430
The HISTORY of
to manage Kingdoms than those who possess them. This, without question, is the chief Root of all the uneasiness of Subjects to their Princes. The World would be better govern'd, if so many did not presume that they are fit to sustain the Cares of Government. Transgression of the Law is Idolatry: The Reason of Mens contemning all Jurisdiction and Power, proceeds from their idolizing their own Wit; they make their own Prudence omnipotent; they suppose themselves infallible; they set up their own Opinions, and worship them. But this vain Idolatry will inevitably fall before Eperimental Knowledge; which as it is an Enemy to all manner of false Superstitions, so especially to that of Mens adoring themselves, and their own Fancies.
Sect. XL.The Conclusion, being a general Recommendation of this Design.I Have now at last brought my Reader by a tedious Compass, to the end of our Journey: And here I desire him to look back, and to make a Reflection on the Matters of which I have treated. In the first part of my Discourse I have alledg'd the Causes by which these Studies were suppress'd in all former Ages; which have been Interests of Sects, the Violence of Disputations, the plausible Arts of Speech, the Religious Controversies, the Dogmatical Opinions, the Poverty of the Undertakers, and the want of a continual Race of Experimenters. In the second I have shew'd by what Steps the Royal Society arose, what it has propos'd to attempt, what Course it has taken to make its Observations universal and perpetual; what Assistance has been afforded it to that Purpose, and about what Particulars it has been conversant. In the third I have try'd to free it from the false Scandals of Ignorance, and the Prejudices of several ways of Life, and
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