In like manner from
Plotinus to Proclus, that is, from A. D. 250 to A. D. 450, philosophy
was set up as a substitute for religion: during the dark ages religion
superseded philosophy, and the consequences are equally instructive. The
great maxim of legislation, intellectual or political, is 'Subordinate,
not exclude'. Nature in her ascent leaves nothing behind, but at each
step subordinates and glorifies:--mass, crystal, organ, sensation,
sentience, reflection.
Ib. p. 82.
Another time, as I sat in my study, the weight of my greatest folio
books brake down three or four of the highest shelves, when I sat
close under them, and they fell down every side me, and not one of
them hit me, save one upon the arm; whereas the place, the weight, the
greatness of the books was such, and my head just under them, that it
was a wonder they had not beaten out my brains, &c.
[Greek: Mega biblion mega kakon.]
Ib. p. 84.
For all the pains that my infirmities ever brought upon me were never
half so grievous an affliction to me, as the unavoidable loss of my
time, which they occasioned. I could not bear, through the weakness of
my stomach, to rise before seven o'clock in the morning, &c.
Alas! in how many respects does my lot resemble Baxter's; but how much
less have my bodily evils been; and yet how very much greater an
impediment have I suffered them to be! But verily Baxter's labours seem
miracles of supporting grace. Ought I not therefore to retract the note
p.
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