11. Third remedy: To apply words to such ideas as common use has annexed them to.
Thirdly, it is not enough
that men have ideas, determined ideas, for which they make these signs stand; but they must also take care to
apply their words as near as may be to such ideas as common use has annexed them to. For words, especially of
languages already framed, being no man's private possession, but the common measure of commerce and
communication, it is not for any one at pleasure to change the stamp they are current in, nor alter the ideas they
are affixed to; or at least, when there is a necessity to do so, he is bound to give notice of it. Men's intentions in
speaking are, or at least should be, to be understood; which cannot be without frequent explanations, demands,
and other the like incommodious interruptions, where men do not follow common use. Propriety of speech is that
which gives our thoughts entrance into other men's minds with the greatest ease and advantage: and therefore
deserves some part of our care and study, especially in the names of moral words. The proper signification and
use of terms is best to be learned from those who in their writings and discourses appear to have had the clearest
notions, and applied to them their terms with the exactest choice and fitness. This way of using a man's words,
according to the propriety of the language, though it have not always the good fortune to be understood; yet most
commonly leaves the blame of it on him who is so unskilful in the language he speaks, as not to understand it
when made use of as it ought to be.
