Cosmologia Generalis

The foundation of God.

...in general, or of a composite being in general, are demonstrated in first philosophy (§. 2). From the same, therefore, it is understood what kind of being every world is, and consequently also the one that exists and is subject to our contemplation. Now, since there is nothing without a sufficient reason why it should exist rather than not exist (§. 70, Ontol.), it is necessary that a reason also be given why this world exists, and why it appears such as it is rather than otherwise. Wherefore it is evident that such a being must be admitted in which is contained the sufficient reason for the existence of such a universe—such as every universe is demonstrated to be—and consequently, this one which exists cannot fail to be, and to it, therefore, belong such predicates through which it is understood both why the world exists and why it exists as such (§. 56, Ontol.). And so, from the principles of Cosmology, it is gathered not only the existence of the Author of the universe, but also what kind of Author of the universe He is, and consequently what His attributes are (§. 457, Ontol.).

The same is also shown in this way. Since in general Cosmology those things which are demonstrated in Ontology concerning being in general and every composite being are applied to the world or universe (§. 2), from the same it is understood what kind of being every world is, and consequently the one that exists. Thus, indeed, it appears at the same time what kind of sufficient reason ought to be presupposed both for existence simply and, in particular, for such a universe as every one is found to be (§. 70, 118, Ontol.). While, however, we do not find that reason in the world itself, but understand that it is to be sought outside of it in another being, the dependence of the world upon a cause distinct from it becomes evident (§. 851, 881, Ontol.); and at the same time, from the sufficient reason, the mode of dependence is manifest, insofar, indeed, as it is understood through it (§. 56, Ontol.) what that cause must be, so that the world can depend upon it. In this way, therefore, from the principles of Cosmology, it is gathered not only that the Author of the universe exists, but also what He is like, and consequently what His attributes are (§. 457, Ontol.).