A Defense of the Introduction to a True and Unheard-of Physics

...be not homogeneous original: homogenea; meaning of the same kind or nature.. Nor does it follow that: because Fire comes from Steel original: Chalybe; refers to hardened iron or steel used to strike sparks., and Steel from water, therefore Fire was in the water. If it were permissible, I would conclude in the same way regarding Sin, which the Devil committed through the disordered motion of his Light, otherwise called pride: namely, I would say that Sin, which is in the Creature as an effect, is also in God, as the efficient cause The "efficient cause" is the agent that brings something into being; the author is arguing that just because God created the Angel, it doesn't mean God is the source of the sin the Angel later chose to commit. of the Creature. For the Devil is an Angel created good by God; yet there was evil in him potentially, while he was still a good Angel: For he was able to become evil. Who now—once the Devil has actually fallen into malice—will claim that the Angels [by nature] are evil, and thus consequently that sin was primarily, or is, in GOD? Just as this assertion cannot be made without Blasphemy, so that other one regarding Nature cannot be established without ignorance.

The Anonymous author adds an experiment which he claims sailors have observed from the waves of the sea: as if, from the waves of the sea striking against a ship and appearing like burning coals original: prunarum; glowing coals or embers. at night, they might judge Fire to be in the water. I reply: either he [deceived] the sailors, or the sailors [deceived him]...