PREFACE

TO THE

THIRD VOLUME OF THE QUARTO EDITION,

BEGINNING AT VOL. iv. PAGE 1. IN THIS EDITION.

THROUGH the whole process of my in

quiries, it has been my endeavour, from some plain and determinate principles, to open the way to many interesting truths. And as I have shewn the certainty of an universal Deluge from the evidences of most nations, to which we can gain access, I come now to give an history of the persons who survived that event; and of the families which were immediately descended from them. After having mentioned their residence in the region of Ararat, and their migration from it, I shall give an account of the roving of the Cuthites, and of their coming to the plains of Shinar, from whence they were at last expelled. To this are add

ed observations upon the histories of Chaldea and Egypt; also of Hellas, and Ionia; and of every other country which was in any degree occupied by the sons of Chus. There have been men of learning who have denominated their works from the families, of which they treated; and have accordingly sent them into the world under the title of Phaleg, Japhet, and Javan. I might, in like manner, have prefixed to mine the name either of Cuth, or Cuthim; for, upon the history of this people my system chiefly turns. It may be asked, if there were no other great families upon earth, besides that of 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 impor tunity 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 acquaintance with the Scriptures and such an insight cannot but be productive of good. For our faith depends upon historical experience: and it is mere ignorance, that makes in

fidels. Hence it is possible, that some may be won over by historical evidence, whom a refined theological argument cannot reach. An illness, which some time ago confined me to my bed, and afterwards to my chamber, afforded me, during its recess, an opportunity of making some versions from the poets whom I quote, when I was little able to do any thing of more consequence. The translation from Dionysius was particularly done at that season, and will give the reader some faint idea of the original, and its beauties.

I

I cannot conclude without acknowledging my obligations to a most worthy and learned friend for his zeal towards my work; and for his assistance both in this, and my former publication. I am indebted to him not only for his judicious remarks, but for his goodness in transcribing for me many of my dissertations, without which my

The Rev. Dr. Barford, Prebendary of Canterbury, and Rector of Kimpton, Hertfordshire.