46; LOGIC : OR, TH4 RIGttT USE OP RE ,140f7. proposition, where both the kirtd and the fosee of the arguments Or proofs, are as great as the nature of the thing admits, and as the necessity or exigence of the case requires. So if we have a credible and certain testimony that Chs'ist rose,frees the dead, it is enough ; we are not to expect mathematical or ocular de- monstration for it, at least in our day. 2$. Though we should seek what proofs may be attained of any proposition, and we should receive any number of arguments which are just and evident fer the confirmation of the same truth, yet we must not judge of the truth of any proposition by the num- ber of arguments which are brought to support it, but by the strength and weight of them ; a building will stand firmer and longer on four large pillars of marble, than on ten of sand, or earth, or timber 24. Yet where certain evidence is not to be found or expected, a considerable number of probable arguments carry great weight with them even in matters of speculation. That is a probable hypothesis in philosophy or in theology, which goes farthest to. Ward the solution of many difficult questions arising on any subj ect. SECT. III. Principles and Rules of Judgment in Matters of .11Tgrality and Iteltgion. HERE it may be proper in the first place to mention a few definitions of words or terms. By matters of morality and religion, I mean those things which relate to our duty to God, ourselves,, or our fellow-crea- tures. Moral good, or virtue, or holiness, is an action or temper conformable to the rule of our duty. Moral evil, or vice or sin, is an action or temper unconforinable to the rule of our duty, or a neglect to fulfil it. Note, The words vice or virtue, chiefly imply the relation of our actions to men and this world. Sin and holiness, rather imply their relation to God and the other world. Natural good is that which gives us pleasure or satisfaction. Natural evil is that which gives qs pain or grief. Ilappiness consists in the attainment of the highest and most lasting natural good. Misery consists in sutèring the highest and most lasting natural evil ; that is, in short, heaven or hell. Though this be a just account of perfect happiness and per- fect misery, yet wheresoever pain overbalances pleasure, there is a degree of misery ; and wheresoever pleasure overbalances pain there is a degree of happiness. I proceed now to lay down some principles and rules óf judgment in matters of morality and religion. 1. The will of our Maker, whether discovered by reason or revelation, carries the highest authority with it, and is there-
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