which it would be dissolved would be the last part 

 of it. 



But if the universe was generated, it was gene- 

 rated together with all things ; and if it should be 

 corrupted, it would be corrupted together with all 

 things. This, however, is impossible*. The uni- 

 VBrtsfe, therefore, , >s without a beginning, and with- 

 ,out an end; nor is it possible that it can have any 

 Bother iriodei ^subsistence. 



To which may be added, that everything which 

 has received a beginning of generation, and which 

 ought also to participate of dissolution, receives 

 two mutations ; one of which, indeed, proceeds 

 from the less to the greater, and from the worse to 

 the better; and that from which it begins to change 

 is denominated generation, but that at which it at 

 length arrives, is called acme. The other mutation, 

 however, proceeds from the greater to the less, and 

 from the better to the worse: but the termina- 

 tion of this mutation is denominated corruption 

 and dissolution. 



* The universe could not be generated together with all things, 

 for the principle of it must be unbegotten ; since everything that 

 is generated, is generated from a cause ; and if this cause was 

 also generated, there must be a progression of causes ad infinitum, 

 unless the unbegotten is admitted to be the principle of the uni- 

 verse. Neither, therefore, can the universe be corrupted together 

 with all things ; for the principle of it being unbegotten is also 

 incorruptible ; that only being corruptible, which was once gene- 

 rated. 



