ADVERTISEMENT. THE substance of the following arguments was drawn up in a private correspondence on the first appearance of Dr. PRIESTLEY'S ILLUSTRATIONS, &c. and the writer, judging by himself, that it might give the readers of this controversy pleasure to see it placed in various points of view, ventured to let his little Tract go to the press. The Author cannot think his arguments amount to a demonstration; (for seldom, indeed, do metaphysical subjects admit of so cogent a proof) but he flatters himself, that they will be powerful enough to throw a strong suspicion on the truth of the doctrine he opposes; and such a one as will give the suggestions of common sense great weight in every philosophic mind that is not already warped by some theoretic prejudice. Much might be urged on this last particular, but to say more would be inconsistent with the intended brevity of this Tract; which is submitted to the candour of the Public with a better view than to animadvert on opinions, which might now be deemed in some degree personal. THE DOCTRINE OF PHILOSOPHICAL NECESSITY BRIEFLY INVALIDATED. In examining the doctrine of necessity, I shall endeavour to bring what I have to say upon the subject into as narrow a compass as possible, and for that purpose the following axioms are premised; as in all sciences, some principles must be taken for granted, else nothing can be proved. AXIOM I. If we make a false supposition, and reason justly from it, a contradiction, or absurdity will be contained in the conclusion. [To avoid ambiguity, it may be needful to observe here, that the reasoning made use of to bring out the 'absurdity, must be of a proper and uniform kind; viz. geometrical, metaphysical, moral, &c. according as the subject is of a geometrical, metaphysical, or moral nature.] AXIOM II.-It must likewise be taken for granted (as it does not admit of proof) that every action or exertion voluntarily made, is with a design, or in hopes of obtaining some end. [For, it is evident, where there is a full conviction of the impossibility of this, no rational being will make any attempt or exertion at all.] AXIOM III. All practical principles must either be founded in truth, or believed to be so for the moment that they operate. + These axioms being taken for granted, lest us suppose the doctrine of necessity to be true, and that its truth is discovered to. us in such a manner, and is so strongly impressed upon our minds as to become a practical principle; then upon this suppo |