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Page:Memoirs of the Twentieth Century (Samuel Madden, 1733).djvu/42

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28
PREFACE.

est, tabula quadam descriptum indicaret, I thought it a criminal Action to conceal such important Discoveries as had been intrusted to my Care.

Besides, how do I know, but the bringing these to Light, may in some measure be a means to preserve our Country from all the Confusion and Madness, which the rest of the World will be involv'd in; and continue us in that happy Situation, and that Spirit of improving our Laws, Arts and Manufactures, which I have shewn we shall enjoy in the following Centuries, when the other Kingdoms of the Earth are to labour, as it were, in actual Convulsions, and be jumbled together, like the Mountains and Plains of Jamaica in the dreadful Earthquake in 1692.

As to my Care and Conduct in this Edition, I fear indeed how great soever it has been, Men will be displeased with me, as having bestowed much less on it, than so invaluable a Treasure will seem to have deserv'd. Some will censure me for having conceal'd and suppress'd many important Secrets, relating to our publick Affairs and Ministers, Peace and War, the Trade of the Nation, and the Conduct of the Throne; without considering the dangerous Conse-quences,