304 ;.OG ;C : OR, I'VE RIGHT PSE OP RE As oR, they stamp the image of their own mistakes upon their neighbours also, and spread their errors abroad. It is a matter of just lamentation and pity, to consider the weakness of the common multitude of mankind in this respect, how they receive any thing into their assent upon the most tri= fling grounds. True reasoning bath very little share in forming their opinions. They resist the most convincing arguments by an obstinate adherence to their prejudices, and believe the most improbable things with the greatest assurance:' 'l'hey talk of the abstrusest mysteries, and determine upon them with the utmost confidence, and without just evidence either from reason or re- *elation. A confused heap of dark and inconsistent ideas' make up a good part of their knowledge in matters of philosophy as Well as religion, having never been taught the use and value of clear and just reasoning. Yet it must be still confessed that there are some mysteries in religion, both natural and revealed, as well as some abstruse points in philosophy, wherein the wise as well ati the unwise must be content with obscure ideas. There are several things, especially relating to the invisible world, which are unsearcha- ble in our present state, and therefore we must believe what re- *elation plainly dictates, though the ideas`may be obscure. Rea- son itself demands this of us; ` but we should seek for the brightest evidence both of ideas and of the cohuection of them, wheresoever it is attainable. II. °°.Enlarge your general acquaintance with things daily, in order to attain a rich furniture of topics or middle terms; Whereby those propositions which occur may either proved or disproved ;" but especially meditate and enquire with great dill- geuce and exactness into the nature, properties, circumstances, and relations Of the particular subject about which you judge or argue. Consider its causes, effects, consequences, adjuncts, 'Opposites, signs, &c. so far as is needful to your present pur- pose. You should survey a question round about, and on all sides, and extend your views as far as possible; to every thing that has a connection with it. This practice has' many advantages in it ; as, 1. It will be a means to suggest to your mind proper topics for argument about any proposition that relates to the same subject. 2. It will enable you with greater readiness and just- ness of thought to give an answer to any sudden question upon that subject, whether it arises in your own mind, or is pro- posed by others. 3. This will instruct you to give a plainer and speedier solution of any difficulties that may attend the theme of your discourse, and to refute the objections of those who have espoused a contrary opinion. 4. By such a large survey of the whole subject in all its properties and relations, you will be
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