THE WORKS OF THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD JOSEPH BUTLER, D.C.L. · LATE LORD BISHOP OF DURHAM. Ejus [Analogiæ] hæc vis est, ut id quod dubium est ad aliquid simile, de quo QUINTIL. 1. i. c. 6. TO WHICH IS prefixed, A PREFACE, GIVING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE CHARACTER AND WRITINGS OF THE AUTHOR, BY SAMUEL HALIFAX, D.D. LATE LORD BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. MDCCCXX. THE PREFACE THOUGH it is fcarce poffible to avoid judging, in fome way or other, of almost every thing which offers itself to one's thoughts; yet it is certain, that many persons, from different causes, never exercise their judgment, upon what comes before them, in the way of determining whether it be conclufive, and holds. They are perhaps entertained with fome things, not so with others; they like, and they diflike but whether that which is proposed to be made out be really made out or not; whether a matter be ftated according to the real truth of the case, seems to the generality of people merely a circumftance of no confideration at all. Arguments are often wanted for fome accidental purpose: but proof as fuch is what they never want for themselves; for their own fatisfaction of mind, or conduct in life. Not to mention the multitudes who read merely for the fake of talking, b |