The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

True it is, That if young men were well instructed in Theology from the Scriptures, and taught the true Principles of Philosophy, in a settled course, by some judicious and diligent Professor, they might read all these Books, and others in their kind, with pleasure and benefit. But alas, young men not knowing the rudiments of Theology, nor the first Elements of Philosophy, are let loose unto themselves, and so by reading these Books, having no sure ground to stick to, learn only to doubt, and put Queries, yea, of the very Principles of all sound knowledge, both Divine and Humane. Thus being brought to waver and doubt, they are easily led, what by interest, what by weakness, to embrace a bad Opinion; or at least, to hold all uncertain, as the ancient Sceptics, not being able to resolve: Yea, doubting is come to that height, that, in the opinion of many, he is the bravest fellow, and wittiest, that can raise most Queries, answer them who will or can: And so Wit is hugely cried up, which is but mere froth; and poor solid Wisdom is not so much as named, or thought on.

True it is, That if young men were well instructed in Theologie from the Scriptures, and taught the true Principles of Philosophie, in a setled course, by some judicious and diligent Professor, they might reade all these Books, and others in their kinde, with pleasure and benefit. But alas, young men not knowing the rudiments of Theologie, nor the first Elements of Philosophie, are let loose unto themselves, and so by reading these Books, having no sure ground to stick to, learn onely to doubt, and put Queries, yea, of the very Principles of all sound knowledge, both Divine and Humane. Thus being brought to waver and doubt, they are easily led, what by interest, what by weaknesse, to embrace a bad Opinion; or at least, to hold all uncertain, as the ancient Scepticks, not being able to resolve: Yea, doubting is come to that height, that, in the opinion of many, he is the bravest fellow, and wittiest, that can raise most Queries, answer them who will or can: And so Wit is hugely cryed up, which is but meer froth; and poor solid Wisedom is not so much as named, or thought on.

Then those of the richer sort, having spent some time idly and loosely at the Universities, go beyond Sea, particularly to Italy, forsooth, either upon their own trust, or, which is little better, if not worse, many of those who go along with young men, to advise and direct them, have as much need of one for their guide, as the young men themselves; having neither staidness, discretion, nor probity. So that if there were a just account cast up of all those who either have been bred in the Universities, or gone beyond Sea these many years, I will speak within compass, That of twenty you shall hardly find one who is improved in virtue by this Breeding, for the good of the Church and State, whereof they are members, and perhaps considerable too, if they were wise and good. At this present both Church and State finds this to be true, by woeful experience, namely, in the Clergy, Gentry, and Nobility.