The five days debate at Cicero's house in Tusculum between master and sophister.

SECT. XI. Inferences from these diverse Opinions.

THese are almost all the Opinions about the Soul, as far as I can recollect; for let us wave Democritus, a brave man indeed and excel∣lent Scholar, but who fram'd the Soul upon a casual rencounter of smooth and globular Moths, for among those Gentlemen there is no feat so strange, but what omnipotent Atomes can perform. Of these Opinions which is true, God alone knows; which hath the greatest appearance of truth, is much to be question'd. Had we best therefore discuss these different Opinions, or return to the enquiry at first propos'd?

S.

I would fain both might be, if it were possi∣ble; but it is hard to confound them: Wherefore, if without scanning them at large, we may be de∣liver'd from the Terrors of death, let that be our business; but if that cannot be obtain'd till this question of the Souls nature be decided, let us now dispatch this, and that another time.

M.

I judge that more convenient, which I find you like better; for it will be concluded with good Reason, that whatsoever of those Opinions which I have alledged, prove true, death must be either not evil, or rather good. For if the Soul be Heart, or Blood, or Brains, of a certain, be∣cause it is Corporal, it will dye with the other Body. If it be breath, perhaps it will scatter into thin Air: If Fire, it will be quench'd: If it be the Harmony of Aristoxenus, it will be discomposed. What need I mention Dicaearchus, who allows not the Soul to be any Substance? according to all these Opinions, none hath any concern after Death; for Life and Sense are extinguish'd together. But what is insensible, hath neither interest in good or evil. The Judgments of the rest open some door of Hope, if this may chance to please you, that our Souls, when they have escap'd out of our Bo∣dies, may arrive at Heaven, as at their own Home.

S.

That is well pleasing to me, and I could principally wish that it were so. But next, how∣ever it is, could be contented with the perswasion that it were so.

M.

What need have you of our pains to that purpose? can we surpass Plato in Eloquence? Read over diligently his Book about the Soul, you will need no further Information.

S.

I have in truth done so, and that many times; but, I know not how, whilst I am in reading I yield my assent; when I have laid down the Book, and begin to meditate with my self upon the Soul's Im∣mortality, all my former Assent slips out of my mind.

M.

What think you of this? do you grant that Souls do either subsist after death, or determine upon death?

S.

I readily grant it.

M.

(b) What if they survive?

S.

I allow they are blessed.

M.

If they dye?

S.

That they are not miserable, because they have no being; for that Point upon compulsion from you, we a little before granted.

M.

How then, or wherefore do you say death in your judgment to be an evil, which either ren∣ders us blessed in case the Soul survive, or not mi∣serable, as being without all Sense?

(b) What if they survive? I allow they are blessed.] An in∣tellectual Life is a Blessing compar'd with Annihilation; but to this must be added; Reconciliation to God, on such Terms as he hath declar'd consistent with the Honor of his Justice and Truth.