the_o sacred_a scripture_n long_o before_o writâ—en_n of_o which_o they_o have_v hear_v some_o â—â—ckling_n and_o receive_v it_o as_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n or_o draw_v it_o from_o his_o write_n â—or_a hear_v it_o recount_v by_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o they_o from_o theiâ—_n ancestor_n which_o be_v the_o child_n aâ—d_v successor_n of_o the_o three_o son_n of_o noah_n who_o be_v the_o second_o father_n of_o humaâ—â—_n kind_n and_o restorer_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o all_o the_o world_n all_o issue_v from_o his_o posterity_n after_o the_o universal_a flood_n his_o three_o son_n as_o holy_a scripture_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o where_o shem_n ham_n and_o japhet_n of_o who_o be_v descend_v all_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o before_o speak_v be_v easy_o and_o sufficient_o discover_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o say_a pagan_n by_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o the_o say_a child_n of_o noah_n and_o of_o their_o successor_n which_o of_o long_a time_n before_o these_o write_n and_o profane_a history_n have_v be_v name_v by_o moses_n for_o the_o pagan_n testify_v that_o the_o people_n have_v make_v of_o these_o ancient_a fathers_n idol_n and_o god_n as_o of_o japhet_n japetus_n they_o draw_v javan_n janus_n and_o jon_n and_o because_o they_o be_v name_n hold_v in_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n or_o value_n of_o they_o they_o accommodate_v they_o to_o their_o tongue_n and_o letter_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o easy_a and_o glib_a in_o their_o accustom_a pronunciation_n come_v near_o but_o with_o alteration_n and_o if_o we_o will_v go_v more_o high_a and_o weigh_v the_o old_a time_n of_o the_o first_o age_n which_o precede_v the_o flood_n as_o we_o have_v it_o from_o that_o only_a history_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o pagan_a poet_n and_o writer_n have_v receive_v even_o the_o ancient_a name_n and_o mingle_v they_o among_o their_o fable_n and_o dream_n and_o draw_v they_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v appear_v plain_o that_o their_o false_a god_n vulcan_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a to_o unmask_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mortal_a man_n and_o one_o of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o other_o lamech_v the_o prime_a bigamist_n and_o corrupter_n of_o marriage_n who_o descend_v of_o that_o accurse_a race_n of_o cain_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o this_o vulcan_n which_o be_v a_o smith_n or_o forger_n of_o armour_n and_o moses_n declare_v he_o so_o and_o by_o his_o name_n too_o for_o he_o be_v by_o he_o call_v thu-vulcain_a and_o every_o one_o any_o thing_n skilled_a in_o the_o hebrew_n know_v that_o if_o they_o leave_v the_o first_o letter_n which_o be_v servile_a and_o put_v to_o form_v the_o name_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n it_o will_v appear_v mere_a vulcain_n for_o their_o letter_n beth_n b._n have_v not_o a_o prick_n in_o he_o be_v pronounce_v as_o our_o five_o consonant_a and_o for_o the_o name_n of_o vulcain_n wife_n by_o moses_n call_v nehama_n which_o signify_v fair_a in_o their_o language_n or_o as_o speak_v the_o latin_n venusta_fw-la it_o be_v a_o plain_a course_n to_o discover_v vain_a beauty_n or_o their_o so_o much_o celebrate_v unchaste_a and_o wanton_a venus_n a_o goodly_a race_n and_o fair_a family_n of_o that_o accurse_a murderer_n cain_n and_o here_o may_v we_o see_v some_o of_o the_o proper_a god_n and_o idol_n of_o the_o poor_a pagan_n among_o that_o anthill_n of_o such_o and_o other_o ill_o steal_a name_n unhandsome_o fetch_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o and_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o wicked_a troop_n of_o execrable_a giant_n violent_a oppressor_n of_o man_n thief_n and_o adulterous_a desperate_n shake_v off_o and_o damn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o who_o the_o first_o apostate_n and_o liar_n satan_n make_v his_o counterfeit_a god_n and_o idol_n the_o old_a serpent_n expert_a and_o know_v in_o all_o malice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n for_o he_o to_o muffle_v and_o blind_v humane_a judgement_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o by_o this_o counterfeit_a device_n with_o posterity_n but_o to_o pass_v far_o in_o our_o begin_a purpose_n touch_v the_o fabulous_a write_n of_o the_o pagan_a poet_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o their_o discourse_n in_o the_o best_a we_o can_v of_o it_o be_v but_o corruption_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o god_n or_o thing_n therein_o reveal_v turn_v by_o they_o into_o dream_n and_o profane_a narration_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o that_o they_o write_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 4.5_o and_o government_n of_o the_o same_o of_o the_o divine_a virtue_n that_o sustain_v and_o interior_o nourish_v all_o thing_n of_o the_o consumption_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o fire_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o also_o of_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o such_o good_a order_n for_o all_o so_o many_o confusion_n proceed_v from_o sin_n all_o which_o thing_n they_o may_v obtain_v and_o by_o some_o dark_a mean_n draw_v from_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o sacred_a prophet_n translate_v out_o of_o hebrew_n into_o other_o language_n or_o understand_v something_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n antiq_n spread_v through_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o through_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o jew_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v in_o all_o place_n to_o hold_v their_o synagogue_n and_o to_o have_v public_a lecture_n of_o their_o law_n and_o prophet_n when_o these_o poet_n 18.20_o flatterer_n of_o man_n turn_v all_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o promise_a redeemer_n and_o that_o then_o be_v expect_v aeneid_n false_o to_o apply_v they_o by_o flattery_n to_o their_o prince_n false_a god_n and_o idol_n but_o let_v we_o leave_v all_o those_o juggler_n and_o liar_n that_o dare_v be_v so_o profane_o bold_a to_o corrupt_v the_o pure_a verity_n of_o god_n word_n and_o speak_v we_o of_o the_o gentile_n write_n how_o long_o they_o come_v after_o moses_n and_o write_v since_o he_o and_o that_o even_o they_o have_v give_v testimony_n to_o he_o and_o his_o divine_a write_n which_o may_v at_o least_o suffice_v to_o convince_v all_o contradictor_n that_o moses_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o before_o they_o all_o we_o understand_v that_o his_o reckon_n be_v a_o perpetual_a follow_v all_o the_o year_n since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n even_o unto_o his_o time_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o gather_v by_o his_o book_n and_o his_o account_n of_o the_o year_n and_o live_v of_o the_o first_o father_n from_o adam_n unto_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n and_o after_o from_o his_o successor_n as_o from_o father_n to_o son_n to_o wit_n isaac_n jacob_n levi_n caath_v amram_n and_o then_o aaron_n and_o moses_n himself_o child_n of_o the_o say_a amram_n and_o that_o he_o have_v express_a charge_n to_o write_v to_o the_o very_a last_o the_o year_n since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 2513._o and_o of_o his_o life_n the_o 80._o year_n and_o have_v continue_v his_o holy_a story_n even_o to_o the_o year_n of_o his_o death_n and_o of_o the_o world_n 2553._o now_o since_o that_o timeâ—_n god_n have_v always_o so_o provide_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n that_o the_o perpetual_a history_n of_o she_o and_o the_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v continue_v and_o still_o put_v in_o write_v by_o his_o prophet_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o holy_a book_n that_o treat_v of_o and_o contain_v the_o government_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n then_o to_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o transmigration_n into_o babylon_n and_o of_o other_o governor_n which_o have_v succeed_v they_o after_o their_o return_n from_o thence_o and_o final_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n have_v declare_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n that_o be_v the_o 490_o year_n since_o the_o say_a deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o return_v from_o babylon_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o cyrus_n 9_o king_n of_o persia_n even_o to_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n promise_v to_o the_o holy_a father_n which_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n who_o appear_v live_v after_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o faithful_a witness_n at_o one_o time_n â—_o 15._o beside_o his_o other_o manifestation_n and_o mount_v visible_o into_o heaven_n in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3961._o
second_o of_o that_o name_n surname_v philadelphus_n king_n of_o egypt_n of_o phoenicia_n and_o of_o cypress_n son_n of_o the_o first_o ptolomeus_n son_n of_o monarch_n lagus_n begin_v his_o reign_n in_o the_o 271_o year_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o ptolomeus_n philadelphus_n be_v endoctrine_v in_o the_o science_n of_o good_a letter_n by_o strabo_n the_o peripatetic_a in_o which_o he_o become_v so_o excellent_a that_o he_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o most_o accomplish_a prince_n of_o his_o time_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o he_o the_o most_o admirable_a be_v the_o bounty_n debonarity_n sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o his_o spirit_n accommodate_v with_o the_o manner_n and_o complexion_n of_o all_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a person_n by_o this_o mean_n he_o enter_v so_o far_o and_o before_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o every_o one_o in_o his_o thought_n wish_v he_o be_v king_n and_o his_o father_n know_v his_o right_n of_o succession_n be_v to_o be_v so_o and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o hope_n of_o he_o make_v he_o to_o be_v crown_v king_n and_o devest_v himself_o of_o all_o authority_n without_o reserve_v any_o power_n right_o or_o pre-eminence_n to_o himself_o only_o a_o superintendency_n over_o the_o guard_n of_o the_o king_n his_o son_n glorify_v to_o be_v father_n of_o such_o a_o king_n for_o the_o admiration_n he_o have_v of_o his_o high_a virtue_n kindle_v and_o give_v occasion_n between_o they_o both_o of_o a_o most_o kind_a contention_n in_o mutual_a office_n the_o son_n yield_v to_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n in_o all_o and_o by_o all_o through_o instinct_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n so_o they_o give_v lively_a touch_n one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o all_o reduceable_a fit_a office_n which_o be_v cause_n that_o the_o people_n conceive_v a_o great_a fidelity_n and_o amity_n towards_o they_o so_o as_o it_o seem_v even_o the_o divine_a providence_n prepare_v this_o noble_a spirit_n to_o introduce_v that_o great_a good_a among_o human_n as_o to_o make_v they_o participant_n of_o the_o law_n and_o divine_a illumination_n wherewith_o god_n have_v favour_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o seem_v that_o even_o then_o his_o almightiness_n make_v a_o preparative_n for_o the_o vocation_n of_o the_o ethnic_n and_o gentile_n by_o communication_n so_o of_o his_o holy_a law_n whereof_o ptolemy_n be_v the_o ordain_v minister_n to_o call_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n into_o egypt_n christendom_n to_o translate_v into_o the_o greek_a language_n which_o then_o be_v the_o most_o use_v and_o vulgar_a through_o the_o whole_a universe_n so_o as_o i_o be_o amaze_v at_o some_o fanatical_a spirit_n that_o hinder_v we_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v his_o word_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o people_n wheresoever_o as_o be_v appertain_v to_o every_o one_o in_o regard_n of_o salvation_n i_o will_v ask_v those_o man_n what_o language_n speak_v those_o dame_n of_o rome_n paula_n eustochina_fw-la melania_n susanna_n fabiola_n demetria_n furia_n flavia_n blesilla_n and_o other_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o who_o saint_n hierom_n translate_v many_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o strange_a tongue_n into_o latin_a which_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o say_a lady_n i_o will_v also_o know_v who_o be_v more_o wise_a or_o better_o inspire_v then_o st._n hierom_n further_o it_o seem_v they_o either_o be_v or_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o emperor_n justinian_n who_o ordain_v that_o those_o who_o sing_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o they_o shall_v sing_v high_a and_o so_o intelligible_a that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o to_o return_v to_o ptolemy_n he_o undertake_v to_o erect_v a_o library_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n of_o his_o realm_n alexandria_n the_o charge_n whereof_o he_o give_v to_o demetrius_n phalerius_n a_o prince_n and_o a_o athenian_a philosopher_n who_o erect_v it_o so_o sumptuous_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o it_o last_v until_o the_o first_o war_n of_o the_o roman_n against_o the_o alexandrian_n this_o king_n have_v to_o wife_n arsinoe_n to_o who_o he_o cause_v a_o statue_n to_o be_v raise_v in_o height_n four_o cubit_n of_o one_o entire_a stone_n call_v a_o topaz_n the_o which_o have_v be_v give_v to_o bernice_n the_o mother_n of_o ptolemy_n by_o a_o prince_n name_v philemon_n 2._o of_o aristeus_n the_o author_n of_o this_o history_n aristeus_n the_o near_a kinsman_n and_o friend_n of_o king_n ptolomeus_n philadelphus_n be_v name_v by_o mosi_fw-la st._n hierom_n ptolemy_n hyperaspistes_n the_o shield_n of_o the_o king_n or_o he_o that_o defend_v the_o king_n with_o his_o shield_n or_o bearer_n of_o the_o shield_n royal_a which_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o he_o hold_v some_o such_o place_n about_o the_o king_n his_o master_n as_o we_o call_v at_o this_o day_n the_o great_a esquire_n of_o the_o king_n body_n he_o be_v the_o principal_a solicitor_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o then_o be_v hold_v slave_n throughout_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o ptolemy_n for_o he_o make_v the_o first_o request_n for_o they_o and_o obtain_v it_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v send_v ambassador_n with_o andrea_n prince_n of_o the_o guard_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n unto_o jerusalem_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o highpriest_n eleazar_n who_o send_v to_o the_o king_n ptolomeus_n six_o doctor_n of_o every_o tribe_n to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o translation_n and_o version_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o moses_n he_o write_v diligent_o his_o voyage_n where_o he_o show_v open_o how_o and_o by_o what_o course_n those_o seventy_o two_o interpreter_n behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o say_a book_n 1._o some_o have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o they_o translate_v all_o the_o bible_n but_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o many_o that_o 2._o they_o translate_v but_o the_o five_o book_n that_o be_v genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n and_o deuteronomy_n which_o they_o call_v the_o pentateuck_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o aristeus_n speak_v but_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o they_o touch_v the_o book_n historical_a nor_o the_o prophet_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o aristeus_n will_v not_o have_v be_v silent_a thereof_o moreover_o that_o which_o they_o translate_v be_v finish_v in_o the_o space_n of_o seventy_o two_o day_n which_o be_v about_o two_o month_n and_o a_o half_a and_o that_o be_v a_o time_n too_o small_a and_o therefore_o impossible_a to_o translate_v all_o the_o old_a testament_n nevertheless_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o turn_n of_o other_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seventy_o two_o interpreter_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v not_o then_o do_v in_o egypt_n unless_o that_o after_o they_o be_v return_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o translate_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n although_o both_o in_o that_o and_o other_o opinion_n i_o submit_v i_o to_o the_o deliberation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o i_o will_v not_o stray_v but_o however_o this_o translation_n be_v manifest_o miraculous_a which_o be_v sufficient_o show_v by_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o allegation_n of_o the_o law_n use_v the_o version_n of_o these_o seventy_o two_o interpreter_n i_o have_v speak_v these_o few_o word_n of_o aristeus_n to_o the_o end_n the_o reader_n shall_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v that_o aristeus_n proconensis_fw-la that_o can_v be_v invisible_a when_o he_o list_v make_v folk_n believe_v that_o he_o can_v die_v and_o rise_v again_o when_o he_o will_v of_o who_o speak_v suidas_n herodotus_n pliny_n and_o plutarch_n in_o the_o life_n of_o romulus_n 3._o of_o eleazar_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n eleazar_n of_o who_o aristeus_n make_v mention_v be_v brother_n of_o simon_n surname_v the_o just_a he_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o his_o brother_n simon_n in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o ptolemy_n lagus_n first_o of_o that_o name_n 35._o be_v make_v chief_a of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o reason_n that_o onias_n son_n of_o simon_n his_o brother_n be_v uncapable_a of_o succeed_v in_o his_o father_n place_n as_o be_v under_o age_n this_o eleazar_n therefore_o receive_v the_o honour_n that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o holy_a translation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v by_o the_o seventy_o two_o doctor_n that_o he_o seâ—t_v to_o ptolomeus_n second_o of_o that_o name_n king_n of_o egypt_n as_o aristeus_n have_v leave_v by_o write_v 4._o of_o demetrius_n phalerius_n demetrius_n phalerius_n be_v a_o athenian_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n as_o cicero_n note_v in_o the_o
man_n of_o war_n of_o the_o say_a country_n under_o their_o power_n and_o all_o the_o province_n reduce_v to_o obedience_n intend_v then_o to_o do_v and_o render_v right_o to_o every_o one_o universal_o and_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o receive_v injury_n from_o the_o unjust_a power_n of_o other_o moreover_o to_o search_v diligent_o and_o particular_o into_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v right_o and_o equity_n and_o to_o prefer_v piety_n and_o religion_n before_o all_o thing_n our_o will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v that_o all_o jew_n whatsoever_o be_v bond_n and_o slave_n within_o this_o realm_n in_o what_o part_n soever_o they_o be_v find_v be_v it_o in_o the_o colony_n or_o elsewhere_o or_o be_v it_o in_o whatsoever_o manner_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o our_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v deliver_v enfranchise_a and_o set_v at_o liberty_n for_o we_o be_v please_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o do_v and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o person_n shall_v be_v interest_v or_o receive_v damage_n we_o 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a_o business_n without_o write_v as_o well_o for_o great_a state_n and_o ceremony_n as_o also_o that_o belief_n may_v more_o certain_o be_v give_v thereto_o therefore_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v as_o it_o be_v have_v all_o before_o your_o eye_n â—_o will_v here_o insert_v the_o tenor_n and_o copy_n of_o the_o request_v make_v to_o the_o king_n by_z demetrius_z and_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v send_v for_o those_o that_o be_v franchise_v so_o as_o you_o may_v see_v the_o number_n and_o of_o what_o quality_n they_o be_v and_o according_a to_o the_o trade_n and_o profession_n by_o which_o they_o be_v distinguish_v and_o how_o they_o be_v register_v and_o enrol_v the_o copy_n of_o demetrius_n his_o request_n to_o the_o king_n be_v this_o the_o request_n of_o demetrius_n phalerius_n to_o the_o king_n ptolomeus_n philadelphus_n great_a sir_n since_o it_o have_v please_v you_o to_o give_v i_o command_v to_o search_v in_o all_o place_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o book_n to_o replenish_v and_o adorn_v your_o library_n i_o have_v think_v it_o fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o we_o procure_v and_o get_v the_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o be_v yet_o want_v and_o unfurnish_a of_o and_o because_o the_o say_a book_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v write_v in_o hebrew_a character_n peculiar_a and_o best_a know_v to_o the_o jew_n alone_o and_o therefore_o not_o yet_o fall_v into_o your_o royal_a hand_n nevertheless_o that_o they_o may_v be_v gain_v and_o rank_v among_o your_o other_o volume_n partly_o for_o the_o wisdom_n contain_v therein_o partly_o for_o their_o sublimity_n and_o divine_a height_n of_o matter_n of_o which_o poet_n and_o historian_n make_v often_o mention_n as_o very_o profitable_a to_o instruct_v to_o good_a manner_n to_o form_n and_o address_v the_o republic_n into_o the_o fair_a shape_n of_o government_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o man_n therein_o mention_v the_o dignity_n of_o matter_n therein_o treat_v as_o suida_n hecateus_n abderita_n plain_o testify_v these_o thing_n serious_o consider_v great_a king_n it_o will_v do_v well_o may_v it_o please_v you_o to_o write_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o high_a priest_n there_o that_o he_o will_v send_v you_o six_o man_n of_o every_o tribe_n or_o line_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o good_a part_n and_o quality_n of_o venerable_a age_n best_a acquaint_v and_o verse_v in_o their_o own_o law_n that_o be_v all_o able_a translator_n they_o may_v with_o judgement_n choice_o select_a and_o cull_v that_o course_n of_o expression_n which_o may_v be_v of_o a_o piece_n and_o harmonious_o agree_v among_o themselves_o and_o this_o do_v great_a sir_n shall_v hope_v you_o may_v accomplish_v a_o course_n worthy_a of_o so_o excellent_a a_o design_n and_o at_o last_o suit_v well_o with_o with_o your_o desire_n the_o king_n have_v read_v this_o request_n order_v letter_n shall_v be_v draw_v and_o send_v to_o eleazar_n the_o high_a priest_n about_o this_o matter_n in_o which_o be_v signify_v to_o he_o the_o deliverance_n oâ—_n the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivityâ—_n with_o the_o letter_n he_o ordain_v also_o to_o be_v make_v ready_a cup_n vessel_n anâ—_n a_o table_n of_o pure_a gold_n with_o fifty_o talent_n of_o gold_n and_o seventy_o of_o silâ—ver_n for_o oblation_n there_o to_o be_v offer_v with_o many_o precious_a jewel_n and_o stoneâ—_n of_o very_a great_a value_n commandâ—ing_v the_o goldsmith_n to_o finish_v these_o thing_n with_o all_o speed_n and_o the_o moneâ—_n in_o talent_n for_o the_o oblation_n to_o bâ—_n raise_v forthwith_o and_o because_o yoâ—_n shall_v at_o large_a understand_v the_o king_n alacrity_n in_o this_o affair_n i_o send_v yoâ—_n here_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n thâ—_n king_n write_v whereof_o the_o tenor_n iâ—_n as_o follow_v king_n ptolomeus_n philadelphus_n to_o eleazar_n high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n consider_v the_o great_a multitude_n of_o jew_n inhabit_v within_o our_o territory_n of_o 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with_o reason_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n who_o the_o impetuosity_n cruelty_n and_o disorder_n of_o war_n have_v disturb_v and_o divert_v from_o right_a and_o equity_n in_o which_o we_o think_v to_o have_v do_v a_o good_a and_o pious_a act_n and_o a_o work_n grateful_a to_o the_o great_a god_n for_o all_o the_o great_a favour_n receive_v of_o his_o hand_n make_v he_o this_o offer_n for_o have_v signalise_v above_o all_o the_o world_n this_o our_o kingdom_n with_o a_o most_o flourish_a peace_n tranquillity_n and_o eminent_a renown_n and_o such_o other_o as_o have_v be_v slave_n and_o bondman_n in_o our_o army_n we_o have_v appoint_v soldier_n in_o our_o militia_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v find_v more_o worthy_a for_o their_o faith_n and_o fidelity_n we_o have_v make_v commander_n and_o prefer_v they_o to_o our_o court._n
great_a king_n as_o one_o may_v perceive_v in_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o send_v you_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n in_o all_o your_o affair_n to_o the_o other_o the_o five_o and_o sixty_v question_n which_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o the_o people_n either_o to_o choose_v over_o they_o a_o king_n from_o a_o private_a person_n or_o to_o obey_v a_o king_n that_o be_v son_n to_o a_o king_n the_o resolution_n the_o most_o profitable_a to_o the_o people_n be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o nature_n for_o although_o that_o some_o king_n son_n be_v sometime_o oppressor_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o those_o which_o from_o private_a person_n come_v to_o be_v exalt_v to_o such_o sublimity_n and_o greatness_n because_o they_o have_v experience_v poverty_n and_o endure_v calamity_n and_o laborious_a travel_n of_o private_a person_n they_o be_v more_o cruel_a than_o bloody_a tyrant_n and_o rule_v their_o subject_n by_o force_n and_o intolerable_a violence_n 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business_n which_o i_o have_v do_v for_o the_o great_a esteem_n i_o have_v have_v of_o such_o man_n and_o of_o their_o wisdom_n marvel_v at_o the_o readiness_n of_o their_o answer_n be_v so_o pertinent_a to_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o sudden_a show_v such_o elegance_n in_o their_o speech_n as_o if_o these_o question_n have_v be_v long_a time_n in_o premeditation_n and_o that_o he_o who_o propose_v they_o have_v think_v of_o they_o long_o before_o he_o demand_v they_o and_o yet_o their_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v find_v so_o agreeable_a as_o if_o they_o have_v long_o before_o consult_v together_o about_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o seem_v admirable_a not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o to_o the_o philosopher_n also_o and_o to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v present_a assure_v you_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v more_o hard_a to_o believe_v than_o one_o will_v imagine_v in_o which_o i_o will_v not_o wonder_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o reader_n 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give_v belief_n to_o his_o history_n although_o some_o doctor_n â—herein_o vary_v a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o inspire_a writer_n the_o prophet_n moses_n by_o the_o english_a translator_n as_o the_o true_a god_n be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n and_o time_n so_o it_o please_v he_o that_o his_o perpetual_a history_n contain_v 〈◊〉_d holy_a scripture_n shall_v excel_v in_o antiquity_n of_o time_n all_o other_o history_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o can_v be_v â—â—und_v the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o nation_n be_v all_o under_o these_o and_o long_o â—â—ter_a and_o that_o only_a of_o moses_n the_o subâ—â—ct_n of_o this_o former_a history_n contain_v the_o account_v of_o year_n just_o from_o the_o creation_n and_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n even_o unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o promise_a redeemer_n a_o reckon_n i_o say_v so_o just_a and_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o 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and_o humane_a chronicle_n or_o other_o writer_n that_o have_v not_o entire_o follow_v holy_a scripture_n who_o be_v discordant_a amongst_o themselves_o and_o many_o time_n direct_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o time_n therefore_o if_o we_o diligent_o search_v all_o antiquity_n and_o write_n of_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o certain_a time_n wherein_o those_o write_n be_v make_v and_o after_o confer_v those_o time_n with_o the_o thing_n recite_v and_o enregister_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n moses_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o write_v they_o we_o shall_v see_v manifest_o â—he_n excellency_n and_o antiquity_n that_o he_o be_v herein_o above_o all_o man_n for_o the_o fable_n and_o disguisement_n of_o profane_a poet_n greek_n and_o latin_n which_o all_o come_v a_o long_a time_n after_o moses_n among_o they_o i_o say_v we_o shall_v see_v no_o other_o but_o manife_a dream_n lie_n and_o among_o other_o thing_n notable_a some_o corruption_n of_o
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burn_v and_o extermine_v from_o the_o world_n the_o book_n of_o it_o and_o for_o all_o thereto_o they_o have_v so_o long_a time_n yet_o nevertheless_o they_o never_o can_v nor_o ever_o shall_v for_o we_o see_v the_o say_a bible_n yet_o in_o his_o proper_a write_n and_o language_n and_o of_o all_o other_o of_o what_o nation_n soever_o the_o most_o celebrate_a and_o renown_a and_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o history_n which_o have_v be_v write_v before_o moses_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o shall_v it_o contain_v their_o time_n and_o composition_n with_o more_o year_n and_o age_n as_o we_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n even_o to_o this_o present_a year_n 1633_o since_o the_o nativity_n of_o christ._n the_o which_o account_n of_o time_n pass_v from_o the_o creation_n unto_o this_o present_a year_n shall_v come_v to_o amount_v to_o 5563_o year_n but_o such_o history_n neither_o can_v be_v find_v nor_o ever_o be_v but_o for_o moses_n and_o his_o faithful_a 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