Wednesday, April 23, 2008

PREFACE

The following translation claims attention on the following grounds:--(1)it is a faithful rendering of the English Complin Office-- nothing has been mutilated or omitted. (2) It follows the prayer book version of the Psalts, Canticles, Preces, &c., and the Authorized version of the other books of Holy Scripture. In one or two instances the marginal reading has been adopted. In one cafe only, it is believed, has this rule been infringed: the Prayer Book translation of the V of the R of the I Sunday in XL. is “I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep nor mine eyelids to slumber.”

As a translation the following claims attention on the grounds that it is not original: as the Office it has the authority of the English Church at a time when she was free to speak as she willed and as the Holy Spirit led her, instead of being forced to consult the wishes of an immoral tyrant or an unbelieving Parlement.

The translators' thanks are due to the Editor of the “People's Hymnal” for permission to print the translations of the hymns “Redeemer of the World” and “Christ, Thou, who art.” Also to Melles. Novello, Ewer, and Co. for permission to use the Hymnal noted Versions of “Te Lucis” and “Creator Dei” and the Whitsuntide Sequence are the only portions of the translation which are not already well known.

It is hoped shortly to publish a translation of the Psalter and Common of Saints, and eventually of the whole Breviary.

W.H.C.M.

H.W.N

Feast of S. Prisca, VM, MDCCCLXXXL

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