( viii ) 



binet If he is of ample Fortune, the 

 Public will accept of them as a Pre- 

 fent, and convey his Name to the 

 lateft Pofterity if, on the contrary, 

 he is poor, though ingenious, fuch is 

 the Generofity of this happy Nation, 

 that I dare venture to fay they will, 

 on all fuch Occafions, according to 

 the Merit of the Perfon, remove that 

 great Obftacle to Science, befides af- 

 fording him a proper Share of Ho- 

 nour. 



Learning was for many Ages in a 

 Manner buried in Oblivion 5 a dark 

 Ignorance fpread itfelf over the Face 

 of the whole Earth and, what was ftill 

 worfe, did any noble Spirit endeavour 

 to rouze himfelf and others from the 

 general Lethargy, he was prefently 

 charged with publishing new Opi- 



nionsj 



