Page:History of the Royal Society.djvu/68

Wells, and pleasant Shades of Palm-Trees; but those lying in the midst of Deserts, and unpassable Tracts of Sands.

 

Sect. XXII.
A Defence of the Royal Society, in respect of the Ancients.But now it being a fit Time to stop, and breathe a while, and take a Review of the Ground, that we have passed. It would be here needful for me to make an Apology for my self, in a Matter, which, if it be not beforehand remov'd, may chance to be very prejudicial to Men's good Opinion of the Royal Society itself, as well as of its Historian. I fear, that this Assembly will receive Disadvantage enough, from my weak Management of their Cause, in many other Particulars; so that I must not leave them, and myself unjustified, in this, wherein we have so much Right on our Sides. I doubt not then, but it will come into the Thoughts of many Criticks (of whom the World is now full,) to urge against us, that I have spoken a little too sparingly of the Merits of former Ages; and that this Design seems to be promoted, with a malicious Intention of disgracing the Merits of the Ancients.

But first, I shall beseech them, calmly to consider; whether they themselves do not more injure those great Men, whom they would make the Matters of our Judgments, by attributing all Things to them so absolutely; than we, who do them all the Justice we can, without adoring them? It is always esteemed the greatest Mischief a Man can do those whom he loves, to raise Men's Expectations of them too high, by undue and impertinent Commendations. For thereby not only their Enemies, but indifferent Men, will be secretly inclined to be more watchful over their Failings, and to conspire in beating down their