TO THE READER.

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C{ Those who come,” says the Noble Verulam, “ to inquire after“ knowledge, with a mind to scorn, shall be sure to find matter for“ their humour, but none for their inftruction.” Would men bring lightof invention, and not fire-brands of contradiction, knowledge wouldinfinitely increase. These are the Sanballats and Horonites who disturbour men upon the wall; but let us rise up and build, and be no more Nckem.ii. 19,.discouraged. It is impofsible to conceive how so honest and worthy adesign should have found so few promoters, and so cold a welcome in anation whose eyes are so wide open. We see how greedily the French and other strangers embrace and cultivate the design: What sumptuousbuildings, well-furnished observatories, ample appointments, salaries, andaccommodations have they erected to carry on the work, whilst we liveprecariously, and spin the web out of our own bowels! Indeed, we havehad the honour to be the first who led the way, and raised the spark,which, like a train, has taken fire and warmed the regions all about ussThis glory, doubtlefs, shall none take from us; but, whilst they flourishso abroad, we want the spirit that should diffuse it here at home, andgive progrefs to so hopeful a beginning: But, as we said, the enemy ofmankind has done us this despite ; it is his interest to impeach, in any sort,whatever opposes his dominion, (which is to lead and settle men in errors,as well in arts and natural knowledge as in religion,) and therefore wouldbe glad the world should still be groping after both. It. is he that setsthe buffoons and empty sycophants to turn all that is great and virtuousinto raillery and derision: It is therefore to encounter these, that, likethose resolute builders, whilst we employ one hand in the work, we, with Nehem.iv. 17. .the other, are obliged to’ hold our weapon till some bold and gallantgenius deliver, us, and.raise the siege.

How great a name would such a benefactor establish ! What a constel-lation would he make I How gloriously would he shine ! For mine ownpart, religiously I profefs it, were I not a person, who (whilst I stood ex-pecting, when others more worthy and able than myself should havesnatched the opportuity of signalizing a work worthy of immortality) hadlong since given hostages to fortune, and so put myself out of a capacityof showing my affection to a design so glorious,. I would not only mostcheerfully have contributed towards the freeing the Society from thestraits it has so long struggled under, but sacrificed all my secular interestsin their service. That glory, however, is reserved for the gallant hero,.,whoever he be, who, truly weighing the noble and universal consequence