THAT in August last, in London-House a Lecture was hap­pily begun for the propagation of piety, and learning, in the discovery of the orientall Languages (to this na­tion remaining but yet obscure) which hitherto hath been elaborately performed twice a week, since that time neer fourescore Lectures in Latine, and highly ap­proved by those of greatest parts and learning that frequent the same: And your Petitioners fearing least a work of this nature, for the advan­cing such learning and Languages, should for want of maintenance and countenance from Authority fall to the ground. And forasmuch as an estimate hath been taken of the necessary charge which is requisite for the maintenance of Professors, and Students, as also for the erection of a Presse, for those Languages for the more effectuall prosecution of the desired ends. And your Petitioners considering Your Honours many Declarations, and that Reserve, which you have with so much constan­cy still kept to be a support to a preaching Ministery and learning, and being confident that a work of so publick concernment for the advan­tage of this and future ages will not want your due incouragement, and assistance.

Therefore are your Petitioners bold to make this humble addresse to your Honours, That if to your wisdomes this kind of learning, on which the clearer knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, and our usefulnesse for the propagation of the Gospel, to such as un­derstand those languages, and their usefulnesse to us so much dependeth, and is therfore in the present age so much esteemed by other reformed Churches, shall also be judged usefull for this Kingdome. Your Petitioners hope that that which they have in readi­nesse to offer, will be sufficient to lay a good foundation to so blessed a work, and in such a manner as is most facile and suitable to the nature of the thing. If Your Ho­nours shall deem it worthy of your consideration, And shall please to appoint a Com­mittee to receive the same from us.