This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1752. Excerpt: ... CHAP. I. Wherein are Discoverdsome Prefatory Defpondings of the Juthor"s, lest the Publict or the Booksellers should not sufficiently reward his Labours in this Work. With some Marks of his Natural Temper. AFTER all the Care, Pains, and Endeavours we have laboured with, to entertain the Publick with this adventurous and much edifying Work, we cannot but be under some Doubts lest they Vol. III. B should lhould render our Lucubrations not sufficiently rewarded: For.when we call to Mind the miserable and griping Greediness of the Generality of Booksellers; both in their Purchasing our Copies, and Publishing of ourWorks for us, it somewhat frets ourSpleen to reflect that, after we have, with great Labour, created Kingdoms and States; erected Piles and Thrones; called Tyrants to Account; and fill"d the whole World with Matters they never dream"d of jbefore; that we should at last ourselves be miserably punish"d by the narrow-soul"d iGripings and Pinches" of a paltry MuckWorm!---The ungratesul Thought of which is enough to burst the toughest Heartstring that ever withstood the Desires of better Fortune. These Booksellers, who purchase Copies of us. their indefatigable Slaves, ate upon the fame Footing, by their Manner of dealing, with a, Master WatcK-Maker, or Finisher (as they areterm"d) who by putting the last stroke to the Business (which is only keeping an Openshop for the Disposing of other Men"s Labours) do run away with both Credit and Profit together; if any should arise thereby; and which they do always put a Price upon themselvesj (seldom according to the real Value, but ge,nerally according to the Custom of Trade, and. the Measure of their own Consciences.) And, but but that our present Composition must absolutely pass through the fieryTrtalsof those...