Note 31 — Library of Lambeth Palace.

This rare and beautiful volume is the first edition of the Genevan version of the New Testament. It is also the first in which the verses are distinguished. It is to be observed, that the translation differs from that which three years afterwards was printed at the same place, together with the Old Testament. This book is in a small and beautiful Roman character, with the marginal Notes in a smaller Roman letter; but the heads of the chapters and scripture references are in italics. The verses are divided by figures as at present; and this is the first edition in which such a division occurs. A full page contains 37 lines. The title, ornamented by a neat wood-cut representing Time drawing Truth from a cave, runneth thus: “The newe Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ, conferred diligently with the Greke, and best approved translations. With the arguments, aswel before the chapters as for every Boke & Epistle, also diversities of readings, and moste proffitable annotations of all harde places: wherunto is added a copious table.” “At Geneva, Printed by Conrad Badius, M.DLVII.” On the reverse of the title appears “The order of the bookes of the New Testament.” Then follows “An Epistle declaring that Christ is the end of the Lawe by John Calvin,” occupying eight leaves. The address “To the reader,” which follows upon two leaves, is succeeded by “The argument of the Gospel,” one leaf. St. Matthew and the other Evangelists, &c. occupy the leaves numbered from i. to ccccxxx. The table and supputation of the years from Adam to Christ, fol. ccccxxxi.–ccccli. On the last leaf is the Colophon. “Printed by Conrad Badius,” “M.D.LVII. this X of June.” On the reverse are the Errata.