A new theory of vision : and other writings / [George] Berkeley ; introduction by A. D. Linsay.

  • George Berkeley
Date:
[1910]
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: A new theory of vision : and other writings / [George] Berkeley ; introduction by A. D. Linsay. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    that the pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are covered over with corn. See Psalm Ixv. But notwith- standing that this is the constant language of scripture; yet we have I know not what aversion from believing, that God concerns himself so nearly in our affairs. Fain would we suppose him at a great distance off, and sub- stitute some blind unthinking deputy in his stead, though (if we may believe St. Paul) he be not far from every one of us. CLL Objection to the hand of God being the imme- diate cause, threefold.—Answer.—[It will I doubt not be objected, (i) that the slow and gradual methods observed in the production of natural things, do not seem to have for their cause the immediate hand of an almighty agent. (2) Besides, monsters, untimely births, fruits blasted in the blossom, rains falling in desert places, (3) miseries incident to human life, are so many arguments that the whole frame of nature is not immediately actuated and superintended by a spirit of infinite wisdom and good- ness.] But the answer to this objection is in a good measure plain from Sect, lxii., it being visible, that the aforesaid methods of nature are absolutely necessary, in order to working by the most simple and general rules, and after a steady and consistent 7nanner; which argues both the wisdom and goodness of God.^ [Such is the artificial contrivance of this mighty machine of nature, that whilst its motions and various phenomena strike on our senses, the hand which actuates the whole is itself unperceivable to men of flesh and blood. Verily, saith the prophet, thou art a God that hidest thyself, Isaiah xlv. 15. But though God conceal himself from the eyes of the sensual and lazy, who will not be at the least expense of thought; yet to an unbiassed and atten- tive mind, nothing can be more plainly legible, than the intimate presence of an all-wise Spirit, who fashions, regulates, and sustains the whole system of being. 1 [First) For it doth hence follow, that the finger of God is not so conspicuous to the resolved and careless sinner, which gives him an opportunity to harden in his impiety, and grow ripe for vengeance. Vide sect. Ivii.—Edit. 1710.