Full Idea
Motion in many instances begins in matter, without any known voluntary agent; to suppose always, in these cases, an unknown voluntary agent is mere hypothesis, attended with no advantages.
Gist of Idea
Motion often begins in matter, with no sign of a controlling agent
Source
David Hume (Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion [1751], Part 8)
A Reaction
This is the modern 'powers' view of science, and a direct contradiction of Plato's claims in The Laws. It seems a bit primitive to assume that magnetism must be the work of some god.
Book Reference
'The Existence of God', ed/tr. Hick,John [Macmillan 1964], p.109
Related Idea
Idea 21265 The heavens must be full of gods, controlling nature either externally or from within [Plato]