It is this firm belief, this fond indulgence of opinion which makes him prefer seclusion to liberty; and leads him rather to forego existence than renounce his delusion. It is the same principle, which in a good cause, cheered the martyr at the stake, and raised his exultation while the flame consumed him. It is this BELIEF, however erroneous, which kindles enthusiasm in a cause, and arms us to defend it.
As the word BELIEF is important, it will not be considered unnecessarily digressive to attempt an investigation of its legitimate meaning. There are two modes of ascertaining the meaning of a word; either by referring to its etymology, to discover the cause of its application: or to collect the authorities
which shew, that certain persons who are accredited, have so employed it. By turning to Dr. Johnson’s Dictionary the reader will find that the different authorities which he has cited have used this word in different acceptations. Without descending to the minutiæ of verbal examination, and tracing back its derivation to its Gothic or Saxon radical, it may be safely asserted, that to BELIEVE, originally implied to belove: to be attached or partial to, independantly of any evidence which would lead to demonstration. This belief is the immediate motive to action, and although incapable of becoming the subject of demonstration itself, is not to be set aside by the clearest and most forcible refutation.
“You may as well
“Forbid the sea for to obey the moon,
“As by an oath remove, or counsel shake
“The fabric of his folly, whose foundation
“Is pyld upon his faith.”
Winter’s Tale.