In all Ages wherein Learning hath Flourished, complaint hath been made of the Itch of Writing, and the multitude of worthless Books, wherein importunate Scriblers have pestered the World [...] I am sensible that this Tractate may likely incur the Censure of a superfluous Piece. [...] First therefore, in Excuse of it, I plead, That there are in it some Considerations new and untoucht by others: wherein if I be mistaken, I alledge Secondly, that manner of Delivery and Expression may be more suitable to some Mens Apprehension, and facile to their Understandings. If that will not hold, I pretend Thirdly, That all the Particulars contained in this Book, cannot be found in any one Piece known to me, but ly scattered and dispersed in many, and so this may serve to relieve those Fastidious Readers, that are not willing to take the Pains to search them out: and possibly, there may be some whose Ability (whatever their Industry may be) will not serve them to purchase, nor their opportunity to borrow, those Books, who yet may spare Money enough to buy so inconsiderable a Trifle.