1817 Sept. 8

Not Paul

6

Ch. Paul’s Style

§. 2 Intellectual weakness

forms of

Forms JB notes at top of page: ‘When without

[…?] so many men keep constantly clear of nonsense, can there have been a

reasonable[?] demand for an extraordinary interpretation[?] of almighty power, to

no other end than the production of nonsense! If there be not nonsense except in

the word would not a manifestation[?] of nonsense […?] to set up in as many

schools as can be desired?’ of intellectual weakness

1. Unmeaning discourse alias / altogether without meaning: alias stark / Nonsense.

See above.

2. Irrelevant argumentation.

3. Irrelevant reference: reference to irrelevant discourses in the character of

authorities.

4. Desultoriness.

Of irrelevant argumentation, were / if / all the examples which are to be found in

Paul’s Epistles brought together and reprinted under this head a great part perhaps

the greater of the whole contents would thus be to be reprinted.

Of argumentation they present the forms every where: the essence and character,

scarce any where. The forms are those by which as between object and object signified

indication is given of the relation between cause and effect say forms of causality and those by which indication is given of the relation in

respect of import as between word and word / sign and sign / ―say forms of Motive[?] or inference.  Words of causality are they not employed as words of inference?

Words indicative / expressive / of the forms of causality are the conjunctions― for―because―since―as―therefore.

For illustration however a sample or two of irrelevant argumentation may even in

this place have its use.

In the following instance the length to which the argumentation such as it is is

drawn out will perhaps be found to render it in a peculiar / preeminent / degree

applicable to the purpose.

In some instances The same passages which as far as they go stand / afford / so many

examples of irrelevant argumentation may / will / also serve to afford examples of

irrelevant reference to authorities.