19. Four sorts of arguments.
Before we quit this subject, it may be worth our while a little to reflect on four sorts
of arguments, that men, in their reasonings with others, do ordinarily make use of to prevail on their assent; or at
least to awe them as to silence their opposition.
I. Argumentum ad verecundiam. The first is, to allege the opinions of men, whose parts, learning, eminency,
power, or some other cause has gained a name, and settled their reputation in the common esteem with some kind
of authority. When men are established in any kind of dignity, it is thought a breach of modesty for others to
derogate any way from it, and question the authority of men who are in possession of it. This is apt to be
censured, as carrying with it too much pride, when a man does not readily yield to the determination of approved
authors, which is wont to be received with respect and submission by others: and it is looked upon as insolence,
for a man to set up and adhere to his own opinion against the current stream of antiquity; or to put it in the balance
against that of some learned doctor, or otherwise approved writer. Whoever backs his tenets with such authorities,
thinks he ought thereby to carry the cause, and is ready to style it impudence in any one who shall stand out
against them. This I think may be called argumentum ad verecundiam.
