PREFACE

...times. While on the European continent, where more frequent changes of inhabitants occur, idolatry polluted the land everywhere. However, in all accounts of the very beginnings of nations, they initially practiced the original religion—until, as happens everywhere, time, wealth, sophistication original: "politeness", and prosperity brought about corruption in both church and state.

On the continent, we find that idolatry gradually crept in universally. This prompted Providence A term for God’s divine intervention or guidance in human history. to intervene through the Mosaic dispensation original: "Mosaick dispensation"; the religious system and laws given by God to Moses.. In doing so, the nature of those temples, which had become entirely polluted, was changed. Nevertheless, we have no reason to doubt that the Druids on our island generally maintained the purity of their original and patriarchal institution. This is why all the classical writers—though writing much later than the era we are discussing—represent them as a people whose religion was diametrically opposite to that of the rest of the world, just as the Jews were then, or Christians were afterward.

Therefore, I believed it was fully worth the effort to devote some labor to these temples of theirs. They are the only remaining monuments we have of the patriarchal religion, especially considering their extraordinary grandeur and magnificence, which equal any of the most famous wonders of the world, as they are commonly called.

I have shown through enough evidence that these kinds of temples were built all over the world in the earliest times. However, it is probable that nothing remains of them today that can compare to those in our own island. We ought, therefore, to try to rescue them from being forgotten original: "oblivion" before it is too late.

I plan to publish only one more volume to complete this argument, as far as I have materials for that purpose. I view what I have done so far as very imperfect; it is merely opening the scene of this very noble subject. Curious readers will find plenty of room to expand, correct, and adorn the plan I have begun. I believe it is well worth the effort, as it provides an excellent view of the scheme of Providence in conducting the affairs of true religion through the various ages of the world. From this, we can discern the great purpose of introducing the Mosaic dispensation on the very spot of ground where the bulk of idolatry began and spread over the Western and more sophisticated world. It was over this same world that Providence raised the mighty Roman Empire to pave the way for the republication The re-introduction or restoration of the original faith (Christianity). of the patriarchal religion.