( 6y )

deduced from undeniable Data ; theseConsequences must in course produce othersto be connected, and the latter always theResult of the preceding or former ; but ifthe Data, or at least what is laid down foi*them, should be false, or the Consequencesnot regularly and rightly drawn, add suffi-ciently supported, what should be a Science,will be only a Chaos of Confusion,* and aHeap of Uncertainty. Indeed the Empiricand Impostor may shelter his Ignoranceunder some Shadow or Appearance ofReasoning, but then it is only a mere Sha-dow ; his Theory, upon Examination, willbe found to be imaginary, his Maxims ill-grounded, and his Practice chimerical andabsurd ; he will be found to be wavering inhis very fundamental Principles, if he hasever been at the Trouble to lay down any,and to execute the Office of his Professionwithout either Rule or Order, in an irre-gular, uncertain Manner; poking out hisRoad like a blind Man, which, I have toomuch Reason to fear, is the unhappy Cafeof the present State of Mining and Smelt-ing in this Part of the Kingdom ; but, inthis Way, they are too much encouragedand countenanced by some of our modemsuperficial Wits and Pretenders to naturalPhilosophy ; who, instead of having anyrational System, argue in a Vague, uncon-nected, and inconsistent Manner; and en-

E 3 deavour