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show that these attributes and perfections that we
recount for that Universal Reality are only in order
to deny imperfections, rather than to assert the perfections
that the human mind can conceive. Thus
we say His attributes are unknowable.
In fine, that Universal Reality with all its qualities
and attributes that we recount is holy and
exalted above all minds and understandings. As we,
however, reflect with broad minds upon this infinite
universe, we observe that motion without a
motive force, and an effect without a cause are both
impossible; that every being hath come to exist
under numerous influences and continually undergoeth
reaction. These influences, too, are formed
under the action of still other influences. For instance,
plants grow and flourish through the outpourings
of vernal showers, whilst the cloud itself
is formed under various other agencies and these
agencies in their turn are reacted upon by still other
agencies. For example, plants and animals grow
and develop under the influence of what the philosophers
of our day designate as hydrogen and
oxygen and are reacted upon by the effects of these
two elements; and these in turn are formed under
still other influences. The same can be said of other
beings whether they affect other things or be
affected. Such process of causation goes on, and