The six books of Proclus, the Platonic successor, on the theology of Plato (vol. 2 of 2) : $b translated from the Greek, to which a seventh book is added, in order to supply the deficiency of another book on this subject, which was written by Proclus, but since lost, also, a translation from the Greek of Proclus' Elements of theology, to which are added a translation of the treatise of Proclus, On providence and fate, a translation of extracts from his treatise, entitled, Ten doubts concerning p
Plato · en
For that by which each thing is infinite, by this also it exists
uncircumscribed. But every thing which is in [true] beings, is bounded
by itself, and by all the things prior to it. It remains therefore,
that the infinite which is in [true] beings, is infinite to subordinate
natures alone, above which it is so expanded in power, as to be
incomprehensible by all of them. For in whatever manner they may extend
themselves towards this infinite, yet it has something[247] entirely
exempt from them. And though all things enter into it, yet it has
something occult, and incomprehensible by secondary natures. Though
likewise it evolves the powers which it contains, yet it possesses
something on account of its union insurmountable, contracted, and
surpassing the evolution of beings. Since however, it contains and
bounds itself, it will not be infinite to itself, nor much less to the
natures situated above it, since it has a portion of the infinity which
is in them. For the powers of more total natures are more infinite, in
consequence of being more total, and having an arrangement nearer to
the first infinity.
PROPOSITION XCIV.
Every perpetuity is indeed a certain infinity, but not every infinity
is perpetuity.
* * * * *
For there are many infinites which have the infinite not on account
of _the always_, such for instance, as the infinity according
to magnitude, the infinity according to multitude, and the infinity
of matter. And whatever else there may be of the like kind, which is
infinite, either because it cannot be passed over, or through the
indefiniteness of its essence. That perpetuity however is a certain
infinity[248] is evident. For that which never fails is infinite. But
this is that which always has its hypostasis inexhaustible. Infinity
therefore, is prior to perpetuity. For that which gives subsistence to
a greater number of effects, and is more total, is more causal. Hence,
the first infinity is beyond eternity, and infinity itself is prior to
eternity.
PROPOSITION XCV.
Every power which is more single, is more infinite than that which is
multiplied.
* * * * *
For if of powers the first infinity is nearest to _the one_,
that power which is more allied to _the one_, is in a greater
degree infinite than that which recedes from it. For being multiplied
it loses the form of _the one_, in which while it remained, it
possessed a transcendency with respect to other powers, being connected
and contained through its impartibility. For in partible natures
themselves, the powers when congregated, are united,[249] but when
divided, they are increased in number, and become obscured.
PROPOSITION XCVI.
The power which is infinite of every finite body, is incorporeal.
* * * * *