CHAPTER XL SI to -disturb the superior and better operations of the reasoning mind ! XIV. These general directions are necessary, or at least useful in all debates whatsoever, whether they arise in occasional conversation, or are appointed at any certain time or place ; whe- ther they are managed with or without any formal rules to govern them. But there are three sorts of disputation, in which there are some forms andorders observed, and which are distinguished by these three names, viz. Socratic, Forensic, and Academic, that is, the disputes of the schools. Concerning each of these it may not be improper to dis- course a little, and give a few particular directions or remarks about them. CHAP. XI. --The Socratical Way of Disputation. I. THIS method of dispute derives its name from Socrates, by whom it was practised, and by other philosophers in his age, long before Aristotle invented the particular forms of syl- logism in mood and figure, which is now used in scholastic dis- putations. II. The Socratical way is managed by questions and answers in such a manner as this, viz. If I would lead a person into the belief of a heaven or hell, or a future state of rewards and pun-. ishments, I might begin in some such manner of enquiry, and suppose the most obvious and easy answers. Q. Does not God govern the world ? A. Surely he that made it governs Q: Is not God both a good and a righteous governor ? A. Beth these characters doubtless belong to him. Q. What is the true notion of a good and righteous governor ? A. That he punishes the wicked and rewards the good. Q. Are the good always rewarded in this life ? A. No surely, for many virtuous men are miserable here, and greatly afflicted. Q. Are the wicked always punished in this life ? A. No certainly, for many of them live without sorrow, and some of the vilest of men are often raised to great riches and honour. Q. Wherein then cloth God make it appear that he is good and righteous ? A. I own there is but little appearance of it on earth. Q. Will there not be a time then when the tables shall be turned, and the scene of things changed, since God governs mankind righteously:? Vot. viii. F'
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=