Henry More

John Worthington to Henry More, January 1669

'The Socinian Treatises are (they say) printed in 6 of 7 Folios.'

( Diary and Correspondence of Dr. John Worthington, Chetham Soc. (1886), ii, part 2, 303. )

SOCINIANISM IN SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY ENGLAND
by John McLachlan
Oxford 1951, p. 139

From THE PLATONIC RENAISSANCE IN ENGLAND, 1932 by Ernst Cassirer

...     It is in no sense an aversion to the experimental philosophy in itself which incites the Cambridge men to this controversy. They showed a lively sympathy towards experimental research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Cudworth and More were both members of the Royal Society, and Joseph Glanvill set forth in his writing, Plus Ultra, a sort of philosophic programme for the endeavours of the Royal Society and attempted a broadly methodological defence of its research ideal. The contrast is here distinctly pointed out between the ideal of research and the contemplation which supposes that it can grasp and construe nature through concepts alone ; and the decision comes out entirely in favour of the experimental as opposed to the merely 'notional' way.¹ If Glanvill in his work points to Robert Boyle and sees in him the true leader towards a new and more profound form of natural science, More too shared this scientific appreciation of Boyle, with whom he likewise was personally acquainted.² Hence it is not the rights of experience that the Cambridge men contest, it is rather a certain philosophic narrowing of the concept of experience against which their protest is directed. What they advocate is a concept of experience which does not stand in a one-sided orientation to natural science, but which does justice to experience in all its functions, which beside scientific experience leaves a place for 'spiritual' or intellectual experience. To scientific induction, as set forth by Bacon, they oppose the rights of moral and religious experience. Such experience is neglected and debased, if, as does empiricism, one recognises experience only in the form of sense-perception and considers it as valid only in this form. There is experience not only of the sensible and the corporeal, but also of the spiritual and intellectual ; (etc).

      ¹ Cp. Glanvill, Plus Ultra : Or the Progress and Advancement of Knowledge since the Days of Aristotle, London, 1668.   Cp. also Cassirer, Das Erkenntnisproblem, VOL. II, pp. 398ff.
      ² See More, Philosophical Works, VOL. I, p. 223.

Translated by James P. Pettegrove,
Austin : University of Texas Press 1953, pp. 59-61.

 

Selected bibliographic (University of California http://melvyl.cdlib.org )

Author Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680 Title Two choice and useful treatises : the one, Lux orientalis, or, An enquiry into the opinion of the Eastern sages concerning the praeexistence of souls, being a key to unlock the grand mysteries of providence in relation to mans sin and misery : the other, A discourse of truth / by the late Reverend Dr. Rust ... ; with annotations on them both Publisher London : Printed for James Collins and Sam. Lowndes ..., 1682 Description [47], 195, [7], 171, [6], 173-276, [4] p Series Early English books, 1641-1700 ;71:2 Early English books, 1641-1700 ;844:3 Note "Lux orientalis, or, An enquiry into the opinion of the Eastern sages ...," "Annotations upon the two foregoing treatises ... / by one not unexercized in these kinds of speculation [i.e. Henry More]" and "Annotations upon the Discourse of truth : into which is inserted by way of digression a brief return to Mr. Baxter's reply, which he calls a placid collation with the learned Dr. Henry More ... : whereunto is annexed a devotional hymn / translated for the use of sincere lovers of true piety, 1683" all have separate t.p.'s Lux orientalis is by Joseph Glanvill. Cf. Wing Errata: p. [47] at beginning Advertisements on p. [1-3] at end Reproduction of original in British Library and University of Illinois Library [microform]

Author Descartes, René, 1596-1650. Title Correspondance avec Arnaud [sic] et Morus; texte latin et traduction. Introd. et notes par Geneviève Lewis. Publisher Paris, J. Vrin, 1953. Description 187 p. 20 cm. Series Bibliothèque des textes philosophiques Language French
Added Entry Arnauld, Antoine, 1612-1694. More, Henry, 1614-1687. Rodis-Lewis, Geneviève,