criticized.  The translation was commenced in the year 1607, and was finished in three years.  The first public issue was in 1611, when the book was dedicated to King James, and has since been known as King James’s Bible.  It was adopted not only in the English Church, but by all the English people, so that the other versions have fallen into entire disuse, with the exception of the Psalms, which, according to the translation of Cranmer’s Bible, were placed in the Book of Common Prayer, where they have since remained, constituting the Psalter.  It should be observed that the Psalter, which is taken principally from the Vulgate, is not so near the original as the Psalms in King James’s version:  the language is, however, more musical and better suited to chanting in the church service.

THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE.—­There have been numerous criticisms, favorable and adverse, to the language of King James’s Bible.  It is said to have been written in older English than that of its day, and Selden remarks that “it is rather translated into English words than into English phrase.”  The Hebraisms are kept, and the phraseology of that language is retained.  This leads to the opinion of Bishop Horsley, that the adherence to the Hebrew idiom is supposed to have at once enriched and adorned our language.  Bishop Middleton says “the style is simple, it is harmonious, it is energetic, and, which is of no small importance, use has made it familiar, and time has rendered it sacred.”  That it has lasted two hundred and fifty years without a rival, is the strongest testimony in favor of its accuracy and the beauty of its diction.  Philologically considered, it has been of inestimable value as a strong rallying-point for the language, keeping it from wild progress in any and every direction.  Many of our best words, which would otherwise have been lost, have been kept in current use because they are in the Bible.  The peculiar language of the Bible expresses our most serious sentiments and our deepest emotions.  It is associated with our holiest thoughts, and gives phraseology to our prayers.  It is the language of heavenly things, but not only so:  it is interwreathed in our daily discourse, kept fresh by our constant Christian services, and thus we are bound by ties of the same speech to the devout men of King James’s day.

REVISION.—­There are some inaccuracies and flaws in the translation which have been discerned by the superior excellence of modern learning.  In the question now mooted of a revision of the English Bible, the correction of these should be the chief object.  A version in the language of the present day, in the course of time would be as archaic as the existing version is now; and the private attempts which have been made, have shown us the great danger of conflicting sectarian views.

In any event, it is to be hoped that those who authorize a new translation will emulate the good sense and judgment of King James, by placing it in the hands of the highest learning, most liberal scholarship, and most devoted piety.