TO THE READER xciii 



ballats and Horonites who disturb our Men upon the Wall * : 

 But, let us rise up and build, and be no more discourag'd. 

 'Tis impossible to conceive, how so honest, and worthy a 

 'Design should have found so few Tromoters, and cold a wel- 

 come in a Ration whose Eyes are so wide open : We see how 

 greedily the French, and other Strangers embrace and cultivate 

 the 'Design : What sumptuous 'Buildings, well furnish'd 

 Observatories, ample ^App ointments, Salaries, and Accommoda- 

 tions, they have erected to carry on the Work ; whilst we 

 live precariously, and spin the Web out of our own 'Bowels. 

 Indeed we have had the Honour to be the first who led the 

 way, given the Ferment, which like a Train has taken Fire, 

 and warm'd the T(egions all about us. This Glory, doubtless, 

 shall none take from us : But whilst they flourish so abroad, 

 we want the Spirit should diffuse it here at home, and give 

 progress to so hopeful a beginning: But as we said, the Enemy 

 of Mankind has done us this despite ; it is his Interest to 

 impeach (in any sort) what e're opposes his ^Dominion ; which 

 is to lead, and settle Men in Errors as well in Arts and 

 ^(atural Knowledge, as in 'Religion ; and therefore would be 

 glad, the World should still be groping after both. 'Tis he 

 that sets the 'Buffoons, and empty Sycophants, to turn all that's 

 Great and Virtuous into 'Raillery and Derision : 'Tis therefore 

 to encounter these, that like those resolute Guilders, 2 whilst 

 we employ one hand in the Work, we, with the other are 

 oblig'd to hold our Weapon, till some bold, and Gallant 

 Genius deliver us, and raise the Siege. How gloriously 

 would such a benefactor shine 1 What a (Constellation would 

 he make ! How great a S\(ame establish ! For mine own 

 part (Religiously I profess it) were I not a Person, who (whilst 

 I stood expecting when others more worthy, and able than 

 my self, should have snatch'd the Opportunity of signalizing 



1 Neh. 2, 19. 



2 Neh. 4. 17. 



