proneness to entertain new Doctrines in Religion; for there can hardly be broached any Schemes, or Speculations, though ever so wild and extravagant, but there will be found Numbers of Persons of an odd and whimsical turn of Mind, ready to espouse and defend them; whence arises that wonderful Variety of enthusiastical Sects, with which this Nation has so much abounded, and still abounds; who are distinguished from sober and well-instructed Christians, and from one another by their several specifick and peculiar Deviations from Truth and common Sense. Nor are the Professors and Practicers of Physick less divided in their Systems and Opinions; for besides the Differences among the regular Physicians, Men of good Sense, and a liberal Education, a great Diversity of Quacks, fanatical Chymists, and confident Pretenders to this Art, swarm in this populous Kingdom, and over-spread the neighbouring Nations. Nor do these various Denominations want their Admirers, and zealous Followers; nor are the illiterate Vulgar only apt to crowd about these Empericks, but I know not how it comes to pass, Persons of the highest Rank do often cry them up, trust their Healths and Lives in their Hands, and are frequently the first spreaders of their Fame, promoters of their Interest, and protectors of their Reputation: And therefore I do not wonder, if the celebrated Mountebank Pontæus should say, as I have observed in another Writing, that
