Part 3

But, permit me, my Lord, to state a still more important objection to your proposed society, than any already mentioned. How is the purity even of the Holy Scriptures themselves to be secured, if the translation and edition of the sacred book, are to be entrusted to all the different denominations of Christians? The translation of any book, is in effect, and in a certain measure, neither more nor less, than an interpretation, or exposition of the original; for what does the translator set forth, but that which he thinks fit to consider as the sense of his original? About the original of the scriptures, there can be no dispute, except as to the genuine text; which we know is now so accurately ascertained, that variations of any importance, are very few, and have very little effect upon the essentials of religion. But of the several possible senses which may be given of text acknowledged to be genuine, there are a prodigious number; and such variety, as are capable of affording a specious proof, for the most pernicious errors. Hence it has happened, that christian princes have usually considered the translation, and printing the Holy Scriptures, as fit objects for their interference and controul. Your Lordship will recollect the history of the Rhemish Testament, and of other popish translations, and will not be ready, I should imagine, to entrust either the translating or the editing the Holy Scriptures, to the care of that denomination of Christians called Papists. You will call to mind the crafty trick practised by another party, of substituting one little monosyllable for another, for the purpose of quashing one of the strongest proofs of episcopacy, and forcing the text to speak in favour of presbyterian ordination: and, it is to be hoped, your Lordship would not wish to see a repetition of such transactions, nor be willing to confide in such translations of God’s sacred word, as might issue from the hands of that denomination of Christians, which has been guilty in _our_ opinion of such unjustifiable liberties. But what has been, my Lord, may be again; nay, if these people sent forth their several translations, as those which, in their sincere judgment gave the truest sense of scripture; they acted at least like honest men: and who will say, that the denominations of Christians, who, in these times, have adopted all their doctrines, books, and practices, are less honest than their predecessors? And therefore, we must expect, if the power be put into their hands, that they will give us the same translations and editions of the Holy Book, as were given before! Hitherto, my Lord, all sober Christians have considered the church, and not the conventicle, as the only pillar and ground of the truth; the best witness, and keeper of Holy Writ. But when the oracles of God are forced from the hands of those who are appointed to keep them, and are thrown to a mixed multitude of contending religionists, to give them out in what shape they please, as the genuine and pure word.—My Lord, you see the consequences, as clearly as I can. And when it is remembered, that in your society, there is _a standing majority against the church_, what can we expert, if the plan become general, but that in time our present pure English Bible will be thrust aside, to make way for others, translated and annotated to the different tastes of Papists and Presbyterians, and all the other denominations, to which this happy happy country is laid to afford equal protection? Every different party, has now its doctrine, has its interpretation;—but then each will have its Bible too.

I shall here, my Lord, put a period to my address, not because I have enumerated all the evils, which I see must follow such projects as that you recommend; I have mentioned not a tenth part; but, because I am persuaded, that if your Lordship be decidedly averse from listening to any representation, in prejudice of your society, I have said enough to exhaust your patience. If you be inclined, (notwithstanding your present engagement to patronize the scheme,) candidly to listen to the suggestions of those who are unfriendly to it; I have said more than enough, to awaken your Lordship’s apprehensions, and to procure your patient, and very serious investigation of my objections.

I am, my Lord,

Your Lordship’s obedient Servant.

Since these sheets were sent to the press, the author has been credibly informed, that the British and Foreign Bible Society are at this time preparing an edition of the Holy Scriptures in the Welch language, in which, such liberties are taken in the translation as are by no means warrantable. He here gives it merely as a report, himself being unacquainted with the Welch language, and therefore unable to examine it, and determine how far it be true. If however, it be in the least degree founded in fact, Lord T., he presumes, will feel himself irresistibly called upon to bestow his very serious attention upon those pages of the address, which allude to this important subject; especially, when he is informed, that the same representation has been made to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, who have thought proper to make further enquiries upon the subject.

The author has been likewise told, that the distribution of tracts, as well as bibles, was in the original plan of some of the first projectors of this scheme, one of whom is known to be a zealous adversary of the establishment. Lord T. doubtless, has full information upon all points, respecting the characters of the projectors, and will be able to determine what degree of attention is due to those fears and forebodings, so strongly suggested upon this head.

* * * * *

FINIS.

* * * * *

* * * * *

_Bye and Law_, _Printers_, _St. John’s-Square_, _Clerkenwell_.