|
7. But there is one kind of natural order in the conversion and
changeableness of bodies, which, although itself also serves the
bidding of God, yet by reason of its unbroken continuity has ceased to
cause wonder; as is the case, for instance, with those things which
are changed either in very short, or at any rate not long, intervals
of time, in heaven, or earth, or sea; whether it be in rising, or
in setting, or in change of appearance from time to time; while there
are other things, which, although arising from that same order, yet
are less familiar on account of longer intervals of time. And these
things, although the many stupidly wonder at them, yet are understood
by those who inquire into this present world, and in the progress of
generations become so much the less wonderful, as they are the more
often repeated and known by more people. Such are the eclipses of the
sun and moon, and some kinds of stars, appearing seldom, and
earthquakes, and unnatural births of living creatures, and other
similar things; of which not one takes place without the will of God;
yet, that it is so, is to most people not apparent. And so the
vanity of philosophers has found license to assign these things also to
other causes, true causes perhaps, but proximate ones, while they are
not able to see at all the cause that is higher than all others, that
is, the will of God; or again to false causes, and to such as are
not even put forward out of any diligent investigation of corporeal
things and motions, but from their own guess and error.
8. I will bring forward an example, if I can, that this may be
plainer. There is, we know, in the human body, a certain bulk of
flesh and an outward form, and an arrangement and distraction of
limbs, and a temperament of health; and a soul breathed into it
governs this body, and that soul a rational one; which, therefore,
although changeable, yet can be partaker of that unchangeable wisdom,
so that "it may partake of that which is in and of itself;" as it is
written in the Psalm concerning all saints, of whom as of living
stones is built that Jerusalem which is the mother of us all, eternal
in the heavens. For so it is sung, "Jerusalem is builded as a
city, that is partaker of that which is in and of itself." For "in
and of itself," in that place, is understood of that chiefest and
unchangeable good, which is God, and of His own wisdom and will.
To whom is sung in another place, "Thou shalt change them, and they
shall be changed; but Thou art the same."
|
|