112 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING, [VII. 2. 



metaphysic : wherein I desire it may be conceived that I 

 use the word metaphysic in a differing sense from that 

 that is received. And in like manner, I doubt not but 

 it will easily appear to men of judgement, that in this 

 and other particulars, wheresoever my conception and 

 notion may differ from the ancient, yet I am studious to 

 keep the ancient terms. For hoping well to deliver 

 myself from mistaking, by the order and perspicuous 

 expressing of that I do propound; I am otherwise 

 zealous and affectionate to recede as little from antiquity, 

 either in terms or opinions, as may stand with truth and 

 the proficience of knowledge. And herein I cannot a 

 little marvel at the philosopher Aristotle, that did proceed 

 in such a spirit of difference and contradiction towards 

 all antiquity : undertaking not only to frame new words 

 of science at pleasure, but to confound and extinguish all 

 ancient wisdom : insomuch as he never nameth or men- 

 tioneth an ancient author or opinion, but to confute and 

 reprove ; wherein for glory, and drawing followers and 

 disciples, he took the right course. For certainly there 

 cometh to pass, and hath place in human truth, that 

 which was noted and pronounced in the highest truth : 

 Vent in nomine fiatn s, nee recipitis me ; si quis venerit in 

 nomine suo ewn recipietis. But in this divine aphorism 

 (considering to whom it was applied, namely to anti 

 christ, the highest deceiver) we may discern well that 

 the coming in a man s own name, without regard of 

 antiquity or paternity, is no good sign of truth, although 

 it be joined with the fortune and success of an eum 

 recipietis. But for this excellent person Aristotle, I will 

 think of him that he learned that humour of his scholar, 

 with whom it seemeth he did emulate ; the one to con 

 quer all opinions, as the other to conquer all nations. 



