Zeale to Promote the Common Good

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The Holy Bible, Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New: Newly Translated out of the originall tongues: & with the former Translations diligently compared and revised by his Majesties speciall comandement. Appointed to be read in Churches.
London: Robert Barker, 1611. (B-05)

The Bible’s preface, addressed from “The Translators to the Reader,” describes the committee’s “Zeale to promote the common good.” This 1,800-word introduction was prepared for those who inevitably would find fault with the new translation for political reasons. It includes a history of scriptural translations, a spirited justification for the new version, and a detailed explanation of the methods used by the translators.

The Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Bible Collection.

Zeale to Promote the Common Good