THE CONFLICT OP OLD AND NEW IDEAS 55 



considerable classical learning, for he could discuss with intelli 

 gence various possible renderings of Greek and Hebrew passages in 

 the Old Testament. His scientific knowledge was just sufficient 

 to make him rush in where Milton feared to tread. From Des 

 cartes he got the notion of the* ' ' liquid heavens where the planets 

 were carried about the sun with the same common stream ", 121 

 of "the true Principles that govern Nature, which are Geometrical 

 and Mechanical' ', 122 of the various spheres of homogeneous mat 

 ter, 123 of matter and motion, 124 and of "plain and perspicuous 

 style ". 125 He did not try to conceal his borrowings; "an eminent 

 Philosopher of this Age, Monsieur Des Cartes, hath made use of 

 the like Hypothesis". 128 He had followed the most recent astron 

 omical observations; 127 he knew the latest miscroscopical investi 

 gations upon the circulation of the blood; 128 he was acquainted 

 with the recent experiments with steam, and professed to have a 

 theory of his own regarding it ; 129 he had attained to the new con 

 ception of the infinite dimensions of the universe and the compara 

 tive littleness of man; he knew the latest geological observations 

 on the strata of rocks. 130 He had cast aside the old belief respect 

 ing the stars, "It is full Time now to sweep away these cobwebs 

 of Superstitions, these Relics of Paganism. I do not see how we 

 are any more concerned in the Postures of the Planets than in 

 the Postures of the Clouds". 131 



The critics of the Sacred Theory doubted whether Burnet him 

 self really believed his own hypothesis. In answer to this allega 

 tion the Bishop firmly asserted his unswerving allegiance to the 

 cause. "I must profess my Assent to the Substance of that 

 Theory ; and am the more confirmed in it by the Weakness and In- 



121 Sacred Theory, vol. II, p. 242. 

 v Sacred Theory, vol. II, p. 37. 

 128 Sacred Theory, vol. I, p. 403. 

 m lbid. vol. I, p. 68. 

 12 *Ibid. vol. I, p. 368. 

 128 Ibid. vol. II, Pref. 



127 Ibid. vol. I, p. 140. 



128 Ibid. vol. II, p. 106. 



129 Ibid. vol. I, p. 401. 

 180 Ibid. vol. I, p. 125. 



vol. II, p. 88. 



