But
the other kingdoms and states of Europe have treated me with more
candor and generosity. If I had leave to print the Latin letters
transmitted to me from foreign parts, they would fill a volume,
and be a full defence against all that Mr. Partridge, or his
accomplices of the Portugal Inquisition, will be able to object;
who, by the way, are the only enemies my predictions have ever
met with at home or abroad. But I hope I know better what is due
to the honour of a learned correspondence in so tender a point.
Yet some of those illustrious persons will perhaps excuse me from
transcribing a passage or two in my own vindication. The most
learned Monsieur Leibnits thus addresses to me his third letter:
Illustrissimo Bickerstaffio Astrologiae instauratori, etc.
Monsieur le Clerc, quoting my predictions in a treatise he
published last year, is pleased to say, Ita nuperrime
Bickerstaffius magnum illud Angliae fidus. Another great
professor writing of me, has these words: Bickerstaffius, nobilis
Anglus, Astrologorum hujusce Saeculi facile Princeps. Signior
Magliabecchi, the Great Duke's famous library-keeper, spends
almost his whole letter in compliments and praises. 'Tis true,
the renowned Professor of Astronomy at Utrecht, seems to differ
from me in one article; but it is in a modest manner, that
becomes a philosopher; as, Pace tanti viri dixerim: And pag.
Pages:
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50