IF History be best supplied both with Delight and Instruction, from a Variety of Occurrences; there are few Nations better able to furnish it than the Kingdom of England. We have had so many Changes, carried on by such different Methods, and to so many several Ends, that if they were set in a true Light, we should have little occasion to look abroad for Examples, almost in any kind. But the mis­fortune is, What would be the great Ornament of our History, if once finish'd, has been the main Discouragement from attempting it. We have not wanted Persons of the greatest Abilities, who, out of a Concern for the Publick, have set about it with the utmost Resolution; but have been either surpriz'd by Death, or diverted by Business, or frighted by the growing Difficulties from undertaking the whole, and con­fin'd themselves to some particular part. The great Light of our Nation, Mr. CAMDEN, design'd it; and had as much reason to hope for Success as any one: But tho' he had time enough before him, and greater Opportunities than the generality of Men are Masters of, he fairly confesses, That after a little Progress, he found the Task too weighty, and so set about the History of Queen Elizabeth. That single Reign cost him sixteen Years Labour, tho' himself had been an Eye-witness of the greatest part of it. 'Tis true, a General History would not require such a large account of every Reign; But the whole Body of our Old Histerians must be examin'd, the Records of the Kingdom consulted, our Constitution throughly understood: And after all, this Mass of Collections is to be digested into a Method and Style suitable to the Subject. And certainly here is full Employment for the Age of any one Man, let him begin as early as he pleases and set out with all the Advantages imaginable. Such is the Wisdom of those Ʋndertakers, who would perswade the World they are in earnest, when they promise to run through all the Changes, from the Flood to this very Day, in the Compass of one poor Year.

But the many Disappointments which have already happen'd, and the multitude of Accidents (as, una­voidable Avocations, Sickeness, Death, and too often want of Resolution, &c.) which may inrerrupt such a great Undertaking, gives us so little Prospect of hoping for a Compleat History by any such way, that it may be a Piece of good Service to the Publick to fix upon another Method.

'Tis in general, to supply the Inconveniences which attend one Man's Undertaking, by uniting the Labours of several; who, 'as they handl'd some single part only, had better Opportunities of informing themselves thorowly, and less Temptation to run it over superficially. This (tho' it may come short of the Perfection might be wish'd for) is certainly practicable, and seems the most accurate that can be reasonably expected. Such as it is, we freely submit it to the Judgment of the Learned, hoping that the Authors which have singly had so much Esteem, may be at least of equal Value, and be as kindly receiv'd, when drawn into one Body.