Page:Ferrier's Works Volume 1 - Institutes of Metaphysic (1875 ed.).djvu/393

RhPROP. XVIII.———— even when he is merely the same old offender calling himself by a different name.

2. Conformably with the method adopted throughout these Institutes, this corrective plan can be carried into effect only by the enunciation of propositions which not only rectify the errors embodied in the corresponding counter-propositions, but also supply the truths which are recommended for acceptance in their stead. Error reiterated under new modes of expression must be met by new verbal reiterations of the truth adapted to these new verbal forms of falsity. Hence the propriety of introducing Props. XVIII., XIX., XX., XXI., which, although they are virtually identical with Props. XIV., XV., XVI., XVII., will be found to differ from them slightly in this respect, that they give a clearer expression both to the errors which are exposed, and to the truths which are advanced; and thus they contribute to the real improvement and final consummation of the science of metaphysics, which is, or ought to be, nothing but a continual working forwards from clearness to a greater and greater degree of insight, exactitude, and illumination in regard to all that concerns the higher interests and ultimate destiny of our nature.

3. Eighteenth Counter-proposition.—"There is