This I am certain, I have not made it my business either to quit or follow any authority in the ensuing Discourse.

Truth has been my only aim; and wherever that has appeared to lead, my thoughts have impartially followed, without minding whether the footsteps of any other lay that way or not.

Not that I want a due respect to other men's opinions; but, after all, the greatest reverence is due to truth: and I hope it will not be thought arrogance to say, that perhaps we should make greater progress in the discovery of rational and contemplative knowledge, if we sought it in the fountain, IN THE CONSIDERATION OF THINGS THEMSELVES; and made use rather of our own thoughts than other men's to find it.

For I think we may as rationally hope to see with other men's eyes, as to know by other men's understandings.

So much as we ourselves consider and comprehend of truth and reason, so much we possess of real and true knowledge.