These are perhaps all reducible to the seven following, probability, plausibility, importance, proximity of time, connexion of place, relation of the actors or sufferers to the hearers or speaker, interest of the hearers or speaker in the consequences. 81
The first is probability, which is now considered only as
an expedient for enlivening passion. Here again there is commonly
scope for argument. 82
Probability results from evidence, and begets belief. Belief
invigorates our ideas. Belief raised to the highest becomes
certainty. Certainty flows either from the force of the evidence,
real or apparent, that is produced: orwithout any evidence produced
by the speaker, from the previous notoriety of the fact. If the fact
be notorious, it will not only be superfluous in the speaker to
attempt to prove it, but it will be pernicious to his design. The
reason is plain. By proving he supposeth it questionable, and by
supposing actually renders it so to his audience: he brings them from
viewing it in the stronger light of certainty, to view it in the
weaker light of probability: in lieu of sunshine he gives them
twilight. Of the different means and kinds of probation I have spoken
already.
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