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That fuch a principle exifts in our own minds, can be determined 

 only by our confcioufnefs of it ; that it refides in others can be 

 difcovered only by their words and adions, that is, by expe- 

 rience. 



In confirmation of what is here advanced, I £hall tranfcribc 

 the more conclufive argument of Dr. Prieftley. 



That any man, fays Dr. Prieftley, fhould imagine, that a 

 peculiar inftindive principle was neceflary to explain our giving 

 credit to the relations of others, appears to me, who have been 

 ufed to fee things in a different light, very extraordinary ; and 

 yet this doftrine is advanced by Dr. Reid, and adopted by 

 Dr. Beattle. But really what our author fays in favour of it, 

 is hardly defcrving the flightefl notice. 



" Iv credulity," fays he, " were the effedl of reafoning and 

 " experience, it muft; grow up and gather ftrength in the fame 

 " proportion as reafon and experience do. But if it is the gift 

 " of nature, it will be ftrongeil: in childhood, and limited and re- 

 '• ftrained by experience ; and the mofl; fuperficial view of human 

 " life fliews, that this lafl: is really the cafe, and not the firft." 



This reafoning, continues Dr. Pricft:ley, is exceedingly falla- 

 cious. It is a long time before a child hears any thing but truth, 

 and therefore it can expe& nothing elfe. The contrary would be 



abfolutely 



