Elements of Theology, Proposition 42

Every thing self-subsistent is able to return to itself.

For if it proceeds from itself, it will likewise return to itself. For to that which is the source of a progres­sion there is a return coordinate to the progression. For if it alone proceeded from itself, and did not return to it­self, it would never strive for its characteristic good, and that which it is able to impart to itself. Every cause, how­ever, is able to impart to that which proceeds from it both essence and well-being conjoined with this essence. Hence that which is self-subsistent will impart this to itself. This therefore is the proper good to that which is self-subsistent. And hence this will not be the object of desire to that which does not return to itself. But not desiring this good, it will not obtain it, and not ob­taining it, it will be imperfect and not self-sufficient. If, however, self-sufficiency and perfection belong to any­thing, it must be to that which is self-subsistent. Hence it will desire and obtain its characteristic good, and will return to itself.