"But, they who have considered with care the foundation and circumstances of their actions, doubt of their freedom, and are even persuaded, that their reason and understanding are slaves that cannot resist the force which carries them along."
— Collins, Anthony (1676-1729)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for R. Robinson
Date
1717
Metaphor
"But, they who have considered with care the foundation and circumstances of their actions, doubt of their freedom, and are even persuaded, that their reason and understanding are slaves that cannot resist the force which carries them along."
Metaphor in Context
The acute and penetrating Mr. Bayle, reports the fact, as very differently understood by those who have thoroughly examin'd and consider'd the various actions of Man, from what is vulgarly suppos'd in this matter. Says he, They who examine not to the bottom what passes within them, easily persuade themselves, that they are free: But, they who have considered with care the foundation and circumstances of their actions, doubt of their freedom, and are even persuaded, that their reason and understanding are slaves that cannot resist the force which carries them along. He says also, in a familiar Letter, That liberty cannot be proved from experience: And that the best proofs thereof are, that without liberty, Man would not have sinned; and that God would be the author of evil thoughts, as well as good.
(27-8)
(27-8)
Categories
Provenance
Reading in Google Books
Citation
At least 4 entries in ECCO and ESTC (1717, 1735, 1749, 1790).
See A Philosophical Inquiry Concerning Human Liberty (London: Printed for R. Robinson, 1717). <Link to Google Books>
See A Philosophical Inquiry Concerning Human Liberty (London: Printed for R. Robinson, 1717). <Link to Google Books>
Date of Entry
01/23/2012
