diversity of opinions 1

Question

Hello

I have some questions related to the text.

I will post them in dribs and draps lest I should impose on you to much. Thanks.

Question:

Since, therefore, it is unavoidable to the greatest part of men, if not all, to have several OPINIONS, without certain and indubitable proofs of their truth; and it carries too great an imputation of ignorance, lightness, or folly for men to quit and renounce their former tenets presently upon the offer of an argument which they cannot immediately answer, and show the insufficiency of: it would, methinks, become all men to maintain peace, and (maintain to common offices of... ?) the common offices of humanity, and friendship, in the diversity of opinions; since we cannot reasonably expect that any one should readily and obsequiously quit his own opinion, and embrace ours, with a blind resignation to an authority which the understanding of man acknowledges not.

This is one sentence. Is it not horror that a sentence should be so long?

Okay, some more questions concering the above sentence:

The blue language units mean what?

Thanks

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

This is one sentence. Is it not horror that a sentence should be so long?-- Not a horror, no. It is a 17th century style which is out of fashion today, and requires some patience and experience to be comfortable with. Perhaps you should involve yourself with contemporary English novelists instead.

The blue language units mean what?
therefore-- as a consequence
presently-- immediately; at the time
upon-- at the time of receipt of
become-- be appropriate for; enhance the appearance of
[maintain] the common offices of humanity-- go about the normal activities of human society

diversity of opinions 1

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