the Cuthites, worthy of record: if no other people ever performed great
actions, and made themselves respectable to posterity. Such there possibly
may have been; and the field is open to any who may choose to make inquiry.
My taking this particular path does not in the least abridge others from
prosecuting different views, wherever they may see an opening.

As my researches are deep, and remote, I shall sometimes take the liberty
of repeating what has preceded; that the truths which I maintain may more
readily be perceived. We are oftentimes, by the importunity of a
persevering writer, teazed into an unsatisfactory compliance, and yield a
painful assent; but, upon closing the book, our scruples return, and we
lapse at once into doubt and darkness. It has therefore been my rule to
bring vouchers for every thing, which I maintain; and though I might upon
the renewal of my argument refer to another volume, and a distant page, yet
I many times choose to repeat my evidence, and bring it again under
immediate inspection. And if I do not scruple labour and expense, I hope
the reader will not be disgusted by this seeming redundancy in my
arrangement. What I have now to present to the public, contains matter of
great moment, and should I be found to be in the right, it will afford a
sure basis for the future history of the world. None can well judge either
of the labour, or utility of the work, but those who have been conversant
in the writings of chronologers, and other learned men, upon these
subjects, and seen the difficulties with which they were embarrassed.
Great, undoubtedly, must have been the learning and perspicuity of a
Petavius, Perizonius, Scaliger, Grotius, and Le Clerc; also of an Usher,
Pearson, Marsham, and Newton. Yet it may possibly be found at the close,
that a feeble arm has effected what those prodigies in science have
overlooked.

Many, who have finished their progress, and are determined in their
principles, will not perhaps so readily be brought over to my opinion. But
they who are beginning their studies, and passing through a process of
Grecian literature, will find continual evidences arise; almost every step
will afford fresh proofs in favour of my system. As the desolation of the
world by a deluge, and the renewal of it in one person, are points in these
days particularly controverted; many, who are enemies to Revelation, upon
seeing these truths ascertained, may be led to a more intimate acquaintan