Full Idea
The force by which each thing perseveres in its existence follows from the eternal necessity of the nature of God.
Gist of Idea
Things persevere through a force which derives from God
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], II Pr 45)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.85
A Reaction
This I take to be an ontology of fundamental powers, but with divine backing, similar to that found in Leibniz. Modern powers theorists leave out God, since it doesn't seem to add anything. [Is this the idea of 'conatus'?] Darwin can't explain the force.