Sect. III. Experiments not dangerous to the Universities.Thus far I have briefly examined the influence of new Experiments, or all the chief Parts of Education. And after all the Innovation, of which they can be suspected, we find nothing will be indanger'd, but only the Physics of Antiquity: wherein we also behold, that many things of greater concernment, will arise, to supply the place of what shall be cut away. By this discourse, I hope, I have said enough, to manifest the innocence of this Design in respect of all the present Schools of Learning; and especially our own Universities. And it was but just, that we should have this tenderness, for the interest of those magnificent Seats of humane Knowledge, and divine; to which the Natural Philosophy of our Nation, cannot be injurious without horrible ingratitude; seeing in them it has been principally cherish'd, and reviv'd. From hence the greatest part of out Modern Inventions have deduc'd their Original. It is true, such Experimental Studies are largely dispers'd at this time: But they first came forth thence, as the Colonies of old did from Rome: and therefore as those did, they should rather intend the strength, than the destruction of their Mother Cities.
I confess there have not been wanting some forward Asserters of new Philosophy, who have not us'd any kind of Moderation towards them: But have presently concluded, that nothing can be well done in new Discoveries, unless all the Ancient Arts be first rejected, and their Nurseries abolish'd. But the rashness of these mens proceedings, has rather prejudic'd, than advanc'd, what they make shew to promote. They have come as furiously to the purging of Philosophy, as our Modern Zealots did to theRefor-
