(38:2) Thus, in proportion as the mind understands more things by the
second and third kinds of knowledge, the greater will be the part of
it, that remains unimpaired, and, consequently, less subject to emotions,
&c. Q.E.D.
Note.- (38:3) Hence we understand that point which I touched on in
IV:[xxxix] Note, and which I promised to explain in this Part; namely,
that death becomes less hurtful, in proportion as the mind's clear
and distinct knowledge is greater, and, consequently, in proportion as
the mind loves God more. (4) Again, since from the third kind of
knowledge arises the highest possible acquiescence ([xxvii] ), it
follows that the human mind can attain to being of such a nature, that
the part thereof which we have shown to perish with the body ([xxi] )
should be of little importance when compared with the part which endures.
(38:5) But I will soon treat of the subject at greater length.
Prop. [XXXIX] He, who possesses a body capable of the
greatest number of activities, possesses
a mind whereof the greatest part is eternal.
Proof.- (39:1) He, who possesses a body capable of the greatest number
of activities, is least agitated by those emotions which are evil
(IV:[xxxviii] ) that is (IV:[xxx] ), by those emotions which are
contrary to our nature; therefore ([x] ), he possesses the power of
arranging and associating the modifications of the body according to
the intellectual order, and, consequently, of bringing it about, that
all the modifications of the body should be referred to the idea of God;
whence it will come to pass that ([xv] ) he will be affected with love
towards God, which ([xvi] ) must occupy or constitute the chief part of
the mind; therefore ([xxxiii] ), such a man will possess a mind whereof
the chief part is eternal.
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