MI LOGIC : 4R, THE RIGHT UtE OF REASON. Logic is begun in analytic method ; the whole is divided into its integral parts, according to the four operations of the mind i yet here and there synthetic method is used in the particular branches of it, for it treats of ideas in general first, and then descends to the several species of them ; it teaches us how propositions are Made up of ideas and syllogisms of propositions, which is the order of composition. The ancient scholastic writers have taken a great deal of pains, and engaged in useless disputes about these two methods, and after all have not been able to give such an account of them as to keep them entirely distinct from each other, neither in the theory nor in the practice. Some of the moderns have avoided this con -. fusion in some measure, by confining themselves to describe almost nothing else but the synthetic and analytic methods of Ge- ometricians and Algebraists, whereby they have too much nar -. rowed the nature and rules of method, as though every thing were to be treated in mathematical forms. Upon the whole, I conclude, that neither of these two me- thods 'should be too scrupulously and superstitiously pursued, either in the invention or in the communication of knowledge. It is enough, if the order of nature be but observed in making the knowledge of things following depend on the knowledge of the things which go before. Oftentimes a mixed method will be found most effectual for these purposes ; and indeed a wise and judicious prospect of our main end and design must regulate all method whatsoever. Here the rules of, natural method ought to be proposed, (whether it be analytic, or synthetic, or mixed :) but it is proper first to give some account of arbitrary method, lest it be thrust at too great adistance from the first mention of it. Arbitrary method leaves the order of nature, and accommo- dates itself to many purposes ; such as, to treasure up things; and retain them in memory ; to harangue and persuade mankind to any practice in the religious or the civil life ; or to delight; amuse, or entertain the mind. As for the assistance of the memory, in most things a natu- ral order has an happy influence ; for reason itself deducing one thing from another, greatly assists the memory by the natural connexion and mutual dependence of things. But there are vari- ous other methods which mankind have made use of for this pur- pose, and indeed there are some subjects that can hardly be re- duced to analysis or synthesis. In reading or writing history, some follow the order of the governors of a nation, and dispose every transaction under their particular reigns : so the sacred books of Kings and Chronicles are written. Some write in annals or journals, and make a new .chapter of every year. Some put all those transactions together
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