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4 The first shall give a short View of the Ancient and Modern Philosophy; and of the most famous Attempts, that have been made for its Advancement: That by observing wherein others have excell'd, and wherein they have been thought to fail, we may the better shew, what is to be expected from these new Undertakers; and what mov'd them, to enter upon a Way of Inquiry, different from that, on which the former have proceeded.

The second shall consist of the Narrative it self: And out of their Registers, and Journals, which I have been permitted to peruse, shall relate the first Occasions of their Meetings, the Incouragement, and Patronage, which they have receiv'd; their Patent, their Statutes, the whole Order and Scheme of their Design, and the Manner of their Proceedings.

The third shall try, to assert the Advantage and Innocence of this work, in Respect of all Professions, and especially of Religion; and how proper, above others, it is,for the present Temper of the Age wherein we live.

On the first and last of these Particulars, it is not needful that I should long insist: Because several great Men have already so much prevented me about them; that there is hardly any thing can be spoken, in which I shall not almost tread in their very Footsteps. But yet it is requisite, that something be here said to that purpose, though it be only in Repetition: Because I perceive, that there is still much prejudice remaining on many Men's Minds, towards any new Discoveries in natural Things. This I shall try to remove, not that I imagine, that those Reasons can have any great Rh