Note s — BOOK V.

As we are not to accuse any falsly; so far be it from me to detract from so great a Man as Monsieur Cartes was: Whose Principles, although many have perverted to atheistical Purposes, and whose Notions have, some of them, but an ill Aspect; yet I am unwilling to believe he was an Atheist; since in his Principia Philosiphiæ, and other of his Works, he vindicates himself from this Charge; and frequently shews seemingly a great Respect for Religion: Besides, That many of his suspicious Opinions are capable of a favourable Interpretation, which will make them appear in a better Form: Thus when he discardeth final Causes from his Philosophy, it is not a Denial of them; but only excluding the Consideration of them, for the Sake of free philosophising; it being the Business of a Divine, rather than a Philosopher, to treat of them.