Summary Of Chapter 19 Of An Essay Concerning Human Understanding

In Book 4: Chapter 19 of “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding;” John Locke discusses the fact that revelation is consistent with reason and that man does not necessarily need the intervention of the Holy Spirit to understand revelation. Locke begins by saying that in order to find truth, one must be a lover of truth. He wrote, “Love of truth necessary. For he that loves it not will not take much pains to get it”. Locke then explains that the way one determines whether someone is a true lover of truth is by how he takes what has been revealed and proves it. He says that some propositions or beliefs are self-evident, but most of the other beliefs require proofs or evidences that man already has. He presents a group of thinkers that prescribe to themselves the same authority that reason should have in proving revelation. They do use reasoning to an extent, however, the main source comes from themselves. Which in essence takes away revelation and replaces it

They only rely on themselves for the revelation and elevate their thoughts to be total and complete truth. He describes these people by the word “enthusiasm” and says, “Enthusiasm accepts its supposed illumination without search and proof.” Enthusiasm according to Locke can cause people to disregard reason in matters of revelation. In place of reason, enthusiasm substitutes what Locke described as, “ungrounded fancies of a man’s own brain.” He then declares that faith must be seen (proved) in order to be believed, but one cannot believe without seeing. Over and over, throughout the essay he mentions that “Belief is no proof of revelation”, “and Reason must be our last judge and guide in everything.” Any revelation that we would want to prove as truth, must not be contrary to the laws and principles of reason. It must also be true to the word of God, which Locke described as “attested