406 LOGIC: OR, THE MIGHT t'SC OF REASON. When a proposition merely expresses that the predicate is connected with the subject, it is called a pure proposition ; as; every true christian is an honest man : But when it includet also the way and manner wherein the predicate is connected with the subject, it is called a modal proposition ; as, when I say, it is necessary that a true christian should be an honest man. Logical writers generally make the modality of this propo- sition to belong to the copula, because it shews the manner of the connection between the subject and predicate. But if the form of the sentence as a logical proposition be duly considered, the mode itself is the very predicatore of the proposition, and it must run thus : that a true christian should be an honest man is a ne- cessary thing, and then the whole primary proposition is includ- ed in the subject of the modal proposition. There are four modes of connecting the predicate with the subject, which are usually reckoned upon this occasion, namely, necessity and contingency, which are two opposites; possibility and impossibility, which are also opposites ; as, it is neces- sary that a globe should be round : that a globe be matte of Wood or glass, is an uuneceisary or contingent thing : it is imposai- ble that a globe shoulil be square , it is impossible that a globe may be made of water." With regard to the modal propositions which the schools have introduced, I would make these two remarks : I. These propositions in English are formed by the resolu- tion of the words, mast be, might not be, cast be, and cannot be, into those more explicate forms of a logical copula and predicate, is necessary, is contingent, is possible, is impossible : for it is necessary that a globe should be round, signifies no More thaä that a globe must be round. II. Let it be noted, that this quadruple modality is only an enumeration of the natural modes er manners wherein the predi- cate is connected with the subject : we might also describe sevé- tal moral and civil modes of connecting two ideas together, namely, lawfulness and unlawfulness, convenient j, And in con- veniencyr , &c. whence we may forin stash modal propositions at these : it is unlawful for Any person to kill an innocent man : it is unlawful for christians to eat flesh in Lent : to tell all that we think is expedient : for a man to be affable to his neighbour is Very convenient, &c. There are several other modes of speaking whereby a pre- dicate is connected with a subject :, such as it is certain, it is doubtful, it is probable, it is improbable, it is agreed, it is granted, it is said by the ancients, it is written, &c. all which will form. Other kinds of modal propositions. But whether the modality be natural, moral, &c. yet hi
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