Words: Historia nondum Latinis Literis illustrata. But it was the peaceful Reign of Augustus, after the Conclusion of their long Civil Wars, the most of their perfect Historians appear'd. And it seems to me, that we may expect the same Progress amongst us. There lye now ready in Bank the most memorable Actions of twenty Years; a Subject of as great Dignity and Variety, as ever pass'd under any Man's Hands; the Peace which we enjoy, gives Leisure and Encouragement enough; the Effects of such a Work would be wonderfully advantageous to the Safety of our Country, and to His Majesty's Interest: for there can be no better Means to preserve his Subjects in Obedience for the future, than to give them a full View of the Miseries that attend Rebellion. There are only therefore wanting for the finishing of so brave an Undertaking, the united Endeavours of some publick Minds, who are conversant both in Letters and Business: and if it were appointed to be the Labour of one or two Men to compose it, and of such an Assembly to revise and correct it, it might certainly challenge all the Writings of past or present Times.
But, I see, I have already transgress'd: for I know it will be thought unadvisedly done, while I was inforcing a weightier Design, to start, and to follow another of less Moment. I shall therefore let it pass as an extravagant Conceit: only I shall affirm, that the Royal Society is so far from being like to put a Stop to such a Business, that I know many of its Members, who are as able as any others, to assist in the bringing it into Practice.
Thus I have dispatch'd my first general Head; in which, it may be, it was not needful to have staid so
