[♦] “when” replaced with “then” per Errata
[♠] inserted word “be” per Errata
[♣] “luch” replaced with “such”
[♥] inserted “far from” per Errata
40. The sum of all this is: the measure of prosecuting learning and knowledge, is their usefulness to a good life. Consequently, all prosecution of them beyond or beside this end, is impertinent and immoderate. But such is the general prosecution of learning and knowledge, as is plain by appealing to the general conduct of study. It evidently follows, that the intellectual conduct of human life is justly chargeable with an immoderate and impertinent pursuit of knowledge.
The CONCLUSION.
TO what a narrow compass, by virtue of the preceding reflections, are these three things reduced, which use to take up so large a room, viz. Learning itself, the method of learning, and the desire and prosecution of learning? These indeed are great retrenchments, but such as are just and necessary to the regulation of our intellectual conduct.
And now who can forbear making these two observations, 1. That this bookish humour, which every where so prevails, is one of the spiritual diseases of mankind, one of the most malignant relics of original depravation: it carrying in it the very stamp and signature of Adam’s transgression, which owed its birth to an inordinate desire of knowledge, 2. That those who have eyes, may in great measure spare them, and they who have not, should not much lament the want of them, upon account of learning.
For my own part, I am so thoroughly convinced of the certainty of the principles here laid down, that I look upon myself as not only under a particular obligation, but almost a necessity of conducting my studies by them. The last of which has left such a deep impression upon me, that I now intend to follow the advice of the Heathen, (Marcus Antoninus, as I remember) [♦]Τὴν τῶν Βιβλίων δίψαν ῥῖψον. Rid thyself of the thirst after books; and to study nothing at all but what serves to the advancement of piety and a good life.