Phenix Gazette

Another New Version of the Scriptures.—

We have great respect for the talents, the industry, and the literary integrity of Dr. Noah Webster; but we receive the information contained in the following article, from the New-Haven paper with no anticipations of pleasure from the execution of his project. In our apprehension, no good can result to the Christian world from new versions of the Bible. We have just witnessed an attempt to improve the New Testament, which is no better than a burlesque. Every attempt to improve the received translation of the Bible has brought discredit upon the original, and ridicule upon the author of the project.—Boston Courier.

Dr. Webster of this city is engaged in preparing for publication an edition of the Bible, in the common version; but with amendments of the language; chiefly in the following particulars.

1. The correction of errors in grammar.

The omission of obsolete words and phrases, and the substitution of the equivalent terms now in use.

2. The use of euphemisms for such indelicate words and phrases, as are most offensive, and which cannot be uttered without pain both to the reader and hearer.

This is not a new translation; but a revision of the present version; although a few obvious errors will be corrected. The principal alteration consists in removing such words and phrases as are used in a sense now obsolete. Few common readers are aware in how many passages, the real meaning of the original is obscured by changes which have been made in the customary application of words, since the translation was made.

In some instances, the sense is rendered wholly unintelligible to common readers.

This work has been undertaken with the advice and approbation of many respectable and learned gentlemen, both of the clergy and laity, and of different denominations. It has been undertaken with a full conviction of the necessity and importance of the revision, with a view to present the sacred oracles, in their genuine sense, and in pure, unadulterated English, intelligible to common readers. For this purpose the body of the language with the present character of the style, is retained.

Notes, explanatory of the principal alterations will accompany the work. It is now in the press, and will probably be published about the last of July; it is in octavo and intended for the use of families.