XXXIII. But it is not possible for me
to make use of even this; because it is very evident what gives the ray
its motion; but there is nothing prior to God which could set Him in
motion; for He is Himself the Cause of all things, and He has no prior
Cause. And secondly because in this case also there is a
suggestion of such things as composition, diffusion, and an unsettled
and unstable nature…none of which we can suppose in the
Godhead. In a word, there is nothing which presents a standing
point to my mind in these illustrations from which to consider the
Object which I am trying to represent to myself, unless one may
indulgently accept one point of the image while rejecting the
rest. Finally, then, it seems best to me to let the images and
the shadows go, as being deceitful and very far short of the truth; and
clinging myself to the more reverent conception, and resting upon few
words, using the guidance of the Holy Ghost, keeping to the end as my
genuine comrade and companion the enlightenment which I have received
from Him, and passing through this world to persuade all others also to
the best of my power to worship Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the One
Godhead and Power. To Him belongs all glory and honour and might
for ever and ever. Amen.