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 is less to be suspected than any other; That in most of them (if not all) it is absolutely innocent; nay, That it contains the best remedies for the distempers which some other sorts of Learning are thought to bring with them.

The first Objection against Knowledge, of which I shall take notice in the active part of life is this, That it makes men too plentiful in their thoughts; too inventive, and cavilling in their Arguments; and so rather teaches them to be witty in objecting, than ready in resolving, and diligent in performing. I confess the Ancient Philosophy will hardly be able to vindicate it self from this charge: For its chief purpose is to enlarge the fancy, and to fill the head with the matter and artifice of discours. But this cannot any way touch the Art of Experiments. That consists not in Topicks of reas'ning, but of working: That indeed is full of doubting and inquiry, and will scarce be brought to settle its assent: But it is such a doubting as proceeds on Trials, and not on Arguments. That does neither practise nor cherish this humor of disputing, which Breaks the force of things by the subtilty of words; as Seneca was said to do by his style: It weakens mens arms, and slackens all the sinews of action: For so it commonly happens, that such earnest disputers evaporate all the strength of their minds in arguing, questioning, and debating; and tire themselves out before they come to the Practice.

The next accusation is, That so many intricate paths, and spacious windings of Learning, will require more time than can be spar'd by men of active and