Chapter 20 — That the infinite in God does not convey imperfection

Although the infinity found in quantities is imperfect, the infinity predicated of God indicates supreme perfection in him. The infinity that is in quantities pertains to matter insofar as it lacks limits; but imperfection occurs in a thing according as matter is found in a state of privation. But every perfection comes from form. Consequently, since God is infinite because he is exclusively form or act, and has no admixture of matter or potentiality, his infinity pertains to his supreme perfection.

This can also be gathered from a consideration of other things. Although something imperfect precedes the perfect in one and the same being which is led from imperfect to perfect—as, for example, the boy is prior to the man—nevertheless everything imperfect must derive its origin from what is perfect. The child is not begotten except by a man, and the seed does not receive existence except from an animal or a plant. Accordingly, that which is by nature prior to all other things, and moves them all, must be more perfect than them all.