jo An Hiftorical Account AND for what concerns that Peftilence now under Enquiry, this we have as to its Origin, from the moft irrefrigable Autho- rity, that it firft came into this Ifland by Contagion, and was imported to us from Holland, in Packs of Merchandize } and if any one pleafes to trace it further, he may be fatisfied by common Fame, it came thither from Turkey in Bails of Cotton, which is a fbrange Prefer ver of the Peftiien- tial Steams. For that Part of the World is feldom free from fiich Infe£Hons, altho' it is fometimes more fevere than others, according to the Bifpofkion of Seafons and Temperature of Air in thofe Regions : But if any would yet more intimately be acquainted with its Origin, it concerns him to know all the Changes the Air in thefe Climates is fubjed to, and its various Properties of Drynefs, Moiffore, Heat, Cold, 0-c. BUT leaft I iliould be thought too prolix in the Enumeration of fuch Cir- cumstances, and incur the Sufpicion of Atheifm, (a Charge too jufr upon the Faculty) by afcribing too much to fecond Caufes y as the Schools pleafe to call them, it may be
