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 vaft 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: Befides, 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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