prior_n in_o donis_fw-la &_o mayor_n in_o imperio_fw-la as_o also_o his_o dignity_n his_o power_n and_o his_o strength_n proof_n 31._o that_o the_o example_n of_o esau_n and_o jacob_n and_o of_o ephraim_n and_o manasses_n where_o the_o young_a brother_n be_v by_o divine_a election_n prefer_v before_o the_o elder_n be_v unanswerable_a proof_n of_o a_o father_n freedom_n in_o dispose_v of_o his_o estate_n answ_n these_o example_n of_o jacob_n and_o ephraim_n so_o much_o and_o often_o advance_v by_o the_o apologer_n make_v more_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o elder_a son_n then_o for_o the_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n for_o esau_n demand_v the_o prime_a blessing_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o father_n intend_v to_o give_v he_o the_o blessing_n because_o he_o be_v the_o elder_a son_n which_o his_o right_n he_o free_o and_o willing_o and_o volenti_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a injuria_fw-la have_v before_o sell_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o when_o jacob_n have_v put_v his_o right_a hand_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o ephraim_n intend_v to_o give_v he_o the_o prime_a blessing_n their_o father_n joseph_n be_v much_o trouble_v that_o his_o father_n shall_v do_v so_o unjust_a a_o thing_n and_o think_v that_o jacob_n be_v mistake_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o blindness_n he_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o head_n of_o manasses_n say_v this_o be_v my_o elder_a son_n put_v therefore_o thy_o right_a hand_n upon_o his_o head_n but_o jacob_n refuse_v say_v i_o know_v my_o son_n i_o know_v and_o therefore_o unless_o father_n can_v infallible_o know_v the_o divine_a will_n by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o jacob_n do_v or_o have_v such_o as_o jacob_n have_v concern_v his_o elder_a son_n reuben_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o disinherit_v their_o elder_a son_n at_o all_o to_o conclude_v these_o example_n so_o much_o urge_v by_o the_o apologer_n do_v plain_o show_v a_o apparent_a and_o undeniable_a right_n belong_v to_o elder_a son_n and_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o the_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n but_o do_v indeed_o chief_o concern_v the_o divine_a providence_n and_o eternal_a predestination_n and_o do_v prefigure_v the_o conversion_n of_o our_o forefather_n the_o gentile_n according_a to_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o divine_a ordinance_n gen._n 25._o malaoh_n 1._o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a and_o will_v not_o the_o apologer_n give_v god_n leave_v to_o dispose_v of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n as_o himself_o best_o please_v proof_n 32._o that_o it_o appear_v by_o solomon_n his_o succeed_a his_o father_n david_n that_o david_n have_v power_n both_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o give_v his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o worthy_a which_o he_o deem_v to_o be_v solomon_n do_v upon_o the_o entreaty_n of_o his_o wife_n give_v he_o the_o kingdom_n though_o he_o be_v the_o young_a son_n answ_n the_o prefer_n of_o solomon_n to_o the_o crown_n do_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n for_o as_o david_n be_v himself_o divine_o choose_v be_v the_o young_a son_n so_o we_o may_v assure_o believe_v that_o he_o elect_v solomon_n who_o be_v his_o young_a son_n to_o succeed_v he_o move_v only_o thereunto_o by_o divine_a revelation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v think_v be_v as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v otherwise_o have_v do_v it_o and_o this_o good_a king_n have_v more_o reason_n and_o more_o freedom_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o any_o other_o king_n have_v since_o have_v for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o succession_n of_o king_n before_o he_o to_o establish_v a_o right_n nor_o any_o law_n make_v by_o the_o general_a vote_n of_o the_o people_n to_o erect_v a_o course_n of_o inheritance_n concern_v the_o crown_n and_o david_n himself_o do_v not_o inherit_v but_o be_v divine_o elect_v and_o create_v king_n but_o i_o will_v have_v the_o apologer_n tell_v we_o how_o many_o other_o king_n there_o be_v of_o israel_n or_o juda_n who_o be_v young_a brother_n and_o if_o he_o will_v make_v this_o a_o argument_n of_o disinheritance_n he_o shall_v much_o abate_v his_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o father_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o wife_n for_o david_n be_v entreat_v by_o his_o wife_n which_o will_v make_v more_o work_n for_o woman_n who_o be_v already_o too_o busy_a and_o such_o action_n and_o other_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o proof_n 33._o that_o augustus_n caesar_n do_v not_o settle_v the_o imperial_a succession_n upon_o his_o grandson_n agrippa_n posthumus_n but_o upon_o tiberius_n who_o be_v no_o kin_n to_o he_o because_o he_o think_v he_o more_o fit_a to_o govern_v chosros_n king_n of_o persia_n make_v medarses_n his_o young_a son_n consort_v with_o he_o in_o the_o empire_n leave_v out_o sinochius_n who_o be_v his_o elder_a son_n the_o emperor_n ferdinand_n leave_v the_o empire_n with_o austria_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o hungary_n and_o bohemia_n to_o maximilian_n his_o elder_a son_n unto_o his_o second_o son_n stiria_n and_o carinthia_n and_o to_o his_o three_o son_n the_o earldom_n of_o tirol_n philip_n king_n of_o spain_n give_v unto_o his_o daughter_n the_o seventeen_o province_n answ_n the_o apologer_n have_v do_v with_o his_o divine_a and_o as_o he_o call_v they_o invincible_a example_n bestow_v upon_o we_o some_o other_o precedent_n as_o little_a invincible_a as_o the_o former_a which_o also_o shall_v be_v answer_v augustus_n come_v in_o by_o conquest_n and_o therefore_o may_v the_o better_o appoint_v his_o successor_n and_o he_o make_v so_o good_a a_o choice_n of_o one_o that_o instead_o of_o tiberius_n nero_n he_o be_v for_o his_o intemperance_n call_v biberius_n mero_n chosros_n the_o persian_a king_n make_v his_o young_a son_n consort_v with_o he_o in_o the_o empire_n but_o it_o cost_v he_o dear_a for_o the_o people_n detest_a so_o unjust_a a_o act_n take_v arm_n against_o he_o expel_v both_o he_o and_o his_o usurp_a consort_n and_o put_v the_o sceptre_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinochius_n who_o be_v the_o elder_a son_n the_o emperor_n ferdinand_n do_v well_o in_o leave_v his_o young_a son_n so_o well_o but_o he_o do_v better_a in_o leave_v his_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n unto_o maximilian_n his_o elder_a son_n and_o philip_n king_n of_o spain_n rather_o lend_v then_o give_v the_o seventeen_o province_n unto_o his_o daughter_n the_o late_a arch_a duchess_n for_o she_o be_v not_o then_o likely_a to_o have_v child_n be_v so_o far_o in_o year_n and_o his_o gift_n be_v no_o less_o prodigal_a than_o politic_a for_o he_o give_v she_o more_o than_o he_o have_v to_o give_v or_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v but_o do_v this_o make_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n or_o for_o the_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o no_o hereditary_a king_n can_v as_o mere_o of_o himself_o disinherit_v his_o elder_a son_n the_o prince_n nor_o as_o i_o have_v credible_o hear_v do_v any_o act_n as_o mere_o of_o himself_o which_o can_v impeach_v the_o right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o which_o it_o be_v clear_o evident_a that_o elder_a son_n have_v the_o only_a right_a to_o inherit_v and_o that_o father_n can_v have_v such_o a_o free_a power_n that_o they_o may_v at_o their_o pleasure_n lawful_o and_o religious_o disinherit_v they_o for_o regis_fw-la ad_fw-la exemplum_fw-la subject_n shall_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o sovereign_n proof_n 34._o that_o our_o proto-parent_n brute_n divide_v this_o island_n among_o his_o three_o son_n loegria_n or_o england_n to_o locrine_n albania_n or_o scotland_n to_o albanact_n and_o cambria_n or_o wales_n to_o camber_n king_n leir_n give_v his_o kingdom_n to_o his_o young_a daughter_n cordeilla_n and_o king_n roderic_n divide_v wales_n among_o his_o three_o son_n which_o division_n be_v still_o call_v to_o this_o day_n north-wales_n south-wales_n and_o powesland_n answ_n the_o apologer_n may_v do_v well_o to_o make_v it_o first_o appear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o that_o noble_a trojan_a the_o time_n be_v grow_v incredulous_a and_o critical_a and_o bare_a word_n gain_v little_a credit_n and_o our_o grand_a historian_n mr._n camden_n who_o the_o apologer_n term_v the_o singular_a ornament_n of_o england_n be_v almost_o a_o infidel_n concern_v this_o history_n as_o for_o king_n leir_n the_o story_n declare_v that_o his_o elder_a daughter_n be_v rebellious_a and_o undutiful_a and_o as_o rebel_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v depose_v and_o disinherit_v and_o the_o story_n also_o tell_v that_o the_o young_a daughter_n who_o be_v the_o queen_n be_v a_o most_o infortunate_a princess_n for_o her_o nephew_n morgan_n who_o be_v the_o elder_a son_n of_o her_o elder_a sister_n take_v arm_n against_o she_o discomfit_v she_o and_o force_v she_o to_o kill_v herself_o and_o for_o the_o division_n of_o king_n roderic_n
only_o the_o first_o beget_v or_o elder_a son_n live_v for_o he_o call_v esau_n a_o profane_a person_n because_o for_o a_o dish_n of_o meat_n he_o sell_v his_o first_o birthright_n and_o in_o his_o dreadful_a denouncement_n against_o unnatural_a and_o neglectful_a parent_n 1_o tim._n 5._o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n he_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n seniorem_fw-la ne_fw-la increpaveris_fw-la do_v not_o disrespect_n thy_o elder_n etc._n etc._n give_v a_o fine_a and_o full_a instruction_n thereby_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v the_o right_a heir_n or_o chief_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o family_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v object_v that_o this_o law_n be_v only_o speak_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o do_v only_o concern_v the_o jew_n they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o law_n do_v only_o concern_v the_o jew_n for_o they_o also_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o sure_o i_o can_v conceive_v what_o can_v be_v more_o moral_a and_o necessary_a then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o chief_a son_n or_o heir_n among_o our_o child_n and_o general_o know_v by_o a_o native_a and_o undoubted_a right_n for_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o order_n and_o subordination_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o natural_a and_o just_a than_o that_o parent_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o relieve_v and_o provide_v for_o their_o child_n and_o have_v this_o law_n only_o concern_v the_o jew_n wouâ—d_a s._n paul_n have_v commend_v seniority_n and_o condemn_v esau_n for_o sell_v his_o birthright_n and_o will_v the_o ancient_a father_n who_o be_v the_o best_a of_o humane_a testimony_n as_o s._n chrysostome_n in_o his_o five_o sermon_n against_o julian_n and_o s._n jerom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o onogron_n and_o upon_o the_o 49._o gen._n with_o divers_a other_o will_v they_o have_v aver_v that_o the_o first_o bear_v or_o elder_a son_n be_v more_o honourable_a than_o other_o child_n and_o that_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o first_o beget_v or_o elder_a son_n live_v and_o have_v this_o law_n only_o bind_v the_o jew_n will_v it_o have_v be_v denounce_v from_o the_o immediate_a mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v in_o these_o word_n a_o perpetual_a law_n as_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n but_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a precept_n deut._n 21_o and_o these_o be_v the_o divine_a word_n if_o a_o man_n have_v two_o wife_n one_o belove_v and_o the_o other_o hate_v and_o they_o have_v both_o child_n by_o he_o if_o the_o first_o son_n be_v she_o that_o be_v hate_v he_o may_v not_o make_v the_o son_n of_o the_o belove_a the_o first_o bear_v and_o prefer_v he_o before_o the_o son_n of_o the_o hate_a but_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o son_n of_o the_o hate_a for_o the_o first_o bear_v by_o give_v he_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o his_o strength_n the_o right_a of_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v he_o now_o though_o the_o literal_a expression_n be_v that_o elder_a son_n be_v to_o have_v a_o double_a part_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o other_o part_n to_o be_v divide_v among_o the_o child_n equal_o as_o well_o son_n as_o daughter_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n here_o mention_v be_v a_o unbeloved_a son_n or_o the_o son_n of_o a_o wife_n not_o belove_v which_o do_v utter_o exclude_v the_o affection_n and_o free_a will_n of_o parent_n in_o dispose_v of_o the_o estate_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v not_o here_o say_v nor_o any_o where_o else_o through_o the_o divine_a writ_n that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v but_o a_o double_a part_n or_o portion_n to_o our_o elder_a son_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v much_o otherwise_o the_o father_n and_o their_o elder_a son_n after_o they_o be_v as_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o their_o own_o house_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o so_o do_v for_o so_o we_o shall_v condemn_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o cannon_n and_o civil_a law_n and_o our_o common_a law_n and_o all_o other_o good_a law_n which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v do_v all_o concur_v with_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o erect_v a_o impregnable_a right_n of_o inheritance_n in_o elder_a son_n and_o we_o shall_v condemn_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a parent_n who_o usual_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o estate_n to_o their_o elder_a son_n which_o general_a consent_n and_o custom_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n or_o ground_n then_o from_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o will_n providence_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a and_o considerable_a be_v that_o god_n give_v no_o long_a blessing_n to_o any_o other_o course_n of_o inheritance_n whence_o we_o may_v collect_v how_o odious_a a_o crime_n and_o how_o great_a a_o injury_n it_o be_v to_o disinherit_v a_o rightful_a heir_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o for_o he_o that_o will_v dispalce_a the_o right_a heir_n from_o the_o due_a of_o his_o birthright_n and_o such_o a_o right_n as_o be_v enact_v by_o god_n himself_o establish_v by_o all_o good_a law_n and_o general_o practise_v by_o all_o good_a parent_n he_o be_v no_o piddler_n for_o he_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o overthrow_v all_o law_n and_o order_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n a_o chaos_n of_o confusion_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v nor_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n be_v so_o absolute_a as_o that_o they_o will_v brook_v no_o exception_n for_o the_o great_a law_n or_o precept_n matth._n upon_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v their_o main_a dependence_n which_o be_v to_o love_v and_o honour_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n do_v abrogate_v and_o disannul_v as_o we_o pious_o believe_v all_o the_o other_o precept_n which_o do_v not_o concur_v with_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o whereas_o we_o be_v command_v to_o honour_v our_o parent_n and_o the_o word_n be_v absolute_a yet_o if_o parent_n shall_v be_v idolator_n or_o blasphemer_n or_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o which_o as_o bad_a as_o any_o of_o these_o unnatural_a i_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o child_n be_v free_o discharge_v from_o their_o obligation_n of_o honour_v such_o parent_n for_o how_o can_v we_o love_v and_o honour_n god_n if_o we_o love_v and_o honour_n god_n great_a enemy_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n if_o elder_a son_n be_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o extreme_o and_o desperate_o vicious_a there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o their_o father_n may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o disinherit_v they_o for_o they_o be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o inherit_v that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v to_o conclude_v good_a reader_n if_o what_o i_o have_v here_o deliver_v may_v redound_v to_o thy_o benefit_n and_o better_a instruction_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v i_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o my_o labour_n i_o will_v give_v god_n the_o praise_n finis_fw-la
upon_o which_o i_o shall_v chief_o ground_v my_o answer_n be_v these_o two_o the_o first_o be_v whether_o elder_a son_n have_v a_o superior_a right_n above_o other_o son_n to_o inherit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o father_n estate_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o father_n may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o give_v their_o land_n and_o good_n to_o which_o of_o their_o child_n they_o please_v or_o to_o who_o they_o will_v but_o i_o will_v now_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o proof_n and_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o examine_v his_o invincible_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o so_o he_o call_v they_o the_o young_a brother_n prerogative_n proof_n i._n out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o young_a brother_n that_o all_o communicable_a thing_n be_v common_a among_o man_n for_o many_o age_n after_o the_o creation_n in_o all_o which_o time_n no_o man_n lay_v proper_a claim_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o due_a to_o himself_o alone_o whereby_o it_o well_o appear_v that_o hereditary_a succession_n or_o title_n to_o a_o father_n land_n or_o good_n can_v not_o be_v then_o in_o use_n or_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o answer_n it_o it_o more_o than_o the_o apologer_n or_o any_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v enjoy_v in_o common_a for_o so_o many_o age_n as_o he_o surmise_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v manifest_a for_o we_o find_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o creation_n and_o for_o many_o age_n together_o the_o generation_n of_o seth_n and_o cain_n do_v neither_o communicate_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o marry_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unprobable_a to_o think_v that_o cain_n and_o abel_n the_o first_o son_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n as_o they_o have_v several_a vocation_n so_o they_o have_v as_o a_o curse_n for_o sin_n a_o several_a propriety_n in_o their_o good_n because_o they_o agree_v no_o better_o but_o admit_v all_o thing_n be_v enjoy_v in_o common_a for_o many_o age_n after_o the_o creation_n what_o be_v this_o to_o purpose_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o propriety_n or_o estate_n there_o can_v be_v no_o inheritance_n then_o in_o use_n though_o questionless_a the_o right_a of_o inheritance_n be_v then_o in_o elder_a son_n as_o now_o it_o be_v unto_o who_o as_o the_o apologer_n say_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a reverence_n due_a from_o his_o young_a brother_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a reverence_n due_a there_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o natural_a right_n to_o inherit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o father_n estate_n for_o how_o else_o shall_v that_o natural_a reverence_n be_v maintain_v with_o such_o a_o due_a respect_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proof_n 2._o that_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n as_o well_o christian_n as_o other_o who_o have_v perfection_n in_o natural_a society_n or_o a_o perfect_a and_o religious_a life_n in_o a_o natural_a or_o worldly_a conversation_n of_o man_n have_v and_o do_v daily_o embrace_v this_o natural_a and_o bless_a community_n answ_n this_o blessedness_n of_o community_n which_o the_o apologer_n so_o much_o contemplate_v take_v away_o his_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o dispose_v and_o it_o be_v the_o anabaptist_n and_o eamelist_n so_o much_o admire_v and_o profane_o practice_n for_o they_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a even_o as_o much_o as_o their_o wife_n and_o in_o that_o be_v more_o beast_n than_o many_o of_o the_o unreasonable_a creature_n for_o among_o many_o of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o conjugal_a contract_n and_o a_o constancy_n observe_v between_o the_o male_n and_o female_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o good_a christian_n shall_v so_o live_v and_o love_n and_o help_v one_o another_o as_o though_o they_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o other_o people_n beside_o christian_n the_o apologer_n mean_v who_o have_v and_o do_v as_o he_o say_v daily_o embrace_v this_o bless_a community_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o religious_a life_n proof_n 3._o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v never_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o father_n have_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n a_o free_a power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o estate_n and_o child_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n against_o the_o law_n of_o undepraved_a nature_n or_o as_o nature_n be_v in_o her_o first_o purity_n yet_o as_o our_o nature_n now_o be_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v seem_o against_o nature_n or_o mere_o preternatural_a as_o be_v the_o love_a of_o our_o enemy_n the_o do_v of_o good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v and_o hurt_v we_o matth._n 5._o luke_n 6._o 1_o pet._n 2._o but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a or_o warrantable_a law_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o divine_a admonition_n and_o precept_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o the_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n can_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o divine_a precept_n as_o appear_v numb_a 27._o deut._n 21._o proof_n 4._o that_o the_o happy_a law_n of_o nature_n which_o endure_v so_o many_o age_n and_o without_o doubt_n have_v long_o continue_v have_v not_o sin_n which_o break_v all_o union_n and_o deprave_v all_o natural_a perfection_n get_v such_o dominion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o in_o natural_a equity_n all_o thing_n can_v not_o long_o be_v use_v in_o common_a for_o as_o some_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o insatiate_a desire_n to_o get_v rule_n and_o reign_v seek_v the_o oppression_n of_o other_o by_o take_v from_o they_o that_o freedom_n which_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o so_z other_o give_v to_o sensuality_n and_o idleness_n seek_v to_o live_v of_o other_o man_n labour_n whereas_o by_o nature_n law_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o live_v by_o his_o proper_a industry_n within_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n whereupon_o natural_a reason_n persuade_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v divide_v every_o man_n shall_v know_v his_o own_o otherwise_o no_o peace_n or_o concord_n can_v be_v maintain_v in_o humane_a society_n answ_n the_o apologer_n be_v so_o transport_v with_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o community_n that_o he_o flutter_v up_o and_o down_o and_o even_o lose_v himself_o in_o impertinent_a discourse_n to_o what_o he_o undertake_v to_o treat_v on_o but_o admit_v sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o divide_v land_n and_o make_v law_n he_o will_v not_o say_v i_o hope_v though_o he_o seem_v to_o infer_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n because_o sin_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o make_v law_n proof_n 5._o that_o nature_n never_o set_v it_o down_o as_o a_o law_n that_o the_o estate_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o elder_a brother_n or_o young_a or_o to_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a or_o to_o all_o but_o to_o who_o the_o father_n be_v true_a and_o free_a lord_n thereof_o shall_v best_o devise_v by_o will_n guide_v by_o reason_n answ_n neither_o the_o apologer_n nor_o any_o man_n whosoever_o can_v prove_v or_o so_o much_o as_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o parent_n have_v that_o free_a and_o absolute_a power_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v pretend_v neither_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n in_o elder_a son_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o the_o apologer_n will_v have_v father_n to_o have_v that_o free_a power_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v pretend_v he_o must_v first_o prove_v how_o father_n be_v become_v the_o true_a and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o their_o estate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o nature_n give_v a_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o that_o which_o the_o herself_o give_v not_o and_o this_o be_v more_o i_o believe_v than_o the_o apologer_n or_o any_o man_n else_o can_v prove_v it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n have_v his_o several_a way_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v unto_o he_o his_o natural_a reason_n though_o the_o thing_n conceive_v be_v never_o so_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a the_o apologer_n say_v that_o father_n have_v such_o a_o free_a power_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o elder_a son_n have_v no_o right_n of_o inheritance_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o dictamen_fw-la of_o his_o nature_n or_o his_o natural_a reason_n for_o which_o he_o give_v no_o reason_n nor_o can_v allege_v any_o convince_a or_o satisfy_v authority_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o that_o you_o
may_v see_v how_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a his_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n be_v i_o pray_v you_o consider_v a_o little_a &_o tell_v i_o whether_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o unprobable_a then_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v be_v more_o free_a and_o absolute_a than_o adam_n be_v when_o he_o be_v in_o paradise_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n for_o adam_n be_v under_o a_o command_n or_o law_n but_o the_o apologer_n will_v make_v father_n lawless_a stat_n pro_fw-la ratione_fw-la voluntas_fw-la and_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o chief_a son_n or_o heir_n among_o our_o child_n for_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o order_n and_o subordination_n in_o all_o thing_n otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v a_o confusion_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o what_o follow_v confusion_n may_v easy_o be_v conceive_v in_o any_o understanding_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mark_n of_o hell_n or_o rather_o hell_n itself_o where_o no_o good_a order_n but_o a_o everlasting_a horror_n do_v inhabitate_a job_n 10._o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n among_o brethren_n that_o this_o cbief_a son_n or_o heir_n shall_v be_v general_o know_v by_o a_o native_a natural_a and_o undoubted_a right_n for_o otherwise_o all_o the_o other_o son_n will_v malign_v and_o envy_v that_o son_n who_o shall_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o inheritance_n unless_o the_o son_n so_o prefer_v have_v a_o undoubted_a and_o native_a right_n thereunto_o and_o have_v his_o right_n also_o confirm_v as_o be_v now_o in_o the_o case_n of_o elder_a son_n by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a parent_n which_o general_a consent_n and_o practice_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n or_o ground_n then_o from_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o will_n providence_n and_o ordinance_n of_o almighty_a god_n proof_n out_o of_o the_o common_a law_n and_o civil_a law_n for_o the_o young_a brother_n right_a that_o divine_a precept_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o bind_v but_o that_o they_o may_v in_o some_o case_n lawful_o be_v break_v for_o though_o the_o commandment_n be_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v nor_o thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v yet_o one_o may_v in_o extreme_a want_n of_o food_n steal_z or_o violent_o take_v from_o another_o man_n and_o may_v lawful_o kill_v any_o man_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o good_n so_o though_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a precept_n as_o there_o be_v none_o that_o elder_a son_n shall_v inherit_v it_o can_v not_o intend_v that_o such_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v natural_a fool_n or_o madman_n shall_v inherit_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o natural_a fool_n and_o madman_n though_o elder_a son_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o inherit_v but_o what_o do_v this_o make_v against_o the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v no_o fool_n or_o madman_n sure_o it_o concern_v the_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n as_o much_o as_o the_o disinheritance_n of_o elder_a son_n for_o if_o the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o apologer_n turn_v idiot_n or_o madman_n the_o apologer_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v make_v thereby_o incapable_a of_o the_o management_n and_o disposure_n of_o his_o estate_n proof_n 7._o that_o if_o the_o effect_n of_o eldership_n be_v such_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o some_o passionate_o defend_v that_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a inheritance_n shall_v of_o right_o pertain_v to_o the_o elder_a son_n than_o it_o follow_v by_o good_a consequence_n that_o there_o shall_v nor_o ever_o can_v have_v be_v but_o one_o temporal_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o world_n for_o of_o necessity_n adam_n inheritance_n shall_v have_v go_v still_o to_o the_o next_o in_o blood_n answ_n it_o be_v absurd_a and_o no_o consequence_n at_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o temporal_a lord_n for_o the_o elder_a son_n be_v not_o to_o inherit_v all_o the_o estate_n but_o only_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o father_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o all_o their_o child_n and_o the_o apologer_n know_v though_o adam_n have_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v his_o wife_n and_o child_n who_o be_v partner_n with_o he_o by_o a_o coequal_a right_n though_o he_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o superiority_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o they_o yet_o he_o have_v it_o not_o by_o way_n of_o inheritance_n proof_n 8._o that_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o aver_v by_o any_o sound_a divine_a philosopher_n or_o lawyer_n that_o nature_n make_v immediate_o heir_n but_o man_n they_o talk_v idle_o who_o say_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n make_v heir_n upon_o which_o ground_n our_o common_a lawyer_n say_v that_o no_o heir_n be_v bear_v but_o man_n and_o law_n make_v they_o answ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o apologer_n or_o any_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o elder_a son_n be_v not_o bear_v heir_n elder_a son_n as_o soon_o as_o bear_v be_v heir_n apparent_a by_o the_o law_n king_n james_n be_v bear_v a_o king_n and_o crown_v in_o his_o cradle_n and_o be_v there_o a_o native_a and_o natural_a right_n in_o king_n and_o not_o in_o other_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o esau_n have_v a_o native_a and_o therefore_o a_o natural_a right_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n birthright_n and_o the_o apologer_n can_v but_o know_v that_o it_o be_v god_n only_o who_o give_v and_o make_v heir_n which_o heir_n be_v the_o elder_a son_n as_o plain_o appear_v by_o his_o divine_a precept_n deuternom_n 21._o etc._n etc._n proof_n 9_o that_o god_n require_v obedience_n of_o child_n to_o parent_n promise_v a_o reward_n say_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v thou_o which_o sure_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o one_o but_o to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n but_o as_o a_o just_a and_o pious_a father_n he_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o desert_n terram_fw-la autem_fw-la dedit_fw-la filiis_fw-la hominum_fw-la answ_n i_o know_v not_o what_o the_o apologer_n shall_v intend_v hereby_o unless_o he_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o as_o all_o child_n be_v equal_o command_v to_o honour_v their_o parent_n so_o all_o child_n who_o equal_o honour_v their_o parent_n shall_v be_v equal_o reward_v by_o their_o parent_n though_o the_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a give_v a_o superior_a right_n of_o inheritance_n to_o elder_a son_n and_o concern_v his_o terram_fw-la dedit_fw-la i_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v mean_v thereby_o unless_o he_o will_v have_v every_o man_n to_o be_v think_v a_o unnatural_a tyrant_n and_o a_o usurper_n who_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o proper_a estate_n unto_o himself_o because_o the_o word_n be_v terram_fw-la dedit_fw-la filiis_fw-la hominum_fw-la god_n give_v the_o whole_a earth_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o to_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a but_o to_o all_o in_o general_n you_o may_v see_v here_o how_o bold_a he_o be_v with_o the_o law_n for_o he_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o they_o and_o you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o boundless_a and_o liberal_a mind_n he_o have_v for_o he_o will_v have_v every_o man_n a_o freeholder_n and_o no_o less_o than_o the_o whole_a world_n his_o inheritance_n but_o mr._n apologer_n if_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o what_o will_v become_v of_o your_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n for_o they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o dispose_v of_o proof_n 10._o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a precept_n that_o elder_a son_n shall_v inherit_v that_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o divine_n that_o holy_a writ_n have_v not_o prescribe_v any_o direct_a form_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o land_n and_o good_n but_o have_v absolute_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n where_o any_o act_n of_o that_o kind_n shall_v be_v execute_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o write_v law_n under_o heaven_n any_o command_n to_o restrain_v the_o father_n power_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n answ_n the_o apologer_n can_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v diverse_a plain_n and_o divine_a precept_n concern_v the_o inheritance_n of_o elder_a son_n one_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v often_o cite_v but_o never_o full_o relate_v and_o these_o be_v the_o divine_a word_n if_o a_o man_n have_v two_o wife_n one_o belove_v and_o the_o other_o hate_v and_o they_o have_v bear_v he_o child_n both_o the_o belove_a and_o hate_v and_o if_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v she_o that_o be_v hate_v then_o shall_v it_o be_v when_o he_o make_v
his_o son_n to_o inherit_v that_o which_o he_o have_v that_o he_o may_v not_o make_v the_o son_n of_o the_o belove_a the_o first-born_a and_o prefer_v he_o before_o the_o son_n of_o the_o hate_a which_o be_v indeed_o the_o first_o bear_v but_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o son_n of_o the_o hate_a the_o first_o bear_v by_o give_v he_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o his_o strength_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o first-born_a be_v his_o deut._n 21._o parent_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o think_v themselves_o so_o absolute_a as_o that_o they_o may_v make_v choice_n of_o what_o heir_n they_o will_v according_a as_o the_o wind_n of_o their_o affection_n shall_v blow_v for_o affection_n be_v here_o exclude_v we_o live_v under_o a_o law_n ground_v upon_o divine_a ordinance_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o observe_v and_o inviolable_o keep_v and_o though_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o elder_a son_n shall_v have_v a_o double_a portion_n above_o their_o young_a brother_n it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v that_o elder_a son_n shall_v have_v but_o a_o double_a portion_n as_o though_o parent_n shall_v be_v conclude_v from_o give_v they_o more_o for_o so_o we_o shall_v condemn_v our_o national_a law_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a parent_n who_o usual_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o estate_n to_o their_o elder_a son_n but_o say_v the_o apologer_n or_o seem_v to_o infer_v it_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o divine_a precept_n do_v any_o way_n restrain_v a_o father_n free_a power_n for_o the_o word_n be_v when_o he_o make_v or_o be_v to_o make_v his_o son_n inherit_v that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v dispose_v or_o mind_v so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o mind_v he_o may_v choose_v for_o he_o have_v a_o lawful_a power_n and_o freedom_n to_o do_v otherwise_o but_o mr._n apologer_n shall_v i_o in_o answer_n propose_v a_o question_n to_o you_o and_o concern_v your_o own_o profession_n for_o they_o say_v you_o be_v a_o learned_a divine_a suppose_v there_o be_v this_o say_n in_o scripture_n that_o when_o a_o minister_n make_v or_o be_v to_o make_v his_o prayer_n or_o a_o sermon_n he_o be_v to_o demean_v himself_o in_o a_o zealous_a and_o sober_a manner_n will_v you_o say_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o but_o may_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v pray_v or_o preach_v or_o demean_v himself_o sober_o indeed_o i_o can_v wish_v be_v yourself_o as_o you_o say_v a_o young_a brother_n that_o you_o will_v demean_v yourself_o a_o little_a more_o sober_o and_o mannerly_a towards_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v your_o master_n and_o not_o to_o question_v their_o ever_o yet_o undeniable_a right_n but_o rather_o to_o conform_v yourself_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 3._o stultas_fw-la autem_fw-la quoestiones_fw-la &_o geneologias_n &_o pugnas_fw-la legis_fw-la devita_fw-la sunt_fw-la enim_fw-la inutiles_fw-la &_o vanae_fw-la preof_o 11._o that_o the_o prodigal_a son_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 15._o be_v weary_a of_o his_o father_n house_n come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o bold_o say_v pater_fw-la da_fw-la mihi_fw-la portionem_fw-la substantiae_fw-la meae_fw-la quae_fw-la i_o contingit_fw-la this_o child_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v be_v the_o young_a brother_n yet_o you_o see_v how_o bold_o he_o say_v give_v i_o that_o portion_n of_o good_n which_o belong_v to_o i_o by_o which_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o division_n or_o partition_n of_o a_o father_n good_n be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o that_o any_o child_n as_o well_o young_a as_o elder_a have_v power_n by_o law_n to_o demand_v his_o legitimate_a or_o child_n part_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thd_a civil_a and_o cannon_n law_n for_o the_o word_n follow_v in_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v these_o &_o divisit_fw-la substantiam_fw-la illis_fw-la and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o privilege_n of_o eldership_n be_v then_o exclude_v which_o now_o in_o our_o country_n by_o custom_n only_o be_v get_v to_o be_v of_o such_o force_n answ_n the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n so_o much_o advance_v by_o the_o apologer_n make_v nothing_o against_o the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n for_o though_o the_o word_n be_v &_o pater_fw-la divisit_fw-la and_o the_o father_n divide_v yet_o it_o be_v movable_a good_n or_o money_n and_o not_o land_n which_o he_o divide_v and_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o the_o father_n give_v half_o the_o estate_n to_o the_o young_a son_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v leave_v but_o one_o half_a for_o himself_o his_o wife_n and_o elder_a son_n but_o this_o parable_n clear_o overthrow_v the_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n for_o the_o prodigal_a demand_v his_o portion_n of_o his_o father_n as_o of_o right_a which_o the_o apologer_n say_v all_o child_n may_v do_v and_o have_v it_o pay_v he_o proof_n 12._o that_o it_o be_v invincible_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o moses_n by_o attestation_n of_o judicious_a theologian_n that_o there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n and_o country_n no_o such_o law_n or_o custom_n that_o the_o elder_a son_n shall_v play_v at_o sweepstake_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n leave_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o four_o wind_n for_o it_o be_v express_o record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n and_o fourteen_o verse_n that_o job_n give_v his_o daughter_n inheritance_n among_o their_o brethren_n which_o come_v home_o to_o the_o point_n in_o question_n and_o irrepliable_o evince_v a_o father_n power_n and_o right_a to_o make_v partition_n of_o his_o estate_n among_o his_o child_n answ_n the_o apologer_n say_v he_o be_v now_o home_o to_o the_o point_n in_o question_n but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v further_o off_o from_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n if_o he_o be_v no_o better_o a_o archer_n than_o a_o arguer_n the_o safe_a place_n for_o a_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o when_o he_o shoot_v will_v be_v at_o the_o mark_n as_o diogenes_n be_v say_v to_o do_v to_o one_o who_o use_v to_o rove_v at_o random_n for_o the_o question_n he_o be_v here_o come_v home_o to_o be_v that_o job_n give_v some_o inheritance_n to_o all_o his_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o he_o do_v well_o and_o as_o all_o good_a parent_n ought_v to_o do_v for_o neither_o the_o levitical_a law_n nor_o any_o other_o good_a law_n do_v allow_v father_n to_o leave_v their_o whole_a estate_n to_o their_o elder_a son_n but_o only_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v with_o job_n to_o provide_v for_o all_o their_o child_n this_o i_o grant_v be_v a_o question_n without_o question_n but_o mr._n apologer_n if_o it_o please_v you_o to_o remember_v the_o main_a question_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o mighty_a charge_n of_o your_o treatise_n be_v whether_o elder_a son_n have_v a_o superior_a right_n to_o inherit_v above_o other_o son_n or_o rather_o have_v any_o right_n at_o all_o and_o whether_o father_n may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o give_v their_o land_n and_o good_n to_o which_o of_o their_o child_n they_o please_v or_o to_o who_o they_o will_n the_o young_a brother_n right_n by_o the_o cannon_n and_o civil_a law_n proof_n out_o of_o the_o cannon_n and_o civil_a law_n that_o god_n in_o his_o commandment_n do_v but_o second_v his_o former_a ordinance_n give_v by_o nature_n for_o so_o long_o as_o mankind_n live_v in_o a_o sort_n after_o the_o innocency_n which_o god_n grace_v in_o his_o first_o creation_n have_v wrought_v in_o he_o god_n give_v he_o no_o other_o law_n but_o when_o as_o by_o sin_n those_o spark_n which_o remain_v after_o his_o fall_n be_v quite_o extinguish_v god_n give_v he_o new_a law_n yet_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o law_n which_o ever_o have_v but_o the_o name_n and_o credit_n of_o law_n do_v derive_v their_o original_a from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n whereupon_o cicero_n many_o hundred_o year_n since_o say_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o law-making_a be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o chief_a law_n which_o be_v make_v before_o any_o law_n be_v write_v or_o city_n build_v answ_n the_o apologer_n to_o gain_v the_o more_o credit_n do_v f_o cover_v himself_o with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v persuade_v his_o easy_a reader_n that_o all_o the_o law_n he_o allege_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o law_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o law_n but_o neither_o the_o apologer_n nor_o any_o man_n can_v know_v which_o be_v all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o what_o law_n be_v ground_v upon_o that_o primary_n law_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a
christian_a and_o good_a subject_n to_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n he_o live_v under_o and_o not_o to_o wretch_n and_o stretch_v they_o to_o wicked_a end_n by_o their_o false_a construction_n nor_o yet_o too_o curious_o to_o search_v into_o they_o which_o be_v always_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o proud_a and_o rebellious_a spirit_n so_o that_o in_o all_o this_o fair_a flourish_n the_o apologer_n have_v prove_v nothing_o to_o purpose_n but_o only_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o cicero_n who_o live_v he_o say_v many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o proof_n 14._o that_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n parent_n have_v at_o first_o a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n give_v they_o over_o their_o child_n and_o a_o free_a disposition_n of_o all_o their_o fortune_n to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o his_o life_n but_o if_o he_o die_v intestate_a than_o the_o estate_n be_v to_o be_v divide_v among_o the_o child_n egual_o as_o well_o son_n as_o daughter_n answ_n i_o may_v here_o answer_v he_o with_o his_o own_o two_o say_n cessante_fw-la ratione_fw-la cessat_fw-la lex_fw-la &_o summum_fw-la jus_o est_fw-la summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la and_o he_o also_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o law_n but_o tyranny_n which_o whole_o disagree_v with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n &_o what_o can_v be_v more_o against_o nature_n and_o natural_a equity_n than_o that_o parent_n shall_v have_v a_o power_n to_o destroy_v their_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v their_o child_n and_o he_o say_v that_o these_o law_n be_v first_o invent_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o be_v heathen_n and_o he_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n then_o this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o heathenish_o do_v of_o they_o but_o why_o shall_v the_o apologer_n urge_v this_o himself_o say_v that_o this_o law_n be_v rigorous_a and_o afterward_o alter_v upon_o good_a ground_n and_o concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o estate_n equal_o among_o the_o child_n for_o so_o say_v he_o the_o civil_a law_n ordain_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o practice_n be_v much_o otherwise_o where_o the_o civil_a law_n be_v in_o most_o force_n as_o in_o spain_n france_n germany_n italy_n etc._n etc._n for_o there_o the_o chief_a house_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o inheritance_n be_v usual_o confer_v upon_o the_o elder_a son_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n among_o they_o seniores_fw-la honores_fw-la juniores_fw-la labores_fw-la the_o art_n arm_n a_o munity_n and_o the_o more_o noble_a trade_n as_o merchandise_n and_o the_o like_a and_o not_o land_n of_o inheritance_n be_v the_o more_o proper_a portion_n for_o young_a brother_n proof_n 15._o that_o in_o natural_a justice_n child_n during_o their_o father_n life_n have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi to_o their_o father_n good_n whereupon_o the_o law_n call_v they_o quasi_fw-la bonorum_fw-la patris_fw-la dominos_fw-la which_o their_o right_n only_o take_v effect_n after_o their_o father_n death_n for_o during_o life_n he_o have_v power_n to_o alter_v alien_a sell_v and_o give_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v he_o according_a to_o form_n of_o law_n but_o be_v dead_a without_o will_n or_o disposition_n thereof_o they_o fall_v upon_o his_o child_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n hat_n the_o cannon_n and_o civil_a law_n command_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o equity_n the_o father_n either_o to_o divide_v his_o inheritance_n among_o his_o child_n or_o allow_v his_o child_n according_a to_o his_o affection_n by_o give_v to_o one_o more_o than_o unto_o another_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v he_o answ_n the_o apologer_n speek_v general_o and_o cite_v neither_o authority_n nor_o author_n and_o so_o deserve_v to_o be_v neither_o credit_v nor_o answer_v but_o i_o will_v not_o deal_v so_o unkind_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o child_n have_v not_o only_o jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi to_o their_o father_n good_n in_o his_o life_n time_n as_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o claim_n which_o esau_n make_v and_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a for_o the_o prodigal_a come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o bold_o say_v pater_fw-la da_fw-la mihi_fw-la portionem_fw-la substantiae_fw-la meae_fw-la give_v i_o that_o portion_n of_o good_n which_o belong_v to_o i_o &_o pater_fw-la divisit_fw-la and_o the_o father_n give_v he_o his_o portion_n and_o esau_n come_v as_o bold_o to_o his_o father_n and_o demand_v the_o due_a of_o his_o birthright_n because_o he_o be_v the_o elder_a son_n and_o for_o all_o the_o large_a sovereignty_n which_o as_o the_o apologer_n say_v the_o civil_a law_n give_v parent_n over_o the_o child_n the_o apologer_n confess_v that_o father_n unless_o they_o can_v give_v a_o just_a cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v bind_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n to_o leave_v every_o child_n a_o portion_n call_v a_o legitimate_a or_o patrimony_n which_o make_v clear_o against_o his_o so_o absolute_a a_o power_n of_o parent_n for_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v free_a proof_n 16._o that_o even_o to_o this_o present_a day_n the_o engross_a all_o by_o primogeniture_n have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o or_o at_o leastwise_o never_o admit_v in_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o by_o many_o text_n in_o the_o same_o law_n it_o well_o appear_v answ_n the_o apologer_n be_v still_o upon_o his_o generality_n and_o give_v neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n but_o the_o best_a be_v we_o may_v believe_v he_o as_o we_o listen_v i_o confess_v that_o no_o good_a law_n either_o civil_a or_o cannon_n or_o any_o other_o law_n whatsoever_o allow_v the_o engross_a all_o by_o primogeniture_n as_o that_o the_o elder_a son_n shall_v have_v all_o the_o estate_n &_o the_o other_o child_n nothing_o but_o it_o be_v false_a that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o in_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n for_o the_o great_a lawyer_n baldus_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr justitia_fw-la &_o jure_v faith_n semper_fw-la fuit_fw-la &_o semper_fw-la erit_fw-la it_o always_o have_v be_v and_o always_o shall_v be_v that_o the_o first-born_a do_v succeed_v and_o inherit_v and_o the_o arcient_a historian_n herodotus_n in_o his_o polihim_n thus_o say_v it_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n among_o all_o man_n that_o the_o first_o bear_v do_v succeed_v and_o inherit_v and_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v sir_n john_n heywood_n a_o late_a and_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o same_o law_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o cannon_n law_n do_v joint_o hold_v that_o parent_n have_v no_o lawful_a power_n to_o invert_v or_o pervert_v the_o due_a course_n of_o inheritance_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o such_o great_a cause_n as_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o reuben_n and_o the_o word_n senior_n say_v they_o which_o signify_v priority_n of_o birth_n be_v often_o time_n take_v for_o lord_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n for_o say_v on_o apostle_n 1_o timoth._n 5._o seniorem_fw-la ne_fw-la increpaveris_fw-la sed_fw-la obsâ—cra_fw-la ut_fw-la patrem_fw-la do_v not_o disrespect_n thy_o elder_n but_o honour_v he_o and_o treat_v with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v thy_o father_n and_o indeed_o the_o senior_n or_o elder_a of_o our_o son_n as_o be_v manifest_a gen._n 27.49_o gal._n 4._o etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v as_o a_o lord_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o apologer_n it_o may_v be_v be_v himself_o a_o divine_a can_v relish_v any_o other_o authority_n but_o from_o divine_n i_o will_v therefore_o for_o his_o better_a instruction_n and_o satisfaction_n if_o it_o can_v be_v present_v he_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o two_o very_a authentic_a divine_n and_o of_o great_a antiquity_n s._n chrysostome_n and_o s._n jerom_n s._n chrysostome_n in_o his_o five_o sermon_n against_o julian_n say_v that_o the_o first-born_a be_v be_v to_o be_v esteem_v more_o honourable_a than_o the_o other_o child_n and_o s._n jerom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o onogron_n and_o upon_o the_o 49._o gen._n say_v that_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o first_o beget_v or_o elder_a son_n live_v proof_n out_o of_o the_o common_a law_n that_o our_o common_a law_n give_v power_n to_o a_o father_n and_o free_a will_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o as_o far_o as_o reason_n shall_v guide_v his_o will_n without_o all_o obligation_n to_o his_o heir_n all_o lawyer_n agree_v that_o such_o parent_n who_o have_v estate_n in_o fee_n simple_a may_v alien_a sell_v and_o give_v by_o power_n of_o our_o law_n their_o land_n to_o who_o they_o will_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n or_o eldership_n for_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o dispose_v his_o own_o as_o far_o as_o the_o law_n shall_v permit_v he_o answ_n you_o see_v here_o how_o the_o apologer_n lay_v down_o the_o
law_n against_o elder_a brother_n and_o indeed_o against_o all_o child_n for_o father_n may_v as_o he_o say_v do_v what_o they_o will_v with_o their_o own_o for_o so_o the_o law_n permit_v i_o may_v here_o answer_v he_o with_o his_o own_o two_o say_n that_o law_n without_o reason_n be_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o that_o extreme_a law_n be_v extreme_a injury_n but_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a answer_n and_o i_o hope_v a_o full_a one_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o law_n though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o solon_n to_o compose_v it_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o solomon_n to_o assist_v they_o that_o can_v prevent_v all_o inconvenience_n and_o those_o be_v the_o best_a law_n politic_a that_o prevent_v most_o and_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v the_o law_n to_o be_v faulty_a herein_o that_o i_o must_v ever_o approve_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o they_o in_o allow_v parent_n so_o absolute_a a_o sovereignty_n over_o their_o estate_n and_o child_n for_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o just_a that_o parent_n shall_v have_v this_o free_a power_n permit_v they_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o keep_v their_o son_n in_o a_o due_a obedience_n and_o make_v they_o strive_v by_o a_o noble_a emulation_n who_o shall_v best_o deserve_v their_o father_n love_n and_o the_o apologer_n know_v that_o usury_n be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n and_o usury_n as_o himself_o say_v be_v as_o grievous_a a_o sin_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n as_o theft_n be_v and_o he_o may_v as_o soon_o prove_v that_o usury_n or_o theft_n be_v lawful_a as_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v wise_a and_o dutiful_a may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o be_v disinherit_v for_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o intention_n justice_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o elder_a son_n shall_v inherit_v so_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n father_n be_v but_o feoffee_n in_o trust_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o child_n and_o this_o great_a power_n be_v only_o lend_v they_o to_o prevent_v inconvenience_n proof_n 18._o that_o the_o common_a law_n be_v of_o most_o force_n to_o sway_v the_o point_n in_o question_n which_o i_o have_v therefore_o purposely_o reserve_v to_o treat_v on_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o by_o the_o common_a law_n a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o land_n in_o fee_n either_o by_o deed_n in_o his_o life_n or_o will_v at_o his_o death_n to_o any_o of_o his_o son_n yea_o to_o a_o stranger_n without_o render_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o offence_n to_o part_v a_o inheritance_n among_o child_n or_o to_o disinherit_v a_o elder_a son_n upon_o just_a and_o evident_a cause_n of_o incapacity_n if_o it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o course_n of_o law_n answ_n if_o the_o apologer_n suppose_v by_o his_o just_a and_o evident_a cause_n of_o incapacity_n that_o the_o elder_a son_n be_v a_o natural_a fool_n or_o madman_n we_o will_v not_o much_o dispute_n the_o matter_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v as_o he_o every_o where_o pretend_v that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o father_n affection_n and_o will_n be_v a_o just_a and_o evident_a cause_n of_o incapacity_n he_o be_v in_o a_o gross_a and_o shameful_a error_n and_o i_o can_v but_o marvel_n why_o the_o apologer_n shall_v so_o much_o urge_v the_o authority_n and_o force_n of_o our_o law_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o young_a brother_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o sacred_a in_o our_o law_n as_o be_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o primogeniture_n or_o eldership_n old_a bracton_n and_o divers_a other_o of_o our_o great_a lawyer_n do_v plain_o aver_v and_o prove_v that_o our_o law_n be_v herein_o divine_o ground_v and_o they_o give_v their_o text_n numb_a 27._o a_o perpetual_a law_n as_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n and_o though_o the_o elder_a son_n shall_v be_v a_o natural_a fool_n or_o madman_n yet_o if_o the_o father_n do_v not_o otherwise_o dispose_v of_o the_o estate_n in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o question_n whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o so_o do_v for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wrong_n to_o all_o the_o succeed_a posterity_n yet_o this_o natural_a fool_n or_o madman_n and_o his_o elder_a son_n after_o he_o or_o the_o next_o in_o blood_n who_o shall_v succeed_v he_o be_v by_o the_o power_n and_o ordinance_n of_o our_o law_n to_o inherit_v and_o such_o be_v the_o indulgence_n of_o our_o law_n towards_o elder_a son_n and_o their_o right_n that_o the_o law_n take_v even_o natural_a fool_n and_o madman_n if_o elder_a son_n into_o its_o bosom_n and_o protection_n and_o the_o estate_n be_v preserve_v that_o they_o may_v run_v in_o the_o right_a course_n of_o inheritance_n which_o be_v to_o the_o next_o in_o blood_n or_o from_o one_o elder_a son_n unto_o another_o and_o sure_o mr._n apologer_n i_o know_v not_o why_o you_o shall_v be_v much_o commend_v for_o your_o integrity_n in_o persuade_v parent_n that_o all_o be_v well_o do_v which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n and_o permission_n of_o the_o law_n if_o you_o have_v aim_v as_o you_o say_v in_o your_o epistle_n at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o great_a britain_n you_o will_v have_v tell_v parent_n what_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v and_o not_o what_o they_o can_v do_v but_o suppose_v there_o be_v so_o absolute_a a_o power_n in_o parent_n as_o you_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v what_o will_v your_o young_a brother_n get_v thereby_o for_o who_o you_o apologise_v why_o forsooth_o nothing_o at_o all_o but_o what_o please_v the_o parental_a monarch_n for_o father_n may_v give_v their_o land_n and_o good_n to_o a_o stranger_n or_o to_o who_o they_o will_v with_o render_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o inhuman_a and_o monstrous_a and_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o desperate_a john_n a_o oak_n as_o this_o wild_a man_n for_o though_o he_o will_v a_o little_a hide_v himself_o under_o the_o word_n of_o a_o just_a and_o evident_a cause_n of_o incapacity_n yet_o he_o confident_o aver_v or_o seem_v to_o infer_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v as_o the_o law_n shall_v enable_v he_o currat_fw-la lex_fw-la valeat_fw-la quantum_fw-la valere_fw-la potest_fw-la proof_n 29._o that_o though_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n be_v that_o elder_a son_n inherit_v yet_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o custom_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v such_o a_o custom_n which_o rather_o invite_v than_o command_v or_o bind_v that_o custom_n against_o law_n be_v void_a by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o that_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o hear_v that_o custom_n be_v of_o such_o force_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v deem_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o follow_v a_o custom_n especial_o when_o the_o law_n be_v more_o pious_a and_o natural_a than_o the_o custom_n be_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o no_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v any_o bad_a custom_n and_o no_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v which_o be_v against_o the_o law_n if_o the_o law_n be_v more_o pious_a and_o natural_a than_o the_o custom_n be_v but_o that_o it_o be_v against_o law_n and_o christian_a piety_n for_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v wise_a and_o honest_a to_o inherit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o father_n estate_n or_o that_o a_o father_n may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o disinherit_v such_o a_o son_n i_o can_v think_v he_o a_o wise_a or_o honest_a man_n who_o can_v believe_v it_o and_o whereas_o the_o apologer_n say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o by_o way_n of_o custom_n that_o elder_a son_n inherit_v he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o next_o to_o the_o divine_a command_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n can_v more_o bind_v the_o conscience_n or_o more_o satisfy_v and_o settle_v the_o judgement_n than_o a_o general_a practice_n or_o custom_n if_o the_o custom_n be_v good_a and_o just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o inheritance_n and_o he_o know_v also_o that_o our_o law_n be_v divide_v into_o three_o part_n statute_n law_n common_a law_n and_o custom_n law_n and_o custom_n be_v a_o second_o nature_n the_o apologer_n say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o more_o general_a practice_n or_o custom_n for_o elder_a son_n to_o inherit_v and_o how_o can_v we_o better_o repose_v our_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n then_o in_o a_o general_a practice_n or_o custom_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n think_v otherwise_o but_o that_o parent_n do_v thus_o and_o have_v do_v thus_o even_o from_o all_o antiquity_n move_v only_o by_o right_a reason_n and_o out_o of_o conscience_n in_o obedience_n to_o to_o the_o law_n proof_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o many_o young_a brother_n and_o sifter_n for_o
will_v have_v it_o suppose_v because_o elder_a son_n inherit_v but_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o mere_a act_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v only_a god_n who_o give_v child_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o child_n the_o family_n must_v needs_o extinguish_v and_o we_o find_v in_o mr._n camden_n and_o in_o our_o ancient_a record_n and_o deed_n of_o conveyance_n that_o many_o hundred_o of_o name_n of_o noble_a and_o ancient_a gentry_n be_v either_o lose_v for_o want_n of_o child_n or_o by_o marry_v of_o the_o heir_n general_a and_o the_o apologer_n know_v that_o the_o civil_a war_n treason_n manslaughter_n felony_n and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o noble_a house_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v prevent_v with_o all_o the_o apologer_n natural_a reason_n or_o by_o any_o free_a power_n or_o care_n of_o father_n proof_n 23._o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o paternal_a piety_n the_o father_n die_v intestate_a the_o elder_a son_n to_o become_v lord_n paramount_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o not_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n to_o provide_v for_o brother_n or_o sister_n but_o at_o his_o own_o good_a like_n aliud_fw-la tempus_fw-la alios_fw-la mores_fw-la postulat_fw-la when_o we_o have_v a_o wise_a age_n we_o shall_v have_v better_a custom_n and_o man_n both_o of_o learning_n and_o virtue_n have_v break_v this_o custom_n upon_o good_a consideration_n and_o just_a cause_n not_o upon_o spleen_n by_o leave_v their_o fortune_n to_o stranger_n or_o to_o a_o lustful_a issue_n as_o some_o have_v do_v answ_n the_o apologer_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o if_o the_o father_n die_v intestate_a which_o the_o law_n suppose_v he_o will_v not_o do_v be_v so_o much_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o provide_v for_o all_o his_o child_n our_o court_n of_o equity_n do_v rectify_v and_o regulate_v the_o law_n in_o such_o case_n and_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o say_v he_o ordain_v that_o every_o son_n and_o daughter_n shall_v have_v a_o legitimate_a or_o child_n part_n whether_o the_o father_n die_v intestate_a or_o no._n and_o sure_o i_o can_v think_v but_o the_o law_n do_v well_o in_o leave_v such_o a_o large_a and_o absolute_a right_n in_o elder_a son_n for_o be_v the_o estate_n as_o the_o apologer_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v equal_o divide_v among_o all_o the_o child_n and_o the_o lawyer_n and_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v call_v upon_o to_o make_v the_o division_n every_o of_o the_o child_n will_v think_v his_o own_o part_n least_o and_o trouble_v the_o court_n for_o a_o new_a and_o better_a division_n until_o they_o have_v divide_v and_o bring_v the_o estate_n to_o nothing_o but_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o man_n it_o be_v he_o say_v against_o natural_a reason_n and_o paternal_a piety_n that_o elder_a son_n shall_v inherit_v the_o estate_n but_o he_o no_o where_n say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o natural_a reason_n and_o paternal_a piety_n for_o father_n to_o disinherit_v their_o lawful_a child_n and_o give_v their_o estate_n to_o stranger_n and_o bastard_n nay_o he_o seem_v to_o encourage_v they_o what_o he_o can_v for_o they_o shall_v say_v he_o not_o want_v precedent_n nor_o do_v any_o more_o than_o other_o have_v do_v before_o they_o and_o will_v do_v after_o they_o proof_n 24._o that_o it_o be_v against_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o grandmother_n of_o all_o law_n that_o the_o temperate_a shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o intemperate_a the_o sober_a and_o wise_a to_o fool_n and_o frantic_v that_o servitude_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o nature_n corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v against_o natural_a equity_n and_o against_o nature_n herself_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o beast_n or_o insensible_a creature_n whereupon_o aristotle_n dispute_v the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o subjection_n say_v that_o none_o be_v bear_v slave_n but_o such_o as_o nature_n have_v abridge_v of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n who_o be_v true_o slave_n be_v utter_o unfit_a to_o govern_v upon_o which_o ground_n the_o same_o great_a philosopher_n prefer_v that_o form_n of_o policy_n where_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o manage_n of_o state_n affair_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v nature_n intent_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v all_o mankind_n reasonable_a how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o that_o they_o who_o be_v unreasonable_a aught_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o right_a and_o claim_v to_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o sustain_v nature_n and_o debar_v all_o superiority_n or_o seniority_n which_o by_o law_n or_o custom_n may_v otherwise_o have_v fall_v on_o they_o because_o according_a to_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o beast_n such_o as_o idiot_n and_o frantic_v seem_v to_o be_v answ_n here_o be_v a_o note_n beyond_o elah_n but_o he_o can_v want_v his_o answer_n for_o he_o have_v it_o already_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o fair_a flourish_n be_v but_o this_o that_o such_o elder_a son_n or_o any_o son_n who_o be_v natural_a fool_n and_o madman_n or_o extreme_o and_o desperate_o vicious_a be_v not_o fit_v nor_o worthy_a to_o inherit_v but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o the_o apologer_n shall_v mean_v by_o his_o allege_v aristotle_n that_o none_o be_v bear_v slave_n but_o such_o as_o nature_n have_v abridge_v of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o servitude_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o nature_n corrupt_v if_o by_o the_o word_n servitude_n he_o mean_v subjection_n he_o gross_o err_v for_o it_o as_o natural_a for_o a_o son_n to_o obey_v his_o father_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o pious_a for_o a_o father_n to_o relieve_v to_o instruct_v and_o govern_v his_o son_n but_o the_o word_n slave_n and_o slavery_n be_v of_o so_o ill_a a_o sound_n and_o bad_a a_o sense_n that_o as_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o slave_n so_o no_o man_n methinks_v shall_v either_o be_v or_o be_v make_v a_o slave_n natural_a subjection_n do_v well_o both_o in_o son_n and_o subject_n but_o slavery_n be_v unnatural_a and_o monstrous_a both_o in_o he_o that_o forcible_o and_o undeserved_o inflict_v it_o and_o in_o he_o that_o suffer_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n but_o say_v he_o it_o be_v against_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o grandmother_n of_o all_o law_n that_o the_o temperate_a shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o intemperate_a the_o wise_a to_o the_o foolish_a and_o therefore_o in_o natural_a reason_n that_o son_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o worthy_a ought_v too_o be_v heir_n if_o it_o so_o please_v the_o father_n for_o he_o be_v lord_n paramount_n and_o he_o must_v be_v the_o oracle_n but_o mr._n apologer_n what_o if_o this_o your_o oracle_n the_o father_n which_o be_v no_o very_o strange_a thing_n shall_v be_v foolish_a for_o fool_n can_v get_v child_n as_o well_o as_o wise_a man_n there_o be_v little_a difference_n betwixt_o either_o of_o they_o that_o way_n suppose_v i_o say_v that_o the_o father_n himself_o be_v foolish_a why_o what_o if_o he_o be_v may_v the_o apologer_n answer_n fool_n be_v christian_n as_o well_o as_o other_o folk_n and_o he_o may_v by_o chance_n for_o all_o that_o make_v as_o good_a a_o choice_n of_o a_o heir_n as_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o this_o answer_n of_o he_o will_v be_v as_o solid_a and_o as_o much_o weighty_a as_o any_o other_o authority_n or_o reason_n he_o have_v yet_o allege_v for_o his_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n or_o against_o the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n proof_n 25._o that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n nor_o offence_n for_o a_o father_n who_o have_v estate_n in_o fee_n simple_a to_o disinherit_v his_o elder_a son_n or_o any_o of_o his_o son_n for_o he_o have_v a_o lawful_a power_n so_o to_o do_v ergo_fw-la father_n may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v some_o man_n what_o be_v sin_n our_o precise_a separatist_n and_o new_a anglians_n will_v acknowledge_v no_o sin_n but_o infidelity_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v of_o the_o diabolical_a sect_n of_o ede_fw-mi bibe_fw-la &_o lude_fw-la who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o the_o apologer_n be_v none_o of_o these_o for_o he_o honest_o say_v natura_fw-la divinitatis_fw-la fulgour_fw-la that_o nature_n be_v a_o bright_a beam_n or_o shine_a lamp_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o he_o say_v also_o omne_fw-la peccatum_fw-la est_fw-la divinitati_fw-la injuria_fw-la that_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wrong_n or_o a_o affront_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o against_o nature_n then_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v disinherit_v his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v his_o child_n and_o give_v his_o estate_n to_o
it_o be_v allege_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o the_o other_o for_o neither_o bruce_n nor_o roderic_n do_v disinherit_v their_o elder_a son_n but_o give_v they_o a_o better_a and_o great_a part_n than_o unto_o the_o rest_n and_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v think_v they_o do_v well_o to_o make_v such_o division_n because_o their_o action_n do_v not_o prosper_v but_o now_o god_n be_v thank_v they_o be_v again_o reunite_v into_o one_o glorious_a monarchy_n and_o may_v they_o ever_o so_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o koyal_a line_n of_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n who_o be_v descend_v to_o his_o imperial_a diadem_n by_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o only_o rightful_a way_n of_o inheritance_n which_o be_v from_o the_o next_o of_o blood_n to_o the_o next_o of_o blood_n or_o from_o one_o elder_a son_n unto_o another_o proof_n 35._o that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n or_o custom_n in_o ireland_n call_v tanistrie_n by_o which_o the_o land_n and_o chiefty_a of_o a_o name_n after_o the_o predecessor_n death_n be_v not_o award_v to_o the_o elder_a son_n but_o to_o the_o worthy_a the_o judgement_n whereof_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o people_n and_o such_o tenant_n as_o have_v interest_n and_o right_n of_o suffrage_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a though_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o macchabee_n very_o false_o say_v to_o have_v leave_v his_o empire_n and_o that_o the_o tenure_n or_o custom_n of_o gavell_n kind_n allow_v every_o son_n to_o have_v a_o equal_a share_n in_o the_o estate_n answ_n it_o be_v marvel_n that_o the_o apologer_n will_v acknowledge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n to_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la because_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v something_o for_o his_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n and_o it_o be_v marvel_n he_o do_v not_o condemn_v this_o irish_a custom_n to_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v more_o against_o his_o power_n because_o upon_o the_o matter_n the_o futhers_n authority_n and_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o family_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tenant_n he_o say_v that_o all_o custom_n which_o be_v against_o law_n be_v void_a by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o he_o know_v also_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o prople_n be_v still_o call_v the_o wild_a irish_a and_o sure_o such_o custom_n be_v fit_a for_o wild_a savage_n then_o for_o civil_a christian_n and_o concern_v the_o tenure_n or_o custom_n of_o gavell_n kind_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o give_v a_o equal_a share_n of_o the_o estate_n to_o every_o son_n but_o as_o i_o take_v it_o this_o custom_n be_v chief_o and_o i_o think_v only_o in_o kent_n and_o the_o apologer_n grant_v that_o some_o have_v alter_v it_o in_o their_o private_a family_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o doubtless_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o family_n which_o by_o such_o division_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o come_v in_o short_a time_n to_o nothing_o and_o level_v the_o best_a and_o great_a of_o our_o gentry_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o mean_a vulgar_n proof_n 36._o that_o briand_n lyle_n or_o fitzt_v earl_n lord_n of_o abergavenny_n have_v two_o son_n both_o leprous_a build_v for_o they_o a_o lazaretto_n or_o spital_n and_o give_v to_o miles_n earl_n of_o hereford_n the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o patrimony_n from_o his_o child_n jane_n daughter_n of_o hugh_n courtney_n and_o heir_n to_o her_o mother_n wife_z of_o nicholas_n lord_n carew_n disinherit_v her_o elder_a son_n thomas_n quoniam_fw-la minus_fw-la reverenter_fw-la matrem_fw-la haberet_fw-la and_o part_v her_o land_n which_o be_v goodly_a among_o she_o three_o young_a son_n of_o who_o be_v spâ—…ng_v three_o worshipful_a family_n of_o the_o carew_n call_v haccomb_n ancony_a and_o bury_v so_o that_o god_n by_o the_o success_n crown_v the_o fact_n and_o confirm_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o partage_n answ_n the_o lord_n abergavenny_n do_v well_o in_o give_v away_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o land_n away_o from_o his_o two_o son_n for_o a_o spital_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o such_o son_n than_o a_o inheritance_n yet_o he_o leave_v they_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o land_n and_o doubtless_o will_v have_v leave_v they_o all_o have_v they_o not_o be_v leprous_a and_o unfit_a and_o the_o lady_n carew_n do_v well_o in_o give_v her_o land_n to_o her_o young_a son_n her_o elder_a son_n be_v heir_n to_o his_o father_n and_o have_v as_o may_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a competency_n of_o estate_n but_o the_o true_a cause_n be_v because_o he_o be_v undutiful_a which_o have_v he_o not_o be_v it_o be_v likely_a she_o have_v give_v he_o the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o she_o inherit_v land_n and_o you_o know_v mr._n apologer_n there_o be_v a_o different_a case_n betwixt_o a_o elder_a son_n who_o inherit_v a_o estate_n from_o his_o father_n and_o a_o daughter_n who_o be_v a_o inheritrix_n for_o the_o son_n be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o he_o and_o as_o he_o receive_v a_o inheritance_n from_o his_o father_n because_o he_o be_v the_o elder_a son_n so_o be_v he_o bind_v conscience_n not_o to_o disinherit_v his_o elder_a son_n because_o he_o will_v have_v be_v loath_a to_o have_v be_v disinherit_v himself_o and_o that_o which_o we_o will_v not_o that_o other_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v to_o any_o other_o matth_n 7._o luke_n 6._o this_o be_v the_o very_a corner_n stone_n as_o i_o may_v well_o call_v it_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n especial_o for_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v morality_n and_o distributive_a justice_n but_o woman_n who_o be_v no_o fit_a precedent_n for_o man_n have_v a_o great_a freedom_n than_o man_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o inherit_v by_o way_n of_o parcenary_a and_o every_o daughter_n have_v a_o equal_a share_n in_o the_o estate_n though_o the_o elder_a by_o reason_n of_o her_o seniority_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o choose_v first_o and_o a_o inheritrix_n have_v the_o name_n of_o her_o family_n extinct_a in_o herself_o and_o therefore_o may_v at_o her_o pleasure_n disperse_v her_o land_n among_o her_o son_n the_o better_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o herself_o and_o ancestor_n from_o who_o she_o be_v descend_v and_o no_o marvel_n though_o god_n do_v bless_v with_o good_a success_n the_o good_a act_n of_o this_o lady_n for_o she_o do_v both_o just_o and_o wise_o but_o who_o have_v know_v a_o estate_n long_o prosper_v where_o a_o dutiful_a and_o deserve_v elder_a son_n be_v disinherit_v by_o his_o father_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o never_o do_v such_o unrightful_a and_o lawless_a heir_n may_v be_v liken_v to_o the_o bastard_n plant_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v of_o wisd_v 3._o and_o 4._o that_o can_v take_v deep_a root_n nor_o lay_v sure_a foundation_n so_o that_o all_o these_o example_n by_o the_o apologer_n allege_v be_v like_o his_o other_o argument_n they_o either_o make_v against_o himself_o or_o serve_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o have_v here_o answer_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v all_o the_o apologer_n proof_n and_o reason_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o young_a brother_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o poor_a judgement_n i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o one_o firm_a or_o sinewy_a argument_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a understanding_n in_o proof_n of_o his_o so_o absolute_a a_o free_a power_n of_o parent_n or_o against_o the_o impregnable_a right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o elder_a son_n but_o i_o must_v not_o usurp_v upon_o another_o right_n the_o censure_n belong_v to_o the_o impartial_a and_o judicious_a reader_n unto_o who_o i_o humble_o commend_v it_o the_o second_o part_n wherein_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o preservation_n of_o family_n the_o free_a power_n of_o parent_n the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n print_a for_o h._n fletcher_n 1548._o the_o preservation_n of_o family_n elder_a brother_n say_v the_o apologer_n either_o seat_v in_o their_o father_n wealth_n or_o possession_n or_o have_v more_o than_o hope_n to_o enjoy_v their_o fortune_n do_v sometime_o love_v true_o neither_o themselves_o nor_o any_o body_n else_o but_o abuse_v that_o which_o indeed_o may_v gain_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o easy_o maintain_v their_o hereditary_a honour_n lose_v themselves_o in_o vanity_n and_o most_o idle_a course_n yea_o in_o their_o father_n life_n so_o strange_o carry_v themselves_o presume_v rather_o on_o precedence_n of_o birth_n then_o worth_a as_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o all_o other_o cannon_n civil_a and_o national_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o custom_n spring_v from_o they_o can_v not_o either_o in_o reason_n or_o religion_n bar_v they_o of_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v or_o
who_o shall_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o inheritance_n unless_o the_o son_n so_o prefer_v have_v a_o native_a natural_a and_o undoubted_a right_n thereunto_o and_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a parent_n concur_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o elder_a son_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o and_o this_o appear_v by_o daily_a and_o infinite_a precedent_n some_o whereof_o the_o apologer_n himself_o recite_v as_o that_o of_o chosroes_n king_n of_o persia_n leir_n king_n of_o britain_n and_o that_o great_a example_n so_o much_o urge_v by_o he_o of_o the_o disinherited_a esau_n for_o esau_n though_o he_o sell_v his_o brother_n the_o birthright_n and_o volenti_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a injuria_fw-la yet_o be_v disinherit_v he_o purpose_v to_o kill_v his_o say_a brother_n and_o doubtless_o have_v do_v it_o if_o jacob_n have_v not_o flee_v and_o banish_v himself_o for_o many_o year_n from_o his_o own_o father_n and_o country_n or_o rather_o indeed_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o relent_v and_o mollify_v the_o obdurate_a and_o resolve_a heart_n of_o this_o fierce_a and_o offend_a brother_n and_o if_o esau_n will_v for_o this_o have_v kill_v his_o own_o brother_n and_o a_o good_a brother_n who_o never_o wrong_v he_o in_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o esau_n have_v before_o free_o and_o willing_o sell_v he_o the_o birthright_n how_o much_o more_o willing_o and_o ready_o will_v he_o have_v revenge_v himself_o upon_o other_o nothing_o ally_v unto_o he_o who_o shall_v have_v procure_v his_o disinheritance_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n for_o our_o estate_n and_o birthright_n be_v as_o our_o life_n and_o whosoever_o take_v away_o the_o one_o do_v endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o kill_v the_o other_o nay_o he_o do_v kill_v and_o more_o than_o kill_v the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v say_v eccl._n 34._o and_o 40._o he_o that_o take_v away_o his_o neighbour_n live_v kill_v he_o and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v then_o to_o want_v you_o may_v see_v here_o how_o much_o the_o apologer_n do_v err_v in_o his_o zealous_a care_n which_o as_o a_o patriot_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n and_o good_a of_o gentleman_n house_n by_o allege_v that_o that_o for_o a_o reason_n or_o cause_n of_o their_o preservation_n which_o will_v be_v their_o undoubted_a overthrow_n that_o indeed_o which_o do_v most_o preserve_v a_o family_n be_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v child_n and_o chief_o good_a child_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o child_n the_o other_o collateral_a heir_n who_o be_v the_o next_o in_o blood_n who_o the_o divine_a and_o all_o good_a humane_a law_n have_v ordain_v to_o inherit_v the_o second_o be_v land_n and_o good_n well_o get_v or_o honest_o descend_v and_o as_o honest_o employ_v during_o the_o possessor_n life_n and_o so_o to_o descend_v again_o in_o that_o right_a way_n of_o inheritance_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o all_o good_a law_n establish_v and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n will_v accompany_v so_o good_a endeavour_n for_o it_o be_v promise_v psal_n 1.24.91.101.127_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v as_o a_o everlasting_a foundation_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v that_o he_o shall_v spring_v as_o a_o green_a leaf_n and_o his_o house_n be_v permanent_a whereas_o after_o a_o while_n the_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v and_o thou_o may_v look_v his_o place_n but_o thou_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o the_o free_a power_n of_o parent_n father_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v such_o such_o absolute_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o child_n as_o the_o apologer_n pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o quarter_v master_n of_o themselves_o for_o say_v a_o apostle_n rom._n 14._o no_o man_n be_v bear_v to_o himself_o and_o the_o very_a heathen_n say_v cic._n the_o offic_n partem_fw-la patria_fw-la partem_fw-la parent_n our_o parent_n and_o our_o country_n which_o be_v also_o our_o parent_n do_v claim_v a_o great_a part_n of_o we_o and_o can_v we_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o due_a to_o our_o child_n be_v we_o command_v matth._n 2._o and_o 5._o luke_n 6.1_o pet._n 2._o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o nay_o even_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v and_o hurt_v we_o and_o have_v a_o father_n such_o free_a and_o absolute_a power_n over_o his_o estate_n and_o child_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o disinherit_v his_o child_n and_o give_v his_o estate_n to_o stranger_n or_o to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o if_o a_o father_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v master_n of_o himself_o that_o his_o country_n parent_n kindred_n friend_n neighbour_n nay_o every_o man_n who_o be_v a_o member_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o commonwealth_n have_v some_o right_n unto_o he_o or_o a_o part_n in_o he_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o shameless_a to_o say_v or_o so_o foolish_a to_o think_v that_o a_o father_n or_o any_o man_n whosoever_o can_v be_v a_o absolute_a master_n of_o his_o estate_n when_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o quarter_v master_n of_o himself_o and_o concern_v that_o absolute_a and_o monstrous_a power_n of_o parent_n in_o dispose_v of_o the_o estate_n at_o their_o pleasure_n the_o apologer_n say_v that_o many_o age_n be_v number_v from_o the_o world_n beginning_n before_o any_o man_n lay_v any_o proper_a claim_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o due_a to_o himself_o alone_o and_o he_o say_v also_o that_o with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n and_o that_o god_n give_v the_o whole_a earth_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n terram_fw-la autem_fw-la dedit_fw-la filiis_fw-la hominum_fw-la that_o be_v not_o to_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a but_o to_o all_o in_o general_a by_o which_o reason_n and_o ground_n there_o be_v not_o any_o man_n can_v absolute_o say_v this_o be_v i_o or_o that_o be_v i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n but_o have_v man_n therefore_o no_o right_n at_o all_o to_o their_o land_n and_o good_n yes_o doubtless_o but_o it_o be_v a_o conditional_a not_o a_o absolute_a right_n for_o say_v the_o apologer_n a_o family_n be_v a_o civil_a society_n yea_o the_o only_a commonwealth_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n first_o ordain_v from_o which_o all_o society_n republic_n and_o species_n of_o regiment_n take_v their_o original_a and_o it_o be_v true_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o first_o commonwealth_n be_v at_o the_o first_o but_o so_o many_o great_a family_n and_o that_o all_o commonwealth_n spring_v first_o from_o family_n and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o commonwealth_n establish_v or_o rather_o begin_v and_o a_o proportion_n of_o land_n allot_v to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a they_o then_o bind_v themselves_o by_o law_n which_o law_n they_o enact_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o quiet_a enjoy_n and_o well_o order_v of_o such_o their_o particular_a estate_n for_o their_o peaceable_a and_o amicable_a live_n one_o with_o another_o for_o punishment_n of_o transgressor_n or_o repel_v unjust_a violence_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o general_a defence_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n or_o for_o what_o else_o soever_o that_o shall_v make_v most_o for_o the_o general_a good_a always_o include_v a_o inviolable_a right_n and_o power_n in_o the_o republic_n or_o general_a state_n according_a to_o necessity_n of_o time_n and_o occasion_n to_o alter_v some_o of_o the_o say_a law_n as_o also_o to_o dispose_v and_o command_v as_o they_o find_v cause_n every_o man_n person_n and_o every_o man_n particular_a estate_n and_o this_o the_o apologer_n acknowledge_v though_o it_o be_v against_o his_o free_a power_n say_v the_o world_n of_o man_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o greatness_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a one_o general_a father_n or_o politic_a head_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o state_n which_o may_v just_o abate_v a_o father_n free_a power_n all_o father_n be_v child_n to_o the_o father_n of_o their_o country_n their_o lord_n and_o king_n under_o god_n and_o the_o apologer_n know_v that_o father_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v such_o absolute_a lord_n and_o master_n of_o their_o estate_n that_o if_o a_o father_n or_o any_o man_n else_o do_v wilful_o fling_v away_o some_o of_o his_o money_n or_o other_o his_o good_n into_o the_o sea_n or_o into_o any_o place_n where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v again_o he_o shall_v be_v beg_v for_o a_o idiot_n and_o have_v his_o estate_n take_v from_o he_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n and_o as_o good_a a_o reason_n as_o can_v be_v give_v interest_n reipublicae_fw-la it_o belong_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o man_n so_o dispose_v of_o their_o estate_n as_o
can_v to_o prove_v that_o elder_a son_n have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o inherit_v then_o other_o son_n all_o be_v as_o please_v the_o father_n for_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o dispose_v thereof_o at_o his_o pleasure_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o never_o read_v any_o author_n of_o this_o subject_a and_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o so_o much_o presume_v of_o his_o selfsufficiency_n and_o extraordinary_a spirit_n that_o he_o shall_v think_v he_o may_v deserve_v credit_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o singularis_fw-la homo_fw-la the_o only_a man_n who_o first_o dispute_v hereof_o or_o ever_o bring_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n marry_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o but_o than_o you_o must_v take_v his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o he_o say_v that_o he_o believe_v he_o have_v speak_v according_a to_o dialectical_a reason_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o speak_v of_o it_o heretofore_o true_o which_o reason_n have_v not_o dictate_v to_o all_o author_n pen_n and_o you_o shall_v now_o see_v what_o a_o mess_n of_o reason_n he_o do_v serve_v in_o for_o his_o purpose_n he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a reverence_n due_a unto_o the_o elder_a son_n from_o their_o young_a brother_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o prefer_v their_o elder_a son_n to_o the_o better_a part_n of_o their_o possession_n and_o that_o it_o be_v now_o the_o more_o general_a practice_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o leave_v either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o land_n to_o their_o elder_a son_n and_o he_o honest_o give_v these_o two_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v the_o first_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a reverence_n due_a unto_o the_o elder_a brother_n the_o second_o be_v because_o this_o custom_n have_v its_o original_n from_o the_o imitation_n of_o prince_n and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o family_n and_o that_o a_o equal_a division_n of_o the_o land_n and_o good_n among_o all_o the_o child_n will_v bring_v a_o estate_n to_o nothing_o or_o to_o so_o little_a that_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v unto_o a_o atom_n in_o the_o sun_n he_o say_v that_o at_o first_o father_n and_o then_o first_o bear_v after_o they_o be_v as_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o their_o own_o house_n he_o say_v that_o our_o common_a law_n give_v the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n to_o elder_a son_n he_o cite_v a_o divine_a precept_n deut._n 21._o which_o plain_o prove_v the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n he_o say_v that_o we_o find_v in_o holy_a writ_n great_a respect_n be_v have_v of_o the_o first_o beget_v and_o a_o blessing_n be_v hold_v to_o come_v to_o parent_n thereby_o you_o may_v see_v here_o how_o sufficient_o the_o apologer_n have_v argue_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o young_a brother_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o can_v say_v more_o that_o can_v more_o advance_v the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n but_o leave_v the_o apologer_n i_o will_v a_o little_a more_o dilate_v myself_o not_o so_o much_o in_o proof_n as_o in_o illustration_n of_o the_o premise_n the_o very_a vegetable_n and_o unreasonable_a creature_n be_v no_o mean_a argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o primogeniture_n how_o grateful_a to_o the_o planter_n and_o indeed_o how_o much_o more_o vigorous_a and_o excellent_a be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o plant_n more_o than_o other_o production_n and_o how_o full_o do_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o a_o new_a break_v up_o ground_n content_a and_o satisfy_v the_o long_a hope_n of_o the_o honest_a husbandman_n and_o after_o some_o few_o crop_n how_o poor_o do_v the_o same_o earth_n discharge_v itself_o of_o its_o burden_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o first_o fruit_n be_v in_o the_o old_a law_n reserve_v for_o the_o most_o sacred_a use_n and_o so_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o god_n who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n shall_v be_v serve_v with_o the_o best_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o himself_o have_v give_v the_o very_a beast_n and_o bird_n do_v no_o less_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o primogeniture_n for_o it_o be_v general_o observe_v that_o the_o parent_n bird_n do_v use_v to_o feed_v their_o young_a one_o as_o their_o young_a one_o be_v in_o seniority_n yield_v as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o right_n or_o a_o natural_a and_o lawful_a precedence_n unto_o the_o elder_a and_o the_o very_a nest_n gull_n or_o the_o young_a of_o the_o young_a feather_a creature_n do_v plain_o demonstrate_v how_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a the_o senior_a bird_n be_v above_o their_o young_a salvianus_n lib._n 4._o the_o gubern_n dei_fw-la aristotle_n and_o divers_a other_o do_v make_v excellent_a discourse_n concern_v the_o seem_a prudence_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o stork_n and_o bee_n and_o shall_v the_o bee_n yield_v to_o order_n and_o have_v a_o commonwealth_n among_o they_o and_o shall_v '_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n call_v man_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o they_o and_o have_v no_o rule_n or_o order_n of_o inheritance_n in_o their_o own_o family_n but_o at_o the_o father_n affection_n and_o will_n they_o also_o deliver_v that_o the_o young_a of_o all_o creature_n do_v observe_v a_o kind_n of_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o elder_a young_a and_o that_o the_o elder_a young_a do_v use_v to_o suck_v at_o the_o uppermost_a teat_n and_o the_o young_a young_a will_n not_o so_o much_o as_o presume_v to_o usurp_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o elder_a nor_o their_o parent_n suffer_v it_o these_o thing_n if_o right_o weigh_v be_v of_o no_o mean_a consideration_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o right_n and_o prerogative_n of_o elder_a son_n and_o the_o say_n of_o job_n chap._n 12._o be_v no_o insufficient_a answer_n to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v disparage_v the_o right_n of_o elder_a son_n interrogato_fw-la jumenta_fw-la ask_v the_o beast_n and_o they_o will_v teach_v you_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a next_o to_o the_o divine_a precept_n be_v the_o sacred_a esteem_n of_o primogeniture_n among_o the_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n for_o with_o they_o as_o appear_v exod._n 13._o and_o 34._o numb_a 38._o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o very_a beast_n be_v exempt_v from_o work_n and_o father_n and_o their_o first_o bear_v after_o they_o be_v as_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o the_o infinite_a glory_n of_o primogeniture_n to_o sanctify_v unto_o himself_o all_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o male-kind_n call_v they_o his_o and_o to_o call_v his_o church_n triumphant_a the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v hebr._n 12._o nay_o even_o to_o call_v his_o divine_a self_n who_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n unbegotten_a his_o first_o beget_v son_n coloss_n 3._o but_o these_o be_v no_o precept_n that_o father_n shall_v endow_v their_o elder_a son_n with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o estate_n it_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o good_a motive_n &_o great_a instruction_n and_o may_v be_v take_v for_o no_o less_o than_o precept_n in_o any_o pious_a understanding_n for_o we_o be_v to_o elect_v and_o love_v who_o god_n elect_v and_o love_v and_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o elect_v and_o prefer_v our_o elder_a son_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o excellency_n than_o any_o other_o our_o child_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o elect_v and_o prefer_v our_o elder_a son_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o inheritance_n than_o any_o other_o our_o child_n and_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v leave_v we_o in_o suspense_n concern_v so_o high_a a_o point_n as_o be_v inheritance_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o impose_v this_o his_o great_a command_n upon_o his_o elect_a people_n which_o be_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o die_v without_o a_o son_n his_o inheritance_n shall_v go_v to_o his_o daughter_n and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o daughter_n to_o his_o brethren_n and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o brethren_n to_o his_o father_n brethren_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o perpetual_a law_n as_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n numb_a 27._o by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o one_o son_n in_o particular_a and_o not_o son_n in_o general_a aught_o to_o be_v heir_n and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o prime_a blessing_n or_o patrimony_n unto_o which_o accord_v a_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 4._o as_o long_o as_o the_o heir_n be_v a_o little_a one_o he_o differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n though_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o the_o apostle_n mean_v