第50章 Bottoming

To accustom ourselves in any question proposed to examine and find out upon what it bottoms.Most of the difficulties that come in our way,when well considered and traced,lead us to some proposition which,known to be true,clears the doubt and gives an easy solution of the question;whilst topical and superficial arguments,of which there is store to be found on both sides,filling the head with variety of thoughts and the mouth with copious discourse serve only to amuse the understanding and entertain company without coming to the bottom of the question,the only place of rest and stability for an inquisitive mind whose tendency is only to truth and knowledge.

For example,if it be demanded whether the Grand Seignior can lawfully take what he will from any of his people,this question cannot be resolved without coming to a certainty whether all men are naturally equal;for upon that it turns,and that truth,well settled in the understanding and carried in the mind through the various debates concerning the various rights of men in society,will go a great way in putting an end to them and showing on which side the truth is.