Excuse to be made in the Introduction for using the word idea, viz. because it has obtain'd. But a caution must be added.
Scripture and possibility are the onely proofs[135] with Malbranch. Add to these what he calls a great propension to think so: this perhaps may be questioned. Perhaps men, if they think before they speak, will not be found so thoroughly persuaded of the existence of Matter.
M.
On second thoughts I am on t'other extream. I am certain of that wch Malbranch seems to doubt of, viz. the existence of bodies[136].
I. &c.
Mem. To bring the killing blow at the last, e.g. in the matter of abstraction to bring Locke's general triangle in the last[137].
I.
They give good rules, tho' perhaps they themselves do not always observe them. They speak much of clear and distinct ideas, though at the same time they talk of general abstract ideas, &c. I'll [instance] in Locke's opinion of abstraction, he being as clear a writer as I have met with.
Such was the candour of this great man that I perswade myself, were he alive[138], he would not be offended that I differ from him: seeing that even in so doing I follow his advice, viz. to use my own judgement, see with my own eyes, & not with another's. Introduction.
S.