed. As at this time in our country, for the diverse sorts of pretended religions, these diverse spiritual works are necessary to teach and feed all Britain people. Because some in error of opinions preach another Gospel, whereas in verity there is no other Gospel. They preach indeed new doctrines, which cannot save. Others follow them, 8 9 believing falsehood. But when the blind lead the blind (not the one only but) both fall into the ditch. Others conform themselves in external shew, fearing them that can punish and kill the body. 10 But our Lord will bring such as decline into (unjust) obligations, with them that work iniquity. 11 The Relics and small flock of Catholics in our country, have great sadness and sorrow of heart, not so much for our own affliction, for that is comfortable, but for you our brethren and kinsmen in flesh and blood. Wishing with our own temporal damage whatsoever, your salvation. Now is 12 the acceptable time, now are the days of salvation, the time of Grace by Christ, whose days 13 many Kings and Prophets desired to see: they saw them (in spirit) and rejoiced. But we are 14 made partakers of Christ, and his Mysteries; so that ourselves neglect not his heavenly riches: if we receive and keep the beginning of his substance, firm unto the end; that is, the true Catholic faith; building thereon good works by the grace; without which we cannot think a good thought, by which we can do all things necessary to salvation. But if we hold not fast this ground, all the building faileth. Or if confessing to know God in words, we deny him in deeds, committing 15 works of darkness, or omitting works of mercy, when we may do them to our 16 17 distressed neighbours; briefly, if we have not charity, the form and perfection of all virtues, 18 all is lost, and nothing worth. But if we build upon firm ground, gold, silver, and precious stones, such building shall abide, and make our vocation sure by good works, as S. Peter speaketh. 19 These (saith S. Paul) are the heirs of God, coheirs of Christ. Neither is the number of Christ's blessed children counted, as of the Jews, an hundred forty four thousand, of every tribe 20 21 of Israel twelve thousand signed; but a most great multitude of Catholic Christians, which no man can number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne of the lamb, clothed in white robes, and palms (of triumph) in their hands: having overcome tentations in the virtuous race of good life. Much more those which also endure perfection for the truth's 22 sake shall receive most copious great rewards in heaven. For albeit the passions of this time (in themselves) are not condign to the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us: yet our 23 tribulation, which presently is momentary and light, worketh (through grace) above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. What shall we therefore meditate of the special 24 prerogative of English Catholics at this time? For to you it is given for Christ, not only that 25 you believe in him, but also that you suffer for him. A little now, if you must be made 26 pensive in diverse tentations, that the probation of your faith, much more precious than gold, which is proved by the fire, may be found unto praise, and glory, and honour, in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Many of you have sustained the spoil of your goods with joy, knowing that you have a better and a permanent substance. Others have been deprived of your children, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and nearest friends, in ready resolution also, some with sentence of death, to lose your own lives. Others have had trial of reproaches, mockeries, and stripes. Others of bands, prisons, and banishments. The innumerable renowned late English Martyrs, and Confessors, whose happy souls for confessing true faith before men, are now most glorious in heaven, we pass 27 here with silence; because their due praise, requiring longer discourse, yea rather Angels than English tongues, far surpasseth the reach of our conceits. And so we leave it to your devout meditation. They now secure for themselves, & solicitous for us their dearest clients, incessantly (we are well assured) intercede before Christ's Divine Majesty for our happy consummation, with the conversion of our whole country. To you therefore (dearest friends mortal) we direct this speech: admonishing ourselves and you in the Apostle's words, that for so much as we have not yet resisted tentations to (last) blood (and death) it-self, patience is still necessary for us, that 28 doing the will of God, we may receive the promise: So we repine not in tribulation, but ever love them that hate us, pitying their case, and rejoicing in our own. For neither can we see during 29 this life, how much good they do us; nor know how many of them shall be (as we heartily desire they all may be) saved: our Lord and Saviour having payed the same price by his death for them and for us. Love all therefore, pray for all. Do not lose your confidence, which hath a great remuneration. For yet a little, and a very little while, he that is to come, will come, and he will not slack. Now the just liveth by faith, believing with heart to justice, and confessing with 30 31 mouth to salvation. But he that withdraweth himself shall not please Christ's soul. Attend to 32 your salvation, dearest countrymen. You that are far off, draw near, put on Christ. And you that are within Christ's fold, keep your standing, persevere in him to the end. His grace dwell and remain in you, that glorious crowns may be given you. Amen.

• 1 Why some words are not translated into vulgar English.
• 2 Some Hebrew words not translated into Latin nor Greek.
• 3 More authority in sacred tongues.
• 4 li. 2. Doct. Christ. cap. 11.
• 5 Some words cannot be turned into English.
• 6 Protestants leave some words untranslated.
• 7 Pastoral cures and Apostolical missions.
• 8 New doctrine is falsely called the Gospel. necessary to salvation.
• 9 S. Aug. de utilit. cred. 1. c. Mat. 15.
• 10 The seduced, & externally conformable are punished with the authors of iniquity.
• 11 Psalm. 124.
• 12 2. Cor. 6.
• 13 Grace in the new testament more aboundant than in the old.
• 14 Luc. 10.
• 15 Tit. 1.
• 16 Both wicked works, and omission of good works are damnable.
• 17 Mat. 25.
• 18 1. Cor. 13.
• 19 1. Pet. 1.
• 20 Innumerable saved by Christ.
• 21 Apoc. 7.
• 22 They are more happy that suffer persecution for the truth.
• 23 * Worthy, or comparable in dignity.
• 24 2. Cor. 4.
• 25 English Catholics most happy in this Age.
• 26 1. Pet. 1.
• 27 The due praise of Martyrs, and other glorious Saints exceedeth mortal tongues.
• 28 Patience necessary to the end of man's life.
• 29 Persecution profitable.
• 30 Confession of faith before men
• 31 Rom. 10.
• 32 Heb. 10.

From the English College in Doway, the Octaves of All saints. 1609.

The God of patience and comfort give you to be of one mind, one towards another in Jesus Christ; that of one mind, with one mouth you may glorify God.