I have shewn largely enough, the evidences that there were such kinds of temples built all the world over, in the first times; but probably nothing of them now remaining, comparable to those in our own island: which therefore we ought to seek to rescue from oblivion, before it be too late.
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.
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