Greek New Testament (Novum Testamentum Graece)

TO MY BELOVED SON
ERASMUS OF ROTTERDAM,
PROFESSOR OF SACRED THEOLOGY.

LEO X, POPE.

Beloved son, health and apostolic benediction. Your labors on the New Testament, published some time ago, have pleased us greatly—not so much because they were dedicated to our name, as because they were distinguished by a certain new and remarkable erudition, not common, and were most highly praised by the judgment of all learned men. Having been made certain that these have lately been revised by you and enriched and illustrated with the addition of many annotations, we have rejoiced not a little; forming a conjecture from that first edition, which seemed most perfect, as to what this one will be, and how much good it will bring to students of Sacred Theology and to our orthodox faith. Be constant, therefore, in this spirit of yours, and being mindful of the public utility, watch diligently so that a work so holy may come into the light. You will indeed receive a reward worthy of so many labors from God himself: and from us, you shall surely obtain deserved commendation, and from all the faithful of Christ, perpetual praise.

Given at Rome at Saint Peter’s. Under the Fisherman’s Ring. Day 10 of September. M.D.XVIII. In the sixth year of our Pontificate.