```markdown *** **Tractatus Theologico-Politicus** **BY</b> **BENEDICT DE SPINOZA** **A REVISED TRANSLATION** **EDITED BY** **R. H. M. Elwes** *** **NEW YORK** **THE MACMILLAN COMPANY** **LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., LTD.** **1906** **All rights reserved** *** **PREFACE.** **IT IS NOT WITHOUT A STRONG TREPIDATION THAT I venture to publish this volume, and to submit it to the judgment of the public. I am not unconscious of the perils and difficulties which attend the promulgation of a new philosophy, especially when it diverges from the accepted doctrines, and when the times are such that novelty is naturally regarded with suspicion. I know that I am at the mercy of the opinions of men, and that I have not prepared myself with the armour of scholastic subtleties, or the shields of theological dogma, to defend my position. I have rather sought for truth, and have been at pains to discover it by the method of demonstration, as I understand it. I have aimed at nothing but to liberate men’s minds from the shackles of superstition and ignorance, and to lead them to a knowledge of God and of themselves by the clearest path. For this reason, I have been obliged to discuss matters which are, in themselves, of the highest moment, and which are, moreover, of the most sensitive and delicate nature. I have been forced to speak of the interpretation of Holy Scripture, of the nature of prophecy, of the attributes of God, of the origin of souls, of the meaning of miracles, and of the foundations of salvation. It is not for me to say how far I have succeeded in my aim; but I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have spared no pains in the pursuit of truth, and that I have been guided by the light of reason alone.** **I am aware that many will be scandalized by my views, and will accuse me of impiety and atheism. I can only say, in reply, that I have always endeavored to be guided by the most sincere love of truth, and to uphold the cause of justice and of piety. I have not sought to innovate, but to explain; not to destroy, but to build up. I have tried to show that true piety consists in the love of God, and in the observance of justice and charity towards our fellow-men. I have endeavored to prove that the laws of God are nothing but the laws of nature, and that the kingdom of God is nothing but the kingdom of justice and charity. I have also endeavored to show that the prophecies and miracles recorded in Scripture are not to be understood literally, but allegorically, and that they are meant to teach us moral truths, rather than to convey historical facts. If, in thus endeavoring to enlighten men’s minds, I have inadvertently given offense, I can only express my regret, and beg for forgiveness. But I cannot, in good conscience, retract any of the opinions which I have advanced. I have given them forth as the result of my own earnest and sincere inquiries, and I can do no less than stand by them.** **It is my earnest hope that this work may, in some measure, contribute to the advancement of human knowledge and the promotion of true piety. May it help to emancipate men’s minds from the fetters of superstition and ignorance, and to lead them to a clearer and more rational understanding of the divine nature and of their own.** **B. DE SPINOZA.** *** **INTRODUCTION.** **THE object which I have set before me in this work is to show that the freedom to philosophize can not only be accorded with piety and the peace of the state, but that it cannot exist without them. I have endeavored to prove that, in order to make progress in the sciences, we must only cultivate the faculty of reason, and that everyone must be free to reason about these matters, and to interpret them in accordance with his own intellect. I have sought to demonstrate that the true interpretation of Scripture is to be found not in the literal sense, but in the spiritual meaning, and that the ultimate aim of Scripture is not to teach us the way of salvation by faith, but the way of obedience by love. I have also endeavored to show that the State has no right to interfere with the freedom of thought and conscience of its citizens, and that the best way to promote peace and harmony is to allow everyone to worship God in his own way.** **I am aware that these views may appear novel and even dangerous to some. But I believe that they are sound and rational, and that they are the only true foundation for a stable and prosperous society. I have no wish to be wise in my own conceit, but I have a profound conviction that the cause of truth and of justice will ultimately prevail. I am also conscious that I have undertaken a task which is far beyond my powers, and that I may have failed to achieve the end which I have set before me. But I have done my best, and I trust that my efforts will not be entirely without avail.** **I shall endeavor, in the first place, to show that the foundations of theology are not to be sought in the revelations of the prophets, but in the common notions of the human mind. I shall then proceed to discuss the nature of prophecy, and to explain why the prophets were able to speak with God. I shall also endeavor to show that the authority of Scripture is not derived from the words themselves, but from the interpretation which is put upon them. Lastly, I shall discuss the relations between religion and the State, and to show that the State has no right to interfere with the freedom of thought and conscience of its citizens.** **I am fully aware of the controversy which has arisen concerning the interpretation of Scripture, and of the danger which attends any attempt to question the authority of the Church. But I believe that it is better to know the truth, however dangerous it may be, than to remain in ignorance and error. I have no wish to stir up strife, but I have a desire to be useful to my fellow-men. I hope that this work may serve to enlighten the minds of those who are willing to listen to reason, and to promote a spirit of tolerance and charity among all.** ***