(3.) That this wisdom, which should tend to universal
quietness, hath almost constantly given universal disquietness unto
themselves in whom it hath been most eminent. “In much wisdom is much
grief,” Eccles. i. 18. And in the issue,
some of them have made away with themselves, as Ahithophel; and the most of
them have been violently dispatched by others. There is, indeed, no end of
the folly of this wisdom.
“Prudens futuri temporis
exitum
Caliginosa nocte permit Deus:
Ridetque, si mortalis ultra
Fas trepidat.”
Horat., Od. iii. 29,
29. The great men of the world carry away the
reputation of it; — really it is found in few of them. They are, for the
most part, common events, whereunto they contribute not the least mite,
which are ascribed to their care, vigilance, and foresight. Mean men, that
have learned to adore what is above them, reverence the meetings and
conferences of those who are in greatness and esteem. Their weakness and
folly is little known. Where this wisdom hath been most eminent, it hath
dwelt so close upon the borders of atheism, been attended with such
falseness and injustice, that it hath made its possessors wicked and
infamous.