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 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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 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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
jus_fw-la fratrum_fw-la the_o law_n of_o brethren_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o parent_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o estate_n to_o their_o child_n or_o to_o other_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o elder_a and_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o young_a brother_n show_v the_o variety_n of_o custom_n in_o several_a county_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o family_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o common_a cannon_n civil_a and_o statute_n law_n of_o england_n by_o john_n page_n late_a master_n in_o chancery_n and_o dr._n of_o the_o civil_a law_n london_n print_v by_o i._n m._n for_o henry_n fletcher_n at_o the_o three_o gild_a cup_n near_o to_o the_o west_n end_n of_o s._n paul_n 1658._o to_o the_o reader_n discordia_fw-la fratrum_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la amarissima_fw-la woeful_a and_o long_o continue_a experience_n tell_v we_o with_o what_o bitterness_n enmity_n among_o brethren_n be_v carry_v on_o if_o we_o cast_v the_o least_o glance_n of_o our_o eye_n among_o the_o many_o violent_a lawsuit_n daily_o prosecute_v by_o brother_n against_o brother_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o say_n of_o the_o poet_n complain_v of_o the_o iron_n age_n near_o two_o thousand_o year_n ago_o verify_v in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n in_o our_o age_n concordia_fw-la fratrum_fw-la rara_fw-la est_fw-la filius_fw-la ante_fw-la diem_fw-la patris_fw-la inquirit_fw-la in_o annos_fw-la love_n among_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v and_o the_o son_n go_v to_o the_o oracle_n to_o inquire_v how_o long_o his_o father_n shall_v live_v that_o he_o may_v inherit_v his_o estate_n the_o elder_a will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v his_o and_o the_o young_a think_v the_o elder_a have_v too_o much_o and_o while_o they_o strive_v who_o get_v most_o use_n of_o his_o father_n estate_n common_o a_o three_o person_n carrle_n all_o from_o they_o both_o this_o treatise_n will_v discover_v the_o right_n of_o both_o elder_a and_o young_a if_o they_o will_v be_v content_v with_o their_o portion_n full_o answer_v the_o apologer_n for_o the_o young_a brother_n or_o the_o young_a brother_n plea_n this_o book_n call_v the_o apology_n or_o plea_n for_o the_o young_a brother_n be_v a_o treatise_n so_o entitle_v be_v print_v at_o oxford_n in_o the_o year_n 1636._o hereby_o brethren_n may_v learn_v to_o know_v their_o right_n and_o that_o be_v know_v and_o obtain_v i_o can_v wish_v they_o to_o be_v therewith_o content_a and_o observe_v the_o apostle_n divine_a command_n let_v brotherly_a love_n continue_v the_o father_n power_n and_o prerogative_n in_o dispose_v his_o estate_n a_o father_n free_a power_n dispute_v as_o that_o he_o may_v dispose_v of_o his_o land_n or_o other_o his_o fortune_n to_o his_o son_n sons_z or_o any_o of_o they_o as_o right_a reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n the_o civil_a cannon_n and_o municipal_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v command_v 2_o i_o will_v prove_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o a_o father_n freedom_n be_v such_o that_o he_o may_v lawful_o and_o religious_o give_v his_o land_n or_o good_n or_o other_o his_o fortune_n to_o any_o of_o his_o child_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o name_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o posterity_n as_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o better_a desert_n of_o a_o son_n shall_v persuade_v he_o 3._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 4._o neither_o be_v there_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 for_o such_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o who_o be_v ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la one_o man_n child_n shall_v if_o not_o ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la yet_o not_o ex_fw-la iniquo_fw-la be_v provide_v for_o 5._o child_n during_o their_o father_n life_n have_v only_o jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi to_o a_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 6._o the_o cannon_n and_o civil_a law_n give_v no_o precedency_n or_o superiority_n of_o right_a to_o elder_a son_n but_o 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 son_n or_o to_o give_v to_o one_o more_o than_o to_o another_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v he_o yet_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o have_v his_o child_n part_n except_o on_o just_a cause_n he_o disinherit_v he_o 7._o the_o common_a law_n of_o our_o realm_n allow_v every_o father_n to_o 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 child_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 8._o the_o imperial_a or_o civil_a law_n give_v parent_n at_o the_o first_o a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o their_o child_n and_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o same_o power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o divine_a law_n a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n you_o may_v see_v here_o with_o what_o a_o merciless_a immanity_n this_o wild_a apologer_n fall_v upon_o elder_a brother_n for_o no_o law_n either_o divine_a or_o humane_a allow_v they_o as_o he_o say_v any_o right_a of_o inheritance_n at_o all_o above_o other_o son_n nor_o any_o other_o son_n can_v claim_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o parent_n as_o of_o right_n but_o what_o be_v their_o parent_n pleasure_n to_o bestow_v of_o they_o and_o daughter_n be_v in_o the_o same_o or_o in_o a_o worse_o take_n for_o he_o inser_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v disinherit_v and_o the_o estate_n confer_v by_o the_o father_n if_o he_o have_v no_o son_n to_o any_o one_o of_o the_o same_o name_n because_o the_o name_n of_o the_o family_n be_v extinct_a in_o the_o daughter_n and_o the_o hebrew_n word_n zacar_n which_o signify_v a_o male_a child_n do_v signify_v also_o a_o memorial_n because_o the_o father_n memory_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o son_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o parent_n have_v a_o free_a power_n to_o make_v their_o child_n beggar_n unless_o they_o have_v also_o a_o free_a power_n over_o their_o child_n life_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o apologer_n who_o pretend_v so_o much_o learning_n and_o honesty_n shall_v be_v so_o fair_a in_o his_o epistle_n and_o so_o fowl_n in_o his_o treatise_n which_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n be_v no_o gospel_n for_o there_o he_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o the_o least_o presumption_n of_o a_o selfsufficiency_n to_o confront_v thereby_o any_o receive_a custom_n nor_o to_o diminish_v the_o natural_a reverence_n due_a by_o young_a brother_n to_o their_o eider_n nor_o to_o enkindle_v emulation_n in_o family_n nor_o to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o public_a or_o private_a quiet_n that_o he_o make_v public_a his_o treatise_n but_o his_o principal_a motive_n or_o aim_n be_v the_o singular_a respect_n which_o as_o a_o patriot_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o gentleman_n house_n and_o to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o great_a britain_n which_o how_o well_o he_o have_v perform_v or_o whether_o he_o have_v any_o such_o intention_n or_o no_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v who_o shall_v read_v his_o treatise_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v in_o some_o place_n a_o little_a to_o confine_v the_o parental_a power_n by_o say_v that_o father_n be_v to_o dispose_v of_o their_o estate_n as_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o better_a desert_n of_o a_o son_n shall_v persuade_v they_o or_o chief_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o family_n which_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n must_v and_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o a_o seem_a restriction_n for_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o father_n there_o be_v affection_n and_o will_n and_o the_o elder_a son_n have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o inherit_v then_o the_o young_a and_o either_o of_o they_o none_o at_o all_o but_o at_o the_o courtesy_n of_o the_o parental_a monarch_n as_o for_o his_o vain_a supposition_n that_o if_o the_o elder_a son_n be_v a_o natural_a fool_n or_o madman_n or_o turn_v turk_n or_o be_v extreme_o and_o desperate_o vicious_a they_o shall_v have_v no_o serious_a part_n of_o my_o answer_n because_o they_o be_v no_o material_a part_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o tratise_n the_o question_n
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
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
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
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
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