Note 115 — Concerning that which is Eternal, for the Purpose of demonstrating the Eternity of the World.

By matter proceeding from the cause of all, nothing more is meant than that it depends entirely on the first cause for its shadowy and unreal subsistence: for as the emanations of causes are extended in proportion to their eminence; hence the precessions of the one extend beyond those of every other cause, and even leave faint traces of their illuminations in the dark receptacle of matter.