III. How things may be said to be forsa∣ken.
What then shall we say? The effects of Right that depend upon the mind, cannot not∣withstanding by the sole acts of the mind be obtained, unless that act be declared by some overt signs: For to attribute so much of efficacy to the bare acts of the mind, as to create a Right, had been inconvenient to humane Nature, which cannot possibly understand them, unless exprest by some outward signs; whence it is, that those bare internal acts are not subject to Humane Laws.* 1.1 But there are no signs that can so clearly demonstrate those inward acts, as to render us infallible; for a man may dissemble his thoughts, and both mean and intend otherwise than he either speaks, or by some deeds pretends to do. And yet will not the nature of humane society admit, that these internal acts of the mind, being sufficiently exprest, should have no efficacy; wherefore whatsoever is so sufficiently signified, shall be held for truth, and be admitted of as a good plea against him, that shall so express his mind, which if done by words, the case is plain.