CHAPTER XXII.

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.

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