tions which have been given to the world by more ingenuous authors, under that modeft title. Far different from the scope of those productions is that of the Univerfal Hiftory; which is drawn from the most authentic documents of every nation, carefully collected, and diligently compared. The authorities are pointed out to the observation of the reader; and by these means he is presented with an Univerfal Index of genuine Hiftory. Thefe, however, are not the only advantages of this great compilation. The clashing prejudices of the hiftorians of different countries have been minutely examined, and their several degrees of credit fcrupulously afcertained: the most extensive researches have been made for the developement of truth; and the refult is related with fidelity. The Ancient History treats of empires and nations, which now no longer exift. They have been traced from their beginning to their extinction. Here the fubject naturally concludes.-Arts, fciences, laws, and letters perished at the same time; and a long interval of darkness and barbarism enfued. Mighty and unforeseen revolutions took place in every part part of the known world; a number of favage nations, and favage conquerors, appeared upon the scene. Their different migrations, contests, and establishments produced fuch political commotions as overwhelmed, or entirely altered, the ancient inftitutions, laws, languages, cuftoms, manners, and police.New kingdoms and ftates were formed. The annals of these kingdoms and states conftitute Modern Hiftory. The investigation of the manner in which these events were effected, elucidates one of the most interesting subjects of historical inquiry, and leads a philosophical mind to useful, as well as comprehenfive views of human nature. But, aufpicious to literature, and great as was the project of compiling the Univerfal Hiftory, a variety of imperfections was unavoidable in the execution of this arduous and extensive undertaking. The work was conducted by different authors, who poffeffed very different degrees of ability, as well as peculiarities in their respective modes of compofition. From these fources the narrative became exposed to blemishes, if not of an important nature, such at least as destroyed the harmony of the feveral parts, and that uniformity of texture which ought to have been confpicuous throughout the whole. In fome parts, parts, the work was too circumftantial; in others, too concife; and, in particular places, defective for want of materials, which more favourable opportunities, and farther inveftigation, have fince concurred to fupply. One remarkable deficiency in the former edition is, that it contained no Hiftory of England, Scotland, or Ireland; though to every British fubject a hiftorical narrative of these countries must have proved equally interesting and useful. In the present, this palpable defect is to be fupplied, by hiftories founded on the most impartial and authentic testimonies of each nation. Notwithstanding the last mentioned and other confiderable additions, the work is much reduced in fize, by retrenching fuperfluities. In this Edition the plan is methodized; inaccuracies corrected; and the ftyle improved; whereby, it is prefumed, the work will be rendered a system of History, hitherto unequalled in extent of useful information, and agreeable entertainment. CON SECT. III. The Hiftory of Sanchoniatho after the Flood, IV. Of the Removal of Mankind from the Neighbourhood of Mount Ararat to the Plain of Shinaar, and of the Build ΙΟΙ ing of Babel, 108 V. Of the Confufion of Tongues, 116 VI. Of the Difperfion of Mankind, and the Planting of Nations in the two first general Migrations, VII. Of the Origin of Civil Government, and doms, CHA P. III. 128 149 The History of Egypt to the Time of Alexander the Great. SECT. I. A Description of Egypt, II. Of the Antiquity, Government, Laws, Re- 154 208 III. Of the Egyptian Chronology to the Time of Alexander the Great, 259 IV. History of Ofiris, Ifis, Typhon, and Orus, 268 V. The Reigns of the Kings of Egypt, 278 VI. The fucceffion of the Kings of Egypt, ac- 331 CHA P. IV. The Hiftory of the Moabites, Ammonites, Midianites, Edomites, Amalekites, Canaanites, and Philistines. SECT. I. The Hiftory of Moab, II. The History of Ammon, 341 355 SECT. |