The use of the word you, when only base flatteries of men of later ages, to whom it seemed good to use the plural number to one person, that he may imagine himself alone to be equal to many others in dignity and worth, from whence it came at last to persons of lower quality." Godeau, in his preface to the translation of the New Testament, makes an apology for differing from the customs of the times in the use of thou, and intimates that you was substituted for it, as a word of superior respect.

"I had rather, says he, faithfully keep to the express words of Paul, than exactly follow the polished style of our tongue.

Therefore I always use that form of calling God in the singular number not in the plural, and therefore I say rather thou than you.

I confess indeed, that the civility and custom of this word, requires him to be honored after that manner.

But it is likewise on the contrary true, that the original tongue of the New Testament hath nothing common with such manners and civility, so that not one of these many old versions we have doth observe it.