(16) This they illustrate
with many examples, of which I will take one or two. (17) If extended
substance, they say, is infinite, let it be conceived to be divided into
two parts each part will then be either finite or infinite. (18) If the
former, then infinite substance is composed of two finite parts, which
is absurd. (19) If the latter, then one infinite will be twice as large
as another infinite, which is also absurd.
(15:20) Further, if an infinite line be measured out in foot lengths, it
will consist of an infinite number of such parts; it would equally consist
of an infinite number of parts, if each part measured only an inch:
therefore, one infinity would be twelve times as great as the other.
(15:21) Lastly, if from a single point there be conceived to be drawn two
diverging lines which at first are at a definite distance apart, but are
produced to infinity, it is certain that the distance between the two lines
will be continually increased, until at length it changes from definite to
indefinable. (22) As these absurdities follow, it is said, from considering
quantity as infinite, the conclusion is drawn, that extended substance must
necessarily be finite, and, consequently, cannot appertain to the nature of
God.
(15:23) The second argument is also drawn from God's supreme perfection.
(24) God, it is said, inasmuch as he is a supremely perfect being, cannot
be passive; but extended substance, in so far as it is divisible, is
passive.
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