Chapter 11 — That something is said of God in relation to creatures

Now as power is becoming to God in relation to his effects, (Ch. 10.) and as power conveys the notion of a principle, as we have stated; (Ch. 10.) and since principle denotes relationship to that which proceeds from it, it is evident that something can be said of God relatively, in relation to his effects.

Again. It is inconceivable that one thing be referred to another, unless conversely the latter be referred to it. Now we speak of other things in relation to God; for example, as regards their being which they have from God they are dependent upon him, as already proved. (Ch. 6.) Therefore, conversely we may speak of God in relation to creatures.

Further. Likeness is a kind of relation. Now God produces something like himself, (Bk. 1, ch. 29.) even as do other agents. Therefore, something is said of him relatively.

Moreover. Knowledge denotes relation to the thing known. Now God has knowledge not only of himself, but also of other things. (Bk. 1, ch. 49.) Therefore, something is said of God in relation to other things.

Again. Mover implies relation to thing moved, and agent to thing done. Now God is an agent, and an unmoved mover, as already proved. (Bk. 1, ch. 13.) Therefore, relations are predicated of him.

Again. First implies some kind of relation, and so does supreme. Now it was proved in the first book, (Cc. 13, 41.) that he is the first being and the highest good.

It is, therefore, evident that many things are said of God relatively.