_LONDON_:
Printed for J. HOOKE, at the _Flower-de-luce_, over-against
St. _Dunstan’s Church_, in _Fleetstreet_, 1726.
TO THE
QUEEN’S
Most EXCELLENT
MAJESTY.
_MADAM_,
Having had the Honour to present the first Part of this Theory to your
ROYAL UNCLE, I presume to offer the Second to Your Majesty. This Part of
the Subject, I hope, will be no less acceptable, for certainly ’tis of
no less Importance. They both indeed agree in this, that there is a
WORLD made and destroy’d in either Treatise. But we are more concern’d
in what is to come, than what is past. And as the former Books
represented to us the Rise and Fall of the first World; so these give an
Account of the present Frame of Nature labouring under the last Flames,
and of the Resurrection of it in the _new Heavens_ and _new Earth_;
which, according to the Divine Promises, we are to expect.
Cities that are burnt, are commonly rebuilt more beautiful and regular
than they were before. And when this World is demolish’d by the last
Fire, He that undertakes to rear it up again, will supply the Defects,
if there were any, of the former Fabrick. This Theory supposes the
present Earth to be little better than an Heap of Ruins; where yet there
is Room enough for Sea and Land, for Islands and Continents, for several
Countries and Dominions: But when these are all melted down, and refin’d
in the general Fire, they will be cast into a better Mould, and the Form
and Qualities of the Earth will become _Paradisaical_.
But, I fear, it may be thought no very proper Address, to shew Your
Majesty a World laid in Ashes, where You have so great an Interest Your
Self, and such fair Dominions; and then, to recompense the Loss, by
giving a Reversion in a future Earth. But if that future Earth be a
second _Paradise_, to be enjoyed for a Thousand Years; with Peace,
Innocency, and constant Health; An Inheritance there will be, an happy
Exchange for the best Crown in this World.
I confess, I could never persuade myself that the Kingdom of Christ, and
of his Saints, which the Scripture speaks of so frequently, was designed
to be upon this present Earth. But however, upon all Suppositions, they
that have done some Good in this Life, will be Sharers in the Happiness
of that State. To humble the Oppressors, and rescue the Oppressed, is a
Work of Generosity and Charity, that cannot want its Reward; Yet, MADAM,
they are the greatest Benefactors to Mankind, that dispose the World to
become Virtuous; and by their Example, Influence, and Authority,
retrieve that TRUTH and JUSTICE, that have been lost, amongst Men, for
many Ages. The School-Divines, tell us, those that act or suffer great
Things for the Publick Good, are distinguish’d in Heaven, by a Circle of
Gold about their Heads. One would not willingly vouch for that: But one
may safely for what the Prophet says, which is far greater: Namely, that
They shall shine like Stars in the Firmament, _that turn many to
Righteousness_. Which is not to be understood, so much, of the
Conversion of single Souls, as of the turning of Nations and People; the
turning of the World to Righteousness. They that lead on that great and
happy Work, shall be distinguish’d in Glory from the rest of Mankind.
We are sensible, MADAM, from Your Great Example, that Piety and Vertue
seated upon a Throne, draw many to Imitation, whom ill Principles, or
the Course of the World, might have led another Way. These are the best,
as well as easiest Victories, that are gain’d without Contest. And as
Princes are the Vicegerents of God upon Earth, so when their Majesty is
in Conjunction with Goodness, it hath a double Character of Divinity
upon it: And we owe them a double Tribute of Fear and Love. Which, with
constant Prayers for Your MAJESTY’s present and future Happiness, shall
be always Dutifully paid, by
_Your MAJESTY’s
Most Humble and
Most Obedient Subject_,