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Full Idea
The law of nature respecting matter is grounded upon this principle: That matter is an inert, inactive substance, which does not act, but is acted upon.
Gist of Idea
The principle of the law of nature is that matter is passive, and is acted upon
Source
Thomas Reid (Essays on Active Powers 4: Liberty of Agents [1788], 5)
Book Ref
Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.335
A Reaction
A clear statement (alongside Euler's) of the 18th century view, still with us, but strikes me as entirely wrong. Their view needs the active power of God to drive the laws. Matter has intrinsic primitive powers, and laws describe patterns of behaviour.
Related Idea
Idea 5467 Euler said nature is instrinsically passive, and minds cause change [Euler, by Ellis]