The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2Browne, Thomas, Sir
Religion
The Works of Sir Thomas Browne, Volume 2
Browne, Thomas, Sir
Christianity; Ethics; Religion and medicine
Again, They receive not these conditions with any assurance or
stability from our selves. For the relative foundations and points of
denomination, are not fixed and certain, but variously designed
according to imagination. The Philosopher accounts that East from whence
the Heavens begin their motion. The Astronomer regarding the South and
Meridian Sun, calls that the dextrous part of Heaven which respecteth
his right hand; and that is the West. Poets respecting the West, assign
the name of right unto the North, which regardeth their right hand; and
so must that of _Ovid_ be explained _utque duæ dextrâ Zonæ totidemquæ
sinistrâ_. [SN: _Declarable from the original expression_, Psalm 89.
13.] But Augurs or Southsayers turning their face to the East, did make
the right in the South; which was also observed by the _Hebrews_ and
_Chaldeans_. Now if we name the quarters of Heaven respectively unto our
sides, it will be no certain or invariable denomination. For if we call
that the right side of Heaven which is seated Easterly unto us, when we
regard the Meridian Sun; the inhabitants beyond the Æquator and Southern
Tropick when they face us, regarding the Meridian, will contrarily
define it; for unto them, the opposite part of Heaven will respect the
left, and the Sun arise to their right.
And thus have we at large declared that although the right be most
commonly used, yet hath it no regular or certain root in nature. Since
it is not confirmable from other Animals: Since in Children it seems
either indifferent or more favourable in the other; but more reasonable
for uniformity in action, that Men accustom unto one: Since the grounds
and reasons urged for it, do not sufficiently support it: Since if there
be a right and stronger side in nature, yet may we mistake in its
denomination; calling that the right which is the left, and the left
which is the right. Since some have one right, some both, some neither.
And lastly, Since these affections in Man are not only fallible in
relation unto one another, but made also in reference unto the Heavens,
they being not capable of these conditions in themselves, nor with any
certainty from us, nor we from them again.
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