I expect this the rather, becauſe I freely confeſs, that what I now publiſh, is but introductory to many other Volumes, ſo copious and full of matter, that they will almoſt deſerve the name of the Hiſtory of the XXth Century; and which I hope Perſons of Taſte and Judgment, will therefore receive with all that Regard, not to ſay Reſpect and Veneration, ſo prodigious a Work will appear entitled to.
Nor ſhall any ſlight Diſappointments herein diſcourage me from Printing them; for how ungratefully ſoever the preſent Age, thro' Blindneſs or Envy may receive theſe vaſt Lights; yet, I ſhall be ſufficiently comforted with the Conſciouſneſs, that my declaring the future Births of ſuch great Events, will be regarded by the coming Ages, as my having in ſome meaſure ſown the Seed of them, in the Boſom of a well cultivated, tho' an unthankful Soil: Beſides, at the worſt, I ſhall be as well treated by the World, as thoſe exalted Spirits were, who diſcover'd the Antipodes, the Circulation of the Blood, the uſe of Teleſcopes and Barometers, of Printing and Sailing, the Loadſtone and the Indies, who were ſo much deſpis'd at firſt, tho' ſo highly honour'd and regarded now.
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