And, next to the impiety of denying his existence, is the temerity of prying into his nature and essence, decrees and attributes.
But lest you should think that my piety has here got the better of my philosophy, I shall support my opinion, if it needs any support, by a very great authority.

I might cite all the divines, almost, from the foundation of Christianity, who have ever treated of this or any other theological subject: But I shall confine myself, at present, to one equally celebrated for piety and philosophy.

It is Father MALEBRANCHE, who, I remember, thus expresses himself [Recherche de la Verite.Liv.3.

Chap.9].

"One ought not so much," says he, "to call God a spirit, in order to express positively what he is, as in order to signify that he is not matter.