A Small Globe of the Intellectuall World

Thus have I made as it were a small Globe of the Intellectuall world, as truly and faithfully as I coulde discover, with a note and description of those parts which seeme to mee, not constantly occupate, or not well converted by the labour of Man. In which, if I have in any point receded from that which is commonly received, it hath beene with a purpose of proceeding in melius, and not in aliud: a minde of amendment and proficience; and not of change and difference. For I could not bee true and constant to the argument I handle, if I were not willing to goe beyond others, but yet not more willing, then to have others goe beyond mee againe: which may the better appeare by this that I have propounded my opinions naked and unarmed, not seeking to preoccupate the libertie of mens judgements by confutations. For in any thing which is well set downe, I am in good hope, that if the first reading moove an objection, the second reading will make an answere. And in those things wherein I have erred, I am sure I have not prejudiced the right by litigious arguments; which certainly have this contrarie effect and operation, that they adde authoritie to error, and destroy the authoritie of that which is well invented. For question is an honour and preferment to falshood, as on the other side it is a repulse to truth. But the errors I claime and challenge to my selfe as mine owne. The good, if any bee, is due Tanquam adeps sacrificij, to be incensed to the honour first of the divine Majestie, and next of your Majestie, to whom on earth I am most bounden.