Ancient

We present a page, preceding Genesis, from an old Bible printed in 1582, which is 263 years old. We have no facsimile of the border or type, but follow the arrangement and spelling.

Of the incomparable treasure of the holy Scriptures,

with a prayer for the true vse of

the same.

Esai.12 3.&49 Here is the spring where waters flowe,

10.reue.21.16 to quenche our heate of sinne:

&22.17. Here is the tree where trueth doth grow,

Ierem.33.15 to leade our liues therein:

psal.119.160. Here is the iudge that stintes the strife,

reu.2.7.&22.2 when mens deuices faile:

psal.119.142, Here is the bread that feedes the life,

144. Iob.6.35. that death cannot assaile.

Luk.2.10. The tidings of salutation deare,

comes to our eares from hence:

Ephes 6.16. The fortresse of our faith is here,

and shield of our defence.

Matth.7.6. Then be not like the hogge that hath

2 Peter 2:22. a pearle at his desire,

And takes more pleasure of the trough

Psal.119.27, and wallowing in the mire.

73. Reade not this booke in any case,

but with a single eye;

Reade not but first desire Gods grace,

Iude.20. to vnderstand thereby.

Psal.119.11. Pray stil in faith with this respect,

to fructifie therein,

Ioshua.1.8. That knowledge my bring this effect,

Psal.1.1,2. to mortifie thy sinne.

Psal.94.12,13. Then happie thou in all thy life,

what so to thee befalles:

Yea, double happie shalt thou be,

when God by Death thee calles.

O Gracious God and most mercifull Father, which hast vouchsafed us the rich and precious Iewel of thy holy word, assist vs with thy Spirit, that it may be written in our hearts to our euerlasting comfort, to reforme us, to renew vs according to thine owne Image, to build vs up, and edifie us into the perfect building of thy Christ, sanctifying and encreasing in vs all heavenly vertues. Graunt this O heauenly Father, for Iesus Christs sake. Amen.