Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/58

 his Master (c), in his Essay of Heroick Vertue; where he mentions Law-givers, as well as Generals, and yet take no notice of Moses and Jesus Christ.

It is evident therefore, that though in some Sence the Moderns may be said to have learned their Politicks and Ethicks from the Ancients, yet there is no convincing Argument that can be brought from those Sciences, singly considered, that the Ancients had a greater Force of Genius than the wise and prudent Men of these later Generations. If, indeed, in all other Sciences, Mankind has for 1500 Years been at a full Stop, the Perfection of the Ancient Politicks and Ethicks may be justly urged, amongst other Arguments, for the comparative Strength of their Parts; otherwise not.

But there are other Parts of Learning, that may seem capable of farther Improvement; of which, the Advocates for the Ancients do not only pretend that they were the Inventors, but that their Performances have never since been equalled, much less out-done; though within these last 200 Years all imaginable Pains have been taken to do it; and great Rewards have been given to those who have,