To the Reader.
thou doſt follow it. It is not Opinion makes Things Falſe or True: for men have deny’d a great part of the World, which now they inhabit: and America as well as the Philoſophers Stone, was ſometimes in the Predicament of Impoſſibilities. There is nothing more abſurd, then to be of the ſame mind with the Generality of Men, for they have entertain’d many groſs Errors, which Time and Experience have confuted. It is indeed our Sluggiſhneſs and Incredulity that hinder all Diſcoveries, for men contribute nothing towards them but their Contempt, or, which is worſt, their Malice. I have known all this my ſelf, and therefore I tell it thee: but what uſe thou wilt make of it, I know not. To make thee what Man ſhould be, is not in my power, but it is much in thy own, if thou know’ſt thy Duty to thy ſelf. Think of it, and Farewell.
E. P.
TO