new be destructive, all the several means, and degrees, by which Mankind has risen to this perfection of Arts, were to be condemn'd. If to be the Author of new things, be a crime; how will the first Civilizers of Men, and makers of Laws, and Founders of Governments escape? Whatever now delights us in the Works of Nature, that excels the rudeness of the first Creation, is New. Whatever we see in Cities, or Houses, above the first wildness of Fields, and meaness of Cottages, and nakedness of Men, had its time, when this imputation of Novelty might as well have been laid to its charge. It is not therefore an offence, to profess the introduction of New things, unless that which is introduc'd prove pernicious in it self; or cannot be brought in, without the extirpation of others, that are better.
And that Experimental Knowledge, will not expose us to these dangers, I am next to declare, in a Universal Apology for its intentions, and effects. This was the Third Portion, which I at first reserv'd, for the Conclusion of my Discourse. Yet casting my eyes back, I find, that I have already on several occasions prevented myself; and said many things as I came along, which would have been more proper for this place. But I desire that my Reader would interpret this to have proceeded from the Nature of my Subject, of which it is hard to write a plain History, without falling sometimes unawares into its Praise. And now I will proceed to a fuller, and more solemn Defence: In which, I will try to prove, that the increase of Experiments will be so far from hurting, that it will be many ways advantageous, above other Studies, to the wonted Courses of Education; to the Principles, and Instructions of the minds of
