9. The way of learning these names contributes also to their doubtfulness.
The way also wherein the names of
mixed modes are ordinarily learned, does not a little contribute to the doubtfulness of their signification. For if we
will observe how children learn languages, we shall find that, to make them understand what the names of simple
ideas or substances stand for, people ordinarily show them the thing whereof they would have them have the idea;
and then repeat to them the name that stands for it; as white, sweet, milk, sugar, cat, dog. But as for mixed modes,
especially the most material of them, moral words, the sounds are usually learned first; and then, to know what
complex ideas they stand for, they are either beholden to the explication of others, or (which happens for the most
part) are left to their own observation and industry; which being little laid out in the search of the true and precise
meaning of names, these moral words are in most men's mouths little more than bare sounds; or when they have
any, it is for the most part but a very loose and undetermined, and, consequently, obscure and confused
signification. And even those themselves who have with more attention settled their notions, do yet hardly avoid
the inconvenience to have them stand for complex ideas different from those which other, even intelligent and
studious men, make them the signs of. Where shall one find any, either controversial debate, or familiar discourse,
concerning honour, faith, grace, religion, church, etc., wherein it is not easy to observe the different notions men
have of them? Which is nothing but this, that they are not agreed in the signification of those words, nor have in
their minds the same complex ideas which they make them stand for, and so all the contests that follow thereupon
are only about the meaning of a sound. And hence we see that, in the interpretation of laws, whether divine or
human, there is no end; comments beget comments, and explications make new matter for explications; and of
limiting, distinguishing, varying the signification of these moral words there is no end. These ideas of men's
making are, by men still having the same power, multiplied in infinitum. Many a man who was pretty well
satisfied of the meaning of a text of Scripture, or clause in the code, at first reading, has, by consulting
commentators, quite lost the sense of it, and by these elucidations given rise or increase to his doubts, and drawn
obscurity upon the place. I say not this that I think commentaries needless; but to show how uncertain the names
of mixed modes naturally are, even in the mouths of those who had both the intention and the faculty of speaking
as clearly as language was capable to express their thoughts.
