Proof.- (20:1) This love towards God is the highest good which we can
seek for under the guidance of reason (IV:[xxviii] ), it is common to
all men (IV:[xxxvi] ),and we desire that all should rejoice therein
(IV:[xxxvii] ); therefore (III:[De:xxiii] ), it cannot be stained by
the emotion envy nor by, the emotion of jealousy, ([xviii] see
definition of Jealousy, (III:[xxxv] Note); but, contrariwise, it must
needs be the more fostered, in proportion as we conceive a greater
number of men to rejoice therein. Q.E.D.
Note.- (20:2) We can in the same way, show, that there is no emotion
directly contrary to this love, whereby this love can be destroyed;
therefore we may conclude, that this love towards God is the most
constant of all the emotions, and that, in so far as it is referred to
the body, it cannot be destroyed, unless the body be destroyed also.
(20:3) As to its nature, in so far as it is referred to the mind only,
we shall presently inquire.
(20:4) I have through all the remedies against the emotions, or all that
the mind, considered in itself alone, can do against them. (5) Whence
it appears that the mind's power over the emotions consists:-
I. (20:6) In the actual knowledge of the emotions ([iv] Note).
II. (20:7) In the fact that it separates the emotions from the
thought of an external cause, which we conceive confusedly
([ii] and [iv] Note).
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