But that a Being which is utterly destitute of these
faculties should be able to produce ideas, or in any sort to
affect an intelligence, this I can never understand. This I say,
though {243} we had some positive conception of Matter, though we
knew its qualities, and could comprehend its existence, would yet
be so far from explaining things, that it is itself the most
inexplicable thing in the world. And yet, for all this, it will
not follow that philosophers have been doing nothing; for, by
observing and reasoning upon the connexion of ideas, they
discover the laws and methods of nature, which is a part of
knowledge both useful and entertaining.
. After all, can it be supposed God would deceive all
mankind? Do you imagine He would have induced the whole world to
believe the being of Matter, if there was no such thing?
. That every epidemical opinion, arising from
prejudice, or passion, or thoughtlessness, may be imputed to God,
as the Author of it, I believe you will not affirm. Whatsoever
opinion we father ' on Him, it must be either because He has
discovered it to us by supernatural revelation; or because it is
so evident to our natural faculties, which were framed and given
us by God, that it is impossible we should withhold our assent
from it.
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