20 THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE MIND. by they assist each other ; and their peculiar defects, which have need to be supplied by the other's assistance. Let us trace over some of the particular advantages of each. I. One method of improving the mind is observation, and the advantages of it are these : 1. It is owing to observation that our mind is furnished with the first, simple and complex ideas. It is this lays the ground- work and foundation of all knowledge, and makes us capable of using any of the other methods for improving the mind : for if we did not attain a variety of sensible and intellectual ideas by the sensation of outward objects, by the consciousness of our own appetites and passions, pleasures, and pains, and by inward experience of the actinnsof our own spirits, it would be impos- sible either for men or books to teach us any thing. It is obser- vation that must give us our first ideas of things, as it includes in it sense and consciousness. 2. All our knowledge derived from observation, whether it be of single ideas or of propositions, is knowledge gotten at first hand. Hereby we see and know things as they are, or as they appear to us ; we take the impressions of them on our minds from the original objects themselves, which give a clearer and stronger conception of things ; these ideas are more lively, and the propo- sitions (at least in many cases) are much more evident. Where- as what knowledge we derive from lectures, reading, and conver- ation, is but the copy of other men's ideas, that is, the picture of a picture ; and is one remove further from the original. 3. Another advantage of observation is, that we may gain knowledge all the day tong, and every moment of our lives, ,and every moment of our existence we may be adding some- thing to ourintellectual treasures thereby, except only while we are asleep; and even then the remembrance of our dreamings will teach us some truths, and lay a foundation for a better ac- quaintance with human nature, both in the powers and in the frailties of it. Il. The next way of improving the mind is by reading, and the advantages of it are such as these: 1. By reading we acquaint ourselves in a very extensive manner with Me njfairs, actions and thoughts of the living and the dead, in themost remote nations, and in most distant ages ; and that with as much ease as though they lived in our Own age and nation. By reading of books we may learn something from all parts of mankind ; whereas by observation we learn all front ourselves, and only what comes within our own direct cogni- zance ; by conversation we can only enjoy the assistance of a very few persons, viz. those who are near us, and live atthe same time when we do, that is, our neighbours and contem- t>oraries : but our knowledge is much inure narrowed still, if
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