nfinity in mathematics means that
which passes measurement, while in fact between infinity and measurement
there is no relation, and the infinite is thus incomprehensible as an
object of thought, although by no means unrecognizable as a necessary
condition antecedent to all intellectual action. It is of vital
importance that we note this distinction, because reasoning, i. e.
classification, is possible only so long as we deal with what is
admitted to be under relation: if we assume a term to be out of all
relation, it ceases to be an object of thought--it can neither be
classified nor unclassified; it is beyond reason. Mathematics can
proceed with its investigations only so long as it treats all quantities
as measurable; it must wholly cease its calculations if an infinite term
be introduced. To claim that analysis represents the complete normal
action of the intellect in reasoning, is ultimately to claim that the
initial point of thinking is the _summum genus_ of thought--God. Now God
is undoubtedly the initial point of absolute thought, but he is not the
beginning of human thought. Intellectually speaking, God is the final
generalization; every movement possible to him must be one of
analysis--a differentiation of Himself, so to speak, by negatives. Thus
the course of absolute Thought, beginning with God, must be first
towards a complete differentiation into ultimate individualization; and
lastly a complete integration again of individuals into an infinite
whole. This dual action completes the circle of intellectual activity.
We have dropped attribute after attribute until we have reached the last
possible analysis; but we do not stop here, but by the assumption of
attributes we again reach the highest possible synthesis. This must be
the method of the divine activity, successive differentiation and
integration, the closing in of a mighty circle of infinity, embracing
all the finite, but never losing the essential characteristic of the
infinite.

Now, if this also represent the exact movement of the finite mind in
action--that is, in reasoning, man must be God. Man is finite. Even his
infinite is only the immeasurable--not that which is without the
category of measure. He cannot begin where the Infinite begins, at the
highest possible generalization,--but he must begin with the finite. If
what we have shown above be true, man must begin with the individual,
and the first mental act of the positive character of thinkin