and that the notions I explode are subversive of them. This I judged necessary to make out, in treating a subject that has a 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 rendered clear to the reader’s mind than truth in all other sciences.
4. Fourthly, I have entitled my discourse, a Philosophical Enquiry, etc. because I propose only to prove my point by experience and by reason, omitting all considerations strictly theological. By this method I have reduced the matter to a short compass; and hope I shall give no less satisfaction than if I had considered it also theological; for all but enthusiasts[1] 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 establishing laws and morality, rewards and punishments in society; but shall content myself with observing, that it may be of use to all those who desire to know the truth in the questions that I handle, and that think examination the proper means to arrive at that knowledge. As for those who either make no inquiries at all, and concern not themselves about any speculations; or who take up with speculations without any examination; or who read only books to confirm themselves in the speculations they have received—I allow my book to be of no use to them, but yet think they may allow others to enjoy a taste different from their own.
- ↑ An enthusiast, according to the vocabulary of Locke and Warburton, and the usage of an age following the excesses of Puritanism, was almost equivalent to fanatic. It was frequently, if not generally, used to designate a person who claimed to be moved by divine illumination, and superior to the dictates of carnal sense.—G.W.F.
