Read Ebook: The Works of Sir Thomas Browne Volume 1 by Browne Thomas Sir Sayle Charles Editor

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PAGE

PREFATORY NOTE BY THE EDITOR, v

ANNOTATIONS UPON 'RELIGIO MEDICI,' ix

A LETTER SENT UPON THE INFORMATION OF ANIMADVERSIONS, 1

TO THE READER. 3

RELIGIO MEDICI, 7

TO THE READER, 115

THE FIRST BOOK:

THE SECOND BOOK:

ANNOTATIONS UPON RELIGIO MEDICI

THE ANNOTATOR TO THE READER

In Praefat. Annotat.

Excepting two or three particulars in which reference is made to some Books that came over since that time.

ANNOTATIONS UPON RELIGIO MEDICI

THE FIRST PART

Lucret. lib. 4.

Virgil 2. Georgic.

But yet it is so far from being true that their cessation was miraculous, that the truth is, there never were any predictions given by those Oracles at all.

For their predictions, let us consider the three several ways before mentioned, whereby they are supposed to operate; and from thence see whether it be probable that any such Oracles ever were.

THE SECOND PART

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TO THE READER

RELIGIO MEDICI

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As there were many Reformers, so likewise many Reformations; every Country proceeding in a particular way and method, according as their national Interest, together with their Constitution and Clime, inclined them; some angrily, and with extremity; others calmly, and with mediocrity; not rending, but easily dividing the community, and leaving an honest possibility of a reconciliation; which though peaceable Spirits do desire, and may conceive that revolution of time and the mercies of God may effect, yet that judgment that shall continue the present antipathies between the two extreams, their contrarieties in condition, affection, and opinion, may with the same hopes expect an union in the Poles of Heaven.

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That Heresies should arise, we have the Prophesie of Christ; but that old ones should be abolished, we hold no prediction. That there must be Heresies, is true, not only in our Church, but also in any other: even in doctrines heretical, there will be super-heresies; and Arians not only divided from their Church, but also among themselves: for heads that are disposed unto Schism and complexionally propense to innovation, are naturally disposed for a community; nor will be ever confined unto the order or oeconomy of one body; and therefore when they separate from others, they knit but loosely among themselves, nor contented with a general breach or dichotomy with their Church, do subdivide and mince themselves almost into Atoms. 'Tis true, that men of singular parts and humours have not been free from singular opinions and conceits in all Ages; retaining something, not only beside the opinion of his own Church or any other, but also any particular Author; which notwithstanding a sober Judgment may do without offence or heresie; for there is yet, after all the Decrees of Councils and the niceties of Schools, many things untouch'd, unimagin'd, wherein the liberty of an honest reason may play and expatiate with security, and far without the circle of an Heresie.

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Search while thou wilt, and let thy reason go, To ransome truth, even to th' Abyss below; Rally the scattered Causes; and that line Which Nature twists, be able to untwine It is thy Makers will, for unto none, But unto reason can he e'er be known. The Devils do know Thee, but those damn'd Meteors Build not thy Glory, but confound thy Creatures. Teach my indeavours so thy works to read, That learning them in thee, I may proceed. Give thou my reason that instructive flight, Whose weary wings may on thy hands still light. Teach me to soar aloft, yet ever so, When neer the Sun, to stoop again below. Thus shall my humble Feathers safely hover, And, though near Earth, more than the Heavens discover And then at last, when homeward I shall drive, Rich with the Spoils of nature to my hive, There will I sit like that industrious Flie, Buzzing thy praises, which shall never die, Till death abrupts them, and succeeding Glory Bid me go on in a more lasting story.

????? ???????, Nosce teipsum.

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These are niceties that become not those that peruse so serious a Mystery: There are others more generally questioned and called to the Bar, yet methinks of an easie and possible truth.

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