YIfl THE IM?ROVEMENT OF THE MINIS. principles of faith and practice, where reason shines with its clearest evidence, and the word of God plainly determines tenth and duty. XXVIII. But let us remember also, that though the gospel be an infallible revelation, we are but fallible interpreters, when we determine the sense even. of some important propositions written there ; and therefore though we seem to be established in the belief of any particular sense of scripture, and though there may be just calls of providence to profess and subscribe it, yet there is no need that we should resolve or promise, subscribe or swear never to change our mind ; since it is possible in the natureand course of things, we may meet with such a solid and substantial objection, as may give us a quite different view of things from what we once imagined, and may lay before us suffi- cient evidence of the contrary. We may happen to find a fairer light cast over the saine scriptures, and see reason to alter our sentiments even in some points of moment. Sic sentie, sentiam, that is, so I believe, and so I will believe, is the prison of the soul for life time, and a bar against all the improvements of the mind. To impose such a profession on other men in matters not absolutely necessary and not absolutely certain, is acriminal usur- pation and tyranny over faith and conscience, and which none has power to require but an infallible dictator. CHAP. XIX. Of enquiring into Causesand Effects. SOME effects arefound out by their causes, and somecauses by their effects. Let us consider both these. I. When we are enquiring into the causes of any particular effect or appearance, either in the world of nature, or in the civil or moral concerns of men, we may follow this m-",hod : -1. Con- sider what effects or appearances you have known of a kindred nature, and what have been thecertain and real causes of them; for like effects have generally like causes, especially when they are foundin the samesortof "subjects. -2. Consider what are the several possible causes which may produce such an effect ; and find out by some circumstances, how many of those possible causes are excluded in this particular case ; thence proceed by degrees to the probahle causes till a more close attention and inspection shall exclude some of them also, and lead you gradu- ally to the real and certain cause. -3. Consider what things pre- ceded such an event or appearance, which might have any influ- ence upon it ; and thoughwe cannot certainly determine the cause of any thing only from its goingbefore the effect, yet among the many forerunners, we may probably light upon the true cause, by further and more particular enquiry. -4. Consider whether
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