Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/382



Aving therefore, as I hope, sufficiently proved that there has not been such a Fall in Modern Learning, as Sir William Temple supposes; nay, even that comparatively speaking the Extent of Knowlege, is at this Time, vastly greater than it was in former Ages, it may seem, perhaps, a needless Thing to examine those Reasons which he alledges, of the Decrease of that which in the gross has suffered no Decay. Something however, I shall say to them, because if they do not prove what Sir William Temple designs, yet they will prove at least, what a perfect thing Learning might have been, if it had not met with such Impediments.

The first Blow which he says (l), that Learning received, was by the Disputes which arose about Religion in Europe,