fect in my weak Hands, which were not able fully to prevail, when they were inforc'd by the Eloquence of those excellent Men who have gone before me in this Argument: But I rather trust to the inclination of the Age it self, wherein I write; which (if I mistake not) is far more prepar'd to be persuaded to promote such Studies, then any other Time that has gone before us.
Sect. III.
The Philosophy of the East.And first, let us observe the Practice of the best, and the civilest Nations, amongst the Ancients; and a little trace out the Course which they follow'd, to enrich their Countries, by the introducing of Foreign Arts, or a searching into New.
It is evident, from the universal Testimony of
History, that all Learning and Civility were deriv'd down to us from the
Eastern Part of the World. There it was, that Mankind arose: and there they first discover'd the Ways of Living, with Safety, Convenience, and Delight. It is but just, that we should attribute the original of
Astronomy, Geometry, Government, and many Sorts of Manufactures, which we now enjoy, to the
Assyrians, the
Chaldeans, and
Egyptians. And as to them we owe the
Invention; so from them proceeded the first
Corruption of Knowledge. It was the Custom of their wise men, to wrap up their Observations of Nature, and the Manners of Men, in the dark Shadows of
Hieroglyphicks; and to conceal them, as sacred
Mysteries, from the apprehensions of the Vulgar. This was a sure Way to beget a Reverence in the People's Hearts towards
themselves: but not to advance the true Philosophy of
Nature. That stands not in need of such Artifices to uphold its credit: But is then most likely
