OF A SENTENCE.
A _sentence_ is an universal proposition concerning those things which
are to be desired or avoided in the actions or passions of the common
life. As, _A wise man will not suffer his children to be over-learned_.
And is to an _enthymeme_ in _rhetoric_, as any proposition is to a
_syllogism_ in _logic_. And therefore a _sentence_, if the reason be
rendered, becomes a _conclusion_; and both together make an _enthymeme_.
As for example: _To be over-learned, besides that it begets effeminacy,
procures envy. Therefore he that is wise will not suffer his children to
be over-learned._
Of _sentences_ there be four sorts. For they either require proofs or
not, that is, are manifest or not.
Such as are manifest, are either so as soon as they are uttered; as,
_Health is a great good_. Or as soon as they are considered; as, _Men
use to hate whom they have hurt_.
Such as are not manifest, are either conclusions of _enthymemes_; as,
_He that is wise will not suffer his children, &c._ Or else are
_enthymematical_; that is, have in themselves the force of an
_enthymeme_; as _Mortal men ought not to carry immortal anger_.
A _sentence_ not manifest, ought to be either _inferred_ or _confirmed_.
_Inferred_ thus: _It is not good to be effeminately minded, nor to be
envied by one’s fellow-citizens. A wise man, therefore, will not have
his children over-learned._ _Confirmed_ thus: _A wise man will not have
his children over-learned; seeing too much learning both softens a man’s
mind, and procures him envy among his fellow-citizens_.
If a reason be added to a manifest _sentence_, let it be short.
_Sentences_ become not every man; but only old men, and such as be
well-versed in business. For to hear a young man speak sentences, is
ridiculous; and to hear an ignorant man speak sentences, is absurd.
_Sentences_ generally received, when they are for our purpose, ought not
to be neglected; because they pass for truths. And yet they may be
denied, when any laudable custom or humour may thereby be made appear in
the denier.
The commodities of _sentences_, are two. One proceeding from the vanity
of the hearer, who takes for true universally affirmed, that which he
has found for true only in some particular; and therefore a man ought to
consider in every thing what opinion the hearer holds. Another is, that
sentences do discover the manners and disposition of the speaker; so
that if they be esteemed good sentences, he shall be esteemed a good
man; and if evil, an evil man.
Thus much of _sentences_, what they be; of how many sorts; how to be
used; whom they become; and what is their profit.
==========