King James Version Bible_www.MagisteriumPisma.pl.pdf

(3635 KB) Pobierz
King James Bible
Preface to PDF Version
Page 2
Preface to PDF Version of the King James Version of the Holy Bible
March, 2001
The Text of the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible (also called the Authorized Version (AV) by some) is in the
Public Domain. You may copy and publish it freely. This PDF version of the King James Version of the Holy Bible is also
placed into the public domain. It was created directly from the public domain text and into PDF format using "DaVince
Tools", a software product that converts text files and other file formats into PDF (http://www.davince.com).
Minor formatting changes were made to the public domain text, which primarily consisted of removal of the public domain
notice in each book. Instead, the public domain notice has been placed in this preface. The text was automatically word
wrapped by the software to fit into a column representation. A bookmark and article thread was also automatically created
for each book. The bookmark allows the reader to easily switch between books of the Bible by simply clicking on the
appropriate bookmark. The article thread allows easy reading of each book by guiding the reader through the text using
mouse clicks. The use of articles also allows a user to find a book alphabetically instead of chronologically.
This PDF version of the Holy Bible can be downloaded at the following URL:
http://www.davince.com/bible
Webmasters are encouraged to link to this URL.
With the advent of the internet, temptation for sin has never been greater; however, the internet also brings a great
opportunity for witnessing and spreading God’s word. It is my hope that by making this PDF version of the Holy Bible
available in the public domain, more people will discover God’s word that may not have otherwise.
Dan Cogliano
publisher of the PDF Holy Bible and author of "DaVince Tools"
King James Bible
THE TRANSLATORS TO THE READER
Preface to the King James Version of 1611
Preface to 1611 Translation
Page 3
THE BEST THINGS HAVE BEEN CULMINATED
Zeal to promote the common good, whether it be by devising anything ourselves, or revising that which hath been laboured
by others, deserveth certainly much respect and esteem, but yet findeth but cold entertainment in the world. It is welcomed
with suspicion instead of love, and with emulation instead of thanks: and if there be any hole left for cavil to enter, (and
cavil, if it do not find a hole, will make one) it is sure to be misconstrued, and in danger to be condemned. This will easily
be granted by as many as know story, or have any experience. For, was there ever any-projected, that savoured any way of
newness or renewing, but the same endured many a storm of gainsaying, or opposition? A man would think that Civility,
wholesome Laws, learning and eloquence, Synods, and Church-maintenance, (that we speak of no more things of this kind)
should be as safe as a Sanctuary, and out of shot, as they say, that no man would lift up the heel, no, nor dog move his
tongue against the motioners of them. For by the first, we are distinguished from brute beasts lead with sensuality; By the
second, we are bridled and restrained from outrageous behaviour, and from doing of injuries, whether by fraud or by
violence; By the third, we are enabled to inform and reform others, by the light and feeling that we have attained unto
ourselves; Briefly, by the fourth being brought together to a parley face to face, we sooner compose our differences than by
writings which are endless; And lastly, that the Church be sufficiently provided for, is so agreeable to good reason and
conscience, that those mothers are holden to be less cruel, that kill their children as soon as they are born, than those nursing
fathers and mothers (wheresoever they be) that withdraw from them who hang upon their breasts (and upon whose breasts
again themselves do hang to receive the Spiritual and sincere milk of the word) livelihood and support fit for their estates.
Thus it is apparent, that these things which we speak of, are of most necessary use, and therefore, that none, either without
absurdity can speak against them, or without note of wickedness can spurn against them.
Yet for all that, the learned know that certain worthy men [Anacharsis with others] have been brought to untimely death for
none other fault, but for seeking to reduce their Countrymen to god order and discipline; and that in some Commonwealths
[e.g. Locri] it was made a capital crime, once to motion the making of a new Law for the abrogating of an old, though the
same were most pernicious; And that certain [Cato the elder], which would be counted pillars of the State, and patterns of
Virtue and Prudence, could not be brought for a long time to give way to good Letters and refined speech, but bare
themselves as averse from them, as from rocks or boxes of poison; And fourthly, that he was no babe, but a great clerk
[Gregory the Divine], that gave forth (and in writing to remain to posterity) in passion peradventure, but yet he gave forth,
that he had not seen any profit to come by any Synod, or meeting of the Clergy, but rather the contrary; And lastly, against
Church-maintenance and allowance, in such sort, as the Ambassadors and messengers of the great King of Kings should be
furnished, it is not unknown what a fiction or fable (so it is esteemed, and for no better by the reporter himself [Nauclerus],
though superstitious) was devised; Namely, that at such a time as the professors and teachers of Christianity in the Church of
Rome, then a true Church, were liberally endowed, a voice forsooth was heard from heaven, saying: Now is poison poured
down into the Church, etc. Thus not only as oft as we speak, as one saith, but also as oft as we do anything of note or
consequence, we subject ourselves to everyone’s censure, and happy is he that is least tossed upon tongues; for utterly to
escape the snatch of them it is impossible. If any man conceit, that this is the lot and portion of the meaner sort only, and
that Princes are privileged by their high estate, he is deceived. "As the sword devoureth as well one as the other," as it is in
Samuel [2 Sam 11:25], nay as the great Commander charged his soldiers in a certain battle, to strike at no part of the enemy,
but at the face; And as the King of Syria commanded his chief Captains to "fight neither with small nor great, save only
against the King of Israel:" [1 Kings 22:31] so it is too true, that Envy striketh most spitefully at the fairest, and at the
chiefest. David was a worthy Prince, and no man to be compared to him for his first deeds, and yet for as worthy as act as
ever he did (even for bringing back the Ark of God in solemnity) he was scorned and scoffed at by his own wife [2 Sam
King James Bible
Preface to 1611 Translation
Page 4
6:16]. Solomon was greater than David, though not in virtue, yet in power: and by his power and wisdom he built a Temple
to the Lord, such a one as was the glory of the land of Israel, and the wonder of the whole world. But was that his
magnificence liked of by all? We doubt it. Otherwise, why do they lay it in his son’s dish, and call unto him for easing the
burden, "Make", say they, "the grievous servitude of thy father, and his sore yoke, lighter?" [1 Kings 12:4] Belike he had
charged them with some levies, and troubled them with some carriages; Hereupon they raise up a tragedy, and wish in their
heart the Temple had never been built. So hard a thing it is to please all, even when we please God best, and do seek to
approve ourselves to every ones conscience.
If we will descend to later times, we shall find many the like examples of such kind, or rather unkind acceptance. The first
Roman Emperor [C. Caesar. Plutarch] did never do a more pleasing deed to the learned, nor more profitable to posterity, for
conserving the record of times in true supputation; than when he corrected the Calendar, and ordered the year according to
the course of the Sun; and yet this was imputed to him for novelty, and arrogance, and procured to him great obloguy. So
the first Christened Emperor [Constantine] (at the least-wise that openly professed the faith himself, and allowed others to do
the like) for strengthening the Empire at his great charges, and providing for the Church, as he did, got for his labour the
name Pupillus, as who would say, a wasteful Prince, that had need of a Guardian or overseer [Aurel. Victor]. So the best
Christened Emperor [Theodosius], for the love that he bare unto peace, thereby to enrich both himself and his subjects, and
because he did not see war but find it, was judged to be no man at arms [Zosimus], (though indeed he excelled in feats of
chivalry, and showed so much when he was provoked) and condemned for giving himself to his ease, and to his pleasure. To
be short, the most learned Emperor of former times [Justinian], (at the least, the greatest politician) what thanks had he for
cutting off the superfluities of the laws, and digesting them into some order and method? This, that he had been blotted by
some to be an Epitomist, that is, one that extinguishes worthy whole volumes, to bring his abridgments into request. This is
the measure that hath been rendered to excellent Princes in former times, even, Cum bene facerent, male audire, For their
good deeds to be evil spoken of. Neither is there any likelihood, that envy and malignity died, and were buried with the
ancient. No, no, the reproof of Moses taketh hold of most ages; "You are risen up in your fathers’ stead, and increase of
sinful men." [Num 32:14] "What is that that hath been done? that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the
Sun," saith the wiseman: [Ecc 1:9] and S. Stephen, "As your fathers did, so do you." [Acts 7:51]
HIS MAJESTY’S CONSTANCY, NOTWITHSTANDING CULMINATION, FOR THE SURVEY OF THE ENGLISH
TRANSLATIONS
This, and more to this purpose, His Majesty that now reigneth (and long, and long may he reign, and his offspring forever,
"Himself and children, and children’s always) knew full well, according to the singular wisdom given unto him by God, and
the rare learning and experience that he hath attained unto; namely that whosoever attempteth anything for the public
(especially if it pertain to Religion, and to the opening and clearing of the word of God) the same setteth himself upon a
stage to be gloated upon by every evil eye, yea, he casteth himself headlong upon pikes, to be gored by every sharp tongue.
For he that medleth with men’s Religion in any part, medleth with their custom, nay, with their freehold; and though they
find no content in that which they have, yet they cannot abide to hear of altering. Notwithstanding his Royal heart was not
daunted or discouraged for this that colour, but stood resolute, "as a statue immovable, and an anvil not easy to be beaten
into plates," as one [Suidas] saith; he knew who had chosen him to be a Soldier, or rather a Captain, and being assured that
the course which he intended made for the glory of God, and the building up of his Church, he would not suffer it to be
broken off for whatsoever speeches or practices.
It doth certainly belong unto Kings, yea, it doth specially belong unto them, to have care of Religion, yea, it doth specially
belong unto them, to have care of Religion, yea, to know it aright, yea, to profess it zealously, yea to promote it to the
uttermost of their power. This is their glory before all nations which mean well, and this will bring unto them a far most
excellent weight of glory in the day of the Lord Jesus. For the Scripture saith not in vain, "Them that honor me, I will
honor," [1 Sam 2:30] neither was it a vain word that Eusebius delivered long ago, that piety towards God was the weapon
King James Bible
Preface to 1611 Translation
Page 5
and the only weapon, that both preserved Constantine’s person, and avenged him of his enemies [Eusebius lib 10 cap 8].
THE PRAISE OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
But now what piety without truth? what truth (what saving truth) without the word of God? What word of God (whereof we
may be sure) without the Scripture? The Scriptures we are commanded to search. John 5:39. Isa 8:20. They are commended
that searched and studied them. Acts 17:11 and 8:28,29. They are reproved that were unskillful in them, or slow to believe
them. Matt 22:29. Luke 24:25. They can make us wise unto salvation. 2 Tim 3:15. If we be ignorant, they will instruct us;
if out of the way, they will bring us home; if out of order, they will reform us; if in heaviness, comfort us; if dull, quicken us;
if cold, inflame us.
Tolle, lege; Tolle, lege, Take up and read, take up and read the Scriptures [S. August. confess. lib 8 cap 12], (for unto them
was the direction) it was said unto S. Augustine by a supernatural voice. "Whatsoever is in the Scriptures, believe me," saith
the same S. Augustine, "is high and divine; there is verily truth, and a doctrine most fit for the refreshing of men’s minds,
and truly so tempered, that everyone may draw from thence that which is sufficient for him, if he come to draw with a
devout and pious mind, as true Religion requireth." [S. August. de utilitcredendi cap. 6] Thus S. Augustine. and S. Jerome:
"Ama scripturas, et amabit te sapientia etc." [S. Jerome. ad Demetriad] Love the Scriptures, and wisdom will love thee.
And S. Cyril against Julian; "Even boys that are bred up in the Scriptures, become most religious, etc. [S. Cyril. 7 contra
Iulianum] But what mention we three or four uses of the Scripture, whereas whatsoever is to be believed or practiced, or
hoped for, is contained in them? or three or four sentences of the Fathers, since whosoever is worthy the name of a Father,
from Christ’s time downward, hath likewise written not only of the riches, but also of the perfection of the Scripture? "I
adore the fulness of the Scripture," saith Tertullian against Hermogenes. [Tertul. advers. Hermo.] And again, to Apelles an
heretic of the like stamp, he saith; "I do not admit that which thou bringest in (or concludest) of thine own (head or store, de
tuo) without Scripture." [Tertul. de carne Christi.] So Saint Justin Martyr before him; "We must know by all means," saith
he, "that it is not lawful (or possible) to learn (anything) of God or of right piety, save only out of the Prophets, who teach us
by divine inspiration." So Saint Basil after Tertullian, "It is a manifest falling way from the Faith, and a fault of presumption,
either to reject any of those things that are written, or to bring in (upon the head of them) any of those things that are not
written. We omit to cite to the same effect, S. Cyril B. of Jerusalem in his 4::Cataches., Saint Jerome against Helvidius,
Saint Augustine in his 3::book against the letters of Petilian, and in very many other places of his works. Also we forebear
to descend to later Fathers, because we will not weary the reader. The Scriptures then being acknowledged to be so full and
so perfect, how can we excuse ourselves of negligence, if we do not study them, of curiosity, if we be not content with them?
Men talk much of [an olive bow wrapped about with wood, whereupon did hang figs, and bread, honey in a pot, and oil],
how many sweet and goodly things it had hanging on it; of the Philosopher’s stone, that it turned copper into gold; of
Cornucopia, that it had all things necessary for food in it, of Panaces the herb, that it was good for diseases, of Catholicon the
drug, that it is instead of all purges; of Vulcan’s armor, that it was an armor of proof against all thrusts, and all blows, etc.
Well, that which they falsely or vainly attributed to these things for bodily god, we may justly and with full measure ascribe
unto the Scripture, for spiritual. It is not only an armor, but also a whole armory of weapons, both offensive and defensive;
whereby we may save ourselves and put the enemy to flight. It is not an herb, but a tree, or rather a whole paradise of trees
of life, which bring forth fruit every month, and the fruit thereof is for meat, and the leaves for medicine. It is not a pot of
Manna, or a cruse of oil, which were for memory only, or for a meal’s meat or two, but as it were a shower of heavenly
bread sufficient for a whole host, be it never so great; and as it were a whole cellar full of oil vessels; whereby all our
necessities may be provided for, and our debts discharged. In a word, it is a Panary of wholesome food, against fenowed
traditions; a Physician’s shop (Saint Basil called it) [S. Basil in Psal. primum.] of preservatives against poisoned heresies; a
Pandect of profitable laws, against rebellious spirits; a treasury of most costly jewels, against beggarly rudiments; finally a
fountain of most pure water springing up unto everlasting life. And what marvel? The original thereof being from heaven,
not from earth; the author being God, not man; the inditer, the holy spirit, not the wit of the Apostles or Prophets; the
Penmen such as were sanctified from the womb, and endued with a principal portion of God’s spirit; the matter, verity, piety,

Plik z chomika:

Inne pliki z tego folderu:

Inne foldery tego chomika:

Zgłoś jeśli naruszono regulamin