They could not be much exasperated one against another in their Disagreements, because they acknowledge, that there may be several Methods of Nature, in producing the same Thing, and all equally good; whereas they that contend for Truth by talking, do commonly suppose that there is but one Way of finding it out. The Differences which should chance to happen, might soon be compos'd; because they could not be grounded on Matters of Speculation, or Opinion, but only of Sense; which are never wont to administer so powerful Occasions of Disturbance and Contention, as the other. In brief, they have escaped the Prejudices that use to arise from Authority, from Inequality of Persons, from Insinuations, from Friendships; but above all, they have guarded themselves against themselves, left the Strength of their own Thoughts should lead them into Error; left their good Fortune in one Discovery should presently confine them only to one way of Trial; lest their Failings should discourage, or their Success abate their Diligence. All these excellent philosophical Qualities they have by long Custom made to become the peculiar Genius of this Society; and to descend down to their Successors, not only as circumstantial Laws, which may be neglected, or altered, in the Course of Time, but as the very Life of their Constitution; to remain on their Minds, as the Laws of Nature do in the Hearts of Men; which are so near to us, that we can hardly distinguish, whether they were taught us by Degrees, or rooted in the very Foundation of our Being.
Sect. XV. The Ceremonies of their Meetings.It will not be here reasonable, to speak much of the Ceremonies which they have hitherto observed in these Meetings; because they are aimed the same,which
