revision of the A.V. was called for, and in 1885 The Revised Version was

published.  The Revisers had access to manuscripts unknown in

the year 1611.  It must be remembered that the A.V. translators were less

proficient in Hebrew than in Greek, so that the R.V. is probably superior in

the matter of Old Testament translation.  The reception of the R.V. was not

enthusiastic, and while it may be used with considerable profit, it is

doubtful whether it will ever occupy the place held for so long by the A.V.

Most readers know that other translations have appeared from time to

time, each having a distinct place in the student's equipment, but we will

not pursue our subject further.

In this book we have purposely avoided the technicalities of the

subject, and have kept the simpler reader in view.  May we all rejoice in

that watchful Providence that has so preserved the sacred Scriptures up to

this day, and has surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses that we

may, without reserve and with a full heart, take up the Scriptures which we

now possess, and accept them as the Word of God.  (See next page).

Further Reading:

The Volume of the Book, Charles H. Welch.

In preparation for publication.

ISBN 0 85156 190 X

The Book and the Parchments, Dr. F.F. Bruce, Revised Edition 1991.

ISBN 0

551 02278 7.

The Canon of Scripture, Dr. F.F. Bruce, 1988.

0 948643 05 6.

The Text of the Greek Bible, Sir F.G. Kenyon (revised by A.W. Adams D.D.),

1975.  ISBN 0 7156 0641 7.