I must add, that I have read that Book of Spinosa with application
from the beginning to the end ; but I protest at the same time before
God, that I have found no solid arguments in it, nor anything that
cou'd shake, in the least, my belief of the Gospel. Instead of solid
reasons, it contains meer suppositions, and what we call in the School,
petitiones principii. The things which the Author advances, are given
for Proofs, which being denied and rejected, the remaining part of his
Treatise will be found to contain nothing but Lies and Blasphemies.
Did he think that the World wou'd believe him blindly upon his word,
and that he was not obliged to give good reasons and good proofs for
what he advanced ?

Lastly, several Writings, which Spinosa left after his death were
Printed in 1677, in which year he also died. They are called his
Posthumous Works, Opera Posthuma. These three Letters B. D. S.
are to be found in the Title of the Book, which contains five several
works. The first, is a Treatise of Morals demonstrated Geometrically,
Ethica more Geometrico demonstrata. The second, is about Politicks.
The third, treats of the Understanding, and of the means of rectifying
it, De emendatione Intellectus. The fourth, is a Collection of Letters,
and Answers to them, Epistolce ^ Responsiones. The fifth, is an
Abridgement of the Hebrew Grammar, Co?npendium Gra?nmatices
Linguae Hebraes. The Printer's name and the place wherein that Book
was Printed, are not mention'd in the Title-page ; which shews that



404 SPINOZA : HIS LIFE AND PHILOSOPHY

the Person who published it, did not care to be known. But Mr.
