Chapter II: Preface

With the approach of the Fourth Centenary there is a demand for a memoir of Tindale, less detailed than the standard biography, yet preserving the perspective of history. To meet this demand this miniature has been prepared. It sets forth especially the ardent force of vision which sustained the exile in the depth and tumult of his toil.

Diligent use has been made of recognized authorities on the subject treated; and it is hoped the little volume may make room for itself in this busy age. For helpful suggestions, the author is indebted to Mr. A. M. Denovan and Mr. B. R. Brooker; and to the Religious Tract Society for kind permission to reproduce illustrations from their standard Biography of Tindale.

It is offered to the public under the tolerant aphorism: "So long as a man says sincerely what he thinks, he tells us something worth while."

CONTENTS

Page Introduction xvii Conditions in England 1 The Making of Tindale 11 At Little Sodbury 15 In London 19 In Exile (1) Intercourse with Luther 24 In Exile (2) Translating the New Test. 29 Personality 46 Conclusion 50

ILLUSTRATIONS

Tindale Memorial Window in Bible House London _Frontispiece_

Facing Page

William Tindale. Drawn by I. H. Lynch from an old portrait by Pass xiii

Erasmus: 1526, after Dürer 2

Printing Press, 1511. The earliest known representation of a Printing Press, from the title page of Hegesippus' Hist. de Bello Judaico, printed by Jodocus Badius Ascensius, Paris 1511 30

[1]Page of Octavo New Testament, 1525 33

[1]Page of Octavo New Testament, Revised, 1534-6 36

[1]Facsimile of the only known letter of Tindale 48

Tindale's Monument at North Nibley, near Little Sodbury 50

[1] By kind permission of the Religious Tract Society.