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stance of the thing represented in it : the similitude 

 therein having no more of the essence of the thing 

 itself, than a mere shadow. Yet we cannot say, 

 but there is a real likeness of the substance in 

 the airy form. There is such a proportion between 

 them, that the idea of a face we never saw, but 

 in a glass, is a just one, and may well be substitu- 

 ted for the face itself, of which it gives some real 

 knowledge. 



Thus as to those conceptions, which stand in our 

 minds; to represent spiritual things, though the things 

 they stand for are of quite another sort, and though 

 these substitutes are no more in respect of them, 

 than a fleeting appearance in the glass is to the man 

 represented by it ; yet there may be such a propor- 

 tion between them, as to make our conceptions of 

 natural things just representations of things superna- 

 tural. So that the knowlege we have of them is true, 

 and our reasonings upon them substantial, as long as 

 they are kept within the due compass of those repre- 

 sentations. For then it is, that men run into absur- 

 dity, concerning spiritual things, when, not content 

 with this analogical knowledge, they argue from 

 things natural to the intrinsic nature of the superna- 

 tural, and suppose, that what is affirmed of these 

 representations only, is [literally true of the things 

 they represent. 



The second thing I would observe concerning this 

 phrase is, That in all instances we use the same ex- 



