PARADIASTOLE, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Distinctio. Distinction, noting of difference, or a se∣parating or disagreeing; derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [paradiastello] disjungo, distinguo, to dis∣joyn, or distinguish.
Paradiastole is a dilating or enlarging of a mat∣ter by interpretation.
A figure when we grant one thing that we may deny another, and tends to the dispersing of clowds, and removing of scruples in former speeches; and to the distinguishing of like or semblable things, to which end the contrary unto the thing spoken of is sometimes added for illustrations sake.
Fit magna mutatio loci, non ingonii.
Virtus premi, opprimi non potest. Vir bonus op∣pugnari potest pecuniâ, non expugnari.
Non enim furem, sed ereptorem: non adulterum, sed expugnatorem pudicitiae: non sacriegum, sed &c.
Page 112Sometimes we confess that which will not prejudice us; and this is called Paromologia, confestion: as,
I grant that they are resolute, bu• it is in mat∣ters tending immediately to their own undo∣ing.
Miseros etsi inimicos fovi, fateor, habetis ergo confitentem, non reum.
English Examples of Paradiastole.
Truth may be blamed, but not shamed, &c.
Being charged that in a former speech you have brought very light reasons: you may an∣swer;
If by [light] you mean clear; I am glad you see them;
If by [light] you mean of no weight, I am sorry you do not f•el them, &c.
This figure Paradiastole is by some learned Rhetoricians called a faulty term of speech, op∣posing the truth by false terms and wrong names; as,
In calling drunkennesse good fellowship; in∣s•tiable avarice good husbandry; crast and de∣ceit, wisdom and policie, &c.
Scriptural Examples.
2 Cor. 4.8, 9. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed.
1 Co•. 7.10. And into •he maryed I com∣mand, yet not I, but the Lord. &c.
Page 1131 Cor. 4.19. And will know, not the speech of them that are puffed up, but the power.
