If it is said, “One may say that this is close to that, meaning that it resembles it,” there are two replies. First, this is closeness in attributes, whereas we were speaking of drawing near through actions. Second, nearness here is directional: that is, the place and standing of one are close to those of the other, as we have explained at length in the appropriate place.

If it is said, “Nearness and distance can only be conceived of in bodies,” the reply is: Everything with which the Lord is described—such as knowledge, power, hearing, sight, speech, mercy, anger, pleasure, displeasure, will, love, action, and so forth—can likewise only be conceived of in bodies. Negating any one of these attributes on such grounds is therefore no different from negating all the other attributes, which is invalid by common agreement.

A compound reply may also be offered here: these attributes either