"The simplicity and apparent candour of his narrative might
induce a hasty reader of this book to believe him a well-meaning
but somewhat silly personage, the dupe of his own
speculations--the deceiver of himself as well as of others. But
an attentive examination of the events of his life, even as
recorded by himself, will not warrant so favourable an
interpretation. His systematic and successful attention to his
own interest--his dexterity in keeping on 'the windy side of the
law'--his perfect political pliability--and his presence of mind
and fertility of resources when entangled in
difficulties--indicate an accomplished impostor, not a crazy
enthusiast. It is very possible and probable, that, at the
outset of his career, he was a real believer in the truth and
lawfulness of his art, and that he afterwards felt no
inclination to part with so pleasant and so profitable a
delusion: like his patron, Cromwell, whose early fanaticism
subsided into hypocrisy, he carefully retained his folly as a
cloak for his knavery. Of his success in deception, the present
narrative exhibits abundant proofs. The number of his dupes was
not confined to the vulgar and illiterate, but included
individuals of real worth and learning, of hostile parties and
sects, who courted his acquaintance and respected his
predictions. His proceedings were deemed of sufficient
importance to be twice made the subject of a parliamentary
inquiry; and even after the Restoration--when a little more
scepticism, if not more wisdom, might have been expected--we
find him examined by a Committee of the House of Commons,
respecting his fore-knowledge of the great fire of London. We
know not whether it 'should more move our anger or our mirth,'
to see an assemblage of British Senators--the cotemporaries of