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
serve_v for_o young_a brother_n and_o all_o man_n who_o be_v prodigal_a and_o especial_o prodigal_a father_n who_o he_o term_n and_o not_o unworthy_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o cannibal_n and_o it_o be_v pity_v the_o law_n have_v no_o better_a execution_n concern_v this_o great_a and_o too_o general_a a_o vice_n for_o say_v he_o the_o civil_a law_n appoint_v curatour_n for_o prodigal_n as_o for_o madman_n and_o guardian_n likewise_o of_o their_o estate_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o great_a house_n in_o england_n the_o apologer_n epistle_n examine_v the_o apologer_n say_v in_o his_o epistle_n that_o he_o publish_v his_o say_a treatise_n for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o great_a britain_n and_o out_o of_o a_o singular_a respect_n which_o as_o a_o patriot_n he_o bear_v to_o gentleman_n house_n good_a motive_n i_o confess_v if_o his_o intention_n or_o performance_n have_v be_v accordng_v but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o great_a britain_n when_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o britain_n must_v suffer_v in_o it_o for_o he_o will_v have_v it_o think_v and_o have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o prove_v it_o that_o they_o 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 free_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 but_o be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o preserve_v family_n it_o be_v say_v he_o the_o best_a and_o only_o way_n especial_o if_o father_n conform_v themselves_o to_o these_o two_o rule_n the_o first_o rule_n or_o way_n be_v that_o they_o divide_v the_o estate_n among_o the_o son_n equal_o according_a as_o the_o civil_a law_n ordain_v and_o as_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o other_o way_n or_o rule_n be_v and_o this_o he_o think_v to_o be_v the_o more_o rational_a and_o better_a way_n that_o the_o wise_a and_o worthy_a son_n do_v inherit_v as_o concern_v the_o first_o he_o need_v no_o other_o confute_v then_o his_o own_o word_n for_o he_o say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o custom_n of_o leave_v the_o child_n estate_n to_o the_o elder_a son_n have_v of_o late_a time_n be_v much_o embrace_v by_o our_o gentry_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o family_n for_o which_o it_o be_v invent_v and_o that_o they_o do_v this_o lead_v with_o a_o ambition_n at_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n and_o he_o also_o say_v that_o the_o more_o general_a practice_n of_o our_o time_n among_o parent_n be_v to_o leave_v either_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o their_o estate_n unto_o their_o elder_a son_n this_o questionless_a be_v first_o devise_v in_o former_a age_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o family_n and_o to_o raise_v one_o who_o may_v be_v a_o comfort_n to_o his_o brother_n sister_n and_o family_n and_o in_o who_o his_o progenitour_n virtue_n may_v live_v to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o partition_n of_o land_n may_v reduce_v in_o the_o end_n a_o goodly_a 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 and_o how_o i_o pray_v you_o can_v a_o estate_n be_v preserve_v it_o will_v in_o time_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n bring_v it_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o atom_n and_o concern_v his_o other_o rule_n or_o way_n which_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o worthy_a son_n shall_v inherit_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o wisdom_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o preserve_v a_o family_n and_o that_o wise_a son_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o state_n general_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a that_o young_a brother_n because_o they_o be_v a_o little_o wise_a than_o their_o elder_a brother_n or_o because_o their_o father_n think_v they_o the_o wise_a shall_v therefore_o inherit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o father_n estate_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o apparent_a injustice_n and_o wrong_v to_o the_o elder_a son_n unto_o who_o the_o right_a of_o inheritance_n do_v chief_o and_o only_o belong_v but_o admit_v the_o wise_a son_n be_v to_o inherit_v who_o i_o pray_v you_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o chooser_n of_o these_o wise_a son_n why_o who_o will_v the_o apologer_n say_v but_o they_o that_o get_v they_o for_o they_o have_v a_o free_a and_o absolute_a power_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o estate_n but_o what_o if_o the_o father_n be_v not_o wise_a himself_o or_o have_v not_o a_o wise_a son_n at_o all_o both_o which_o do_v often_o happen_v why_o then_o perhaps_o will_v the_o apologer_n say_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v to_o inherit_v for_o say_v he_o interest_n reipublicae_fw-la ut_fw-la quilibet_fw-la re_fw-la sva_fw-la bene_fw-la utatur_fw-la it_o belong_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o estate_n be_v manage_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v make_v most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n to_o show_v all_o the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o will_v necessary_o arise_v out_o of_o this_o absolute_a power_n in_o parent_n but_o i_o will_v instance_n only_o two_o the_o first_o inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n be_v that_o be_v there_o such_o a_o power_n in_o parent_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o what_o heir_n they_o will_v and_o be_v according_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o so_o do_v they_o will_v not_o only_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v blind_o lead_v by_o their_o own_o affection_n and_o will_n but_o will_v lie_v open_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o every_o cunning_a sycophant_n and_o ill-minded_n man_n who_o under_o colour_n of_o friendship_n will_v persuade_v they_o to_o effect_v some_o of_o their_o son_n and_o reject_v other_o some_o and_o to_o give_v one_o son_n more_o than_o to_o another_o that_o so_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o dissension_n and_o discord_n which_o can_v to_o no_o other_o than_o a_o utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o family_n for_o a_o house_n in_o itself_o divide_v can_v stand_v and_o that_o which_o will_v most_o move_v these_o sycophant_n and_o sower_n of_o dissension_n will_v be_v their_o own_o private_a end_n and_o self_n interest_n a_o motive_n which_o bear_v too_o great_a a_o sway_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o parent_n will_v arise_v from_o the_o sly_a practice_n of_o their_o wife_n who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o labour_v hard_o for_o the_o unworthy_a son_n for_o woman_n affection_n be_v common_o as_o blind_a as_o they_o be_v and_o they_o use_v to_o swallow_v flatterer_n for_o friend_n and_o if_o the_o wife_n be_v wanton_a which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n now_o adays_o she_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o endeavour_v what_o she_o can_v to_o prefer_v such_o a_o son_n who_o she_o think_v her_o husband_n have_v least_o part_n in_o and_o second_o wife_n as_o have_v more_o cause_n than_o any_o other_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o labour_v hard_o for_o their_o own_o child_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o rightful_a course_n of_o inheritance_n or_o to_o their_o husband_n other_o child_n by_o former_a wife_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o all_o wife_n will_v be_v as_o busy_v this_o way_n as_o bee_n if_o their_o husband_n shall_v permit_v they_o and_o their_o husband_n can_v not_o hinder_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o ground_n to_o work_v upon_o as_o be_v the_o pretend_a free_a power_n of_o parent_n for_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n dream_v of_o as_o be_v that_o monstrous_a power_n yet_o wife_n be_v then_o so_o bold_a to_o negotiate_v with_o their_o husband_n of_o this_o matter_n as_o in_o the_o example_n of_o sara_n rebecca_n and_o cethsabee_n the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o david_n but_o these_o wife_n be_v move_v to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o please_v even_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v they_o his_o agent_n and_o instrument_n of_o his_o divine_a ordinance_n but_o that_o which_o will_v most_o move_v most_o of_o our_o wife_n will_v be_v a_o violent_a spleen_n and_o blind_a affection_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o justice_n or_o order_n which_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o draw_v on_o a_o utter_a subversion_n of_o innumerable_a family_n the_o second_o inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n will_v be_v that_o be_v there_o such_o a_o power_n in_o parent_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o make_v choice_n of_o what_o heir_n they_o will_v there_o will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a diffention_n among_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o a_o confusion_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o family_n for_o every_o other_o of_o the_o son_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o malign_v and_o envy_v that_o son_n
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
stranger_n and_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n then_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v disaffect_v and_o reject_v his_o child_n who_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v he_o but_o give_v they_o for_o his_o honour_n for_o it_o be_v say_v eccl._n 3._o and_o prov._n 17._o that_o father_n be_v honour_v in_o their_o child_n and_o that_o the_o crown_n or_o glory_n of_o old_a man_n be_v their_o child_n child_n the_o apologer_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a immanity_n in_o any_o man_n not_o to_o have_v care_n to_o preserve_v his_o species_n that_o be_v not_o to_o have_v care_n to_o preserve_v and_o provide_v for_o his_o child_n and_o can_v it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a immanity_n and_o not_o a_o sin_n he_o also_o say_v that_o every_o act_n in_o itself_o or_o by_o circumstance_n evil_a be_v before_o god_n and_o man_n a_o sin_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o a_o christian_a that_o a_o act_n of_o itself_o lawful_a do_v against_o law_n be_v sin_n and_o that_o no_o law_n be_v valid_a where_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v unlawful_a and_o a_o sin_n and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o sin_n to_o disinherit_v a_o elder_a son_n unto_o who_o the_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a give_v the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o which_o we_o also_o see_v confirm_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o good_a parent_n proof_n 26._o that_o we_o can_v in_o conscience_n sell_v or_o give_v a_o weapon_n to_o one_o who_o we_o know_v intend_v to_o murder_v excommunication_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o who_o sell_v armour_n or_o weapon_n to_o turk_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n not_o only_o command_v a_o man_n to_o use_v well_o those_o fortune_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o he_o but_o forbid_v he_o either_o for_o affection_n or_o gain_v to_o part_v with_o they_o to_o other_o who_o will_v abuse_v they_o lest_o he_o partake_v of_o other_o sin_n which_o a_o parent_n may_v do_v after_o his_o death_n who_o part_n from_o his_o estate_n to_o a_o desperate_a unthrift_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o we_o can_v assure_o know_v that_o our_o good_n will_v be_v spend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o harm_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o to_o the_o hurt_n or_o wrong_v of_o any_o man_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o sell_v nor_o give_v they_o to_o such_o person_n as_o will_v so_o use_v they_o and_o if_o a_o heir_n be_v desperate_o vicious_a there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o his_o father_n may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o disinherit_v he_o but_o how_o can_v a_o desperate_a sinner_n or_o unthrift_n be_v know_v we_o be_v divine_o command_v not_o to_o judge_v any_o man_n rom._n 14._o which_o be_v so_o to_o judge_v he_o but_o by_o god_n grace_n he_o may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o be_v hereafter_o a_o glorious_a saint_n in_o heaven_n when_o he_o that_o judge_v he_o for_o aught_o as_o he_o know_v or_o can_v know_v may_v himself_o be_v a_o abhor_a reprobate_n qui_fw-la stat_fw-la videat_fw-la ne_fw-la cadat_fw-la he_o who_o presume_v most_o of_o his_o sure_a foot_n be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o fall_v and_o though_o a_o son_n be_v vicious_a and_o a_o unthrift_n do_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o that_o be_v once_o a_o unthrift_n musty_a always_o be_v so_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a many_o unthrift_n prove_v the_o best_a husband_n for_o such_o man_n common_o run_v out_o of_o one_o extreme_a into_o another_o and_o from_o prodigality_n fall_v to_o penury_n but_o if_o the_o elder_a son_n be_v a_o natural_a fool_n or_o mad_a man_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o manage_v the_o estate_n or_o if_o according_a to_o the_o apologer_n he_o turn_v turk_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a i_o will_v say_v with_o the_o apologer_n that_o he_o be_v so_o unfit_a to_o inherit_v that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v but_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o in_o conscience_n a_o elder_a son_n can_v be_v disinherit_v mere_o for_o his_o unthriftinesse_n for_o we_o may_v so_o estate_n our_o land_n and_o yet_o suffer_v he_o and_o his_o heir_n to_o inherit_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o hurt_v or_o to_o overthrow_v his_o family_n proof_n 27._o that_o if_o in_o conscience_n the_o whole_a inheritance_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o come_v without_o control_n to_o the_o elder_a son_n then_o must_v it_o of_o necessity_n be_v infer_v that_o the_o father_n without_o his_o consent_n can_v give_v to_o pious_a use_n or_o set_v out_o for_o his_o other_o child_n after_o his_o death_n so_o that_o if_o god_n shall_v bless_v a_o father_n with_o many_o child_n and_o cross_v he_o with_o as_o many_o misfortune_n his_o other_o child_n and_o all_o his_o other_o charitable_a intention_n shall_v be_v provide_v for_o only_o at_o his_o son_n or_o heir_n courtesy_n for_o thereupon_o all_o donation_n to_o pious_a use_n and_o to_o young_a brother_n for_o their_o portion_n may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n answ_n elder_n 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 i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o his_o christian_a duty_n to_o do_v what_o good_a he_o well_o can_v to_o his_o neighbour_n or_o christian_a brother_n 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 apologer_n have_v a_o good_a say_n dam_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la potes_fw-la retinere_fw-la ut_fw-la consequaris_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la potes_fw-la amittere_fw-la give_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o keep_v that_o thou_o may_v gain_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v take_v from_o thou_o but_o mr._n apologer_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o charity_n begin_v at_o home_n proximus_fw-la cuique_fw-la sibi_fw-la we_o must_v first_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o child_n and_o then_o upon_o our_o neighbour_n or_o christian_a brother_n but_o i_o will_v come_v near_o to_o you_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o father_n be_v to_o make_v the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o child_n his_o heir_n which_o of_o all_o these_o may_v he_o the_o more_o lawful_o do_v the_o apologer_n it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v on_o the_o commonwealth_n side_n for_o then_o the_o estate_n will_v be_v divide_v and_o he_o may_v chance_v to_o have_v a_o share_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o i_o must_v ever_o be_v on_o the_o child_n part_n and_o will_v give_v a_o plain_a text_n for_o it_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o five_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n say_v that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n do_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n but_o it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o care_n to_o build_v church_n college_n and_o hospital_n do_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n proof_n 28._o that_o it_o plain_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a text_n itself_o that_o father_n have_v a_o power_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o cause_v their_o child_n for_o riot_n disorder_n and_o unthriftinesse_n to_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n ergo_fw-la they_o have_v power_n to_o disinherit_v for_o the_o great_a ever_o include_v the_o less_o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o speak_v without_o book_n i_o will_v set_v down_o moses_n word_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a son_n that_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v chastise_v shall_v be_v unreclaimable_a they_o shall_v apprehend_v and_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o senior_n of_o the_o city_n and_o to_o the_o place_n of_o justice_n and_o shall_v say_v to_o they_o this_o our_o son_n be_v incorrigible_a and_o disobedient_a contemn_v or_o monition_n abandon_v himself_o to_o riotous_a excess_n and_o be_v a_o drunkard_n the_o citizen_n shall_v then_o overwhelm_v he_o with_o stone_n and_o he_o shall_v die_v that_o you_o may_v take_v evil_a from_o among_o you_o and_o that_o all_o israel_n hear_v 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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 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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 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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
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
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