A26976:261
Of the immortality of mans soul, and the nature of it and other spirits.…
Of the immortality of mans soul, and the nature of it and other spirits. Two discourses, one in a letter to an unknown doubter, the other in a reply to Dr. Henry Moore's Animadversions on a private letter to him, which he published in his second edition of Mr. Joseph Glanvil's Sadducismus triumphatus, or, History of apparitions by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for B. Simons, 1682
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
I have had many Disputes with my self, whether or no I should stifle these Doubts, or seek Satisfaction. Shame to own such Principles bid me do the first; but the weight of the Concern obliged me to the last. For I could not with any cheerfulness, or with that vigour I thought did become me, pursue those unseen Substances, those Objects of Faith Religion holds forth, except I did really believe their existence, and my own capacity of enjoining them.
I have had many Disputes with my self, whether or no I should stifle these Doubts, or seek Satisfaction. Shame to own such Principles bid me do the first; but the weight of the Concern obliged me to the last. For I could not with any chearfulness, or with that vigor I thought did become me, pursue those unseen Substances, those Objects of Faith Religion holds forth, except I did really believe their existence, and my own capacity of enjoyning them.
I thought at first to satisfy my self in the certainty of the things I did believe; to confirm and establish my Faith by these Studies, that I might be able to render a Reason of the hope that is in me: but instead of building up, I am shaken; and instead of a clearer evidence, I am environed with uncertainties.
I thought at first to satisfie my self in the certainty of the things I did believe; to confirm and establish my Faith by these Studies, that I might be able to render a Reason of the hope that is in me: but instead of building up, I am shaken; and instead of a clearer evidence, I am invironed with uncertainties.
Unhappy that I am! I had better have taken all upon Trust, could I so have satisfied my Reason, than thus to have involved my self in an endless Study. For such I am afraid it will prove without help: for that I may not in this Concern rest without satisfaction; and yet the more I consider, and weigh things, the more are my doubts multiplied. I call them only doubts, not to palliate any opinions; for I have not yet espoused any; but because they have not yet attained so much maturity or strength, as to take me off those things, my doubts being satisfied, I should conclude of indispensable necessity; they are but yet in the Womb: assist to make them Abortives.