98 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [ll. 13. 



therefore these times may justly bear in their word, not 

 only plus ultra, in precedence of the ancient non ultra, 

 and imi labile fulmen, in precedence of the ancient non 

 imitabile fulmen, 



Demens qui nimbos et non imitabile fulmen, &c. 

 but likewise imitabile ccelum ; in respect of the many 

 memorable voyages after the manner of heaven about 

 the globe of the earth. 



14. And this proficience in navigation and discoveries 

 may plant also an expectation of the further proficience 

 and augmentation of all sciences ; because it may seem 

 they are ordained by God to be coevals, that is, to meet 

 in one age. For so the prophet Daniel speaking of the 

 latter times foretelleth, Plurimi pertransibunt, et multiplex 

 erit scientia : as if the openness and through-passage of 

 the world and the increase of knowledge were appointed 

 to be in the same ages ; as we see it is already performed 

 in great part : the learning of these later times not much 

 giving place to the former two periods or returns of learn 

 ing, the one of the Grecians, the other of the Romans. 



III. i. History ecclesiastical receiveth the same divi 

 sions with history civil : but further in the propriety 

 thereof may be divided into the history of the church, 

 by a general name ; history of prophecy ; and history of 

 providence. The first describeth the times of the milit 

 ant church, whether it be fluctuant, as the ark of Noah, 

 or moveable, as the ark in the wilderness, or at rest, as 

 the ark in the temple : that is, the state of the church in 

 persecution, in remove, and in peace. This part I ought 

 in no sort to note as deficient ; only I would the virtue 

 and sincerity of it were according to the mass and 

 quantity. But I am not now in hand with censures, but 

 with omissions. 



