TO THE READER. 



43 



" 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 instruction." Would men bring light 

 of invention, and not fire-brands of contradiction, knowledge would 

 infinitely increase. These are the Sanballats and Horonites who disturb 

 our men upon the wall ; but let us rise up and build, and be no more ^ehem. ». is. 

 discouraged. It is impossible to conceive how so honest and worthy a 

 design should have found so few promoters, and so cold a welcome in a 

 nation whose eyes are so wide open. We see how greedily the French 

 and other strangers embrace and cultivate the design : What sumptuous 

 buildings, well-furnished observatories, ample appointments, salaries, and 

 accommodations have they 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, and raised the spark, 

 which, like a train, has taken fire and warmed the regions all about us. 

 This glory, doubtless, shall none take from us ; but, whilst they flourish 

 so abroad, we want the spirit that 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, 

 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 would 

 be glad the world should still be groping after both. It is he that sets 

 the buffoons and empty sycophants to turn all that is great and virtuous 

 into raillery and derision : It is therefore to encounter these, that, like 

 those 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 gallant 

 genius deliver us, and raise the siege. 



How great a name would such a benefactor establish ! What a constel- 

 lation would he make ! How gloriously would he shine ! For mine own 

 part, religiously I profess it, were I not a person, who (whilst I stood ex- 

 pecting, when others more worthy and able than myself should have 

 snatched the opportunity of signalizing a work worthy of immortality) had 

 long since given hostages to fortune, and so put myself out of a capacity 

 of showing my affection to a design so glorious, I would not only most 

 cheerfully have contributed towards the freeing the Society from the 

 straits it has so long struggled under, but sacrificed all my secular interests 

 in their service. That glory, however, is reserved for the gallant hero. 



