Apodixis.
Apodixi in Latine Experientia, and evidens probatio, is a forme of speech by which the Orator groundeth his saying upon generall and common experience, it differeth from Martyria in this, that in Martyria the Orator confirmeth his saying by the testimony of his owne knowledge, in this he inferreth his reason, and confirmation from knowen principles, which experience doth prove and no man can deny.
An example of Paul the Apostle: “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth that shal he also reape.”
Gal.6.7.
Another of Bildal the Shuite: Can a rush grow without mire, or the grasse grow without water?
Another of Salomon: Can a man take fire in his bosome, and his clothes not be burnt: or can a man go upon coles, and his feet not be burnt? Here in these two examples taken from the experience of Nature, are the reasons of their conclusions grounded.
Another of the Prophet David: They that go downe to the sea in ships, and occupy thier businesse in great waters, they see the workes of the Lord, and his wonders in the deepe.
To this place do belong many Proverbs and common sayings which are taken from generall proofe and experience, hence is this saying: Trust not a horses heele, nor a dogs tooth. And likewise this: Fire and water have no mercy. Briefly the greatest part of all notable sayings and common Proverbs were first framed uppon experience, and are still supported by it: among which there are diverse in meeter as this here following and many such like: I have heard my father say and eke my mother sing.
There is no fishing to the sea, nor service to the king. Which saying is proved most true by the experiene of all time.
The use of this figure.
Of all the formes of speech there is not one more apt, or more
mighty to confirme or confute then this, which is grounded upon the strong foundation of experience confirmed by al times,
allowed of in all places, and subscribed to by all men.
The Caution.
There are diverse faultes which may be committed in the abuse of this figure: First when the sentence of experience is
not commonly knowen and generally received, for then it breedeth a doubt, and proveth nothing. That wheat will turne into
2. Not generally received. |
darnell is a maxime of hush andmen approved: contrariwise that darnell wil turne into wheat, some men say they have proved it, but others will not beleeve it. Also when the saying is partly true and partly false, then is it no good maxime.
