(16:2) Now, as the divine nature has absolutely infinite attributes (by
[D.vi] ), of which each expresses infinite essence after its kind, it
follows that from the necessity of its nature an infinite number of things
(that is, everything which can fall within the sphere of an infinite
intellect) must necessarily follow. Q.E.D.
Corollary I.- (16:3) Hence it follows, that God is the efficient cause of
all that can fall within the sphere of an infinite intellect.
Corollary II.- (16:4) It also follows that God is a cause in himself
and not through an accident of his nature.
Corollary III.- (16:5) It follows, thirdly, that God is the absolutely
first cause.
PROP. [XVII] God acts solely by the laws of his own nature,
and is not constrained by any one.
Proof.- (17:1) We have just shown (in [xvi] ), that solely from the
necessity of the divine nature, or, what is the same thing, solely from
the laws of his nature, an infinite number of things absolutely follow
in an infinite number of ways; and we proved (in [xv] ), that without
God nothing can be, nor be conceived; but that all things are in God.
(17:2) Wherefore nothing can exist outside himself, whereby he can be
conditioned or constrained to act. (3) Wherefore God acts solely by the
laws of his own nature, and is not constrained by any one. Q.E.D.
Corollary I.- (17:4) It follows: I.
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