bot, &c. began now to imagine some greater Thing, and to bring out experimental Knowledge from the Retreats, in which it had long hid itself, to take its Part in the Triumphs of that universal Jubilee. And indeed Philosophy did very well deserve that Reward, having been always Loyal in the worst of Times: For though the King's Enemies had gain'd all other Advantages; though they had all the Garrisons, and Fleets, and Ammunitions, and Treasures, and Armies on their side; yet they could never, by all their Victories, bring over the Reason of Men to their Party.
While they were thus ordering their Platform, there came forth a Treatise, which very much hasten'd its Contrivance; and that was a Proposal by Master Cowley; of erecting a Philosophical College. The Intent of it was, that in some places near London, there should liberal Salaries be bestowed on a competent Number of Learned Men, to whom should be committed the Operations of Natural Experiments. This Model was every way practicable; unless perhaps, in two Things, he did more consult the Generosity of his own Mind, than of other Men's: the one was the Largeness of the Revenue, with which he would have his College at first indowed; the other, that he imposed on his Operators a second Task of great Pains, the Education of Youth.
The last of these is indeed a matter of great Weight; the Reformation of which ought to be seriously examined by prudent Men. For it is an undeniable Truth, which is commonly said, that there would be Need of fewer Laws, and less Force to govern Men, if their Minds were rightly informed, and set strait, while they were young, and pliable. But
