To the Most High and Mighty Prince
James
By the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith
The Translators of the Bible wish grace, mercy, and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Great and manifold were the blessings, most dread Sovereign, which Almighty God, the Father of all mercies, bestowed upon us the people of England, when first He sent Your Majesty’s Royal Person to rule and reign over us.
For whereas it was the expectation of many—who wished not well unto our Sion—that upon the setting of that bright Occidental Star, Queen Elizabeth of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would have overshadowed this land, so that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk, and that it should hardly be known who was to direct the unsettled state—
The appearance of Your Majesty, as of the sun in his strength, instantly dispelled those supposed mists and gave unto all that were well affected exceeding cause of comfort.
Especially when we beheld:
- The government established in Your Highness
- Your rightful and undoubted title
- Peace and tranquility at home and abroad
The Blessing of God’s Word
Among all our joys, none filled our hearts more than the blessed continuance of the preaching of God’s sacred Word among us.
This is that inestimable treasure which:
- Excelleth all the riches of earth
- Extends beyond this present life
- Directs men toward eternal happiness
Your Majesty’s Zeal
To preserve and continue this work—
and to advance it with confidence and resolution in maintaining the truth of Christ—
This has firmly bound the hearts of Your Majesty’s loyal people unto You.
Your name is precious among them.
They behold You with comfort and bless You in their hearts as:
One who, under God, is the author of their true happiness.
And this affection does not diminish, but grows stronger daily, as they witness:
- Your zeal for the house of God
- Your defense of truth
- Your encouragement of faithful teaching
- Your care for the Church
The Purpose of This Work
Among many signs of Your Majesty’s devotion, none is more evident than your desire to accomplish and publish this translation.
For when Your Highness discerned:
- The need for a more exact translation
- The importance of returning to original Hebrew and Greek
- The value of comparing past translations
You did not cease to urge that this work be completed faithfully and carefully.
The Offering
Now, by the mercy of God and through continued labour, this work has reached completion.
We present it to Your Majesty:
- As our Sovereign
- As the principal mover of this work
Humbly asking that it may receive your approval and protection.
Opposition and Confidence
We know this work will face criticism:
- From those who prefer ignorance over truth
- From those who accept only their own opinions
Yet we remain confident:
- In the truth of our work
- In the integrity of our intentions
- In the protection of Your Majesty
Final Prayer
May the Lord of heaven and earth bless Your Majesty with many and happy days.
That as God has enriched You with many graces,
so You may be:
A wonder of the world for happiness and true felicity
To the honour of God
and the good of His Church
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.