to be taught, and to give way to the Judgment of others. And I dare boldly say, that a plain industrious Man, so prepar'd, is more likely to make a good Philosopher, than all the high, earnest, insulting Wits, who can bear neither Partnership, nor Opposition. The Chymists lay it down, as a necessary Qualification of their happy Man, to whom God will reveal their ador'd Elixir, that he must be rather innocent, and virtuous, than knowing. And if I were to form the Character of a true Philosopher, I would be sure to make that the Foundation: Not that I believe, God will bestow any extraordinary Light in Nature, on such Men more than others; but upon a bare rational Account: For certainly, such Men, whose Minds are so soft, so yielding, so complying, so large, are in a far better Way, than the bold and haughty Asserters: they will pass by nothing, by which they may learn; they will be always ready to receive, and communicate Observations; they will not contemn the Fruits of others Diligence; they will rejoice to see Mankind benefited, whether it be by themselves or others.
Sect. XV. The Revivers of the Ancient Sects.The second Endeavours have been of those, who renounc'd the Authority of Aristotle; but then restor'd some one or other of the Ancient Sects in his stead. If such Mens Intentions were only, that we might have before us the Conceptions of several Men of different Ages, upon the Works of Nature, without obliging us to an implicit Consent to all that they affirm; then their Labours ought to be receiv'd with great Acknowledgments: For such a general Prospect will very much inlarge, and guide our Inquiry; and perhaps also will help to hinder the Age