_LONDON_:
Printed for J. HOOKE, at the _Flower de Luce_ in
_Fleetstreet_, MDCCXXVI.
AN ANSWER TO THE EXCEPTIONS MADE BY _Mr._ ERASMUS WARREN, AGAINST THE
_THEORY_ of the _EARTH_.
If it be Civility to return a speedy Answer to a Demand or Message, I
will not fail to pay that Respect to the late Author of the _Exceptions
against the Theory of the Earth_. I know, short Follies, and short
Quarrels, are the best: And to offer Satisfaction at the first
Opportunity, is the fairest Way to put an End to Controversies. Besides,
such personal Altercations as these, are but _Res perituræ_, which do
not deserve much Time or Study; but, like Repartees, are best made off
hand, and never thought on more. I only desire that Friendliness, that
some Allowance may be made as to Unaccuracy of Style: Which is always
allow’d in hasty Dispatches.
I shall make no Excursions from the Subject, nor use any other Method
than to follow the learned _Exceptor_ from Chapter to Chapter, and
observe his Steps and Motions, so far as they are contrary to the
Theory. But if he divert out of his Way, for his Pleasure, or other
Reasons best known to himself, I may take notice of it perhaps, but
shall not follow him any farther than my Business leads me; having no
design to abridge his Liberty, but to defend my own Writings where they
are attack’d. Give me leave therefore, without any other Preface or
Ceremony, to fall to our Work.