Page:A Philosophical Inquiry Concerning Human Liberty (3rd ed., 1735).djvu/9

Rh and that the notions, I explode, are subversive of them. This I judg’d necessary to make out, in treating a subject that has relation to morality; because nothing can be true which subverts those things; and all discourse must be defective, wherein the Reader perceives any disagreement to moral truth; which is as evident as any speculative truth, and much more necessary to be render’d clear to the Reader’s mind, than truth in all other sciences.

4. Fourthly, I have intituled my discourse, a Philosophical Inquiry, &c; because I propose only to prove my point by experience and by reason, omitting all considerations strictly theological. By this method I have reduc’d the matter to a short compass: and hope, I shall give no less satisfaction, than if I had consider’d it also Theologically; for all but Enthusiasts, must think true Theology consistent with reason, and with experience.

5. Fifthly, if any should ask, Of what use such a Discourse is? I might offer to their consideration, first, the usefulness of truth in general: and secondly, the usefulness of the truths I maintain towards