V. On the other hand, men of true learning, are modest and candid;
but these two virtues, are enemies, and also great obstacles to the
advancement of their fame. He who knows most, is sensible, that what
he really knows, falls greatly short of what he is ignorant of. His
discretion teaches him this, and his sincerity induces him to confess
it; but his acting in this manner, greatly obstructs his gaining the
applause of the world; for these confessions have the same effect, that
the evidence of those have, who bear witness against themselves; that is,
they are readily believed; and although it is impossible for any man to
know every thing, the vulgar are very unwilling to esteem him learned,
who owns himself ignorant of the least matter in his own profession.
VI. Men of learning, are also most commonly timid, because they are apt
to be diffident of themselves; so that although all they say should be
divine, if it is pronounced with a tremulous tongue, and a faltering
voice, it makes no impression on those who listen to them. A man would
gain more credit with the world in general, by talking loud, and making
extravagant bold assertions, than by reasoning diffidently, and as if
he was not quite clear; for the estimation due to discreet doubts has
always been suppressed, and in consequence of this suppression, has
contributed to countenance errors, and beget false conclusions. How has a
presumptuous ignorant fellow, frequently availed himself of his imposing
gesture, and the loudness of his voice? and how much by the strength
of his lungs has he often concealed the weakness of his argument? But
in truth, the noise made by a vociferous person, ought to render his
solidity suspected; because men, like other sonorous machines, are
loudest the more hollow and empty they are.
VII. If to these imposing appearances, there happens to be joined
a moderate portion of literature, it has a most powerful effect to
captivate the vulgar, and to gain popular applause. In the instance of
Luther, who although he might truly and properly be stiled a man of
learning, still the forcible manner in which he delivered himself, added
to his address, may be supposed to have contributed more to the success
of his preaching, than his literature.