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. _O Blessed letters, that combine in one All ages past; and make one live with all! Make us confer with those who now are gone, And the dead living unto counsel call! By you th’ unborn shall have communion Of what we feel, and what does us befall._ _Soul of the world, knowledge, without thee What hath the earth that truly glorious is? Why should our pride make such a stir to be; To be forgot? What good is like to this, To do worthy the writing, and to write Worthy the reading, and the world’s delight!_ _You mighty lords, that with respected grace, Do at the stern of fair example stand; And all the body of this populace, Guide with the only turning of your hand: Keep a right course, bear up from all disgrace, Observe the point of glory to our land._ _Hold up disgraced knowledge from the ground, Keep virtue in request, give worth her due. Let not neglect with barbarous means confound So fair a good, to bring in night anew. Be not, oh be not accessary found Unto her death, that must give life to you._