A Brief Discourse Concerning PRINTING AND PRINTERS.  
Aliis serviemus, nosmetipsos conterimus.  
LONDON: Printed for a Society of PRINTERS. MDCLXIII.   

A Brief DISCOURSE Concerning PRINTING AND PRINTERS.  

NOt to insist here, upon the time when, place where, and manner how Printing was invented; let it suffice to speak of the time of its bringing hither, the entertainment it had here, the progress it made, the abuses it hath suffered, and the encouragement (under favour) it ought to have among us.  
John Stow in his Annals, p. 404. tells us, that it was brought into England by one William Caxton a Mercer of London, circa Anno Dom. 1471. which was the eleventh year of the Reign of Edward the fourth.  
Hither being come, you may judge how the Learned of that Age esteemed it, by the reception they gave it; not permitting it to take up its abode in common and ordinary houses, but receiving it into their Monasteries, as if they intended to make it a part of their own studies; which it seems they did for some time, it being practised not only in the Abbey of S. Peter in Westminster, but in that of S. Augustine's in Canterbury, S. Alban, and others.  
Thus it continued thirteen years, or thereabout, without any considerable improvement, as to Englishmen. And therefore (that such a Talon might no longer lie hidden as it were in a Napkin, but be employed for common good) in the first year of King Richard the third, in an Act of Parliament made (amongst other things) for restraint of Aliens from using any Handicrafts here (except as servants to Natives) a special Proviso was inserted, That strangers might bring Printed or Written Books to sell at their pleasure, and exercise the Art of Printing here, any thing in that Act to the contrary notwithstanding: and this done (as is intimated in the Preamble of the Act of 25 H. 8. for repealing the said Proviso) not only that the Kingdom might not want the benefit of so excellent an Invention, but that the Natives might thereby gain an insight into the same.  
And Englishmen proving good proficients, in the space of thirty years they were grown so numerous, as to furnish the Kingdom with Books; and so skilful, as to Print them as well as any beyond the Seas; as is attested by the said Act of 25 H. 8. which abrogates the said Proviso for that reason. And, the better to encourage and secure the Native Printers in the exercise of their new-acquired Faculty (as also the Book Binder's) it was in the said Statute further Enacted, that if any person bought foreign Books bound, he should pay 6 s.— 8 d. per Book for every Book so bought: the like for any that bought any Printed Books of strangers, except in gross: with a Proviso against the enhancing the prices of Books, as in that Statute at large appears.  
Thus we see that Printing was received into the Church in its infancy in this Nation; where having been nursed till it could creep abroad, the King and State took care of it when abroad: using strangers as Crutches to support it when weak, and securing it when strengthened, from being beaten with the same.  
Printing being thus improved, and secured from foreign invasion, it continued for many years in the hands of Englishmen at large. But afterwards, in the 3d and 4th years of Philip and Mary, they were concorporated together with Stationers, or Booksellers, by the name of The Company of Stationers. Which constitution, and concorporation, although it were without doubt made in favour of Printers, and for their encouragement and security (after the example of former Kings, as before is shown) yet, where interest and prejudice sways not, it will be judged rather destructive and mischievous then otherwise, by any that understand the case; at least, if perhaps it might conduce to their well-being then, when the Booksellers were very few, and as inconsiderable, and so the Printers sufficient to hold the balance even, yea, to turn the scale with them; yet, the case being now much altered, the constitution ought also to be changed: and Printers being (as aforesaid) freed from the intrusions of foreign Nations, should not, in reason, be enslaved by the encroachments of Natives, nor suffer that which was intended for their benefit, to turn to their destruction; and so lose the fruition of the good designed by the several Laws made in their favour, and without doubt intended by that Charter.  
I say, now the case is altered: for whereas when the Grant was made, Booksellers were very few, (as indeed they have been within man's memory) and those few not considerable (nor could they, in regard that all ancient Books of worth were Printers Copies) now they are multiplied exceedingly (how much in so long a time, we may guess by what we have seen in our short time:) and whereas at first they were but as an Appendix to the Printers, and (as cyphers) stood but to make up a number; now they are grown so bulky and numerous (together with many of several other Trades that they have taken in) and so considerable withal, (being much enriched by Printers impoverishment, and chief built upon their ruins) that there is hardly one Printer to ten others that have a share in the Government of the Company; and those that have, either dare not stand for the Interest of Printing, for fear of losing a Workmaster; or will not, because they have an interest among them; or if they do, it signifies nothing, in such a disparity of number.  
But they may object, why should you envy our prosperity, or grudge at our growth? why did ye not look better to yourselves, and keep what ye had gotten?  
To this objection Printers may answer, That though they ought not to envy or grudge at the prosperity of others, (no, not of the wicked) yet they ought not to neglect their own, nor suffer themselves to be trodden down by the insolence of others. And as for looking to themselves, they might have done it, had they been by themselves: but being yoked to the Booksellers, and having no other support but their authority, it hath proved a broken staff, and like the reed of Egypt, which whilst Printers have leaned upon, it hath pierced them thorough. For when other Artificers could retain their freedom, and enjoy their immunities, notwithstanding the confusions of the late disorderly times, the Printers were the only men liable to irregularities among themselves, and usurpations and intrusions from others; while the Stationers (who have got the Rule by such means as aforesaid) either would not or could not afford any redress, or use means to repress or prevent any disorder: (yet never failed to exact their accustomed pretended deuce from all such their members, to the utmost.) Yea, so far were they from redressing the Printers wrongs, or vindicating their rights, that some of themselves took upon themselves the exercise of their function, and as if that had not been enough, one that was a foreigner, having no relation to this or any other trade, had a freedom given him gratis, to enable him to usurp the exercise of the Printers calling. And at last, to complete the abuse, and to encourage others in the like, they erect a Printing-house by a joint stock of their own, and call it, The Companies House; wherein (for several years) they robbed the lawful Printers of as much of their employment as would have maintained many of their families. Which example of theirs, was after followed by a person as extraneous, by the erection of another Printing house; which although it were to a noble end, was no less irregular, and injurious to Printers: whom yet Printers cannot blame, since all their fences being trodden down, even by such as ought to have upheld and repaired them, no marvel if strangers mistook their Pasture for a Common. Yea, by these means their whole tribe were grown to such a height of insolency, that if a Printer presumed to contend with them about the price of work, and would not take their rates, the meanest of them would menace him with having a Printing-house of his own.  
Thus it was with Printers; and being thus, no marvel they are reduced to such a pass as they are. For whereas formerly (even in the last age) they were Alderman's fellows, and lived above the temptations of a necessitous condition; now (except one or two of the old stock, and a few others that raised themselves by the late times) they are so far from having considerable estates, that they can hardly subsist in credit to maintain their families. Neither can it be otherwise, when they that should have upheld them, have not only suffered them to fall, yea thus pulled them down with both their hands; but lest they should rise again, continue by all means to keep them down, in the abridging of their prices, and the uncertainty of their payments.  
And thus come Printers to be choosed (as they call their overreaching one another) of all the most considerable Copies: for since these disorders, when an ancient Master-Printer died, and his Copies were exposed to sale, few or none of the young ones were of ability to deal for them, nor indeed for any other. So that the Booksellers having engrossed almost all, it is become a question among them, whether a Printer ought to have any Copy or no: or if he have, they (keeping the Register) will hardly enter it; or if they do, they and their accomplices will use all means to disparage it, if not downright counterfeit it.  
If it be said (as they commonly do) that they had not power to prevent or redress the irregularities of Printing, or to keep out intruders; it may be answered, That they had power (if they had not wanted something else) not to have done that themselves, which they could not help in others. But had they not power? how then could they demand or expect obedience? If Protection and Subjection are reciprocal, they that cannot afford the one, ought not to exact the other.  
But they may say what they will, we see and feel what they have done. And now I leave it to the consideration of all uninterested persons, whether those that for the time passed have thus improved their opportunity of tyrannising over Printers, aught to have the Government of them for the future, when the like opportunity cannot be wanting, as the constitution now is, they having gotten the start of them both as to number and estates. Yea, as to number, they may if they please still increase adinfinitum; which Printers cannot, but must lie under a restraint in that respect: which is no small argument of the absurdity and unnaturalness of their Concorporation; since in all sound Bodies, the natural growth is in all members proportionable; and where it is otherwise, it is esteemed monstrous.  
But more particularly: there are two things that render any man or men uncapable of trust or oversight.  

1. Ignorance in the thing entrusted.  
2. A contrary interest thereunto.   
That the Stationers or Booksellers are incapable of the Rule of Printers upon both these accounts, is not hard to evince.  
For the first: They must needs be ignorant of Printing, because never instructed in it, or brought up to it. For the manifold mysteries of that exquisite Art are not so easily discovered, or so quickly made practicable, but that the time of an Apprenticeship is little enough for the acquisition of the same.  
And this want of knowledge in the Art, incapacities them to govern the Artists, upon a double account; since a more than ordinary inspection ought to be made into it, for two Reasons.  
1. Because the Art itself is more than ordinarily curious, insomuch that many of those that have served Apprenticeships to it, and spent many years in the practice of it, are yet to seek in the most material requisites of a good workman. But if we grant it to be but ordinary, surely it is not so mean, as to be devested of that privilege which all other Societies enjoy; witness the custom of London. But it is absurd and ridiculous for any to have the rule or oversight of that which they have no insight in: as well may a blind man judge of colours, or a deaf man of sounds. A controversy may arise betwixt Artist and Artist, which referred to those that govern, might prevent vexatious Lawsuits; but if the Governors understand not the thing in difference, how can they decide the controversy?  
2. Printing requires a more than ordinary inspection, because of the great influence it hath upon the Public peace and safety, which is very much endangered by its irregularity, and which ought by all means possible to be preserved. Now by how much the more evil or danger there is in the miscarriage of a business, so much more care ought to be had in the management of that business: and the not due inspection of Printing being of such dangerous consequence, surely it ought to be committed to them that have the most perfect understanding thereof, and not to those that can pretend to no knowledge therein.  
But to salve this, they say, We take Printers with us when we go to search; (whereby (by the way) they acknowledge their own insufficiency.)  
That frequent and diligent searching and overlooking of Printing-houses, is the only way to keep Printing in order, I think cannot be denied. And since this cannot be done without Printers, why should not they only be entrusted therewith? Again, in matters of great trust, it is not enough that a person skilled in the affairs entrusted, be employed therein; that person must also receive suitable countenance and encouragement in the discharge of his trust, or it may justly be feared his faithfulness will soon fail: and therefore the Law and Custom hath made provision in all like cases, to cut off such occasions, and to remove such temptations, the better to secure the end of the trust. And is the great trust of the oversight of the Press like to be well discharged, when they that are only capable thereof must have no hand therein, but at the appointment of such whose interest it is to keep both Printing and Printers in confusion and disorder? All men naturally as free Agents propound some benefit to arise from all their actions, which is the motive to their thorough and ready performance of such actions. But when they can propound no such end to themselves, they either do not act at all, or no further than they are forced; especially if it be so far from procuring benefit, that it brings mischief with it: as in our case, should Printers (as now constituted) use their utmost skill and care in discovering the abuses of the Press, the Stationers would have the credit and honour of it, and be reckoned the only loyal and industrious men; and thereupon get new privileges, together with the confirmation of their old; and the Printers so far from being benefited by it, that it would only the better enable the Stationers to keep them under.  
And truly the case being thus, here is not only a temptation, but a ground for Printers (self-preservation being natural) to do the work either not at all, or but by halfs.  
But to this it may be said, They may employ some certain Printer, giving him good encouragement, either to accompany them in their searches, or to go alone.  
To which I answer: This were mercenary, and here would be place for bribing; and he that sees largest, should be the most spared, or the oftenest have pre-intelligence of searches, to evade them. And this would be far enough from answering the end of Regulation.  
But than it may be objected, If ye would have neither Stationers, nor Stationers and Printer, nor Printer alone, who should be employed in the oversight of Printing?  
Answ. I would have the oversight of Printing committed to Printers only; and not only so, but to Printers as Printers, and not to Printers as Stationers.  

Two reasons enforce this: the first respecting the prevention of Printing scandalous and mischievous Books; the other regarding the better Printing of all Books.  
For the first, it hath been showed already how ineffectual it is for any other but Artists to take the oversight of Printing, and how easily the inspection of strangers may be eluded by any that have a mind to make a sinister use of that Art; and likewise how little better it is to call Printers to the assistance of others, since they are like to be but cold in their scrutiny, when their discoveries shall redound nothing to their own profit or reputation, but to the advantage of those that call them, whose hands will be thereby the more strengthened against them. It hath been showed also how much less available it will be to employ a Mercenary in the case. So that Blasphemy against God, and Treason against the King; Error and Heresy in the Church, and Faction and Sedition in the State, may still be (as it is and hath been) broached and fomented by the Press, for any thing to the contrary can be done by the present establishment, wherein they that only have the capacity, have neither authority nor encouragement to discover and prevent such abuses; I mean, the Printers, who were they encouraged, as they are only able, so they would be engaged both in Honour and Interest to be faithful in the discharge thereof.  
1. In honour: it would free them from the many clamours that lie against them. For at the first sight of any thing in print that is offensive, who is cried out upon but the Printer, yea, all Printers, as if they were the most wretched of men! So that it is almost a shame to own that most noble Profession. Whereas indeed (as now) Printers are not Printers; that is, they have no power as a Society to rectify disorders in Printing; and so bear the blame of that they cannot help. Besides, such enormities are generally committed by such as have irregularly crept into the exercise of the Art, in the want of a due establishment: neither do such transgressors ever want encouragers to begin, or chapmen to vend such ware when finished, among the Stationers.  
2. It would be for the interest of Printers to keep their Faculty in due order, since it would both prevent their damage, and procure them again: both which concern Printers in this case.  

1. It would prevent the damage that might accrue by the displeasure or disobligement of the King that entrusts them; who in case of failer might resume his power, or exact such Fines as might be made the condition of their standing.  
2. It would procure the gain of the King's favour (which Solomon tells us what it is 
* Pro. 10.35 16.15.10.12. ) whereby it is hoped such further privileges and immunities might be obtained, as might set both Art and Artists above that disdain and contumely under which it and they are now subjected; so that of contemptible, it may become honourable; of despicable, desirable; and such as are free of it, may be free indeed, and not manumitted (as of late) from the service of one Master, to the slavery of many Tyrants.    

For, if Stationers have obtained so many and great favours upon the account of Printing (which yet they have not in any measure been able to manage to the promoting of the King's interest) much more shall the Artists themselves find favour with his Majesty, when they shall be in a capacity to give testimony of their abilities, usefulness and diligence in that service, and the preservation of the peace of the Kingdom, wherein the well management of their Art is so much concerned.  
Again, as it is the only effectual way for the prevention or discovery of evil and mischievous Books; so also to procure the well doing of all Books. There is a clamour (and that not unjustly) against English Printing, because we Print not so well here as they beyond the Seas. Many reasons are assigned. Some fault the Paper, and some the Ink; some say it is in the Water, others in the Letter; and a third sort, in the Workmen: but it seems to be taken for granted by all, to be impossible to Print here so well as there; whereas the defect is not necessary, but accidental. It is granted, that the generality of our Printing falls short of theirs beyond Sea. But that it must necessarily do so, I deny; forasmuch as some of our Printing at this day equals theirs; and the generality came not short of them in former times, even in the infancy of Printing in England, as is witnessed by that Statute of 25 H. 8. So that the fault lies not in the things before alleged, but in something else, even in the want of encouragement, and due looking to. For, those that escaped ruin by our disorders, and are in a capacity to undertake generous designs in Printing, carry them on as credibly and as gracefully now, as any beyond Sea; and so might the rest, were they in the like condition. But the Stationer's having usurped our Calling, and encouraged, yea hired others so to do, and thereby increased our number beyond measure, and consequently brought our rates so low, as not to afford good Materials, or engage good Workmen; hence comes Printing to be at this pass. Which they regard not; for the most of them little regard how ill their work be done, so it be cheap done.  
Now as a due establishment of Printers upon a right ground would put them in a better capacity of obtaining Materials and suitable requisites for their Calling: so would it enable those to whom the oversight should fall, from time to time, to look after such as are ignorant, careless, or negligent in the duties of their Calling.  
Thus having showed the Stationer's ignorance in Printing, and consequently their incapacity of the oversight thereof: let us now consider their interest; and if that be found to oppose the good both of Printing and Printers, I think there needs no other Argument (had we no more) to prove them unfit to be Governors in the case. I might instance in several particulars wherein the Interest of Stationers (I mean Booksellers, who are the most considerable, and chief intended here) opposes that of Printers: yea, it is hard to instance in one particular wherein their interests agree. But this one consideration may suffice, That they stand related to each other, as the Buyer to the Seller: and as reasonably (in my judgement) may the Buyer have the Rule of the Seller, as the Bookseller govern the Printer.  
Neither can it be reasonably said to be an ambitious humour or affectation in Printers, to desire their own Rule and Government, any more than it may be said to be pride in a Housholder to desire the government of his own household; or ambition in one that hath served his Apprenticeship, to desire his freedom. Indeed, did they aim at domineering over others, whose persons are out of their jurisdiction, and whose affairs are above their understanding, this were reprovable: and yet this is the great design of the Stationers, in reference to Printers; and they take it for great presumption in the Printers, to go about to oppose their design, in procuring their own freedom; calling it breach of Oath: as if because of our Oath, we must lie down under all their abuses and oppressions without seeking redress; wherein yet we take not upon us to be our own Judges, but refer our cause to the same power that gave them theirs, who may resume or abridge the same upon misuser, at their pleasure.  
And whereas it was urged once before the Lords, that Printers were the Mechanic part of the Company, and so unfit to rule; let the import of the word be considered, and it will be found to bear no such slight signification as that Gentleman was pleased to put upon it. For besides that a considerable branch of the noble Science Mathematical (viz, the Art of moving great weights) goes under that denomination; if it be taken for Manual Arts, or handicrafts, yet it is to be understood of such as require ingenuity of the mind, 
Generaliter autem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicitur opifex eorum operum quae ingenio simul & manu fiunt. Scap.  as well as labour of the hand; as the learned Scapula observes upon the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
But let them be supposed to be Mechanics in his sense, that is, such as are below the grandeur of Shopkeepers; must they not therefore have the management of their own Affairs? hath not the meanest Subject as great a command in his own Family and Affairs, as the greatest Lord in his? But the Gentleman miss-put the case, as if the Printers aimed at the Rule of the Stationers; whereas they only aim at their own freedom, and the reaping the like fruits of their servitude with other their fellow-Subjects and Citizens.  
Nor should Mechanics or Handicrafts be so lightly esteemed, when the Law hath so great a regard for them, and makes so manifold Provision for their improvement, and the encouragement of Manufactors; witness the many Statutes about the Weavers of Norwich, more concerning Clothiers: an ancient Decree about cordwainers, and many Statutes thereupon: Barbers and Surgeons united, for mutual benefit: Clothiers to be overseen by the Lord Maior, and incorporated: Brewers and Sopemakers not to make their own Barrels, but the Cooper's: Plasterer and Painter not to entrench upon each other; nor Carpenter and joiner. Indeed, it were endless to enumerate the Statutes and Decrees made in favour of Manufactors, to protect them from disorders and abuses; to which end the meanest have been put into distinct associations, and empowered to make by Laws for their better subsistence. And for the encouragement of them all, there is a clause in the Statute of 5 Eliz. prohibiting any to use a Handicraft, that hath not served seven years' Apprenticeship to it.  
Neither was this care taken of them without good reason, since they are essentially necessary, whereas Shopkeepers are but accidental, like suckers springing out of the root of the former. For without the Clothier, where were the Draper? without the Hatmaker, where were the Haberdasher? and without the Printer, where were the Bookseller? Yea, having the Clothier, what need (necessarily) is there of the Draper? having the Hat-maker, what necessity of the Haberdasher? and having the Printer, no fear of wanting Books, though there were no Bookseller.  
But it may be alleged, that the present Constitution is ancient, and therefore not to be altered.  
I answer: If evil, the older the worse: neither are there examples wanting of the change or suppression of more ancient Constitutions than this, when once they have proved injurious or useless. Nor is this the first time the present Constitution of Printers hath been complained of as a grievance: for our forefathers (many years since, even when Printers had not experimented a tithe of what they now suffer) did the like in their time, as appears by some of their Papers yet extant, and the testimony of persons still living.  
Besides, we want not examples (both former and later) of the division or separation of one part of a Company from the other, when their conjunction hath been found inconvenient or injurious.    

BUt because Printing and Printers have so light an esteem, and such harsh usage in this age, insomuch that neither it nor they find like respect or care with the meanest of Occupations; let us examine whether it deserve no better: and herein we will not be our own Judges, but refer the matter to the Learned, who are both competent, and capable of the decision. Among whom, we shall only give you such as have already come to hand; not doubting but many others bear witness to the same, of which a future account may be given.  
Dr. Hakewil, in his Apology of the power and providence of God in the government of the world, (p. 316.) treating of divers artificial works and inventions of the later Ages, matchable with those of the Ancients, insists chief on Printing, Guns, and the Sea-Chard or Mariner's Compass; of which he brings in Cardane speaking thus: His tribus tota Antiquitas nihil par habet; that all Antiquity hath nothing equal to them. But he citys Bodin speaking higher, Una Typographia cum omnibus omnium veterum inventis certare facile potest: That Printing alone may contend for the prize with them all. He alleadges likewise Polydore Virgil, who having spoken of the Ancients famous Libraries, adds thus: Fuit illud omnino magnum mortalibus munus, sed nequaquam conferendum cum hoc, etc. i.e. That was indeed a great benefit to mankind, but not to be compared with this which our Age hath found out and enjoyed, since a new kind of writing was brought to light, and practised; by means whereof as much may be printed by one man in one day, as could be written by many in a whole year; or, as Sabellicus, as much as the readiest Penman could well dispatch in two years. He shows the benefit of Printing also by its redeeming Books out of the bondage of Monasteries, where they were formerly confined, whereby the Monks had opportunity to sophisticate them, and make them speak their sense: whence arose such a confusion in most Authors, whereof Erasmus complains, both in his Preface to St. Augustine's Works, and that to St. Hieromes. He further commends it for the fairness, and brings in Cardane again, thus speaking of it: Mira certa ars, qua mille chartarum una die conficiuntur: nec facile est judicare an in tanta facilitate ac celeritate pulchritudo, an in tanta pulchritudine celeritas & facilitas, sit admirabilior: i.e. An admirable Art sure it is, by which a thousand sheets may be dispatched in one day: neither is it easy to judge whether in so great easiness and quickness of dispatch the fairness of the letter, or in the fairness of the letter the quickness of dispatch and easiness thereof, be more to be wondered at. His last benefit accrueing by Printing he places in the dispersing of Books into abundant particular hands, so that there can no more be such a decay of Learning by the spoiling or burning of Public Libraries, as formerly, when Learning was stored up only in them. He concludes thus: Since then by this means Books are become fairer, and cheaper, and truer, and less subject to a total perishing; and since by this Art, THE PRESERVER OF ARTS, the acts and writings of worthy men are made famous, and commended to posterity; it were a point of heinous ingratitude to suffer the Inventor thereof to be buried in oblivion. And so goes on to speak of the Author of this Invention: which being not to my present purpose, I shall pretermit for this time.  
Mr. Fox in his martyrology, (Vol. 1. p. 926.) having discoursed of Printing, and shown how that by means thereof upon its discovery the light of the Gospel broke out in Germany, (whence it hath since spread into many Countries and Kingdoms) sticks not to compare it to the Gift of Tongues; since as the knowledge of the Gospel was at first dispersed by that, so now by this.  
I have seen a small Book of ancient print, written by one John pain then in the Low-countries, and directed to his friends of several faculties that used to frequent the Royal Exchange London; wherein he gives them all very sober and Christian counsel: among the rest, he mentions Printers, acknowledging their Art profitable, excellent, and necessary for Church and Commonwealth; and that God is to be praised for it, and prayed to for its better use and less abuse.  
Nay, such fame hath it had in the world, that Countries have been at strife about the honour of bringing forth the Inventor of it: neither is the question very well resolved yet, whether it were High or Low Germany. And the Spaniard envying that either of them should have the honour of it, pretends they borrowed it from the Chineses: which as it is no way probable, neither is the China-print in any measure comparable to ours for beauty, perfection or speed. But (saith Salmuth) Germania certè nunquam sibi hanc laudem patietur extorqueri. Hence Beroaldus, thus: 
O Germania muneris repertrix,  
Que nil utilius dedit vetustas,  
Libros scribere quae doces premendo.   
With whom agrees Laurentius Valla, though an Italian: 
Abstulerat Latio multos Germania libros,  
Nunc multò plures reddidit ingenio:  
Et quod vix toto quisquam perscriberet anno,  
Munere Germano conficit una dies.   
Our Author having spoken of the Inventor, and endeavoured to reconcile the differences about the persons, Guttenberg and Fust, who both pretend to it, giveth to both their commendation; and not to them only, but to such as since have added to the grace and perfection of it; as Aldus Minutius, Operinus, Raphelengius, Plantin, Erobenius, and the Stephens, who were famous Printers for four Generations successively: 
See more to this purpose Leigh's Foelix Consort. p. 54, 55. and a little Book of Manual Arts lately published.  quibus plus debet Christianus orbis, quàm cuiquam fortissimorum belli ducum ob propagatos fines patria debuit unquam, saith Thuanus. Upon the said Aldus of Venice, the Reverend Beza hath bestowed a Copy of Latin Verses. As for Plantin, his very Printing-house was counted The eighth Wonder of the world, for the great variety and multiplicity of his materials. And it is more than probable, that the great esteem and veneration which our forefathers had of Printers and Printing, occasioned the places where they exercise their function, to be called not Shops or Work-houses, as in ordinary Trades, but Chapels, as they are to this day, both here and in foreign parts; intimating their employment to have something of divine in it.  
Indeed, it were endless to repeat what hath been written by learned men in praise of this noble Science, there having been whole Treatises of the same. I shall only add a word or two.  
How grateful to the world was the invention of Letters, when they were not otherwise to be made legible but upon Pillars, and Bark of Trees? but how much more, when the use of Parchment was found out, and after, that of Paper, with the use of the Pen to write thereupon? And yet that compared to this, is but as a Rush-candle to a Torch; but as a Candle under a Bushel, to one upon a Candlestick. For Printing is as it were the Firmament, in whose Expansion all the Luminaries of Learning and Art are made visible to all above the Horizon of Literature.  
Yea, Printing puts Books into every man's hand, whereby though we cannot practise all things, we may try all things. Now the Divine cannot pin another's Faith upon his sleeve, and lead him implicitly, because the Bible is at hand, whereby a man may try whether what he saith be so or no. Nor can the Lawyer deviate in a cause, but he may be discerned by a quick eye, by reason of that light which shines round about us in Books of that Faculty. Neither can the Physician prescribe at random, without being discovered by the same means.  
And whereas formerly the common people were entertained with feigned Traditions of the Legendaries, in stead of those Divine Oracles of the Old and New Testament; and with like fabulous stories of Giants, etc. in stead of real Histories: now they have not only the Bible, but Expositions thereof, bringing it to their capacities, for their spiritual use and comfort; and the civil transactions of former times lively represented, whereby they may imitate the good, and shun the evil, and furnish themselves with Notions and Discourses suitable to rational Creatures. And all this by the benefit of Printing.  
Yea, by this the Church of Rome hath received such a wound, as she will never be able to cure: for upon its discovery, such a light hath broken forth, that many Kingdoms and Countries that formerly had no other glimpse but what proceeded from her Dark Lantern, have hence received so great Illumination, that they find just occasion to forsake her, notwithstanding her pretended Infallibility.  
By this also our modern Pretenders of new lights, are discovered to be only Revivers of old Errors; we having hereby the Ecclesiastical Histories of all former Ages, wherein we find the Founders of those Follies and Impieties wherein these ape them.  
To conclude, having given you the opinions of the Learned concerning Printing and Printers, let us wade a little into the discovery of the usage both it and they find in other Countries. How it fares with them in France, the Stationers themselves inform us, in a Paper called, The humble Remonstrance of the Company of Stationers, signed by one Henry Parker Esq; who saith, That France especially favours that Profession and Trade of men, (meaning Printers;) for there they are above Mechanics, and live in the Suburbs of Learning. And a little before, speaking of Europe: The more civil (saith he) a place is, the more regard it hath to Printing. Whence he proceeds to commend the Papists, as well where the Inquisition is not, as where it is, for their strict Regulation of Printing, whereby their Church is better fortified, and the Artists more encouraged than ours. Nor are Printers without extraordinary privileges in most transmarine parts, as in Italy, France, Spain, etc. where (as if they were Churchmen) they are exempted from those ordinary Taxes and Duties whereunto the rest of the people are liable. Nay, so great a respect have the Kings of France for this Art, that for many years they have maintained the practice of it in their own Royal Palace of the Lovure, at Paris; allowing the Artists a subsistence suitable to their eminent place, and generous employment: and in Spain it is mostly exercised in Monasteries and Religious Houses to this day, as it was here at its first arrival among us, as we have shown in the beginning.  
Neither is it to be forgotten, that those two great Monarches, the one of France, the other of Spain, seemed to conceive themselves not sufficiently illustrious, unless they had eminently concerned themselves in the encouragement of this Art; and therefore they took upon them the Patronage of those famous Bibles in several Oriental Tongues, which pass under their great Names to this day.    
FINIS.  

ERRATA.  

Pag. 8. l. 15, 16. read incapacitates.  
Pag. 12. Marg. read 14.35. 16.15. 19.12.