THE PREFACE
Since this little book appeared in print, it has had no less than three answers, and fresh attacks are daily expected from the powers of Grub-street; but should threescore antagonists much arise, unless they say much to the intention than the forementioned, they shall not tempt me to reply.
Nor shall I engage in a paper war, but leave my book to answer for itself, having advanced nothing in this but evident truths, and incontestible matters of fact.
The general objection is against my style; I do not set up for an author, but write only to be understood, no matter how plain.
As my intentions are good, so have they had the nice fortune to meet with approbation from the sober and substantial part of mankind; as for the vicious and vagabond, th