"The Passion, confess (said Church) that prevails, ranges all the Forces of Reason on it's side, so that Reason seems rather the Mercenary Servant of the Passions, than their Guide."
— Gildon, Charles (1665-1724)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
The Post-boy rob'd of his Mail: or, the Pacquet Broke Open
Date
1692
Metaphor
"The Passion, confess (said Church) that prevails, ranges all the Forces of Reason on it's side, so that Reason seems rather the Mercenary Servant of the Passions, than their Guide."
Metaphor in Context
'How powerful is the Corruption of Humane Nature (said Grave) which can pervert Reason, its only Guide, and make it plead so much against its duty! Or rather (return'd Chappel) what a Proteus and Cameleon is Reason that changes it's Shape, and Colour, almost in every man? True (continued Brook) for there is no villany, but the Actor of it will set out a thousand Reasons in its justifications, if successful: Nor is there any Folly (pursued Temple) that may not have as many produc'd to advance it into the Class of Wisdom. There's no Impiety (added Summer) that Reason will not sanctify, and no Opinion it will not render absurd; and the contrary, as Interest and Power persuades, and indeed the last Reason of Kings, is the general Guide and Director of Reason, that is force and success. The Passion, confess (said Church) that prevails, ranges all the Forces of Reason on it's side, so that Reason seems rather the Mercenary Servant of the Passions, than their Guide. Here is another proof (interrupted Winter) of the truth of what you all seem to assert; 'tis a Letter from an Old Man to a young marry'd Lady, to persuade her to love him. He questions not her Age, I hope (pursued River) that is none of the best Arguments to prevail with a young Lurman, I'm sure. That you shall see (answered Fountain) upon the perusal of the Letter, for you know, Cicero says, There's nothing so ridiculous and absurd, but may be rendered probable by Argument or Reason. But words (concluded I) are but very inefficacious Proofs; here your remote Arguments of Witnesses, Tryal, &c. are more home in this point, than those drawn from the Topics.'
(pp. 71-2)
(pp. 71-2)
Categories
Provenance
C-H Lion
Citation
Charles Gildon, The Post-boy rob'd of his Mail: or, the Pacquet Broke Open. Consisting of Five Hundred Letters, to Persons of several Qualities and Conditions. With Observations Upon each Letter. Publish'd by a Gentleman concern'd in the Frolick. Licens'd and Entred, according to Order (London: Printed for John Dunton, 1692). <Link to EEBO-TCP>
Date of Entry
06/30/2013
