Ethical Handbook

Concerning this Second Edition

...method of interpretation would be more suitable to our purpose; for we seek no glory from the trivialities of Grammarians or Critics, but strive everywhere to speak in such a way that, through our words, we may ignite the love of Truth and Virtue in the minds of men as much as possible. Furthermore, so that nothing in them might offend the eyes of those who do not know Greek, we have taken care to remove the Greek Texts themselves almost entirely from the Enchiridion The "Handbook" or manual. and move them to the end of the book, being content with the Interpretations The translations into the main language of the text. alone.

4. Third and finally, although we have added nothing new to the Treatise itself in this Second Edition, we have decided to append our Letter to a V. C. Abbreviation for Vir Clarissimus, meaning "a most distinguished man." More is referring to a learned contemporary. to it, as a not unsuitable supplement to the chapter on Piety in the Second Book. For our Letter is so composed that it serves not only as a suitable Introduction for a smoother understanding of Cartesian Philosophy The philosophical system of René Descartes, which was highly influential and controversial in the 17th century for its mechanical view of nature., but also as a sufficiently safe fortification and barrier against everything in it that might harm the unwary or offend Piety.

There are, however, two primary conclusions in that philosophy from which the greatest danger to Piety looms. One of these is that the very Matter of which the World consists cannot not exist, being indefinitely extended in every direction; for the reason that this indefinite Ex- This is a catchword indicating the start of the next page.