BOOK I PART III
facilitate the reception of this reasoning, it will
make it be the more easily forgot; for which
reason I think it proper to give warning, that
I have just now examined one of the most sub-
lime questions in philosophy, viz. that concern-
ing the power and efficacy of causes; where all
the sciences seem so much interested. Such a
warning will naturally rouze up the attention
of the reader, and make him desire a more full
account of my doctrine, as well as of the argu-
ments, on which it is founded. This request is
so reasonable, that I cannot refuse complying
with it; especially as I am hopeful that these
principles, the more they are examined, will ac-
quire the more force and evidence.
There is no question, which on account of
its importance, as well as difficulty, has caused
more disputes both among antient and mod-