Westminster Assembly (1643-1652)

To the Christian Reader, Especially Heads of Families [from The Confession of Faith (The Westminster Confession)]

1675, 1746

"Were it so with the Soul (as some of the Philosophers have vainly imagined) to come into the World as an Ab rasa Tabula, a mere Blank or piece of white Paper, on which neither any Thing, written, nor any Blots; it would then be equally receptive of Good and Evil, and no more averse to the one than to the other"

Corrupt and unsavoury Principles have great Advantage upon us, above those that are spiritual and Sound; the former being suitable to corrupt nature, the latter contrary; the former springing up of themselves, the latter brought forth not without a painful Industry. The Ground needs no other midwifery in bringing forth Weeds, than only the neglect of the Husbandman's Hand to pluck them up; the Air needs no other Cause of Darkness, than the Absence of Sun; nor water of Coldness, than its Distance from the Fire, because these are the genuine Products of Nature: Were it so with the Soul (as some of the Philosophers have vainly imagined) to come into the World as an Ab rasa Tabula, a mere Blank or piece of white Paper, on which neither any Thing, written, nor any Blots; it would then be equally receptive of Good and Evil, and no more averse to the one than to the other; But how much worse its Condition indeed is, were Scripture silent, every Man's Experience does evidently Manifest: For, who is there that knows any Thing of his own Heart, and knows not this Much, that the Suggestions of Satan have so easy and free Admittance into our Hearts, that our utmost Watchfulness is too little to guard us from them? whereas the Motions of God's Spirit are so unacceptable to us, that our utmost Diligence is too little to get our Hearts open to entertain them. let therefore the Excellency, necessity, Difficulty, of true Wisdom, stir up endeavours in you somewhat proportionable to such an Accomplishment, Above all getting get Understanding, and search for Wisdom as for hidden Treasures; it much concerns you in respect of your selves.
(pp. 5-6)

Writing::Tabula Rasa Writing::Blank Writing::Paper::White Paper Writing::Blot

Searching "tabula rasa" in ECCO;

The main text authored by the Westminster Assembly (1643-1652). At least 23 entries in EEBO, ECCO, and ESTC (1675, 1708, 1717, 1728, 1744, 1746, 1749, 1753, 1755, 1756, 1757, 1762, 1763, 1766, 1768, 1770, 1781, 1788, 1793).

Metaphors found in 1675 edition (earliest witness): The Confession of Faith, Together With the Larger and Lesser Catechismes. Composed by the Reverend Assembly of Divines, Sitting at Westminster, Presented to Both Houses of Parliament. Again Published With the Scriptures at Large, and the Emphasis of the Scriptures in a Different Character. to Which Is Annexed Two Sheets of Church-Government With the Scriptures at Large. ([Glasgow]: Printed at London, for the Company of Stationers, anno 1658. And re-printed and Glasgow, by Robert Sanders, printer to the city and university, and are to be sold in his shop, 1675), [A2]. <Link to EEBO>

See also The Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, First Agreed Upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and Now Appointed by the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, to Be a Part of Uniformity in Religion Between the Kirks of Christ in the Three Kingdomes. (Edinburgh: Printed by the heirs of George Anderson, 1652). <Link to ESTC> [finding at least 5 entries in the English Short Title Catalogue for the uniform title: 1652, 1671, 1694, 1700]

Originally found in ECCO, in 1746 edition of The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture-Proofs at Large. (Glasgow: Printed by John Robertson and Mrs M'Lean, and sold at their shops, 1746). [Found again in 1717, 1728, and 1756 editions.]

Blank Slate

10/10/2006