We should not
then, perhaps, be so forward, out of an affectation of universal
knowledge, to raise questions and perplex ourselves and others with
disputes about things to which our understandings are not suited,
and of which we cannot frame in our minds any clear and distinct
perception, or whereof (as it has, perhaps, too often happened) we
have not any notion at all.... Men may find matter sufficient to
busy their heads and employ their hands with variety, delight, and
satisfaction, if they will not boldly quarrel with their own
constitution and throw away the blessings their hands are filled
with because they are not big enough to grasp everything. We shall
not have much reason to complain of the narrowness of our minds, if
we will but employ them about what may be of use to us: for of that
they are very capable: and it will be an unpardonable, as well as a
childish peevishness, if we under-value the advantages of our
knowledge, and neglect to improve it to the ends for which it was
given us, because there are some things that are set out of the
reach of it. It will be no excuse to an idle and untoward servant
who would not attend to his business by candlelight, to plead that
he had not broad sunshine. The candle that is set up in us shines
bright enough for all our purposes.... Our business here is not to
know all things, but those which concern our conduct.
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