The Preface.

it Referring to the "sense" or sensory perception mentioned on the previous page. makes an immediate impression upon us of the truth impressed upon things. Yet, because the sense is very often confused—either by an almost infinite number of things and the G strange complications of forms original: "formes"; in this context, the physical structures or essential patterns of objects., or by being wearied and tired (sometimes due to the distance of the objects)—it is consequently dazzled and deceived. Reason must necessarily be employed, which may draw similar conclusions about similar things and opposite conclusions about opposite things by observing their proportions original: "proportion"; the logical relationships or ratios between different objects.. In this way, reason can compensate for the failings of the senses and correct their errors.

But then, because many things are remote from both sense and reason (which we cannot in any way reach through our senses, nor yet firmly enough through our reason), we are indebted to the grace of God. He has, by His Word, revealed to us even some secrets which it concerns us to know. Therefore, if anyone desires the true knowledge of things,