Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/21

 Principle, that because a Man is in an Errour in those Things whereof we can judge, therefore he must be equally mistaken in those Things where we cannot. Now, this Extream can be no Way more easily avoided, than by stating the due Limits of Ancient and Modern Learning; and shewing, in every Particular, to which we ought to give the Pre-eminence.

But I had another, and a more powerful Reason, to move me to consider this Subject; and that was, that I did believe it might be some way subservient to Religion it self. Among all the Hypotheses of those who would destroy our most holy Faith, none is so plausible as that of the Eternity of the World. The fabulous Histories of the Egyptians, Chaldeans and Chineses seem to countenance that Assertion. The seeming Easiness of solving all Difficulties that occurr, by pretending