common astrologers; who, with an old paultry cant, and a few
pothook for planets, to amuse the vulgar, have, in my opinion,
too long been suffer'd to abuse the world: But an honest
physician ought not to be despis'd, because there are such things
as mountebanks. I hope I have some share of reputation, which I
would not willingly forfeit for a frolick or humour: And I
believe no gentleman, who reads this paper, will look upon it to
be of the same cast or mould with the common scribblers that are
every day hawk'd about. My fortune has placed me above the little
regard of scribbling for a few pence, which I neither value or
want: Therefore let no wise men too hastily condemn this essay,
intended for a good design, to cultivate and improve an ancient
art, long in disgrace, by having fallen into mean and unskilful
hands. A little time will determine whether I have deceived
others or myself: and I think it is no very unreasonable request,
that men would please to suspend their judgments till then. I was
once of the opinion with those who despise all predictions from
the stars, till the year 1686, a man of quality shew'd me,
written in his album, That the most learned astronomer, Captain
H. assured him, he would never believe any thing of the stars'
influence, if there were not a great revolution in England in the
year 1688. Since that time I began to have other thoughts, and
after eighteen years diligent study and application, I think I
have no reason to repent of my pains. I shall detain the reader
no longer, than to let him know, that the account I design to
give of next year's events, shall take in the principal affairs
that happen in Europe; and if I be denied the liberty of offering
it to my own country, I shall appeal to the learned world, by
publishing it in Latin, and giving order to have it printed in
Holland.