Introduction
The Douay-Rheims version of the Bible holds an enduring appeal for many Christians, Catholic and Protestant alike. This is due no doubt not only to the elegance of its diction, but also to that certain anciente solemnity which many find appropriate to the Word of God.
Nevertheless I have come across quite a number of people who might otherwise enjoy this version, but are put off especially by rather awkward verb forms resulting from the thou usage, such as: restest, visitest, entangleth, presseth, excelleth, camest, comest, standest, etc.
My experience with ‘you-ing’ the Ronald Knox Bible left me with a good conversion program in hand. And so I thought of applying it to the Douay-Rheims version too, in the hope that this rendering of an age-old and dignified text would help to keep the biblical words resounding in our ears.
I have kept to the policy of not trying to change anything except the 'thous', etc., and the related verb forms. Some readers may feel that certain phrases should have been "modernized", such as "go ye not out"; "why do ye these things?"; "Speak you not to me?"; "Woman, why weep you? whom seek you?"; "Simon, son of, John, love you me?"... However, I believe that their retention helps to keep a good measure of the antique flavor such a venerable version should have.
The Old Testament is now complete as well as the New. However, scanned text is bound to come up with many errors. I hope there are few left in the New Testament, because I have gone through it quite diligently. I cannot say the same of the Old Testament text - there I have just not yet found the time to make a thorough revision. Hence I will be specially obliged to readers who notice incorrect words or passages, and have the kindness to let me know. I will enter the corrections as soon as possible.