Besides that learning which is the ornament of the present age, Your Lordship knows how to put a true value on the antiquities proper to Your own country. If they want somewhat of the delicacy of the _Augustan_ times, or that of _Alexander_ the great; yet they have their beauties, and even elegancies, which affect so exquisite a taste as Your Lordship’s. A symmetry and harmony of parts, an amazing grandeur in the design, the incredible force of the mechanick powers employ’d in them, the most magnificent effect produc’d, will for ever recommend the works of the Druids, to those of Your Lordship’s discerning eye and accurate judgment. We see a convincing demonstration of this, in the fine and costly model of _Stonehenge_, which Your Lordship introduces in the garden at _Wilton_; where, I may be bold to say, it shines amidst the splendours of _Inigo Jones_’s architecture; amidst what he did there in person, and what Your Lordship has since added, so agreeable to the former, as to render the design of that great genius complete. So uncommon and unconfin’d is Your Lordship’s knowledge in architecture, particularly, that _Great Britain_ beholds a bridge arising, chiefly under Your direction, superior to any the _Roman_ power produc’d at the height of empire. And _Thames_, which so lately rescu’d the _Danube_ from _gallic_ tyranny, boasts of a nobler ornament than that which _Trajan_ built across that famous river. That commendable ardour of mind, which in Your younger years led you to study men and manners, places and things, in foreign countries, you now employ for the good of Your own; in the exercise of civil and military arts. Your Lordship tempers that love of liberty, which is the glory of government, with that just allegiance to the sovereign, which is the security of all; so as to give us a view of that amiable character of ancient _english_ nobility, which adorns every page of _british_ history. Permit me the honour to profess myself _Your_ LORDSHIP’S _most faithful, and_ _most obedient_ _humble servant_, January 1, 1742-3. WILLIAM STUKELEY. PREFACE. History is political wisdom, philosophy is religious. The one consists in the knowledge of memorable things, and application of that knowledge to the good conduct of life: in embracing the good, and avoiding the ill consequences and examples of actions. So the other teaches us to entertain worthy notions of the supreme being, and the studying to obtain his favour: which is the end of all human and divine wisdom. Religion is the means to arrive at this purpose. In order to be satisfied what is true religion, we must go up to the fountain-head as much as possible. The first religion undoubtedly is true, as coming immediately from God.