South, Robert (1634-1716)

A Sermon Preached Upon Iohn Vii. 17.

1692

"For where Diligence opens the Door of the Understanding, and Impartiality keeps it, Truth is sure to find both an Entrance and a Welcome too."

With ordinary minds, such, as much the greatest part of the World are, 'tis the Sutableness, not the Evidence of a Truth, that makes it to be assented to. And it is seldom, that any thing practically convinces a Man, that does not please him first. If you would be sure of him, you must inform, and gratifie him too. But now, Impartiality strips the mind of prejudice and passion, keeps it tight and even from the Byass of Interest and Desire; and so presents it like a Rasa Tabula equally disposed to the Reception of all Truth. So that the Soul lies prepared, and open to entertain it; and prepossessed with Nothing that can oppose, or thrust it out. For where Diligence opens the Door of the Understanding, and Impartiality keeps it, Truth is sure to find both an Entrance and a Welcome too.
(pp. 305-6)

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Text from from Twelve Sermons Preached Upon Several Occasions by Robert South (London: Printed by J.H. for Thomas Bennett, 1692). <Link to EEBO-TCP>

First found in searching in ECCO: vol. I or the 4th ed. of Robert South, Twelve sermons preached upon several occasions. By Robert South, D.D (London: Printed by W. Bowyer, for Joah Bowyer, 1718).

10/09/2006