It is somewhat strange, that Mr. _Echard_ should not be so well acquainted with the Weakness of the vulgar Humour in _England_, as a Foreigner; who was so sensible of the Peoples Fondness to hear Stories, that he excuses those of a better Taste amongst them, who cannot relish such as relate to Ghosts, Devils, Prophecies, and the like, with which the Archdeacon's History abounds. The Author of the _Paris Journal des Sçavans_, speaking of _English_ History Writers, and their bringing in Prophecies and strange Stories, says, _Granting it to be true, it is not so much to be attributed to their Want of Skill, as to their Compliance with the Humour of the People, that attend too much to Prophecies, and are too much affected with Tales_; which Humour our Historian has rather indulged than discountenanced, and it must surely be for Want of Judgement, after the indulging them in it, had been so much exploded. The _French_ Historian _Maimbourg_ participates of the same Character, and his Zeal for the Church, could not procure him a better one abroad, than what was given him in _Italy_, that he was among Historians, what _Momus_ is among the Gods, _only to tell Tales_; with which the Vulgar are as well contented, as with Relations that are truly historical. But we should be as cautious of reading such Histories, as _Menage_ tells us he was of reading _Morreri_'s, for Fear we should remember them. _Collier_ knew better than _Menage_, and therefore translated _Morreri_'s three Folio's into _English_, as a rich Store for the Memories of his Countrymen. Having so little Reason to commend the Historian for his _Design_, I should make him amends in the Sentiments, if there was the least Room for it. It is true, in History, if the Facts are fairly related, the Sentiments must be brought along with them, and the Author is not accountable for them as in Poetry: But if the Sentiments do not correspond with the Facts; if Meekness and Holiness are seated to give Judgement in the _High Commission_ and _Star Chamber_ Courts; if Piety is mounted on Horseback with the Lord High Treasurer's Staff in her Hand; if the most noble Characters are ascribed to Persons engaged in the most unjustifiable Actions, we may depend upon it, these Persons, either did not think, or did not act as they are represented, and consequently that the History is false and vicious: The Historians Reflections upon Events are entirely his own, and we shall see in the following Pages, how wise and how weighty they are: But as they bear all on one Side, like an ill ballasted Ship, it is much, if in the Course of a few Years, it does not overset the History. There is no greater Vice in Historians, than poor and common Reflections. The Poverty of the Archdeacon's appears in the _After Wit_, which makes a good Part of them; and the _Vulgarisms_, which will be further explain'd as Occasions often.