The Preface.
ſpondent to the Ancient and Primitive Wiſdome, nay, they are conſonant to our very Religion, and confirm every point thereof. I queſtion not but moſt of their Propoſals may ſeem Irregular to common Capacities; but where the Prerogative and Power of Nature is known, there will they quickly fall even, for they want not their Order and Sobriety. It will be expected perhaps, that I ſhould ſpeak ſomething as to their Perſons and Habitations, but in this my cold Acquaintance will excuſe me; or had I any Familiarity with them, I ſhould not doubt to uſe it with more Diſcretion. As for their Exiſtence, (if I may ſpeak like a School-man,) there is great reaſon we ſhould believe it, neither do I ſee how we can deny it, unleß we grant, that Nature is ſtudied, and Books alſo written and publiſhed by ſome other Creatures then Men. It is true indeed, that their Knowledg at firſt was not purchaſed by their own Diſquiſitions, for they received it from the Arabians, amongst whom it remained as the Monument and Legacy of the Children of the Eaſt. Nor is this at all
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