An expositio[n] upon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…An expositio[n] vpon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…

If there be errors in the translation, I know they were men which translated it, and might err like men. May no translation be allowed that is not altogether perfect? As if the greek translation were without fault, or as if many faults were not in the common vulgar translation in latin, or in the translation of Hierom. What then? Must the greek translation be forbidden? Must Hieromes translation, or the vulgar translation be forbidden? As for the old latin common translation, though many learned men have showed the gross errors thereof: Yet have they well provided for it in the counsel at Trident, Ne quis veterem vulgatam editionem reijcere quovis praetextu audeat, vel praesumat. Let no man dare, or presume (say they) by any manner of colour, to refuse the old common translation of the Bible. Yet is no translation of ours so corrupt, as that which they have thus privileged. But if it were true which they falsely report: reason would, they did correct the errors, and so set it abroad. But thus they bear in hand, that they may ⟨p. 48⟩bring you in hatred of it, and pull you from the reading of the scriptures. I will not say in what sort they abuse the word of God. What speak I of abusing? Nay they do manifestly against, and contrary to the word. The word of God teacheth us forgiveness of our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ once offered. They teach contrary, that the same blood is daily offered, and Christ as often new borne, as pleaseth the priest to say mass. The word of God forbiddeth to make any graven Image, to bow down to it or worship it. They teach contrary, that Images are to be worshipped, and even with such honour, as is due to the patterns themselves. The word of God teacheth us to pray in a known tongue: they teach the contrary, and account it for heresy to pray in a known tongue. The word of God chargeth all states of men to be subject to their Prince or higher power: They withdraw their obedience unto civil Magistrates, and teach the people to resist authority. Erasmus saith in his notes upon these words of Christ: Let these go their way. Nou: quendam magni nominis theologum, ¹&c. I know a Divine of great fame and account for his learning, which did wrest these words of Christ, to defend the immunity or lawless estate of clergy men. ⟨p. 49⟩but this did he ridiculè, fondly or peevishly, saith Erasmus.