her humble Prayer,
And as a moving Preface dropt a Tear.
Be it as it will, I can only use my best Endeavours to convince the World, what a Treasure I have here offer'd them, and if they will not regard my fervent desire to serve them, but despise the labour I've been at, in bringing these first Fruits of a much greater Harvest to the publick use, I must acquiesce, and be content with the Honour and Misfortune, of being the first among Historians (if a mere Publisher of Memoirs may deserve that Name) who leaving the beaten Tracts of writing with Malice or Flattery, the accounts of past Actions and Times, have dar'd to enter by the help of an infallible Guide, into the dark Caverns of Futurity, and discover the Secrets of Ages yet to come.
I am sensible that all extraordinary Discoveries in their first Proposal, are lightly regarded and hardly credited, and I am prepared for it; yet, if Men will but be prevail'd upon to consider, of what uncommon use these may be, I hope I shall be able to say enough in their behalf, to procure them at least a candid Reception, if not the most generous Welcome.
I
