3. Reason in its four degrees.
So that we may in reason consider these four degrees: the first and highest is the
discovering and finding out of truths; the second, the regular and methodical disposition of them, and laying them
in a clear and fit order, to make their connexion and force be plainly and easily perceived; the third is the
perceiving their connexion; and the fourth, a making a right conclusion. These several degrees may be observed in
any mathematical demonstration; it being one thing to perceive the connexion of each part, as the demonstration is
made by another; another to perceive the dependence of the conclusion on all the parts; a third, to make out a
demonstration clearly and neatly one's self; and something different from all these, to have first found out these
intermediate ideas or proofs by which it is made.
