the nre of what I propoſe to doe, is ſuch as forbids me being over ſollicitous about an exact method. this is not a perfect life of Sir Iſaac Newton. it is impoſsible that I shd do it, not having the materials, nor any opportunity of obtaining them: nothing more than that little knowledg I cd obtain, either of my ſelf, or the informations I took, near his native place. I lived in country obsſurity, for above 20 years after his death; which was the fit ſeaſon to gather all the notices of the moſt flouriſhing part of his time. after I have all this while in vain expected juſtice to be done to his memory, I thought what I cd ſay on the great ſubject would not be wholly unacceptable. ſome are celebrated after death, for their learning, some for their vertue, & piety, & charity, some for acquirements in arts and ſciences; but he claims it, upon all theſe accounts.
