Date: c. 1603
"But do you suppose, when all the approaches and entrances to men's minds are beset and blocked by the most obscure idols -- idols deeply implanted and, as it were, burned in -- that any clean and polished surface remains in the mirror of the mind on which the genuine natural light of things can ...
preview | full record— Bacon, Sir Francis, Lord Verulam (1561-1626)
Date: 1652
"He did not antedate his own knowledge, nor remember the several postures of his soul, and the famous exploits of his minde before he was born; but plainly profest that his understanding came naked into the world. He shews you an [...], an abrasa tabula, a virgin-soul espousing it self to the bod...
preview | full record— Culverwell, Nathanael (bap. 1619, d. 1651)
Date: 1652
"Ne're tell us that you wanted origanical dispositions, for you plainly have recourse to the sensitive powers, and must needs subscribe to this, that al knowledg comes flourishing in at these lattices. Why else should not your Candle enlighten you before? who was it that chained up; and fettered ...
preview | full record— Culverwell, Nathanael (bap. 1619, d. 1651)
Date: 1658
"The Alc'ran sayes, (which who will may beleeve) / The Moon descended into Mahomet's sleeve: / 'Tis strange! yet God doth his loves lamp impart / T'a more coarcted room, what's that? the heart."
preview | full record— Billingsley, Nicholas (bap. 1633, d. 1709)