Note 72 — CHAP. II.

These two principles, bound and infinite, will doubtless be considered by the unthinking part of mankind, as nothing more than general terms, and not as the most real of beings. However, an accurate contemplation of the universe, will convince every truly philosophic mind of their reality. For the heavens themselves, by the coherence and order of their parts, evince their participation of bound. But by their prolific powers, and the unceasing revolutions of the orbs they contain, they demonstrate their participation of infinity. And the finite and perpetually abiding forms with which the world is replete, bear a similitude to bound: while, on the contrary, the variety of particulars, their never-ceasing mutation, and the connection of more and less in the communion of forms, represents an image of infinity. Add too, that every natural species, by its form is similar to bound; but by its matter, to infinity. For these two, form and matter, depend on bound and infinity, and are their ultimate progressions. And each of these, indeed, participates of unity; but form is the measure and bound of matter, and is more one. But matter is in capacity all things, because it subsists by an emanation from the first capacity, or the infinite itself.