Preface. The translator of the present work has no mysterious story to entertain the reader with, in relating to the wonderful manner by which he became possessed of the MS.-- He hath crossed no seas nor wandered through the paths of oriental fable to obtain it. The short account he has to give of it is, that it was in the possession of a Jewish gentleman, lately naturalized; who had only looked so far into it as to know that it inculcated some moral and religious precepts. Accompanied by no farther intelligence than this, it came into the translator's hands. The use he hath made of it is hereby seen. And, as he thinks it likely from many circumstances, that it may be one of those books which are attributed to the Zabians, he hath subjoined the following account of them (in which he is much indebted to Mr. Stanley), that the reader may also form his own judgement thereon. The Arabians thought it to have been one of them it is apparent, in that it was translated into their language with the rest of the books of the Zabians. The MS. which itself is but a copy, is in Chaldee upon parchment; and in one corner, on the top of the first side, is written, E. Mus. Alcal. num. 31572. It only remains to inform the reader, that the first book was translated by Mr. M***s M****z, its former possessor, and that the rest hath been pursued amidst the vexations of a very troublesome employment, increased by disappointment from pretended friendships.