to search out the bounds between opinion and
knowledge; and examine by what measures, in things whereof we have no
certain knowledge, we ought to regulate our assent and moderate our
persuasion. In order whereunto I shall pursue this following method:--
First, I shall inquire into the original of those ideas, notions, or
whatever else you please to call them, which a man observes, and is
conscious to himself he has in his mind; and the ways whereby the
understanding comes to be furnished with them.

Secondly, I shall endeavour to show what knowledge the understanding
hath by those ideas; and the certainty, evidence, and extent of it.

Thirdly, I shall make some inquiry into the nature and grounds of FAITH
or OPINION: whereby I mean that assent which we give to any proposition
as true, of whose truth yet we have no certain knowledge. And here we
shall have occasion to examine the reasons and degrees of ASSENT.

4. Useful to know the Extent of our Comprehension.

If by this inquiry into the nature of the understanding, I can discover
the powers thereof; how far they reach; to what things they are in any
degree proportionate; and where they fail us, I suppose it may be of use
to prevail with the busy mind of man to be more cautious in meddling
with things exceeding its comprehension; to stop when it is at the
utmost extent of its tether; and to sit down in a quiet ignorance of
those things which, upon examination, are found to be beyond the reach
of our capacities. We should not then perhaps be so forward, out of an
affectation of an universal knowledge, to raise questions, and
perplex ourselves and others with disputes about things to which our
understandings are not suited; and of which we cannot frame in our minds
any clear or distinct perceptions, or whereof (as it has perhaps too
often happened) we have not any notions at all. If we can find out how
far the understanding can extend its view; how far it has faculties to
attain certainty; and in what cases it can only judge and guess, we may
learn to content ourselves with what is attainable by us in this state.

5. Our Capacity suited to our State and Concerns.

For though the comprehension of our understandings comes exceeding short
of the vast extent of things, yet we shall have cause enough to magnify
the bountiful Author of our being, for that proportion and degree of
knowledge he has bestowed on us, so far above all the rest of the
inhabitants of this ou