The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11) — Thomas Hobbes — John Shaqi
The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
From whence we may infer, that when we believe any saying whatsoever it
be, to be true, from arguments taken, not from the thing itself, or from
the principles of natural reason, but from the authority, and good
opinion we have, of him that hath said it; then is the speaker, or
person we believe in, or trust in, and whose word we take, the object of
our faith; and the honour done in believing, is done to him only. And
consequently, when we believe that the Scriptures are the word of God,
having no immediate revelation from God himself, our belief, faith, and
trust is in the church; whose word we take, and acquiesce therein. And
they that believe that which a prophet relates unto them in the name of
God, take the word of the prophet, do honour to him, and in him trust,
and believe, touching the truth of what he relateth, whether he be a
true, or a false prophet. And so it is also with all other history. For
if I should not believe all that is written by historians, of the
glorious acts of _Alexander_, or _Cæsar_; I do not think the ghost of
_Alexander_, or _Cæsar_, had any just cause to be offended; or any body
else, but the historian. If _Livy_ say the Gods made once a cow speak,
and we believe it not; we distrust not God therein, but _Livy_. So that
it is evident, that whatsoever we believe, upon no other reason, than
what is drawn from authority of men only, and their writings; whether
they be sent from God or not, is faith in men only.
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CHAPTER VIII.
OF THE VIRTUES COMMONLY CALLED INTELLECTUAL;
AND THEIR CONTRARY DEFECTS.
[Sidenote: Intellectual virtue defined.]
VIRTUE generally, in all sorts of subjects, is somewhat that is valued
for eminence; and consisteth in comparison. For if all things were equal
in all men, nothing would be prized. And by _virtues intellectual_, are
always understood such abilities of the mind, as men praise, value, and
desire should be in themselves; and go commonly under the name of a
_good wit_; though the same word _wit_, be used also, to distinguish one
certain ability from the rest.
[Sidenote: Wit, natural, or acquired.]