PREFACE. VI) 



operate upon particular individuals, The Idols of 

 the Den: (j) 



When Bacon s zeal for improvement, and his 

 search for general truths, and his habit of removing 

 obstacles are considered, it may appear extraordi 

 nary that, instead of confining his observations to 

 mere professional antipathies, to the objections of 

 Divines, (k) of Politicians, (/) and of Lawyers, (/) the 

 Idols of the Den, he did not investigate the general 

 obstacles to reform The Idols of the Tribe. 



That there is and ever has been an antipathy to 

 change of custom, is a truth beyond the reach of 

 doubt. May it not be said to every city, as was said 

 2000 years ago to Jerusalem, O thou that killest 

 the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto 

 thee, how often would I have gathered thy children 



which might sincerely take and reflect the beams of things ac- 

 cording to their true incidence, that it is rather like an en- 

 chanted glass full of superstitions, apparitions and impos- 

 tures. 



(i) Besides the general aberrations of human nature, we 

 every one of us have our particular den or cavern which re 

 fracts and corrupts the light of nature ; either because every 

 man has his respective temper, education, acquaintance, course 

 of reading and authorities, or from the difference of impres 

 sions, as they happen in a mind prejudiced or prepossessed or 

 in one that is calm and equal. 



(k) In the Advancement of Learning, vol. ii. p 8. and in 

 the Novum Organum, Aph, 79. 



(I) In the Advancement of Learning, vol. ii. p. 14 



(m) In the tract upon the improvement of the Jaw, and in 

 this vol. page 338. 



