CHAPTER. Ii. 525 Into truth, or the ready and effectual communication of it to others. Rule VII. The last requisite of method is, that that the parts of a discourse should be well connected; and these three short directions will suffice for this purpose. I. " Keep your main end and design ever in view, and let all the parts of your discourse have a tendency tdwardt it, and as far as possible make that tendency visible all the way." Other- wise the readers or hearers will have reason to wonder for what end this or that particular was introduced. 2. " Let the mutual relation and dependence of the several branches of your discourse be so just and evident, that every part may naturally lead onward to the next, without any huge chasms or breaks, which interrupt and deform the scheme." The connexion of truths should arise and appear in their successive rank and order, as the several parts of a fine prospect ascend just behind each other, in their natural and regular elevations and distances, and invite the eye to climb onward with constant pleasure till it reach the sky. Whatsoever horrid beauty a pre - cipice or cataract may add to the prospect of a country, yet such sort of hideous and abrupt appearances in a scene of reasoning are real blemishes and not beauties. When the reader is passing over such a treatise, he often finds a wide vacancy, and makes an uneasy stop, and knows not how to transport his thoughts over to the next particular, for want of some clue or connecting idea to lay hold of it. 3. " Acquaint yourself with all the proper anddecent forms, of transition from one part of a discourse to another, and prac- tise them as occasion offers." Where the ideas, propositions and arguments, are happily disposed, and well connected, the truth indeed is secure ; but it renders the discourse much more agree- able, when proper and graceful expression joins the parts of it together in so entertaining a manner, that the reader knows not how to leave off till he lath arrived at the end. These are the general and ,most important rules of true METHOD ; and though they belong chiefly to the communication of knowledge, yet an early and thorough acquaintance with them will be of considerable use toward the pursuit and attain- ment of it. Those persons who have never any occasion to communicate knowledge by writing or by public discourses, may also with great advantage peruse these rules of method, that they may learn to judge with justice and accuracy concerning the perfor- mances of others. And besides, a good acquaintance with me- thod, will greatly assist every one in ranging, disposing and managing all human affairs. The particular means or method for a farther improvement
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