The History of the Heavens

not be able to refrain from drawing great utility from this Work; and it will be especially useful, but also necessary, for incoming Students original: "aenkomenden Leerlingen", as it will show them the right path to progress in the Sciences original: "Weetenſchappen"; to distinguish the true and useful from the false and useless, and to make a proper use of their reason original: "reede", with this most pleasant and most fitting goal, which the Author also allows to shine through everywhere, namely, that the Glory of God be promoted, and the Creator be glorified in all His creatures.

I have undertaken to clothe this Work—which in its original language is already under the press for the third time—in a Dutch dress original: "Neederduitſch gewaedt," referring to the translation into the Dutch language. In the 18th century, "Nederduitsch" was the common term for the Dutch language, not doubting that it will also find its admirers among those who have no mastery of the French Language. How I have succeeded in this, I leave to the judgment of the knowledgeable. To err is human; and I do not flatter myself that I, especially in translating a work such as this, would be free from it. Friendly rebukes are pleasant lessons. Those printing errors original: "Drukfeilen" that might have crept in here and there, I ask the favorable Reader to kindly correct, and I wish him all the benefit from this Work that the Author intended.