, and therefore ([D.v] ) requiring to be conceived
through absolute thought. (2) It must (by [xv] and [D.vi] ), through some
attribute of God which expresses the eternal and infinite essence of
thought, be so conceived, that without such attribute it could neither be
nor be conceived. (3) It must therefore be referred to nature passive
rather than to nature active, as must also the other modes of thinking.
Q.E.D.
Note.- (31:4) I do not here, by speaking of intellect in function, admit
that there is such a thing as intellect in potentiality: but, wishing to
avoid all confusion, I desire to speak only of what is most clearly
perceived by us, namely, of the very act of understanding, than which
nothing is more clearly perceived. (31:5) For we cannot perceive anything
without adding to our knowledge of the act of understanding.
PROP. [XXXII] Will cannot be called a free cause,
but only a necessary cause.
Proof.- (32:1) Will is only a particular mode of thinking, like intellect;
therefore (by [xxviii] ) no volition can exist, nor be conditioned to act,
unless it be conditioned by some cause other than itself, which cause is
conditioned by a third cause, and so on to infinity. (2) But if will be
supposed infinite, it must also be conditioned to exist and act by God, not
by virtue of his being substance absolutely infinite, but by virtue of his
possessing an attribute which expresses the infinite and eternal essence of
thought ( by [xxiii] ).
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