(6) Further (in [xix] of my "Principles of the
Cartesian Philosophy"), I have proved the eternity of God, in another
manner, which I need not here repeat.
PROP. [XX] The existence of God and his essence are one
and the same.
Proof.- (20:1) God (by the last [XIX] ) and all his attributes are eternal,
that is (by [D.viii] ) each of his attributes expresses existence.
(2) Therefore the same attributes of God which explain his eternal essence,
explain at the same time his eternal existence, in other words, that which
constitutes God's essence constitutes at the same time his existence.
(20:3) Wherefore God's existence and God's essence are one and the same.
Q.E.D.
Corollary I.- (20:4) Hence it follows that God's existence,
like his essence, is an eternal truth.
Corollary II.- (20:5) Secondly, it follows that God, and all the
attributes of God, are unchangeable. (6) For if they could be
changed in respect to existence, they must also be able to be
changed in respect to essence, that is, obviously, be changed
from true to false, which is absurd.
PROP. [XXI] All things which follow from the absolute nature of
any attribute of God must always exist and be infinite,
or, in other words, are eternal and infinite through
the said attribute.
Proof.- (21:1) Conceive, if it be possible ( supposing the proposition
to be denied), that something in some attribute of God can follow from
the absolute nature of the said attribute, and that at the same time it
is finite, and has a conditioned existence or duration; for instance,
the idea of God expressed in the attribute thought.
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