|
State of the question. It seems that God governs all
things directly because through Himself without mediate
causes He can govern all things. In this God differs
from an earthly ruler, who because of the imperfection of
a creature cannot do all things or be present everywhere
and therefore needs helpers.
Reply. Providence, which is the plan or order of divine
governance, extends directly to all things, but with
regard to the execution of divine providence God governs
inferior beings through superior beings.
The reason is as follows: "The most desirable thing in
all practical knowledge is that every particular which is
effected should be known, as, for instance, in the
science of medicine. Hence God knows even the smallest
things. But on the other hand, that government is better
which communicates to certain things the dignity of
causality with regard to other things, just as that
teacher is better who not only makes his students learned
but also develops teachers. It is therefore pertinent to
God's dignity as the supreme governor that He govern
inferior beings through superior beings although His
providence directly knows and orders even the lowest
beings.
|
|