(seq. 12)

(2)

exercise of their energies. The lover of truth will regard that
severe scrutiny, to which established opinions must now sub-
mit, as the forerunner of new discoveries on every branch of
science; as indicating a new era in knowledge and in vir-
tue. That proud despotism of opinion, which claimed abso-
lute submission to its dictates, because, during a long period
of ignorance and barbarism, no one had boldness to con-
tradict them, is now humbled in the dust. The ipse dixit
of the pretended sage can no longer command implicit obed-
ience; and systems of philosophy are not estimated by the
extent or duration of their reign, but as they are conform-
able to truth and reason.

While we view with pleasure a prospect so favor-
able to the happiness of man, and repelling with indig-
nation the impositions of antiquity, assert our right to
think on all subjects as our own reason shall direct, let us
beware of rejecting what is useful, merely because it is
ancient; and in our zeal to throw away the dross of
antiquity, let us not foolishly reject its rich and va-
luable ore.

Among those established opinions, which the