24. How such principles come to be held.
This will appear very likely, and almost unavoidable to come to pass, if
we consider the nature of mankind and the constitution of human affairs; wherein most men cannot live without
employing their time in the daily labours of their callings; nor be at quiet in their minds without some foundation
or principle to rest their thoughts on. There is scarcely any one so floating and superficial in his understanding,
who hath not some reverenced propositions, which are to him the principles on which he bottoms his reasonings,
and by which he judgeth of truth and falsehood, right and wrong; which some, wanting skill and leisure, and
others the inclination, and some being taught that they ought not to examine, there are few to be found who are
not exposed by their ignorance, laziness, education, or precipitancy, to take them upon trust.
