the Difficulty of making Words not my own appear in the best Light, with other inconvenient Circumstances under which I at present labour, may be some Apology for the Defects of the Work; and if I can but so far obtain your Lordship's good Opinion, as to be thought to have designed well (as I am conscious of my own good Intentions to consecrate all my Labours to the fulfilling of my Duty in that State of Life in which it hath pleased God to call me, and particularly in the heavy Charge, and great Trust, reposed in me by your Lordship, and the honourable Court of Aldermen, of this great and oppulent City) it will inspire me with fresh Vigour, notwithstanding every Difficulty, to proceed with Chearfulness and Alacrity in my future Publications, which shall be true and authentic, and as free as possible from all particular Censures and Animadversions improperly pointed.

Perhaps it might be expected that I should, as usual on those Occasions, flatter and commend; but this I shall leave to others, better qualified to perform. Wherefore, forbearing that, I conclude with wishing you an easy and happy Government, with every Blessing and Satisfaction that this Life can afford, in private as well as public. And that the worthy Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Council, with all others in Power and Office under your Authority in this City (animated by your Example of Learning and Religion, influenced by the Wisdom of your Conduct, and encouraged by your Zeal and Perseverance, even to the great Danger of your Health, in Support of our happy Constitution in Church and State, and the general Preservation of the Rights, Priviledges, Properties, Peace and Tranquility, of all his Majesty's Subjects throughout this Kingdom) may so discharge every Part of their Trust and Office, as to make your Mayoralty one of the shining Glories of the present Age, and a provoking Example to all future ones, which is the hearty Prayer, and sincere Desire of,

MY LORD, Your Lordship's faithful And obedient Servant,

JOHN WOOD< no role > .