|
The topic of critical editions is rarely discussed and sorely misunderstood today. Few realize that printed edititions of old works are not 'the' original. So-called editions of John Wycliffe's Bible have been edited by others. It is necessary to understand the history of printed editions of classical works in order to make wise use of them. David Cloud mistakingly attributes error to John Wycliffe by supposing that Wycliffe actually wrote editions which were done after his own death.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature says that Purvey, for one, thought Wycliffe's Bible needed "correction" to match the corrupt Latin vulgate. It states that, "Purvey's translation of the New Testament was first published by Lewis (Lond. 1731, fol.) as Wycliffe's translation; it was then erroneously reprinted as Wycliffe's by Baber (Lond. 1810, 4to), and by Bagster in the English Hexapla" (McClintock and Strong, Vol. viii, pp. 815-816). Wycliffe said that he thought there were corrupt readings in the Latin Vulgate; he said he had access to earlier English scriptures, as well as Old Latin, Greek, and Hebrew texts (See In Awe of Thy Word for documentation). All Wycliffe Bibles were ordered to be burned by the Constitutions of Oxford. Therefore, the Vulgate 14th and 15th century manuscripts, which were created AFTER his death, cannot be ascribed, by any reputable scholar, to John Wycliffe himself. These remaining manuscripts were used to create the currently circulating editions, called Wycliffe, and cannot therefore be used uncritically to determine the text of John Wycliffe himself. Answering Cloud Again also contains an open letter by Mr. Riplinger to David Cloud, exposing Cloud's false personal accusations and disingenuous behavior. (Answering Cloud Again is also available on this web site at Resources New Versions and Critics; New! Wycliffe vs. Cloud).
|
KJV Authors
