TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND REVEREND

LORD HYACINTH LOUIS

DE QUELEN,

Archbishop of Paris.

2 3 8 4 2 1 8 These handwritten digits appear to be later additions, perhaps library shelf marks or calculation jottings.

As I contemplated a new edition of the Septuagint The "Septuagint" refers to the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, traditionally attributed to seventy-two scholars., a twofold plan presented itself to me, which I hope you will approve, Most Reverend Prelate. The first was to rescue from the injury of oblivion such a distinguished work of antiquity—one celebrated with so many songs of praise even before the time of Christ, and in later centuries restored to its original purity by Sixtus V, the Supreme Pontiff Pope Sixtus V (reigned 1585–1590) oversaw a famous 1587 edition of the Septuagint based on the Vatican Codex., for the glory of religion, the utility of theologians, and the progress of the entire Christian world. The second was that, according to my strength—or rather, according to my modest ability—I might contribute some small measure to the study of Sacred Scripture. These studies have been disturbed by the storms of so many wars, but at last, through the care and diligence of our bishops, and especially by your command, patronage, and protection, Most Distinguished Prelate, they have been so revived that a certain hope shines upon the Gallican clergy The "Gallican clergy" refers to the Catholic Church in France. that from this effort, the seed of those men shall be raised up again who once filled not only France, but the entire world, with the fame of their learning and the fragrance of their virtues. To achieve this most desired end, there is, in my opinion, nothing more suitable than this work which, dedicated to Your Highness, I pray you will hold as pleasing and welcome. Indeed, as the students of the seminaries apply themselves to it—during that time when they are nourished by the milk of the Divine Word and exercised in every branch of science and literature—they will learn the Greek language, in which the most distinguished monuments of the Christian faith and human genius resonate. From this, a most fortunate path will be opened for them to the interpretation of secular authors, and what is to be valued even more, to the Holy Fa- original: "SS. Pa-" likely "Sanctos Patres" or "Holy Fathers" of the Church.