,C IATl1t V. 4Q9 us into The knowledge of the essence and inward nature of things, as to acquaint us with. the existence of things, and to inform us of matters of fact both past and present. And though there be a great deal of fallibility in, the testimony of men, yet there are some things we may be almost as Certain of, as that the sun _shines, or that five twenties ,make,a hundred. Who is there at London that knows any thing of the world, but believes there is such a city. as. Paris.in. France that the Pope dwells at Rome ; that Julius Cr sar was an emperor; or that,Luther had a great hand in the reformation ? If we observe the following rules, we may arrive at such a certainty in many things of human testimony, as ,that it is ino- tally,tnpossible we should be deceived, that is, we may obtain a p oral certainty. I., Let us consider whether the thing reported be in itself passible ; if not, it can never be credible, whosoever relates it. 2. Consider farther whether it be probable, whether there are any concurring circumstances to prove it, beside the Mere , testimony of the person that relates it. . I confess, if these last conditions are wanting, the thing may be true, but then it ought to have,the stronger testimony to support, it. 3. Consider whether the person who relates it be capable of knowing' the truth: whether he be a skilful judge in such mat- ters, if it be a business of art, or a nice appearance in nature, or some curious experiment in philosophy. But if it be a mere occurrence in life; a, plain, sensible matter of fact, it is enough to enquire whether he who relates it were an eye or an ear-wit- .ness, or whether he himself had it only by hearsay, or can trace it up to the original. 4 Consider whether the narrator be honest and faithful, as welt aè skiÍtùl : whether he bath no bias upon his mind, no pecu- liar gain or profit by believing or reporting it, no interest or prin- ciple which thight warp his "own belief aside from truth : or which might io t tempthim to prevaricate, to speak falsely, or to give a re- presentation a uittle'difÌ'erent`from the naked truth of things. In short, wliethexthere be no occasion of suspicion concerning this report. 2. Consider whether several persons agree together in the report,of'tItis inatter ; and if sò, then whether these persons who domed, together in their testimony, might not be supposed to corn- :, bine to ether in a falsehood. 'Whether they are persons of suffi- oient s ill,,probity, and credit. It Might be also enquired, whether they are of different nations, sects, parties, opinions, or interests. For the more 'divided they are in all these, the more likely is their report to be true, if they agree together in their account Of the same thing and especially it they persist in it with- out wavering. s g 3
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