To the Reader.

bright Circumference of his Glory.
When I first set my thoughts down on paper, God can be my witness that it was not for any private ends. I was drawn, and even forced to it, by a strong Admiration Admiration: in the 17th century, this meant a sense of profound wonder or astonishment rather than simply liking something. of the Mystery and Majesty of Nature. It was my Design to glorify the Truth, and in some measure to serve the Age Age: the people of the author's current time or generation., had they been capable of receiving it. But the barbarous Insults I have met with—and this without any Deserts Deserts: that which is deserved; the author claims he did nothing to merit the attacks against him. of mine—have forced my Charity Charity: here meaning the author's benevolent desire to share his knowledge and "good works" with the public. to keep at home. Truly, had I not been robbed of my Peace, I would have shared some things which I am confident this Generation will not receive from any other Pen. But the Times in this Respect do not align with providence, for the Years of Discovery are not yet come. This Truth, like the Dove in the Deluge A biblical reference to the story of Noah’s Ark; the dove hovered over the floodwaters but found no place to land until the waters receded, just as the author feels his truth finds no place in his chaotic time., must hover in winds and Tempests, overlook the Surges and Billows, and find no place for the Sole of her Foot. But the