I propose to publish but one volume more to complete this argument, as far as I have materials for that purpose. What I have done, I look upon as very imperfect, and but as opening the scene of this very noble subject. The curious will find sufficient room to extend it, to correct and adorn the plan I have begun. And I take it to be well worthy of the pains; as it lets in upon us an excellent view of the scheme of providence, in conducting the affair of true religion, thro’ the several ages of the world. We may hence discern the great purpose of inducing the _Mosaick_ dispensation, on that very spot of ground where the main of idolatry began, and from whence it was propagated over all the western and politer world; and over which world providence rais’d the mighty _Roman_ empire, to pave the way of a republication of the patriarchal religion.
We may make this general reflexion from the present work, that the true religion has chiefly since the repeopling mankind after the flood, subsisted in our island: and here we made the best reformation from the universal pollution of christianity, popery. Here God’s ancient people the _Jews_ are in the easiest situation, any where upon earth; and from hence most likely to meet with that conversion designed them. And could we but reform from the abominable publick profanation of the sabbath and common swearing, we might hope for what many learned men have thought; that here was to be open’d the glory of Christ’s kingdom on earth.
I have render’d it sufficiently clear, that the _Apollo_ of the ancients was really _Phut_ son of _Cham_. And I have pointed to the reader, how he may have a perfect idea of the countenance of the man, in innumerable monuments of antiquity, now to be seen. I have pursued that amusing topick thro’ very many of the ancient patriarchs before and after _Phut_: so as to recover their, at least heroical, effigies. Which, I hope, sometime I may find an opportunity of publishing.
I shall conclude my preface with a piece of old poetry, being some nervous lines, in no contemptible vein, wrote on our subject a hundred years ago, by _Samuel Danyel_ a domestick of queen _Anne’s_, wife to king _James_ I. The curious reader will observe a remarkable delicacy in the sentiments throughout: a struggle between time and the greatness of these works, equal to that of letters, in endeavouring to recover and preserve the memory of them; which their founders, tho’ well qualified, neglected to do.