4

by passions, Inclinations and Interests vary-
=ing [varying] with every circumstance of his life, each
for himself holds his momentary course
with no common principle to guide or direc-
=t [direct]. But seen in the existence of ages, his nature
is a system, of this system, we have know not the
beginning, we see not the end, we must ^ therefore
judge of its probable issue (nature) from wha-
=t [what] we have seen. Oour [sic] knowledge of Nature is our
observance of effects produced, that which is, is
noticed by us as a fact: but the (modus operandi)
is never revealed, deceived therefore by mistake by
appearances we are very liable to mistake. But
errors, which are only so in theory are harmless in
fact. I shall therefore hazard an opinion concerning
the nature of man, which if not true is certainly
not dangerous, I shall reason from the past, to the
future, from the progressive Improvement
of man, to his perfectability. [in pencil, two vertical strokes, crossed at top] history Clearly
proves, that man has been in a ^ state of progressive
state of / Improvement from the earliest times