NOVUM ORGAN UM. 60 



and more contemptuous opinion of things as they are than 

 they now entertain, and to perceive and feel more thoroughly 

 their unfortunate condition. We must therefore disclose 

 and prefix our reasons for not thinking the hope of success 

 improbable ; as Columbus before his wonderful voyage over 

 the Atlantic gave the reasons of his conviction that new 

 lands and continents might be discovered besides those al 

 ready known. And these reasons though at first rejected, 

 were yet proved by subsequent experience, and were the 

 causes and beginnings of the greatest events. 



93. Let us begin from God, and show that our pursuit 

 from its exceeding goodness clearly proceeds from him, the 

 Author of good and Father of light. Now in all divine 

 works, the smallest beginnings lead assuredly to some re 

 sult, and the remark in spiritual matters that &quot;The king 

 dom of God cometh without observation&quot; is also found to 

 be true in every great work of divine Providence; so that 

 every thing glides quietly on without confusion or noise, 

 and the matter is achieved before men either think or per 

 ceive that it is commenced. Nor should we neglect to men 

 tion the prophecy of Daniel of the last days of the world,* 

 &quot; Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be in 

 creased,&quot; thus plainly hinting and suggesting that Fate 

 (which is Providence) would cause the complete circuit of 

 the globe (now accomplished or at least going forward by 

 means of so many distant voyages), and the increase of 

 learning, to happen at the same epoch. 



94. We*f will next give a most potent reason for hope 

 deduced from the errors of the past, and the ways still 

 unattempted. For well was an ill governed state thus 

 reproved, J &quot; That which is worst with regard to the past 

 should appear most consolatory for the future. For if you 

 had done all that your duty commanded, and your affairs 

 proceeded no better, you could not even hope for their im 

 provement, but since their present unhappy situation is not 

 owing to the force of circumstances but to your own errors, 



* Daniel, c. xii. ver. 4. 



t Hence to Aphorism 108 treats of the grounds of hope to be derived from 

 correcting former errors. 



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