The use of ancient Copies and Transla­tions compa­red with the Text. WHereas the ground of Faith is the Word of God, contained in the Scriptures, it must needs be a work of highest consequence to preserve those Sacred Oracles in their original purity, freed (as much as may be) from all possibility of Error, that may arise either by the neg­ligence of Scribes, and injury of Times, or by the wilful corruption of Sectaries and He­reticks, which (as was foretold) abound in these latter times, and so to transmit them to Posterity.

To this end nothing can more conduce then the publishing of the Original Text, ac­cording to the best Copies and Editions, with the most ancient Translations, which have been of greraest Au­thority in the Church, especially those of the Eastern Languages; which in regard of their affinity and neer­nesse to the Original are fittest to expresse, and in regard of their Antiquity and general use in the first and purest Ages are the truest Glasses, to represent that sence and reading which was then generally received in the Church of Christ, to whose Care the custody of the Scriptures is committed: The comparing of which toge­ther hath alwayes been accounted one of the best means to attain the true sence in places doubtful, and to finde out and restore the true reading of the Text where any variety appears.

Besides this, the Harmonie and Consent of so many ancient Copies and Translations made in several Ages, and Parts of the World, so far remote one from another, and continued to this day, agreeing in all matters of moment, are no lesse the voice of God testifying from Heaven that those Books proceeded from a divine Au­thor, who hath so marvellously owned and preserved them in all parts of the World among so many changes and revolutions that have happened, maugre the malice and power of Sathan, labouring by Hereticks, and Sectaries to corrupt, and by Persecutors to extirpate the Scriptures, and therewith Christian Religion.

Therefore in the greatest Empires and Kingdoms of the World, God hath so ordered by his wise Providence, that the Scriptures have been either originally written, or translated into these Languages, and by that means spread over the World (though besides the intention of the Conquerours) as appears by the Hebrew and Greek Originals, the Syriack, Chaldee, Persiar, Arabick, Latin, Ethiopick. and other Translations, in which the Praises of God have been sounded forth over the World, by means of the Assyrian, Greek, Persian, Romans, &c. Conquests and Victories.

Origens Te­trapla, Hex­apla, &c.Hence it was that when Origen composed his Tetrapla, Hexapla, and Octopla, though they consisted onely of the Hebrew and diverse Greek Translations disposed in several Columns, yet they were received with such general applause, that as S. Hierom saith, they presently filled all Libraries.

The like care hath been taken in this last Age, by sundry Editions of the Original Texts, and of sundry an­cient Translations, made by the Pains and Industry of Learned Men, and by the munificence of Princes and others, yet none of them are so compleat and perfect (though of great use and high esteem in the Church) but that the diligence of those that come after, may adde something to perfect the work which they begun, as the Authors of those Editions have done to those before them.

The chief Editions of this last age.The chief Editions of this last Age (not to mention those by Bamberg, Vatablus, Buxtorf. Stephan Mun­ster, Hutter, and others) are

• 1. The Complutense.
• 2. The Antwerp.
• 3. The Parisian.

1. The Complutense was set forth by the Complutense Divines, at the charges of Cardinal Ximineus, Arch-Bishop of Toledo in six Volumes, Anno 1520, wherein is contained,

• 1. The Old Test. Heb.
• 2. The vul­gar Latine.
• 3. The Sept. Greek and Latine.
• 4. The Chaldee Paraphrase by Onkelos upon the Pentateuch, with the Latine Translation.
• 5. The New Testament Greek and Latine.
• 6. An Apparatus, consisting of an Heb. and Chald. Lexicon.

An Heb. Grammar, An Index, &c.

2. The Antwerp Bibles in eight great Volumes, set forth by Arias Montanus, and other Learned Men, at the charges of the King of Spain, Anno 1572. wherein is added to the Complutense,

• 1. The Chaldee Paraphrase upon the rest of the Old Testament, by Jonathan and Josephus Caecus, with the Latine.
• 2. The Interlineal Translation of the Old and New Testament.
• 3. The Syriack New Testament in Syriack and Hebrew Chara­cters with the Latine.
• 4. An Apparatus in two Volumes, containing divers Lexicons and Grammars, Hebrew, Syriack, Chaldee, Greek, with some Tracts for better understanding the Text.

Some Idiotisms, few various readings, divers Indices, &c.

3. The Parisian Bibles in ten large Tomes, Anno 1645. set forth by Michael de Jay, Morinus, Gabriel Sionita and others, by Authority of the Cardinals Richlieu, and Mazarine, and the French Bishops, wherein is added to the Antwerpe Bible, which (except the Apparatus) is herewith reprinted,

• 1. The old Test. Syriack, and Latine.
• 2. The Arabick Old Test. and New with the Latine.
• 3. The Samaritan Pentateuch, with the Sa­maritan and Latine Versions.

But here is no Interlineal or other literal Translation of the Hebrew in Latine, none of the Apparatus at all as in the other Editions, no various readings in any Language, no Index, no Idio­tisms, (the edition being abruptly put forth, by reason of some difference among the Publishers) but only the Text in the several Languages, and those not according to the best Copies.

Though these Editions be justly had in high esteem, (the second of which was styled by some Learned Men, Orbis miraculum, though it come short of the third) yet it must be confest that divers Ancient and Vseful Translations may be added, that there are better Copies now, then those followed in the former Editions, that many things useful then, yet needlesse now may be taken away,A new Editi­on more per­fect and use­ful then any yet extant, and at a far lesse price. that a new Apparatus far more useful may be framed, and the several Languages digested in better Method, besidas the greatnesse of the price, and vastnesse of the Volumes, which makes them scarce useful for private Libraries, being printed in such Paper and Cha­racters, as served rather for Pomp then Vse, (that of Paris being sold at 45. or 50 li. the price of an ordinary Librarie) so that without detracting from the just praises of the publishers (whose Labours must be made use of, as they did of other mens that were before them) it may be said, that a more perfect and useful Edition then any yet extant may be made in 5 or 6 ordinary Volumes, which may be had at a fourth or fift part of the price of those of Paris, or thereabouts. The several parts whereof follow.

1. The Old Testament Heb. and the New Test. Greek, with the literal Interlineal Translation which is want­ing in the Paris and Complutense Bibles.

2. The Vulgar Latine according to the accurate Edition of Sixtus Quintus, and Clem. 8. wherein many 1000 errors and faults of the former Editions are corrected, as appears by the Catalogue set forth by Lucas Brugensis.

3. The Roman Sept. the Greek whereof was printed by the most ancient Vatican Copy, written (as is con­ceived) before S. Hieroms time, which is without doubt the most authentick of any yet extant. The Latine [Page]was gathered out of the Monuments of the most ancient Writers, by the great industry of Nobilius, whereby the old vulgar Latine used in the West (before S. Hieroms Translation) is restored and preserved: whereas the Sept. followed in the other Editions is made only to agree with the Modern Heb. and accordingly enlarged or cut short, and may better be called a new Greek Translation of the Modern Heb. then a true Edition of the Old Septuagint.

4. The Chaldee Paraphrase on the Old Test. by Onkelos upon the Pentateuch, and by Jonathan upon Josh. Judg. Sam. Kings, and Prophets, about our Saviours time; and by Jos. Caecus upon the rest, written afterwards. All according to Buxtorf. his exact Edition, wherein many thousand errors are corrected, and the Points which were added by some ignorant Jew after the invention of Points, are rectified and reduced to the Analogie of Ezra and Daniel, which was only in part attempted by Arias Montanus, but not perfected as himself acknow­ledges. The Latine Translation also amended according to Paulus Fagius, and others.

5. The Syriack Old and New Test. (the native Language of Christ and his Apostles) corrected by Copies transcribed out of the most ancient and perfect M. S. remaining with the Patriarch of Antioch, which is ac­cording to the old and simple Edition (as 'tis called) translated out of the Heb. about the Apostles times (the other Syriack Edition out of the Sept. being long after.) That of the Paris Bibles had many Lacuna's, which they supplied ex proprio ingenio.

6. The Arabick Old and New Test. corrected and compared with those parts set out by Erpenius and others, and with other Copies here in publick and private Libraries.

7. The Samaritan Pentateuch (the old Heb. Text, as is conceived, about Esdras his time, if not before) in the Samaritan Character, which is the Old Heb. Letter, before Esaras changed it into the Assyrian (the modern Hebrew) after the return from Babylon.

8. The Persian Pentateuch, by Jacobus Thawasus (formerly printed by the Jews in the Constantinop. Bibles in Heb. Characters) put into Persian Characters and translated into Latine, not extant before in any of those other Editions.

9. The Persian Evangelists, with the Latine Version, which are now at the Presse, published by Mr. Whee­lock a learned Linguist, and not extant heretofore.

10. The Aethiopick Psalms, Canticles, and New. Test. with the Latine Version, not extant in any former Edition.

11. Jonathans Targum upon the Pent. The Hierusalem Targum upon the Pent. with the Latine translation by Pellican or Taylor. The Massoreth Heb. Lat. with Buxtorf. his Clavis Massorethica, and his Castigationes Massorae. All which may be added, as an Appendix to the Old Test. None of them are in those other Editions.

12. The several Languages shall be printed in several Columns, whereby they may all be presented to the Readers view at once, whereas in the other Editions divers great Volumes must be turned over to compare them together.

13. Whereas there is no Apparatus or various readings, &c. in the Paris Bibles, and the Apparatus in the An­twerp. and Complut. consisting of Grammars, Lexicons, Tracts, &c. are not so needful now, there being so many helps extant since, and those more exact. Therefore here shall be added, what is most necessary and proper, and yet is wanting in the former, viz. A just Volume of the various readings of all former Editions and Copies, in all the Languages (a work of as great use to the Reader, as if he had all former Copies and Editions) with some other things fit to be added, viz.

• 1. An Extract out of Capellus his Critica Sacra and others concerning the various readings. Lucas Brug. de variantibus locis Scripturae, and his two Tracts
  • 1. de Graecis
  • 2. de Latinis varietatibus.
• 2. The Keri and Cetib, &c. with the other various readings of the Heb.
• 3. The differences of the Samar. Pentateuch from the Modern Heb. collected heretofore by D. Comber.
• 4. The various readings of the 70. and the other old Greek Translations by Aquila, Theodotion, Symmachus, the 5. and 6 anonymous Translations, collected by Nobilius in the Rom. Sept. and by Drusius in his Fragmenta veterum translationum Graec. to which may be added the diffe­rent Readings of that ancient M. S. The Alexandrian Sept. (supposed by some to be written by S. Tecla) which is now about to be printed.
• 5. The various readings and corrections of the vulgar Latine collected by Luc. Brugens. in several Tracts.
• 6. The places restored in the Chaldee Paraph. by Buxtorf. with a Tract by him thereupon written, but not yet printed, and a Tract of the use of the Chaldee Paraph. by Luc. Brugens.
• 7. The places restored and corrected in the Syr. and Arab. with the various readings out of Erpenius and o­thers.
• 8. The various readings of the New Test. by Stephan. Causabon and others, with the readings out of the Greek Fathers gathered in the Wechel. Edition of the 70. at Frank. 1597.
• 9. The various readings and notes upon the Syr. Arab. Persian, Cophti, &c. Versions of the New Test. out of Lud. de Dieu, Munster, Kir­kensten, M. Pocock and others.
• 10. The Idiotisms of the Heb. and Greek.
• 11. The explication of the proper Names in Script. Heb. Greek, Latine.
• 12. A perfect Chronology.
• 13. Several Indices.

14. Before all.

• 1. Divers Prolegomena and Prefaces concerning the several Editions and Translations, their Antiquity, Authority, and Vse.
• 2. Geographical Tables of the World. The land of Canaan.
• 3. Arias Monta­nus his Exemplar, seu de sacris fabricis, and his Aaron seu de vestibus sacris, with the Figures cut in Brasse.
• 4. Alphabetical Tables of the several Languages, and what else upon further advise with Learned Men shall be thought fit.

WHereas the former Editions though lesse perfect, and not so fit for use, have been Printed at the publick Charge of Princes and great Persons, and the Charge of this Work will exceed the Ability of an ordinary person: Whereupon divers Persons of Worth have expressed their readiness to joyn in the Charge of the Impression, and it is hoped that others who wish well to Learning and Religion will assist in a Work so much ten­ding to the publick good, and Honour of the Church and Nation, and so free from Inte­rest of all parties, especially considering, that as the Edition will be much better then any formerly made, so the price will be much lesse.

Therefore for the securing of all such as shall promote so good a Work either by free gift, or advancing of Moneyes to be repaid by Copies, and for the encouraging of such as shall solicit and stir up others to contribute, these Propositions are offered, which shall God willing be performed.

1. That whatsoever Moneyes shall be raised, shall be paid into the Hands of William Humble of Lon­don Esquire, Treasurer for this purpose, who will be accomptable for the Moneyes received, and will give Receipts to every one that shall pay in any Moneyes, whereby they may be assured that the same shall be employed no otherwise then for the use intended, and not issued out but by Warrant of such per­sons as are hereafter mentioned.

2. The like assurance shall be given for receiving of Copies proportionable to the summes so paied, which shall be put into the hands of some persons Interested, residing in London to be delivered assoon as the Work shall be finished, or otherwise as the several Volumes shall be printed, according as shall be advised by counsel on the behalf of the subscribers, and this shall be drawn up into Articles, before any Moneyes shall be payed.

3. The Treasurer shall not issue any Moneyes, but by Warrant under the Hands of the Lord Primate of Armagh, D. William Fuller, D. Brune Rieves, D. Samuel Baker, M. Richard Drake, B. D. or two of them, whereof the Lord Primate, or D. Fuller, to be one, and shall give Accompt every six moneths to four persons appointed by those that advance, to receive the Accompts of all Moneyes received, or issued out, which shall be shewed to all persons interested who shall desire the same.

4. Those that by free gift or otherwise shall in any considerable manner further the Work, beside Co­pies to be given them, shall be acknowledged Patrons and Promoters of so noble a Work.

5. Those that shall collect and raise any sum by the free contribution of Persons well affected shall for every ten pounds have one Copie: and if any lesser sum of 40 s. or upwards be so raised by any at pre­sent, if the said sum shall be made up 10 li. by equal payments in four six moneths next following, he shall have one perfect Copie, and so according to that proportion for any greater Sum.

6 Those who shall advance any sum out of their own estate, shall for every 10 li. have one Copie, and for 50 li. six Copies, and so for any greater sum, and the moneyes so advanced shall for the Ease and Se­curity of the Advancers be paid thus: onely a fifth part [...]n hand, and the rest in 4 six moneths, and at every six moneths Payment, Account shall be given of the Moneyes formerly paid, and of the Progresse of the Work, and then they may also receive such Volumes a shall be finished, according to the number of Copies due to them, if they please, they paying another fift part towards the printing of the next Vo­lume. And if 50 li. shall be raised by several persons, the sixth Copie shall be to him that procureth their subscriptions.

7. The persons that will assist in preparing of Copies correcting the Presse, overseeing and managing the work, or otherwise in furthering the Edition, are D. Stokes, Mr. Whillock, M. Thorndike, Mr. Ed­ward Pococke, Mr. [...] Graves, Mr. Vicars, Mr. Thomas Smith, together with Dr. Walton, and some other to assist in Prosecution of Businesse, &c. and if any of them shall be otherwise hindred; some other shall be nominated, for carrying on the work, whe [...]ein the Advice of the L. Primate, M. Selden, D. Shelden, D. Sanderson, D. Stern, D. Hammond, D. Fearne, [...] and other learned Men, who have approved the work shall be desired, as occasion shall require.

8. The work shall not be begun till there be enough pa [...] in to finish the first Volume, viz. the Pen­tateuch, viz. 1500 li. nor the other Volumes, till a proportionable sum for each be brought in, viz. a­bout 1200 li.

9. It is desired that the first payment of Moneyes to [...]e advanced, may be at or before the first of May, 1653. and if it shall appear there is enough to print [...]e First Volume, viz. the Pentateuch, the work shall be begun assoon as things needful can be prepared, which is hoped will be within three Moneths then next following, and within three Yeers after, it is hoped the whole work will be perfected: (two Presses being kept at work.)

10. Whatsoever shall be further reasonably devised or p [...]opounded for the better managing and car­rying on of the Work, and securing of all Persons interested, shall be willingly assented unto.