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"Neither did we think much to
consult the Translators or Commentators, Chaldee, Hebrew, Syrian, Greek, or
Latin, 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 anvil that which we had
hammered; but having and using as great helps as were needful, and fearing no
reproach for slowness, nor coveting praise for expedition, we have at length,
through the good hand of the Lord upon us, brought the work to that pass that
you see."
"Some peradventure would have
no variety of senses to be set in the margin, lest the authority of the
Scriptures for deciding controversies by that show of uncertainty, should
somewhat be shaken. But we hold their judgment not to be so sound in this point.
... Yet for all that it cannot be dissembled, that partly to exercise and whet
our wits, ... and lastly, that we might be forward to seek aid of our brethren
by conference, and never scorn those that be not in all respects so complete as
they should be, being to seek in many things ourselves, it hath pleased God in
his divine providence, here and there to scatter words and sentences of that
difficulty and doubtfulness, ... that fearfulness would better beseem us than
confidence, and if we will resolve upon modesty with S. Augustine, .... There be
many words in the Scriptures, which be never found there but once, ... so that
we cannot be helped by conference of places. Again, there be many rare names of
certain birds, beasts and precious stones, etc. ... Now in such a case, doth not
a margin do well to admonish the Reader to seek further, and not to conclude or
dogmatize upon this or that peremptorily? ... Therefore as S. Augustine saith,
that variety of Translations is profitable for the finding out of the sense of
the Scriptures: so diversity of signification and sense in the margin, where the
text is not so clear, must need do good, yea, is necessary, as we are
persuaded."
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Barbara Aho Bids Goodspeed to
King James 1611 |