CHAPTER IC.. 94 V. When persons begin a debate, they should always take Fare that they are agreed in some general principles or pro- positions, which either more nearly or remotely affect the ques- tion in hand ; for otherwise they haveno foundation or tope of convincing each other; they must have some common ground to standupon while they maintain the contest. When they find they agree in some remote propositions, then let them search farther, and enquire how near they approach to each other's sen- timents; and whatsoever propositions they agree in, let these lay a foundation for the mutual hopeof conviction. Hereby you Will be prevented from running at every turn to some origi- nal and remote propositions and axioms, which practice both entangles and prolongs a dispute. As fbr instance, if there was a debate proposed betwixt a protestant and a papist, whether, there be such a place as purgatory? Let them remember that they both agree in this point, that Christ has made satisfaction or atonement for sin, and upon this ground let them both stand, while they search out the controverted doctrine of purgatory by wayof conference or debate. VI. The question should be cleared from all doubtful terms, and needless additions ; and all things that belong to the question, should be expressed in plain and intelligible language. This is so necessarya thing, that without it, men will beexposed to such sort, of ridiculous contests as was found one clay between the two un- learned combatants Sartor and Sutor, who assaulted and de- fended the doctrine of transubstantiation with much zeal and Violence : but Latinohappening to come into their company, and enquiring the subject of their dispute, asked each 'of them what he meant by that long hard word transubstantiation. Suter readily informed hi <iat he understood bowing at the name of Jesus. But Sartor tssured him that he meant nothing but bow- ing àt the high al ar : "No wonder then, said Latino, that you cannot agree, when you neither understand oneanother, nor the word about which you contend." I think the whole family pf the Bartors and Sutors wouldbe wiser if they avoided suelt Mind of debates, till they understood the terms better. But alas I even their wives carry on such conferences ; the other day One was heard in the street, explaining to her less learned neigh- bour, the meaning ofmetaphysical science ; and she assured her, that as physics were medicines for the body, so metaphysics was physic for the soul : upon this they went on to dispute the point . bow far the divine excelled the doctor. Auditum adntissi risum teneat is amici i' Ridentem dicere verum quid vetut? Rot. Can it be faulty to repeat A dialogue that walked the street l' Or pn my gravest friends forbear A laugh, when such disputes they hear t
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