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Propositions concerning the Printing of the Bible in the Original and other Learned Languages.
WHereas the former Editions though lesse perfect, and not so fit for use, have been Print∣ed 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 advan∣cing of Moneys 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 Moneys shall be raised, shall be paid into the Hands of William Humble of Lon∣don Esquire, Treasurer for this purpose, who will be accomptable for the Moneys received, and will give receipts to every one that shall pay in any Moneys, 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 as soon 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 Moneys shall be payed.
3. The Treasurer shall not issue any Moneys, 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 Moneys 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 Co∣pies 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 pre∣sent, 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 10 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 moneys so advanced shall for the Eaese and Se∣curity of the Advancers be paid thus: only a fifth part in hand, and the rest in 4 six moneths, and at every six moneths Payment, Account shall be given of the Moneys formerly paid, and of the Progress of the Work, and then they may also receive such Volumes as 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 Vo∣lume. And if 50 li. shall be raised by several persons, the sixth Copy shall be to him that procureth their subscriptions.
7. The persons that will assist in preparing of Copies, correcting the Presse, over seeing and managing the work, or otherwise in furthering the Edition, are D. Stokes, Mr. Whillock, Mr. Thorndike, Mr. Ed∣ward Pococke, Mr. Buckley, 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 other wise hindred, some other shall be nominated, for carrying on the work, wherein the Advice of the L. Primate, M. Selden, D. Shelden, D. Sanderson, D. Stern, D. Hammond, D. Fearne, 〈1 span left blank〉〈1 span left blank〉 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 paid in to finish the first Volume. viz. the Penta∣teuch, 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 Moneys to be advanced, may be at or before the first of May, 1653. and if it shall appear there is enough to print the First Volume, viz. the Pentateuch the work shall be begun as soon as things needful can be prepared, which is hoped will be within three Moneths then next folowing, and within three Years after, it is hoped the whole work will be perfected: (two Presses being kept at work.)
10. Whatsoever shall be further reasonably devised or propounded for the better managing and car∣rying on of the Works, and securing of all Persons interested, shall be willingly assented unto.